|
Post by tasteliketape on Sept 12, 2016 18:33:01 GMT -6
I've signed up for the pre order last January, my GAS is working over time lol
|
|
|
Post by oceres on Sept 14, 2016 9:15:05 GMT -6
+1
Nice!! Must be great sounding unit and very interesting additiomal features I must say...
Got one pre-ordered. *thumbs up*
|
|
|
Post by hardtoe on Sept 15, 2016 16:36:42 GMT -6
Just got in on the preorder - can't wait to get this on my 2buss with my Silver Bullet & Kush Electra - I just need one more bit of softening/glue and I think this will be a better option for me than a buss compressor.
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Sept 26, 2016 8:45:22 GMT -6
FYI we are finalizing our case designs and then our production run begins!
We made one last minute change (AGAIN YOU SAY!) to the CAL switch on Zulu. Previously the Ultra HIFI capabilities of MX mode were only possible by connecting Zulu to a microphone preamp. We have now made it where the CAL switch modes (TK and MX) will work in both line level to level applications (so DA output to AD input) and when Zulu is coupled with a microphone preamp. This means you can use both the ultra tapey tones possible in TK mode, along with the extra clarity, excitement and increased headroom of MX mode, no matter how you have Zulu connected. Our new full recall format is truly awesome and right before we closed the door on our analog design, we did a last minute sudden death match with our Studer A810 here and I'm beyond happy to offer recording engineers and producers the chance to use a satisfying and effective alternative to analog tape which will work for not only mixing/mastering but also tracking. I hope this contribution I'm making to the music industry will help ease the pain of those people who want to seriously adopt (again or for the first time) the joys of analog tape but without the fuss.
One of the last observations we made when shooting out Zulu to our Studer was the super round compression that happens in the low mids is just gorgeous, coupled with the energy you gain from going to tape, its just such a happy feeling to gain that as a medium when you're building a record. And we made completely certain that when you switch back and forth between Zulu and the real deck that you don't miss an ounce of that. It seriously makes you feel more like an artist and less of a technician when your sounds interact with a sonic canvass. That's a working principle that helped me to develop my chops as a youngin' and as a young adult. I lost that working platform when tape was no longer a realistic option and everything became about hard drives and RAM, software and images on a screen. Its like we all had to move away from listening to music we made on speakers to becoming competent forensic criminologists who decipher records!
I hate to lay it on thick, but this device truly inspires me to write music and to record, more so than any plugin, piece of gear (short of a reel to reel machine) or room ever has. I don't feel as much like the computer has its grip on the noise I generate. It's like my production style has legs again; when I try to do what I think is aesthetically pleasing to my creative ears, digital as a medium has always required me to overwork on my sounds and it interrupts the creative process for me. On previous records, I've always resorted to dumping tracks to a multi-track machine and laying them back to digital, which always sounded far better to me than the dry sound...But its still not the same as having tape be that integral part of your production process, its different when tape is there at the start vs when it becomes a post facto option. Zulu is going to erase that line and that limitation.
Thanks -L.
|
|
|
Post by drbill on Sept 26, 2016 10:08:59 GMT -6
That sets the bar pretty high langston..... Like Mt. Everest high. Look forward to trying one someday....
|
|
|
Post by veggieryan on Sept 26, 2016 11:01:54 GMT -6
Holy cow I might have to get 2 of them...
