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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 26, 2024 22:09:33 GMT -6
How do you set the bg2 to sound clean and transparent? I have one I set mine to British mode at 600 ohm for a cleaner more hi-fi sound. What source do you use it mainly on? Mine is mostly on vocals, but I wish I could get another one. It sounds great even with the compression off! I dig it! Then again I could use it on any source with stellar results
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 26, 2024 21:02:03 GMT -6
Highland Dynamics BG-2 ACME Opticom XLA-3
Both very sweet in their own ways, and versatile!
BG-2 makes everything just sound bigger, fuller, better. Especially on the bucket of a vocal! Liquid smooth and just solid beauty! Clean to colored! Nice and versatile!
ACME adds some nice air and it can get aggressive, but it can also do smooth and silky. Nice and versatile!
Both can add attitude and vibe, both can also be clean, warm and buttery!
If I was more into the clean, warm, and buttery and colored that just sounds huge, I would choose the BG-2. If I was using it on a rock bass or rock vocal, although both would work I would probably choose the XLA-3 because of the bite and aggressiveness. Although they both work they do have a sound. You’d have to demo to figure out what you like. You can’t go wrong with either! They both kick some ass!
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 19, 2024 19:59:35 GMT -6
Does anyone know if the Apollo Black Lion Mods on a Blackface 16 MKII will be as good as the X series? Does anyone notice from going thru the AES port on their Apollo X to their D/A sounding different than without it? In other words taking the Apollo out of the chain. I noticed my D/A is compromised in sound even going through the AES port on the Apollo. It’s very noticeable, stereo width/punch/clarity/fullness/closeness to the sound. It’s at least a 30% difference maybe more. The blackface Apollo 16 mk2 is actually the one and only Apollo we do not mod . Interesting, is that because of the design? Or you just don’t bother with the older models? Is it that much different than all the others?
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 19, 2024 19:58:12 GMT -6
Yes, this is the reason I changed directions from the Apollo. Although Console is easy to use, it’s still not ideal for me with my outboard. I'm not sure I follow what that has to do with word clock cables though? Were you intending to respond to somebody else? Yes, I’m using the correct cables for word clock
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 19, 2024 17:48:45 GMT -6
It’s definitely not my dangerous converters, but I don’t have this issue with my apogee converters they pass exactly what I hear and use the dangerous clock. It must be something in the settings or that 75 ohm switch? I also noticed going in through my AD+ the headroom is compromised and I can’t hit my compression or my level input nearly as high as I can with my other converters . I also noticed this on my Lavry converter between spdif and AES, the AES port sounded much more open, and just all around better compared to spdif My cables are top-notch and I swapped out a few of them and got the same results So you're using dedicated word clock cables? I wasn't clear on that? Yes, this is the reason I changed directions from the Apollo. Although Console is easy to use, it’s still not ideal for me with my outboard.
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 19, 2024 17:13:07 GMT -6
. That’s what I thought that digital is digital, right? When I use my USB in and out with my Dangerous convert converters usb directly ion and out of my computer there is a huge difference in headroom and overall width and quality. When I pass through the Apollo, it’s not even close., and to be honest, not useable IMO. Yeah, something is wrong. Sounds like something is up with your AES connection. Could be the cable. Could be a word clock issue. Could be a settings issue on either the Apollo or Dangerous which is causing issues on the software side. It’s definitely not my dangerous converters, but I don’t have this issue with my apogee converters they pass exactly what I hear and use the dangerous clock. It must be something in the settings or that 75 ohm switch? I also noticed going in through my AD+ the headroom is compromised and I can’t hit my compression or my level input nearly as high as I can with my other converters . I also noticed this on my Lavry converter between spdif and AES, the AES port sounded much more open, and just all around better compared to spdif My cables are top-notch and I swapped out a few of them and got the same results
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 19, 2024 16:35:57 GMT -6
Does anyone know if the Apollo Black Lion Mods on a Blackface 16 MKII will be as good as the X series? Does anyone notice from going thru the AES port on their Apollo X to their D/A sounding different than without it? In other words taking the Apollo out of the chain. I noticed my D/A is compromised in sound even going through the AES port on the Apollo. It’s very noticeable, stereo width/punch/clarity/fullness/closeness to the sound. It’s at least a 30% difference maybe more. Something’s not right. If it’s just going digitally, it wouldn’t be going through the ADDA, right? . That’s what I thought that digital is digital, right? When I use my USB in and out with my Dangerous convert converters usb directly ion and out of my computer there is a huge difference in headroom and overall width and quality. When I pass through the Apollo, it’s not even close., and to be honest, not useable IMO.
