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Post by nick8801 on Jul 5, 2019 10:12:35 GMT -6
I recently picked up some of the izoptope plugins and I find that their exciters are incredible on basses and kicks. They can be split into multiple bands and there are several options for the type of harmonics used to excite the signal. Really killer stuff. Also in regards to tuning, my 70’s Ludwig holds its tuning for maybe a song. A drummer friend of mine recommended locking lugs. Haven’t tried them yet but they apparently work for holding the heads in place. I also find that multiple mics can help the situation. That way you can capture attack and sustain better. If that’s not an option, the izotope transient designers are also really killer for balancing kick and bass. They are also able to be split into bands. Also, some masking is ok. It’s natural for some masking to take place as long as you’re not completely canceling out part of the frequency spectrum. Multiple mics on a kit cause and exacerbate phase/polarity problems. I used to use piles of mics on a kit and I could never figurte out why, even after phase checking everything, the kit still sounded like crap. Then several years ago I encountered William Wittman and his relatively minimalist method of micing the kit (which I have elaborated elsewhere on the forum.)
On snare in particular I now use only ONE mic of excellent quality, micing the drum from the SIDE, a few inches from the vent and two or three inches from the shell. You get excellent control of balance between top and bottom head by adjusting placement of the single mic, and since the mic is in polarity with the other drum mics you don't get phase problems. With a GOOD mic that has superior off axis response you don't need a hat mic, either.
I’m just talking about kick mics. I like minimalist micing too, but sometimes that’s not what a track calls for.
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Post by nick8801 on Jul 4, 2019 17:17:57 GMT -6
I recently picked up some of the izoptope plugins and I find that their exciters are incredible on basses and kicks. They can be split into multiple bands and there are several options for the type of harmonics used to excite the signal. Really killer stuff. Also in regards to tuning, my 70’s Ludwig holds its tuning for maybe a song. A drummer friend of mine recommended locking lugs. Haven’t tried them yet but they apparently work for holding the heads in place. I also find that multiple mics can help the situation. That way you can capture attack and sustain better. If that’s not an option, the izotope transient designers are also really killer for balancing kick and bass. They are also able to be split into bands. Also, some masking is ok. It’s natural for some masking to take place as long as you’re not completely canceling out part of the frequency spectrum.
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Post by nick8801 on Mar 3, 2019 7:18:37 GMT -6
I like The Valhalla delay. I think it’s free. Does all the subdivisions, locks to tempo, has a filter section. Really couldn’t ask for more!
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Post by nick8801 on Feb 25, 2019 20:43:31 GMT -6
I’ll chime back in and say I’m really loving this pre. So far I’ve recorded vocals and acoustics. It can sound really natural and hi-fi or add that touch of a “floaty fluffy” thing that some natural tube compression and harmonics add to a signal when you turn up the color knob. It looks super cool too with the blue backlight on the VU meter.
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Post by nick8801 on Feb 16, 2019 8:10:52 GMT -6
Utility = Reaeq Character = UAD 1073 mki
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Post by nick8801 on Feb 15, 2019 15:30:35 GMT -6
Sounds gorgeous. I love the extra power switch. It’s a really smart design. If I was in the market, I think 1000 a channel would be fair. Maybe 3999.99?
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Post by nick8801 on Feb 15, 2019 13:35:54 GMT -6
One thing a year and usually not too too expensive. Something I can pay off in a few months. It's a fun way to do impulse purchases. Other than that I either save up or sell off stuff.
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Post by nick8801 on Feb 12, 2019 15:10:54 GMT -6
No one? lol...It's really cool. Very wide an hi-fi sounding. Turning up the color dials in some of that natural tube compression that most people associate with tube gear. I dig it. Sounds really killer with my vintage 87. Perfect for vocals. Don't sleep on these if you're looking for a nice tube pre.
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Post by nick8801 on Feb 12, 2019 8:50:56 GMT -6
Anyone have any experience with their stuff? I have one of the SFP30 single channel pres coming today! The YouTube demos they put up are a little weird, but that color control does something really cool. Just don’t hear people talking about their stuff at all.
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Post by nick8801 on Jan 26, 2019 9:03:17 GMT -6
I used to have one when I first started out. I miss it. Maybe this thread will inspire me to pick up another!
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Post by nick8801 on Jan 25, 2019 16:14:15 GMT -6
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Post by nick8801 on Jan 25, 2019 10:19:46 GMT -6
That actually sounded pretty nice on that vocal. It has some cool harmonic content going on, but it doesn't sound sibilant or spitty. Not quite as clear and "not there" as I hear 251's do sometimes, but still really great.
There's a male vocal clip around the 1 minute mark of the WA251
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Post by nick8801 on Jan 22, 2019 6:36:01 GMT -6
Thx Nick, Yes I am aware that the room dimensions are fundamentally a problem. I am getting some small Emotiva or goldenear tech monitors, 6 inch woofer as I find larger monitors are wasted in the room. I have never used a sub. By flipping horizontal do you mean the monitors or the room, or face the long wall? I had done that in the past and it opens up recording space on either end but you lose the middle area. Yes I was referring to setting up along the long wall. I have similar issues to you in my room. Unfortunately my room is too narrow to make it work, but I did flip my drums that way when I need to record them. Makes a huge difference in the clarity and punch. You should try at least putting your monitors up that way and take some measurements. I think it would make more of a difference than monitor stands in my opinion. I’m sure you’ll do what works best for you in the end. Not trying to come off like a know it all or anything, just trying to help. Let us know how it works out!
