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Post by mrholmes on Jan 21, 2017 12:35:42 GMT -6
Hi guys, thanks again for the comments. First of all, Shadowamd, if you are having problems with any of our products, I'm here to help. If you send in a ticket at www.slatesupport.com and then tell me the ticket number, I'll make sure it gets transferred to the top of the cue. Next, the marketing we do is driven by our passion, but also by the fact that it's a very crowded market place and we do our best to show why our products deserve to stand out. The VRS-8 presentation was both the hardest and yet most fulfilling presentation I've given to date. It was the longest talk I had to give and I'd never filmed in front of an audience like that. If any of you have done public speaking, you know how challenging it can be. I was actually glad that we had a lot of students in the audience who were enthusiastic about the announcements, and while the applause may have annoyed some of you.. it certainly helped me get through the filming and made me feel more comfortable. But ultimately what was fulfilling about the presentation is that the products that we were debuting were very much a dream come true for me, and I'd imagined this concept for twenty years. At the end of the day I'm just a music creator and gear head like everyone here. Some are saying that we were hyping a lot of things.. and maybe my way of presenting is a bit over the to but my facts are very much real. We went out of the way to discuss what is inside the VRS-8 in great detail, something which our competitors have chosen not to do. And to be frank, I can understand why they chose not to after opening the lids on several units. So yes, we pushed the fact that we are using the best components available, and then we took it a step further to provide REAL audio examples. And I don't consider that hype at all.. what is more important than proving the system's value by hearing the sonic results it can achieve? So therefore, I can understand that not everyone will always love what we do and not love my personal approach, but overall I'm very happy with our brand and every day I wake up wanting to create more whacky ideas that I hope will make your lives in the studio better. Let me know if there are any questions, I'd be glad to answer them. Thanks again for the discussion. Cheers, Steven Steven. Can we go back and talk over the product and the facts of it PLEASE? Because thats is the reason why I may bite on this one. I also asked on GS but the answer you gave me did not cleared everything. 1. There are no drivers needed? 2. It has ultra low latency (LOGIC PRO) even if a lot of plug ins are running? I ask again because the nature of native system is that latency goes up the more processing is happening. 3. No ADAT connection is that right? 4. Because I am not native speaker I did not get the fact, in presentation, why those converter chips are "special". Thanks.... Holmes...
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Post by stratboy on Jan 21, 2017 12:51:21 GMT -6
This is the first time in a long time I have been disappointed in the quality of the dialog on RGO. Debating the merits of gear, technique and even artistry is one thing, commenting on looks, hype and reality show stars is another. On this forum, we have: Distinguished designers and entrepreneurs (Dan, Langston, jsteiger, Svart), industry icons (Bob O, Dr Bill), world class gear pimps (Ericn), influential writers, players, folks who have worked their asses off to learn something and then share it. Who hasn't learned something from a post by mrholmes, Ragan, jcoutu or MJB? I'm embarrassed because I can't even begin to list all the names and accomplishments and people I have learned from. Forgive me. So now we are joined by another industry icon. Somebody who knows one heck of a lot, has shared it, and who has a history of bringing innovative products to the market, who has built a business (some of us know just how hard that is to do) and been very public with both his successes and mistakes. I own some Slate products, and in the past, when there have been problems, he has personally answered my questions and made things right. I'm not the least bit surprised he would offer to help Martin with FG-X settings. Based on my experience that is typical of him. Has anyone in this thread given him the warm welcome I have seen with dozens of other new arrivals to RGO? Welcome to RGO, Steven! The best audio recording forum on the Web. I appreciate what you're saying, but Steven has been welcomed here as he has posted in the past. If he didn't see it, "Welcome, stevenslate ." We appreciate you being here. I think I said it earlier in the thread, but I use VCC on every mix. Love it. Love the new Reverb Classics and Delays...and looking forward to SSD5. That being said, we are not the ONLY forum with people that have trouble with the marketing. And Slate isn't the ONLY manufacturer to have people hate on his marketing. (Check out the Chandler REDD Mic thread.) It's a fine line, but all opinions are welcome here. Steven is welcome to defend his products from the naysayers - that's what this forum is for - to separate the myths and the marketing from the facts and real life experience. I have to admit I probably haven't moderated as well lately as I've been busy...I'll try and do a better job of it. Yeah, when I wrote my post, I thought this was the first time Steven had posted on RGO. Thanks for making the correction, John.
