|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Nov 29, 2020 13:10:23 GMT -6
(Insert fart joke)
But I’m also really discerning at this point. I’ve just Kindve been at a point in the last few year or so that I’ve bought enough gear to know what is and isn’t going to move the needle for me. Now - I think that’s different for everyone. It depends on what your expectations are and the end game that it’s bought for. For instance - I love outboard - but I really don’t find myself using outboard EQ when mixing. Why? Because A) I’m a little lazy, B) can’t always hear a difference C) don’t have enough outs to live on a dedicated bus solely for snare eq or whatever...if I had 32 channels of I/O, I might be less lazy, D) recall, E) I don’t get paid enough per mix to deal with analog recall and real-time mix down, F) I’ve never gotten complaints and continue to get work.
I’m certainly not denying there’s a cumulative effect from using hardware or a large format console - I’m just (free associating) trying to point out that there’s a narrow amount of gear I’m interested in these days...I’ve already got a good bit and I’m only looking for stuff that changes the game - or the way I do things. In the past, that has been things like:
Sonarworks (for me, it really changed everything in mixing)
Axe FX III (although I’m stupidly thinking “maybe I could just buy one of those new Tone Masters for what I do?” I still fall into that trap every year)
Heiserman 47 and Upton (kind of took the joy of mic gas away)
Dangerous Convert 2 DA
Martin D-28 Authentic and CS ‘59 Gibson J-45
I’m sure there are more I’m just not thinking of...
So with the pre thing - I really only record overdubs and vocals at my place, so I really have no need for more than two mic pres. (If I needed more, I always have the Apollo pres)...when I have extra stuff/pres I constantly obsess over “I’m not using this enough, I should sell it.” And I’m one of those guys that like certain pres for certain things. Neve vocals, CAPI EGs, Helios AG etc.
So - after ALL that...what should I buy? I’ve always jonesed for a Great River pre...just never pulled the trigger. For the amount of actual tracking I do, I already have too many electric guitars...but I’ve been wanting a strat again...I could use another Triad Orbit and pair of headphones...but that’s not sexy.
|
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Nov 29, 2020 13:37:12 GMT -6
This intrigues me...I’ve had a couple of the older ones...the sounds are super convincing to me, has kind of a piezo plonk...but in a mix I don’t know if you’d hear that as much. Love the tuning options...my question is what do the real pickups sound like? And they could be swapped too.
Edit - meant to link to the Variax SSS being $200 off. But I’ve already talked myself out of it I think.
|
|
|
|
Post by drbill on Nov 29, 2020 14:44:38 GMT -6
But I’m also really discerning at this point. I hear ya! I'm right there with you, although my priorities are somewhat different than yours. I'm buying a lot LESS plugins (other than creative sound libraries for Kontakt) and more hardware - cause I mix with it and it makes things so much faster, more fun, better sonically - and it warms up my studio in the wintertime.  But yeah, overall less $$$ going out the door, cause I'm finally (after a lifetime) getting the studio very close to where I want it. The last frontier is kind of guitars and mics, but I certainly have enough of both to get the job done. Hard to spend $5k on a great mic when you already have a bunch of mics that are just "different". But yeah, still have my eye on an upton 251.... heh heh |
|
|
|
Post by Guitar on Nov 29, 2020 14:52:21 GMT -6
Yeah, filling in tiny cracks these days too. Or just trying new things. Not sure what to recommend other than agreeing that I have also gotten to a place where there are not too many desperate needs.
|
|
|
|
Post by kcatthedog on Nov 29, 2020 15:32:09 GMT -6
Are you gassing in need or desire?
If need what is the tool needed to do ?
If, desire, if you are really crazy about something, get it: we only go around once: make it meaningful !
|
|
|
|
Post by bradd on Nov 29, 2020 16:24:35 GMT -6
Do you track keys? Maybe a clone wheel?
|
|
ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 14,959 
|
Post by ericn on Nov 29, 2020 16:44:32 GMT -6
The problem with GAS is it always draws you towards the big sexy stuff, where as good stands, cables , headphones ect really do end up make getting to where you want to be easier.
I know I really want new subs here, but my brain says new Mac Mini, I’m also thinking of jumping to Cubase so not sexy, but a pair of new subs..
|
|
|
|
Post by tkaitkai on Nov 29, 2020 17:12:46 GMT -6
Buy a bunch of tube traps. On the less expensive side, maybe a hardware synth or two? Or maybe something like Console 1 with LUNA. I'd imagine that would be a really fun setup. |
|
|
|
Post by plinker on Nov 29, 2020 17:39:16 GMT -6
John,
You don't mention compression as either a game changer, or a meh. Are you satisfied there?
|
|
|
|
Post by matt@IAA on Nov 29, 2020 17:53:27 GMT -6
Make a pair of those helios cards I put on the diy forum last March.
|
|
|
|
Post by svart on Nov 29, 2020 18:29:18 GMT -6
So is GAS limited to actual hardware?