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Post by nick8801 on Jan 21, 2019 21:25:27 GMT -6
nick8801 Thank you that is kind of you to offer. H 93 inches, W102 inches, L 232 inches Front: Well it looks like you've got the acoustic treatment down! Those are some really tough room dimensions though. Your room is essentially a tunnel. It falls wildly off of the bolt area which is what will determine a good accumulation of room modes. You've probably done all you can in the ways of treatment, but there are a few options. If monitoring is your issue, you could flip your whole setup to horizontally. That's probably a huge undertaking, and not one your willing to consider, but horizontal is almost always better than vertical when monitoring even with all of that treatment. If you do keep that setup, maybe pull the desk forward a bit and use floor stands for the monitors. That would at least eliminate any "console" bounce you might be getting from your desk. Also not sure what kind of speakers you're using, but you may want to consider something smaller with a sub you can punch in and out. That would take the problem low end frequencies out of the equation in that setup until you need to get them in with a sub. Anyway, just some observations that I learned from class. Here's a link to an acoustic calculator with your dimensions plugged in. It's super useful for anyone else interested here as well. Good luck! amcoustics.com/tools/amroc?l=19.3&w=8.5&h=7.75&ft=true&re=DIN%2018041%20-%20Music
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Post by nick8801 on Jan 21, 2019 8:52:04 GMT -6
I have struggled with my room and done a bunch to treat it. I have also built monitor stands and ensured they are very rigid. I have had a variety of good medium to high end monitors but over the last while I just started using my cans : getting tired of the room gremlins. I notice someone locally is selling a good pair of Alpine spikes ( steel 75 lbs each) and including the adjustable isolation stands. I used to sell stereo stuff so I understand the theory of best isolation for monitors. Anybody here using higher end stands and if so , your comments ? Thanks. Do you have some pics you care to share of your room and monitor placement? Some dimensions would help too. What kind of monitors are you using? I just finished a pretty intensive acoustics course and would be glad to offer some suggestions. It helped me to get my studio in check, and I just rebuilt a friend’s place with great results.
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Post by nick8801 on Jan 8, 2019 13:53:56 GMT -6
I do the same thing. That still doesn’t help with levels, but it definitely gets the compression action in line. I think just knowing your monitors and how they respond at different dB is the best way to get low end levels correct. Definitely a continuous journey!
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Post by nick8801 on Jan 5, 2019 12:02:36 GMT -6
The Dutch & Dutch 8C is the finest monitor I have used but out of your target range. At 5K I have never heard anything touch the Atomic Instrument 610s.... I know Dave Cobb, Vance Powell and a whole bunch of folks in Nashville have switched to these... I never heard of those Atomics before. Wow, they look super cool! Quite the client list!
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Post by nick8801 on Jan 5, 2019 11:57:02 GMT -6
On that budget the ATC SCM25A would be my first choice! I’ve heard good things about PSI as well. Zenpro carries them. The ATC 25 is a nice speaker, that always leaves me wanting the S series mid and SL woofers of the bigger ATC’s. I agree. I'd love for them to do an updated version.
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Post by nick8801 on Jan 4, 2019 13:39:33 GMT -6
On that budget the ATC SCM25A would be my first choice! I’ve heard good things about PSI as well. Zenpro carries them.
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Post by nick8801 on Dec 23, 2018 7:54:02 GMT -6
Just picked up one of those modded Ampex 601s from Electric and Co. It’s now stereo with two killer di’s, and a pad that will take it down to line level. So far I’ve recorded bass into the di which sounds spectacular, acoustic guitar with my 70’s u87, and some vocals with the same mic. If you want a tube pre that sounds like tubes, this thing is for you. It even smells awesome when it heats up!
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Post by nick8801 on Dec 17, 2018 6:58:08 GMT -6
I'd be curious (If I were you) to take the serial number, and figure out what exact year your U87 was made in. In any event, congrats on owning a piece of history! Chris I’ll have to get in touch with Neumann. The connector had been changed on mine at some point from the Tuchel to the modem XLR. Apparently they change the serial number when they do that, but I’m assuming they have a record of all that. Anyone know up to what year they used the older connectors?
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Post by nick8801 on Dec 13, 2018 18:14:38 GMT -6
My room is pretty dry which is exactly why the ocean way works. Gives a little air around things when I need it.
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Post by nick8801 on Dec 13, 2018 17:19:28 GMT -6
just saw your pic on instagram, what a cool mic! Love the “Western Germany” on the sticker. So historic.
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Post by nick8801 on Dec 13, 2018 17:02:28 GMT -6
So this mic rules. I only had a chance to briefly test it on some vocals before I had to run out again, but it’s everything I was hoping for. Warm but present, almost no sibilance, and dead quiet. My voice sounded more finished then it has on my previous go to mics, and that familiar, old school German tone is there in spades. It’s like a mild distortion in the midrange when pushed that almost feels like natural compression. I can hear it on the newer u87’s too, but they seem to close down a little quicker than this one does. Maybe it’s the lower gain. I did have around 45 dB up on my preamp, but still dead quiet. I’m happy with my purchase!
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Post by nick8801 on Dec 12, 2018 13:41:21 GMT -6
Excited and nervous as I have just ordered a late 60’s early 70’s U87. It comes from a reputable seller who claims it’s as good as any example he’s ever heard, and the price was reasonable next to some other examples I’ve seen. It’s a very big purchase for me, and one not made without lots of thought. I’ve been trying to find a proper clone for a long time, but that small difference that the real thing adds, was just something I decided I wanted, and was worth the extra cost. Anyway, I can’t wait to get it and start recording! You'll probably love it and sleep with it for a while. My 1971 U87 is one of my favorite microphones. Ha! That’s what I’m hoping for!
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