|
|
|
Post by jcoutu1 on Sept 26, 2016 12:51:36 GMT -6
FYI we are finalizing our case designs and then our production run begins! We made one last minute change (AGAIN YOU SAY!) to the CAL switch on Zulu. Previously the Ultra HIFI capabilities of MX mode were only possible by connecting Zulu to a microphone preamp. We have now made it where the CAL switch modes (TK and MX) will work in both line level to level applications (so DA output to AD input) and when Zulu is coupled with a microphone preamp. This means you can use both the ultra tapey tones possible in TK mode, along with the extra clarity, excitement and increased headroom of MX mode, no matter how you have Zulu connected. Our new full recall format is truly awesome and right before we closed the door on our analog design, we did a last minute sudden death match with our Studer A810 here and I'm beyond happy to offer recording engineers and producers the chance to use a satisfying and effective alternative to analog tape which will work for not only mixing/mastering but also tracking. I hope this contribution I'm making to the music industry will help ease the pain of those people who want to seriously adopt (again or for the first time) the joys of analog tape but without the fuss. One of the last observations we made when shooting out Zulu to our Studer was the super round compression that happens in the low mids is just gorgeous, coupled with the energy you gain from going to tape, its just such a happy feeling to gain that as a medium when you're building a record. And we made completely certain that when you switch back and forth between Zulu and the real deck that you don't miss an ounce of that. It seriously makes you feel more like an artist and less of a technician when your sounds interact with a sonic canvass. That's a working principle that helped me to develop my chops as a youngin' and as a young adult. I lost that working platform when tape was no longer a realistic option and everything became about hard drives and RAM, software and images on a screen. Its like we all had to move away from listening to music we made on speakers to becoming competent forensic criminologists who decipher records! I hate to lay it on thick, but this device truly inspires me to write music and to record, more so than any plugin, piece of gear (short of a reel to reel machine) or room ever has. I don't feel as much like the computer has its grip on the noise I generate. It's like my production style has legs again; when I try to do what I think is aesthetically pleasing to my creative ears, digital as a medium has always required me to overwork on my sounds and it interrupts the creative process for me. On previous records, I've always resorted to dumping tracks to a multi-track machine and laying them back to digital, which always sounded far better to me than the dry sound...But its still not the same as having tape be that integral part of your production process, its different when tape is there at the start vs when it becomes a post facto option. Zulu is going to erase that line and that limitation. Thanks -L. Any realistic timeframe yet? Any new case mockups that we can see? Is the preorder price set? I couldn't find it on the site.
|
|
|
Post by ragan on Sept 26, 2016 13:23:30 GMT -6
FYI we are finalizing our case designs and then our production run begins! We made one last minute change (AGAIN YOU SAY!) to the CAL switch on Zulu. Previously the Ultra HIFI capabilities of MX mode were only possible by connecting Zulu to a microphone preamp. We have now made it where the CAL switch modes (TK and MX) will work in both line level to level applications (so DA output to AD input) and when Zulu is coupled with a microphone preamp. This means you can use both the ultra tapey tones possible in TK mode, along with the extra clarity, excitement and increased headroom of MX mode, no matter how you have Zulu connected. Our new full recall format is truly awesome and right before we closed the door on our analog design, we did a last minute sudden death match with our Studer A810 here and I'm beyond happy to offer recording engineers and producers the chance to use a satisfying and effective alternative to analog tape which will work for not only mixing/mastering but also tracking. I hope this contribution I'm making to the music industry will help ease the pain of those people who want to seriously adopt (again or for the first time) the joys of analog tape but without the fuss. One of the last observations we made when shooting out Zulu to our Studer was the super round compression that happens in the low mids is just gorgeous, coupled with the energy you gain from going to tape, its just such a happy feeling to gain that as a medium when you're building a record. And we made completely certain that when you switch back and forth between Zulu and the real deck that you don't miss an ounce of that. It seriously makes you feel more like an artist and less of a technician when your sounds interact with a sonic canvass. That's a working principle that helped me to develop my