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Post by mikec on Nov 1, 2015 8:40:02 GMT -6
Thanks kcatthedog. I definitely plan on the new registrant bundle deal. Any recommendation on which UAD reverb to go with first?
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Post by mikec on Nov 1, 2015 7:20:30 GMT -6
Just picked up the Apollo 8 blackface on Friday to use as a more mobile recording interface and I have to say I am really impressed with the quality and sound of this box. For comparison my main interface that I've used for the past couple of years is a Metric Halo ULN-8 and I have to say that this Apollo stands up very well. The Console 2.0 is also very intuitive to use and I find it much easier to use than the MIO console. I love being able to monitor or track with plugins with just the click of a button. Since I am new to the UAD stuff, my question for the UAD users out there is are there UAD plugins that you consider must have?
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Post by mikec on Oct 10, 2015 7:34:22 GMT -6
I don't have to rely on recording and mixing to make a living, but being a singer/song writer/performer that enjoys recording and mixing both myself and the occasional demo for others I've found that the Raven Mti has been the best solution for my needs and workflow. I've gone through setups with the SSL X-Desk, the Avid MC Mix, and various dual monitor set ups, and the Mti has just been more enjoyable to use. I guess my only negative would be my own fault because I tend to be an early adopter and bought mine when they first came out before the price started dropping, but I've also enjoyed it trouble fee since it came out and didn't buy it as an investment.
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Post by mikec on Jul 14, 2015 16:00:35 GMT -6
I spend a good amount of time with this over the weekend and really like it. I don't use a lot of midi so as long as my EZ drummer worked, which it did without any issues, I am happy. The work flow and the use of the mix busses just seems to be easier on my brain. It also worked with my Raven Mti. I could control everything I tried with it including adjusting plugins like Valhalla. I only recorded some guitars and vocals trying to get familiar with it, but everything worked great. The only crash I had was when I was renaming the mix busses for some reason. It was nice being able to get a quick mix that sounded good with out using any external plugins other than some reverb and delay.
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Post by mikec on Jul 14, 2015 14:02:54 GMT -6
I love my retro powerstrip. I like how I can get the vocal very close to what I want with very little processing after it is recorded. Bass direct in using the instrument input also works great. In a crunch when I don't want to take time to properly mic an acoustic and I am working on ideas the instrument input does a great job recording acoustic, but I guess that would depend what you have for acoustics that can be plugged in. All in all a great piece and pretty versatile.
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Post by mikec on Jul 11, 2015 9:34:03 GMT -6
I didn't think they had enabled it either, but just messing around briefly I had fader control. I plan on spending more time with it today.
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Post by mikec on Jul 11, 2015 7:24:48 GMT -6
I downloaded this last night and played around with it some. The only thing keeping me from using it full time before was the lack of being able to use EZ drummer. EZ drummer worked like a charm last night. The bonus surprise was that I could use my Raven Mti and control the faders. I bounce around from protools, logic, and studio one but now plan on trying to migrate primarily to mixbus. It's also the first daw to my ears where summing through my Metric Halo ULN8 doesn't add anything, so that will save me a step.
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Post by mikec on Jun 13, 2015 6:25:10 GMT -6
I've owned both the Metropolitan and the Sky King. Both were awesome amps and even though one is 6V6 and the other 6L6 based I could get pretty similar sounds out of them. The attenuator on both worked great for getting good tone at lower levels, but both also had plenty of head room. The tube tremolo on the Sky King was one of the best I've heard. I also owned the Falcon which is really the most fun and practical one of the bunch, but then again we love gear so practical usually doesn't enter into the equation.
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Post by mikec on May 23, 2015 7:21:13 GMT -6
I bought the Britt Vintage pack yesterday based off on John's recommendation and spent a couple hours with it last night. These are my favorite profiles so far by a long shot. Everything from sparkly clean to the edge of breakup and on to good crunch. Highly recommended.
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Post by mikec on May 21, 2015 20:16:16 GMT -6
I am an admitted tube amp snob, but I love my kemper. I run it through a pair of Atomic CLRs and it sounds great. If I want the amp cab sound I run it into a 2x12 cab with alnico golds and it is awesome that way also. I've got a good collection of high end tube amps including a Two Rock Crystal and Longhorn El Vaquero but I just sold my Tone King Sky King that I used mostly for recording because the Kemper was easier to use and the Britt profiles are great. Thanks to John I guess I now have to get the new vintage ones. The Kemper is also great live. I played at a corporate deal a few weeks ago in a convention center ball room and just carried in my kemper in a bag with a guitar cable and xlr cable in one hand and a guitar in the other. Plugged into one channel on the board and that's all it took. Friends in the audience said it sounded like a sound track. Not giving up my favorite amps, but the Kemper is a keeper.
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Post by mikec on Apr 14, 2015 12:05:36 GMT -6
I am a fan of the Pearlman mics. My Pearlman TM-250 blows me away every time I use it. I only wish I was handy enough to build some of the kits people talk about, but a man has to know his limits.
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Post by mikec on Mar 28, 2015 6:29:04 GMT -6
Attachment Deleted I went with a Sterling Modular set up a while back and like the ergonomics. I has a lot of rack space below the desk and my wife likes the clean look which helps. Not sure if I would go this route today because their desks have gotten really pricey.