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kcatthedog
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Post by kcatthedog on Jan 21, 2017 13:25:10 GMT -6
MrHolmes one thing about why the converters are special is their high headroom, like 128dbf I think was said : that is top of the line Avid and symphony mkii converter spec ?
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Post by jcoutu1 on Jan 21, 2017 14:02:00 GMT -6
Hey stevenslate, are there pics of the rear of the unit and perhaps a spec sheet with a basic feature rundown? I can't find the info on your site and haven't had 25 minutes to catch the video.
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Post by mrholmes on Jan 21, 2017 18:03:44 GMT -6
I got to say this is what I really appreciate about Steven; ( even when he doesn't send me new free gear : he's a stand up guy, who stands behind his opinions, company and products. I have always had excellent CS from Slate employees and from Steven too from time to time ! I short list with the specs, like all companies do it, would help a lot.
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Post by Johnkenn on Jan 21, 2017 18:18:11 GMT -6
Hi guys, thanks again for the comments. First of all, Shadowamd, if you are having problems with any of our products, I'm here to help. If you send in a ticket at www.slatesupport.com and then tell me the ticket number, I'll make sure it gets transferred to the top of the cue. Next, the marketing we do is driven by our passion, but also by the fact that it's a very crowded market place and we do our best to show why our products deserve to stand out. The VRS-8 presentation was both the hardest and yet most fulfilling presentation I've given to date. It was the longest talk I had to give and I'd never filmed in front of an audience like that. If any of you have done public speaking, you know how challenging it can be. I was actually glad that we had a lot of students in the audience who were enthusiastic about the announcements, and while the applause may have annoyed some of you.. it certainly helped me get through the filming and made me feel more comfortable. But ultimately what was fulfilling about the presentation is that the products that we were debuting were very much a dream come true for me, and I'd imagined this concept for twenty years. At the end of the day I'm just a music creator and gear head like everyone here. Some are saying that we were hyping a lot of things.. and maybe my way of presenting is a bit over the to but my facts are very much real. We went out of the way to discuss what is inside the VRS-8 in great detail, something which our competitors have chosen not to do. And to be frank, I can understand why they chose not to after opening the lids on several units. So yes, we pushed the fact that we are using the best components available, and then we took it a step further to provide REAL audio examples. And I don't consider that hype at all.. what is more important than proving the system's value by hearing the sonic results it can achieve? So therefore, I can understand that not everyone will always love what we do and not love my personal approach, but overall I'm very happy with our brand and every day I wake up wanting to create more whacky ideas that I hope will make your lives in the studio better. Let me know if there are any questions, I'd be glad to answer them. Thanks again for the discussion. Cheers, Steven I feel like a complete dick...lol
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Post by kcatthedog on Jan 21, 2017 18:23:58 GMT -6
I got to say this is what I really appreciate about Steven; ( even when he doesn't send me new free gear : he's a stand up guy, who stands behind his opinions, company and products. I have always had excellent CS from Slate employees and from Steven too from time to time ! I short list with the specs, like all companies do it, would help a lot. Slate is never "all" companies
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Post by kcatthedog on Jan 21, 2017 18:25:24 GMT -6
JohnKenn: invite Steven over for ribs, bacon and beer: all will be forgiven
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Post by jcoutu1 on Jan 21, 2017 20:13:37 GMT -6
JohnKenn: invite Steven over for ribs, bacon and beer: all will be forgiven I'd love to grab a beer with Steven. Hey stevenslate, if you're ever in the RI/MA area again, hit me up. P.S. That goes for any of you. Even Bill.