chops as a youngin' and as a young adult. I lost that working platform when tape was no longer a realistic option and everything became about hard drives and RAM, software and images on a screen. Its like we all had to move away from listening to music we made on speakers to becoming competent forensic criminologists who decipher records! I hate to lay it on thick, but this device truly inspires me to write music and to record, more so than any plugin, piece of gear (short of a reel to reel machine) or room ever has. I don't feel as much like the computer has its grip on the noise I generate. It's like my production style has legs again; when I try to do what I think is aesthetically pleasing to my creative ears, digital as a medium has always required me to overwork on my sounds and it interrupts the creative process for me. On previous records, I've always resorted to dumping tracks to a multi-track machine and laying them back to digital, which always sounded far better to me than the dry sound...But its still not the same as having tape be that integral part of your production process, its different when tape is there at the start vs when it becomes a post facto option. Zulu is going to erase that line and that limitation. Thanks -L. Any realistic timeframe yet? Any new case mockups that we can see? Is the preorder price set? I couldn't find it on the site. +1
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Sept 26, 2016 13:36:39 GMT -6
That sets the bar pretty high langston..... Like Mt. Everest high. Look forward to trying one someday.... Mt. Everest high would be to say I'm releasing a new reel to reel tape machine and the tape and the in house tech to baby sit the deck for every session you book on it LOL Zulu won't do much for a guy with loads of great session material on tape and he needs to hear it again or transfer it. You'll still need a real tape machine for that! And to be honest, I look forward to bringing Zulu to you in person/meeting up with you sometime out your way, sharing a cup of coffee or a beer and showing you Zulu, (I have always been extremely curious to check out the Silver Bullet as well!) And then the conversation will end with more coffee or a beer. Either you'll love or hate Zulu and you will get free coffee and beer. Now that's something to look forward to! Thanks -L.
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Sept 26, 2016 13:40:38 GMT -6
Since we are out of electronics design and into cases (BTW we've had the artwork for the box done for over a year now), we have set the last week of October as our first round of offers for purchase (based strictly on the pre-order list), once that list is exhausted its onto general sales. I would hate to go the other way round and sell off a ton of units only to make my pre-order folks wait.
Thanks -L.
|
|
|
Post by chasmanian on Sept 26, 2016 14:01:42 GMT -6
just pre-ordered one. very much looking forward to checking Zulu out.
|
|
|
Post by drbill on Sept 26, 2016 14:06:50 GMT -6
Mmmmm - coffee......and beer...... Seriously though, for me, half the reason for tape is the workflow. This obviously doesn't address that as it's not a tape machine. These days I'm honestly happy without the tape workflow, although nostalgia should not be overlooked - it is definitely cool sometimes with the right band / musicians. As for the sound, the only thing I want from tape is the unique compression it delivers. The other aspects of it's "tone" I've got covered. Still, looking forward to hearing the box. "Zulu is going to erase that line and that limitation" is a high peak. Maybe K2? LOL PS - Studers are cool, but consider going MCI JH24 on your next model. Or MM1000. <<thumbsup>> For me those are the tone monsters that would draw me back to working on tape.
|
|
|
Post by jcoutu1 on Sept 26, 2016 14:14:59 GMT -6
just pre-ordered one. very much looking forward to checking Zulu out. How much did you pay for a preorder?
|
|
ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 14,934
Member is Online
|
Post by ericn on Sept 26, 2016 14:59:29 GMT -6
Mmmmm - coffee......and beer...... Seriously though, for me, half the reason for tape is the workflow. This obviously doesn't address that as it's not a tape machine. These days I'm honestly happy without the tape workflow, although nostalgia should not be overlooked - it is definitely cool sometimes with the right band / musicians. As for the sound, the only thing I want from tape is the unique compression it delivers. The other aspects of it's "tone" I've got covered. Still, looking forward to hearing the box. "Zulu is going to erase that line and that limitation" is a high peak. Maybe K2? LOL PS - Studers are cool, but consider going MCI JH24 on your next model. Or MM1000. <<thumbsup>> For me those are the tone monsters that would draw me back to working on tape. Yeah but Studer sells! At least it will to all the wannabes who want the taste of tape, thinking its a band aid for lack of talent !
|
|
|
Post by wiz on Sept 26, 2016 15:16:00 GMT -6
I just pre ordered ... No payment up front 400usd when they are ready.