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Post by mikec on Mar 21, 2015 6:33:57 GMT -6
Downloaded it last night and played with it a little in Logic X. Worked well for me and I can see some fun possibilities. Here is a code for anyone that needs one: free Little AlterBoy Plug-in: www.soundtoys.com/sxsw2015/&rc=252-9816-337, just copy and paste into your browser.
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Post by mikec on Feb 7, 2015 7:59:24 GMT -6
All of my acoustics have Elixer Nanowebs. After trying everything out there they are my personal preference for feel, sound, and longevity. If something came along I liked better I'd switch since I am not emotionally tied to any one brand. They just work for me.
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Post by mikec on Jan 24, 2015 8:47:30 GMT -6
After some self agonizing I picked up a Kemper Power Head. I've tried modelers in the past but being a self admitted tube amp snob, I could never bond with them. I have to say, the Kemper has changed all of that for me. I've got some great mics and tube amps from Two Rock, Tone King, and Longhorn amps, but wanted something more convenient for recording. Funny thing is, I've not even used it for recording yet since I am having so much fun playing it live. I first ran the main outs into a Bose L1 with the B2 base module and thought it sounded pretty good. Then I downloaded the Michael Britt #2 profile pak, loaded them on the Kemper, hooked up the powered speaker out to a Two Rock Crystal 2x12 cab that has the Alnico Golds and was very impressed. It is pretty amazing how far these have come. I always thought the modelers I had tried in the past were okay for distorted sounds, but really lacked when it came to cleans and tones with just a touch of hair. The Kemper seems to have solved that problem. Now I just need to learn how to profile my own amps, although the Britt ones are so great, I am not sure it will be worth the effort.
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Post by mikec on Jun 12, 2014 9:31:58 GMT -6
Woohoo! Haven't used it yet, but it looks pretty! JK, I would love to know what you think after tracking some vocals through it and how it compares to the Sta. I am really impressed with mine when compared to the Retro powerstrip for putting the vocals really out front. Since I am thinking about adding a Sta also, I would be interested in your comparison.
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Post by mikec on Jun 7, 2014 11:34:28 GMT -6
mikecI think you said it: it works really well for some: others may not appreciate it I hate the mouse so raven's multitouch and integration with pro tools (my daw) are interesting. I easily use the mouse at least 75% less with the Raven.
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Post by mikec on Jun 7, 2014 9:33:48 GMT -6
I think in time, we'll see well designed integration, analogue boards with all the features of a Raven available in a click. I can see a big screen in front combined with a smaller touch screen interface. It could be cool for things like setting plug-in parameters, using a mouse for everything gets tedious. A life-size GUI model of hardware might be easier than the mini versions we use now. The next revolution in computers will be voice activation. Yes, we have it now, but it's not ready for prime time. I'd love to say something out loud like, UAD 1176 on channel 12, and pop, there it is. Then have the option to use a touch screen interface, mouse or voice commands. I just don't see the Raven being the last word. I think eventually we'll see Raven like features in API's, Neve's etc. I think voice commands for a DAW would be great and help my mixing tremendously. "Computer...Perfect Country Rock Mix", done and move on to the next one.
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Post by mikec on Jun 7, 2014 8:37:50 GMT -6
I've got one of the Raven Mti 27 inch systems. I love it. Probably one of the best things I've ever purchased for workflow. Probably depends on your set up as to how it works for each individual. I use a Metric Halo ULN8 as my interface and it integrates seamlessly with that and pro tools 11. I've been using it for a couple of months and no buyers remorse what so ever. Might be kind of expensive for a control surface, but if that is all you need and you have the money, I think it is well worth it.
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Post by mikec on Jun 6, 2014 5:22:50 GMT -6
I am amazed at how good the WA76 sounds for tracking vocals. I keep going back and forth between that and my Retro Powerstrip and it really holds it's own. Haven't had the chance to try the powerstrip into the WA76 yet, that will also probably bring something pretty nice.
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Post by mikec on May 30, 2014 18:44:10 GMT -6
I recently picked up the Mesa King Snake and really like it. The 10 watt setting really gives it flexibility. I prefer my Sky King with the iron man attenuators and tube tremolo but it's good to have options.
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Post by mikec on May 30, 2014 5:18:50 GMT -6
I think I've tried pretty much all of the amp sims and for me s-gear has been the best one so far. S-Gear was the reason I sold my last Axefx. I am kind of like the Dos Equis man when it comes to amp sims, I rarely use them, but when I do I use s-gear.
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Post by mikec on May 29, 2014 18:41:24 GMT -6
JK,
Have you compared the scuffham s-gear to amplitude? I think you can still download a free demo.
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Post by mikec on May 29, 2014 13:39:09 GMT -6
I would be curious to hear how the Kemper works out for you. I've been down the road of owning the Fractal Audio AxeFX,the AxeFX Ultra, and the Digi Eleven Rack and always keep coming back to a tube amp mic'ed. I liked the convenience of the modelers and I listen back to some things I did with the AxeFX now and think it sounds pretty good, but just like the sound of the tube amp better. I have also been very surprised at how good the Scuffham S-gear plugin sounds when running a guitar direct into the Retro Powerstrip. Nevertheless, I do have room in my recording desk for a Kemper Rack, but have never had the chance to try one.
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Post by mikec on May 27, 2014 19:16:10 GMT -6
It came on the radio this afternoon when I was in the car. I had to listen to a verse and chorus to see if it was really that bad. It really was that bad.
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