|
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Nov 29, 2020 18:33:37 GMT -6
John, You don't mention compression as either a game changer, or a meh. Are you satisfied there? I’ve had tons of compressors...mixing wise, I’m basically ITB...so other than tracking and the occasional send to the V-Comp, yeah I’m pretty settled. Used to use an SSL Bus comp on the 2 bus, but honesty, I feel like I get there quicker and with more variety with the plugs I use. I wouldn’t be against finding a great 2 bus comp, but it would have to be a game changer to make me start printing again. I’d LOVE a Chandler Zener, but I’m not paying $5k. I’m just not. For ME, the difference in the plug and the hardware isn’t justifiable. I’m also really intrigued by the 33609 or the Heritage version. I mostly think those would be killer on the drum bus, but color wise - and I have a hard time believing ANYONE could tell the difference in me using a UAD 176 to trash a parallel drumbus verses a real one. So I continue to talk myself out of it. I mean - don’t get it twisted - if I was making $500/$1k per mix, I’d be able to justify it...but not right now. |
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Nov 29, 2020 18:34:05 GMT -6
So is GAS limited to actual hardware? Bourbon or a good stock would excite me. But no - definitely interested in software. Anything that moves me forward sonically. |
|
|
|
Post by svart on Nov 29, 2020 18:38:50 GMT -6
So is GAS limited to actual hardware? Bourbon or a good stock would excite me. But no - definitely interested in software. Anything that moves me forward sonically. I'm loving the Arouser plugin. Easily one of the most versatile compressor plugs I've ever used. It's on sale right now for 129$ too. |
|
|
|
Post by howie on Nov 29, 2020 18:54:20 GMT -6
Gas. Sold my trusty Deardorff View Camera I had kept in storage for years (I used to be a photographer) I was surprised there was still a demand for FILM cameras like mine - Got over a 1000 bucks!. Old Gasshpper that I am, I turned around a few hours later and chanced upon a Black Friday sale - (not even advertised) for a new Fender American Professional II Telecaster (Butterscotch/roasted pine - sounds delicious). Bought it right off- even though I already own a Nasville Tele - which is quite good, if heavy. My rationalization being that the camera equipment was used for artistic work - so the $$ gained from the equipment sold should also go for artistic work. Regardless of other bills to pay: I stomped upon the industrious ant inside - Sorry ant boy! and I already bought new batteries for my hearing aid. Can't wait - It's coming from some remote part of Kentucky. Good deal. First thing, I'll remove that high E string - (because I'm basically a banjo player - and banjo players don't need a stinkin' 6th string).
I'll now possess a Red guitar, a blue guitar, and a yellow guitar.
|
|
|
|
Post by plinker on Nov 29, 2020 19:02:18 GMT -6
I’d LOVE a Chandler Zener, but I’m not paying $5k. I’m just not.
I hear that!
|
|
|
|
Post by matt@IAA on Nov 29, 2020 19:13:11 GMT -6
Audioscape D comp is a Zener design if I recall correctly.
|
|
|
|
Post by wiz on Nov 29, 2020 19:29:35 GMT -6
Perhaps stuff to make your day easier, more comfortable....
Aeron Chair... couldn't live without mine.
Enough leads, stands etc so you don't have to break things down to do something else tracking wise....
etc etc
|
|
ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 14,959
|
Post by ericn on Nov 29, 2020 19:42:59 GMT -6
Buy a bunch of tube traps. On the less expensive side, maybe a hardware synth or two? Or maybe something like Console 1 with LUNA. I'd imagine that would be a really fun setup. I know you like what Sonarworks has done for you but what about having Headback do your room and software? |
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Nov 29, 2020 19:57:43 GMT -6
Audioscape D comp is a Zener design if I recall correctly. You know...that completely escaped my memory...you’re right. |
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Nov 29, 2020 19:59:54 GMT -6
Perhaps stuff to make your day easier, more comfortable.... Aeron Chair... couldn't live without mine. Enough leads, stands etc so you don't have to break things down to do something else tracking wise.... etc etc Seriously, this is probably the best idea...Convenience is the biggest thing for me. I really just need to buy enough of everything (I/O, pres, comps, mic stands) to just be set up where I don’t have to change/setup anything. |
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Nov 29, 2020 20:00:56 GMT -6
Buy a bunch of tube traps. On the less expensive side, maybe a hardware synth or two? Or maybe something like Console 1 with LUNA. I'd imagine that would be a really fun setup. I know you like what Sonarworks has done for you but what about having Headback do your room and software? Problem is he doesn’t “do.” It’s all remote and I still would have to do. |
|
ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 14,959
|
Post by ericn on Nov 29, 2020 20:24:52 GMT -6
I know you like what Sonarworks has done for you but what about having Headback do your room and software? Problem is he doesn’t “do.” It’s all remote and I still would have to do. Yeah but for any decent room guy to do it all you could buy a nice vintage U47. Besides your room is small enough, how much could you do?😎 remember I give you hell because the second I walked in it took me back to my first room, just without the Soundcraft and MCI. How did we ever fit that stuff in there? |
|
ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 14,959
|
Post by ericn on Nov 29, 2020 20:32:32 GMT -6
Perhaps stuff to make your day easier, more comfortable.... Aeron Chair... couldn't live without mine. Enough leads, stands etc so you don't have to break things down to do something else tracking wise.... etc etc Seriously, this is probably the best idea...Convenience is the biggest thing for me. I really just need to buy enough of everything (I/O, pres, comps, mic stands) to just be set up where I don’t have to change/setup anything. Watch Craigslist, there is always somebody closing up shop who has some Aerons, just figure out what size you need and what’s what. Aerons are like Apogee Symphony lots of options. |
|
|
|
Post by tkaitkai on Nov 29, 2020 20:43:07 GMT -6
Buy a bunch of tube traps. On the less expensive side, maybe a hardware synth or two? Or maybe something like Console 1 with LUNA. I'd imagine that would be a really fun setup. I know you like what Sonarworks has done for you but what about having Headback do your room and software? I might actually look into this at some point. My setup is pretty decent at the moment (good results using a combo of tube traps, panels, and foam), but it would definitely be nice to have an objective opinion on the best way to optimize placement of everything. Cool that he works remotely too. |
|