Cheers
Wiz
|
|
|
Post by chasmanian on Sept 26, 2016 15:23:40 GMT -6
yes to what wiz said. $400.
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Sept 26, 2016 16:40:40 GMT -6
What Wiz said. And to clarify my erasing the line and limitation. I've taken what was a sound working platform and principle for nearly 70 years and effectively in my opinion mirrored its usefulness while eliminating its handicaps. Workflow, no because the ergonomic rules of the medium arent part of the Zulu experience, but the sonics is what I've always missed about tape the most. In addition to that, because theres no latency involved with Zulu during tracking, you and the musicians/band members can hear the performance on tape as its happening, sans latency/delay. Thats a big line to deal with when a person tries to go from an all digital world to one that includes an analog tape deck, analog tape and a finite amount of recording time. By eliminating the latency and the limitations or hang ups (in the modern context) of the format, its far easier to get into using the sound of tape with Zulu than it would be with a vintage tape machine. I recall it being mentioned numerous times in various conversations how until you pushed play, you didn't know how your recordings sounded. For me this was definitely true as well. But now theres no guessing and Ive designed this thing to be as accurate as possible to the decks allocated. Regarding using different decks for reference points, everybody has their favorite deck. Me I'm confident that if you get me in a room with a machine, plus it being a given that its in optimum condition, then I can develop a damn good preset for Zulu that can give you a healthy dose of what that deck provides. That being stated before you wish for another deck in Zulu, you really ought to listen to what the core machines in Zulu can do, especially when you consider we built Zulu to expand far beyond what those 3 devices are capable of and any other particular deck. Of course they can nail their sound, but there's many other machine possibilities hiding in Zulu.
Thats why the online community preset archive will be awesome, if we all participate. I'm working to have a printable template (for your records) right alongside an online preset submission form that mimicks a real Zulu that users can share with everyone. Id love to see what producer X and user Y post online versus chart topping mix engineer Z.
Thanks -L.
|
|
|
Post by chasmanian on Sept 26, 2016 16:48:59 GMT -6
wow, man. that sounds really cool Langston. it reminds me of how there are files of amps that Kemper Profiling Amplifier users give each other (of course there are files for sale as well as free ones. all of it on the complete up and up). and I think its possible for people to share V drum set ups as well. yeah digging it. glad I pre-ordered.
|
|
|
Post by M57 on Sept 26, 2016 16:59:26 GMT -6
I'm intrigued. This is a fascinating thread, but..
The images I see all look like a block with images on it. Are there any images of working prototypes, ..or even just some physical specs for the product?
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Sept 26, 2016 17:20:54 GMT -6
Once our cases arrive, there will be updated images and impending shipments of Zulus! Thanks -L.
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Sept 27, 2016 19:25:12 GMT -6
Sweeet!!
|
|
|
Post by ragan on Oct 7, 2016 12:53:47 GMT -6
What Wiz said. And to clarify my erasing the line and limitation. I've taken what was a sound working platform and principle for nearly 70 years and effectively in my opinion mirrored its usefulness while eliminating its handicaps. Workflow, no because the ergonomic rules of the medium arent part of the Zulu experience, but the sonics is what I've always missed about tape the most. In addition to that, because theres no latency involved with Zulu during tracking, you and the musicians/band members can hear the performance on tape as its happening, sans latency/delay. Thats a big line to deal with when a person tries to go from an all digital world to one that includes an analog tape deck, analog tape and a finite amount of recording time. By eliminating the latency and the limitations or hang ups (in the modern context) of the format, its far easier to get into using the sound of tape with Zulu than it would be with a vintage tape machine. I recall it being mentioned numerous times in various conversations how until you pushed play, you didn't know how your recordings sounded. For me this was definitely true as well. But now theres no guessing and Ive designed this thing to be as accurate as possible to the decks allocated. Regarding using different decks for reference points, everybody has their favorite deck. Me I'm confident that if you get me in a room with a machine, plus it being a given that its in optimum condition, then I can develop a damn good preset for Zulu that can give you a healthy dose of what that deck provides. That being stated before you wish for another deck in Zulu, you really ought to listen to what the core machines in Zulu can do, especially when you consider we built Zulu to expand far beyond what those 3 devices are capable of and any other particular deck. Of course they can nail their sound, but there's many other machine possibilities hiding in Zulu. Thats why the online community preset archive will be awesome, if we all participate. I'm working to have a printable template (for your records) right alongside an online preset submission form that mimicks a real Zulu that users can share with everyone. Id love to see what producer X and user Y post online versus chart topping mix engineer Z. Thanks -L. Hey Langston. I just attempted to pre-order Zulu. Can you confirm it went through? The website hung up when I submitted the pre-order form and I haven't gotten any confirmation email or anything. Want to make sure I'm on the list (Ragan Crowe). Thanks.