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Post by Johnkenn on Jan 21, 2017 20:27:00 GMT -6
The "kinder gentler" RGO
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Post by ChaseUTB on Jan 21, 2017 20:32:03 GMT -6
I posted some specs and components somewhere in this thread 🤣😁
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Post by scumbum on Jan 21, 2017 22:16:53 GMT -6
I didn't watch the whole video..........is there a 2 channel Converter version or just the 8 channel ? I think a 2 channel converter would be great .
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2017 22:58:49 GMT -6
stevenslate , I appreciate it.. I already own FGX, VTM, VCC (in full) so it would be cool to use them. I've not finished going completely native yet, so I'll sub for a month and see what's going on. That was a mighty decent genuine response, thanks. I'll reach out if I have any issues.!
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Post by Vincent R. on Jan 22, 2017 8:49:19 GMT -6
So with the SDC, I guess you have to buy the preamp too? if you want the mic modeling to be accurate I would guess you need to. otherwise it's just colored by whatever preamp you have or the models will be off. My experience with the ML-1 says that a good clean preamp will still yield a good emulation. I have to grab a 48V box so I can split the signal and experiment a bit to see how different the emulation is. The slate preamp on its own is really boring. It reminds me of my Octopre preamps. My Apollo preamps are much warmer, but still clean.
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Post by Quint on Jan 22, 2017 21:05:05 GMT -6
Quint not sure where your post went, I am not a Slate fan boy ask Steven we have bumped heads a couple times, however I have always complemented his passion, innovation, and drive. I was speaking on the quality of the components that are in the interface. That's why I said SW, marketing, and latency aside... go ask lynx what components they are using for the very pricey new converters.... I'll wait... Specs and components aren't the whole package, the circuit design and implementation is as well... If Slate has Paul Wolff designing with him you know what to expect ( Slate HW ) Let me list the components of the Slate "A/D's are AK5578 from AKM have 124db dynamic range with high end OPA 1612s and WIMA caps and discrete headphone amps". These are found in merging technologies converters "D/A's 123db dynamic range, OPA 1612 amps." I'm guessing for the DA chip -> AK4495 Because that is the only one he hasn't listed... www.akm.com/akm/en/product/datasheet1/?partno=AK5578EN&link_id=link780 I just ended up deleting that post. That's where it went. I'm still not in love with Slate's marketing style and never will be. That being said, I also would like to, as Johnkenn said, maintain a kindler and gentler RGO. So I decided to bow out of the discussion. People can obviously decide for themselves on this whole topic. No worries. And I can at least give credit to Steven for trying to push things forward. No harm in that.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 22, 2017 21:32:06 GMT -6
If you think about in a general sense, Steven may be right about the future of recording. He's just there first with a comprehensive system. Part of being first in anything is that it's rough, and bigger and better systems inevitably follow. Those of us who prefer hardware when we can use it can still see how appealing it could be to be able to change the mic on tracks if you want, even if it's to improve only one small part. To be able to change from a U47 to a 67 or a 251 might be cool too. Me, I'll stick with the real thing, but I do find it interesting and can see the potential of Slate's system or others like it soon to come.
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Post by ragan on Jan 22, 2017 21:39:07 GMT -6
I totally see the potential value. It would be a huge paradigm shift if things really could go all digital.
The VMS was just unconvincing to me in use. Sounded kinda flat and...I don't know, a little detached? That's just my opinion though. Many people really like it. And I do applaud Slate for his ambition and drive.
I'm inching closer and closer to biting on the subscription plan. I want the delay.
But the VMS thing I didn't really dig, sonically. This new thing could still be a very solid interface though. Although it looks like there isn't much connectivity so it kinda seems like you'd need to be committed to going Full On Slate Ecosystem, I/O wise.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 22, 2017 21:58:08 GMT -6
I felt the VMS was a little flat and 2 dimensional too. But I'll reserve final judgement until I can try it for myself. It could be enlightening to hear a comparison of the Slate classics to the popular clones and "style of" classic mics we've all spent some time discussing. That might offer a worthwhile perspective. Who knows, maybe the VMS tops the clones, if not the originals, and could therefore be seen as a less costly, and more versatile alternative.
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Post by Johnkenn on Jan 22, 2017 22:00:01 GMT -6
RGO is like a warm hug now...it's a safe space...
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Post by drbill on Jan 22, 2017 22:30:18 GMT -6
If you think about in a general sense, Steven may be right about the future of recording. I certainly hope not. I mean - some people need cheap tools, virtual tools - but a virtual reality is not a reality I want to live, and work and make music in.
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Post by sozocaps on Jan 23, 2017 8:23:04 GMT -6
If you think about in a general sense, Steven may be right about the future of recording. I certainly hope not. I mean - some people need cheap tools, virtual tools - but a virtual reality is not a reality I want to live, and work and make music in. I LOVE how each piece of analog gear reacts and interacts creating a UNIQUE sonic signature that NO ONE in the world can duplicate. I hate guitar modeling for this reason.... EVERY ONE, EVERY BAND sounds THE SAME ! I fully understand this better then most, and I truly dislike it... I do find it useful, especially for someone who would not have access to good mics or amps... I'm sure it sounds very decent. BUT also there are SO many amp and mic options out there, I would rather have the collection... Yes I fully know the performance makes 90% of it but as an artist I want that extra 10%...
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 23, 2017 9:15:19 GMT -6
I prefer the real thing too, but it does seem things in general are headed the way Steven's going. Think on it, a company like UAD, run by the son of a father famous for his innovative inventions is running a company that's primary focus is on software. The hardware is made to get you to the software, so in a way, it's a loss leader. It makes business sense, once developed, plug-ins are a cash cow.
That's one reason I've been enjoying the small company efforts like Warm Audio, they're bringing well made classic designs within reach of musicians who more than likely make a fraction of what they used to make. My anxieties about not having the gear I want come from my work not paying enough. I got $300 a few months ago for a job that used to pay $4,500 for exactly the same thing. That would be OK if all the other things I need to do music production were less money too, but that's not the case, so I struggle to find workarounds, and plug-ins are a part of that.
If I was given all the gear I wanted, I'd still use some plug-ins here and there, for convenience or variety or ease of use. But it would be great to have the option to forego them.
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Post by stevenslate on Jan 23, 2017 12:23:24 GMT -6
Steven. Can we go back and talk over the product and the facts of it PLEASE? Because thats is the reason why I may bite on this one. I also asked on GS but the answer you gave me did not cleared everything. 1. There are no drivers needed? 2. It has ultra low latency (LOGIC PRO) even if a lot of plug ins are running? I ask again because the nature of native system is that latency goes up the more processing is happening. 3. No ADAT connection is that right? 4. Because I am not native speaker I did not get the fact, in presentation, why those converter chips are "special". Thanks.... Holmes... Hi, the unit does indeed use drivers. It has ultra low latency in all DAWs, but the ability to have low CPU and tracking through plugins will depend on the system. It is designed with modern i7 systems in mind, which will give it the ability to have lots of multichannel low latency recording through the mic plugins and our other rack plugins. It could also work with other 3rd party plugins too, but that will depend on the latency and CPU usage of those plugins. Hey stevenslate , are there pics of the rear of the unit and perhaps a spec sheet with a basic feature rundown? I can't find the info on your site and haven't had 25 minutes to catch the video. Hi, we are going to make a VRS-8 preview page with more pics and specs very soon. JohnKenn: invite Steven over for ribs, bacon and beer: all will be forgiven This is absolutely true haha! I'm a huge BBQ fanatic and in fact, as I write this I'm cold smoking a pork belly that I started curing right before NAMM! JohnKenn: invite Steven over for ribs, bacon and beer: all will be forgiven I'd love to grab a beer with Steven. Hey stevenslate , if you're ever in the RI/MA area again, hit me up. P.S. That goes for any of you. Even Bill. Will do! I love going back to the area. And it's nice to be able to let my hybrid east coast