|
|
|
Post by ragan on Oct 7, 2016 16:16:54 GMT -6
For the record, Langston got back to me via email.
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Oct 7, 2016 18:22:13 GMT -6
Greetings all! We have great news, but it requires our dedicated supporters to offer a few more week's time of their patience.
Originally Zulu utilized Triad transformers as part of its innovative design. These transformers were selected for their tone and behavior in our circuit. However they were an off the shelf part and so anybody could purchase them or in recent times exhaust their supply.
Recently there was a mass shortage of these transformers and it put us in a bad spot to release Zulu this year, mainly because there would not be any transformers available for us to purchase until January 2017. Our unfortunate news led us to seek another winder who could develop a suitable transformer for us and deliver the exquisite tape textures and tones that make Zulu the platform that it is. While the transformers are not the core of the sound of Zulu, they do play an important role in the systematic interaction of all the components involved.
So here is the good news, we have contracted a very highly respected transformer company here in the USA who can not only make us a better quality product, but can also meet our inventory needs. We have contracted them and they are winding our iron as we speak. To maintain confidentiality, we have decided to keep their identity a part of the secret sauce. I will disclose that they have a long history of making audio transformers and their work is found in many pieces of gear in many respected and admired engineers studios around the world.
This change has impacted our production cost and the retail cost of Zulu. However the pre order price will still remain at $400, but once the promotion ends, the full street price will be $750 USD. Due to the expense of this new American Iron, we have to limit the number of pre order units we can supply. The total number of units assigned will be 250 units. If you have already pre ordered then your unit is reserved and you have no worrries. Regarding a confirmation email for pre-orders, I am very sensitive to retransmitting private information back and forth several times. Our pre-order form is done via a secure server and all data is compiled in my database. In reference to this thread, I have seen every recent pre order come thru into my database and inbox. When our inventory is confirmed before shipment all pre order folk will receive an email and when our inventory arrives, we will send out paypal invoices at the emails provided along with the cost of shipping to the provided address.
This has been an exceptionally educational process for us but also extremely exciting! Zulu will be in the hands of many excited users and power users, it will contain all high quality components and present incredible results to all who use it. All made here in the USA. PS its looking like early November, it depends on how soon the iron gets in our hands!
One thing I'd like to highlight about our production process is our attention to detail regarding shielding from RF and other EMI. We've designed a very sturdy 18 gauge steel case with excellent rejection and protection for Zulu's contents.
We also for several reasons, utilized military grade expoxy potting during assembly to protect Zulu's circuit board and components from moisture, to offer another level of shielding and protection from shock.
Thanks
|
|
|
Post by johneppstein on Oct 8, 2016 3:02:33 GMT -6
I'm curious about this. I have a Studer A800 MKIII 24 track machine, but it's quite expensive (and cranky) to maintain and feed with tape. I'm wondering how this sim box compares to the real thing and what the cost might be for 8-12 channels.
I would, of course, be using it between the mic pre (or console) and converter, as I'm convincinced that recording digitally before going to tape loses something.
|
|