accent flow freely without the all the SoCal people looking at me funny! I didn't watch the whole video..........is there a 2 channel Converter version or just the 8 channel ? I think a 2 channel converter would be great . This one is an 8 channel, but I'm not hiding the fact that a 2 channel one is inevitable.. but no timeline on it yet. stevenslate , I appreciate it.. I already own FGX, VTM, VCC (in full) so it would be cool to use them. I've not finished going completely native yet, so I'll sub for a month and see what's going on. That was a mighty decent genuine response, thanks. I'll reach out if I have any issues.! Thanks, just let us know if we can help you! Also note that there have been several updates to those products over the past year that ensure they work with the newest OS's so make sure to download all the latest updates. if you want the mic modeling to be accurate I would guess you need to. otherwise it's just colored by whatever preamp you have or the models will be off. My experience with the ML-1 says that a good clean preamp will still yield a good emulation. I have to grab a 48V box so I can split the signal and experiment a bit to see how different the emulation is. The slate preamp on its own is really boring. It reminds me of my Octopre preamps. My Apollo preamps are much warmer, but still clean. The VMS Preamps are really flat and linear as Paul Wolff designed them to be. The Apollo preamps will have more color for sure, but are indeed still a clean pre. The VMS Preamp sounds really nice when you pair it with the preamp emulations which will add vibe, color, and character. Here's a tip too, you can use the FG-116 Blue and Black as a preamp by Shift Clicking the attack to turn off the compressor, and then you've basically got a preamp, and a great sounding one at that! Furthermore, you can use VCC with added drive to (which is technically a line amp) and then give it some more attitude along with the preamp emulations. But having said that, you can pair the VMS mics with other preamps and still get good results. What I caution is using overaly colorful preamps that have extended top ends (many preamps do, especially cheaper ones), because that high end gunk can react oddly with the mic emulations. I totally see the potential value. It would be a huge paradigm shift if things really could go all digital. The VMS was just unconvincing to me in use. Sounded kinda flat and...I don't know, a little detached? That's just my opinion though. Many people really like it. And I do applaud Slate for his ambition and drive. I'm inching closer and closer to biting on the subscription plan. I want the delay. But the VMS thing I didn't really dig, sonically. This new thing could still be a very solid interface though. Although it looks like there isn't much connectivity so it kinda seems like you'd need to be committed to going Full On Slate Ecosystem, I/O wise. Hi Ragan! I happen to really love the sound of your voice and guitar through the VMS, and thanks for posting the audio examples! But of course, it's up to your ears to decide what's best and your 3D Audio mics sound great too! Thanks for checking it out! And again.. thanks for reminding me that I need to practice my guitar playing! Thanks again guys, Steven
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Post by kcatthedog on Jan 23, 2017 12:47:45 GMT -6
^^This^^ : totally boss response !
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Post by ragan on Jan 23, 2017 13:02:07 GMT -6
THIS ^^ what Matt said. I've never thought Steven was any kind of huckster. Even when we've butted heads on various topics I don't think he's disingenuous at all. He's a passionate dude and vociferous defender of the company he's built. Those are both pluses in my book. stevenslate thanks, and again, I don't think the VMS sounded bad it just didn't (quite) sell my ears on sounding real. Though your samples always sound very close. I wouldn't probably pass a blind test on yours. That's what made me interested enough to try it out. And you're right, the 3U Audio (you always say "3D Audio" ) mics do sound very good. I recently got a MaxMod 67 though and that is now king of the hill over here. Anyway, good luck with the interface. I'm sure it'll do well. I knew you were going to come out with one (even before your hint over email a couple months ago). I'd love to not have to mess with UAD Console, but I'm very sensitive to latency. I'm intrigued but not enough to bite on a big switch up. Plus I think I'd want more connectivity. Who knows though. I guess I'm Slate-Curious at this point.
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