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 19, 2024 16:33:34 GMT -6
Does anyone know if the Apollo Black Lion Mods on a Blackface 16 MKII will be as good as the X series? Does anyone notice from going thru the AES port on their Apollo X to their D/A sounding different than without it? In other words taking the Apollo out of the chain. I noticed my D/A is compromised in sound even going through the AES port on the Apollo. It’s very noticeable, stereo width/punch/clarity/fullness/closeness to the sound. It’s at least a 30% difference maybe more. Is the 75 ohm Word Clock termination button on the Apollo turned on, if you're using a WC connection and/or are you sure that you're alternatively getting a clock signal embedded in the AES connection and, if so, that your other DA is properly receiving this embedded clock signal? I will look, thanks. That’s something I didn’t even think about it, I’ve been using my carbon decided that I wasn’t going to use the Apollo because I didn’t like the way it sounded. It sounds much better with my Convert-2 two DA, but when it’s going out of my computer, USB to DA, it sounds much better than just passing through the Apollo AES outs. Digital is digital, right? Now, in this case, with the Apollo blackface series, even using the AES to another digital box there is a compromise, and still a headroom problem. It’s very noticeable
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 19, 2024 15:04:09 GMT -6
Does anyone know if the Apollo Black Lion Mods on a Blackface 16 MKII will be as good as the X series? Does anyone notice from going thru the AES port on their Apollo X to their D/A sounding different than without it? In other words taking the Apollo out of the chain. I noticed my D/A is compromised in sound even going through the AES port on the Apollo. It’s very noticeable, stereo width/punch/clarity/fullness/closeness to the sound. It’s at least a 30% difference maybe more.
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 8, 2024 13:23:16 GMT -6
Yes, maybe a little late posting, but my Carbon works great with the Studio with RTL and I also got the full Ultimate plugin package. I think it’s like 115 plugins? Not sure about the number, but it’s more than I will ever use.
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 8, 2024 0:24:24 GMT -6
Well, I haven't logged into the Avid site, EVER. Last time I did anything with Pro Tools it was still Digidesign. Still, I just recovered my old account somehow at the Avid site and got everything hooked up. Gonna download Pro Tools Intro just to play around a bit and see how things go. Welcome back to the purple side!🤟🏻 Protools Studio also comes with all the extra plugins Ultimate has.
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 7, 2024 17:31:40 GMT -6
Keep the info rolling, so I just signed up to a PA sub for a year. I mean once I added up the cost of 5 plugs I thought might as well.. One or two of the plugs didn't work, glad I didn't buy them. What was surprising is for me personally at least I could run an entire mix on Carbon, I'm used to a 24 channel desk with 4 Aux's so that's exactly how I ran it. Listened to quite a few plugs and I thought the BX 4000G channel strip is one of the best out the lot, I do kinda get where Dan is coming from a bit.. Anywho, I stress tested it. Ran 28 channels of SSL 4000 G channel strip (4 of those were busses), three instances of SPL De-esser for main / backing. When it comes to delay's or reverbs I'm not sure why you'd have these in AAX-DSP format because there's going to be a pre-delay anyway so it really doesn't matter if it's a bit out of time. Anyway added a couple of delays, then I ran out of things to add so I put a BX mastering limiter on an aux and that took up an entire chip nearly (75% of a core). Even so, I've got two entire cores left.. And Hmmm. Quite a bit of breathing room I guess. You're not going to run an orchestral metal mix on this or a hundred layers of dialogue, if you're doing rock bands, pop etc. and put an ounce of thought into it instead of creating a seperate track and three aux's for someone to go woooo I think you'd be absolutely fine. Plugin dependant of course, well this opened up another avenue.. Using it just like HDX with my HW inserts. This is interesting, I didn’t sign up for PA because it wasn’t compatible with M1 at the time I was researching it. The plugs use the DSP in the Carbon?
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 7, 2024 16:43:12 GMT -6
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 7, 2024 10:40:00 GMT -6
If we are thinking carbon, would MTRX be smarter for 25% more? Or is Carbon/MTRX still some sort of compromise because it’s not the HDX racks? Dante would be nice for running snakes… unless there’s some downside I don’t know about I thought about this myself, but as I was researching the prices jumped and it put me out of budget to go that route. I hope someone can answer this.
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 7, 2024 10:21:00 GMT -6
That wasn’t my intention. It's generally mine, if you've got GAS it's best to just release it. I’m terrible, I hope the Lord can forgive my sudden GAS! It can be terrible at times. I keep thinking about how nice 24 I/O would be all wrapped up in three Carbon units with my outboard connected! Just an Audio Heaven!
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 7, 2024 10:10:33 GMT -6
Oh yes, I see…So, your GAS escalated into an advanced stage of GAS! Well, not to agitate your condition, however when I got my Carbon and plugged in my outboard! That was the first time after ditching the analog board that I was very happy being able to use my outboard effectively again. I need more I/O, so I’m going with a PRE8 soon. The only thing that stinks about the Carbon is I miss my AES/EBU! Damnit. You’re costing me money. That wasn’t my intention, I just think it will save you a lot of headache searching for a solution. Yes, they aren’t cheap dammit!!! One day when I hit the lottery😆, I’ll jump into a DrBill rig! Then I will be able to use all my outboard!🤟🏻 Another thing I thought about when going Carbon is it will force me into a smaller more manageable setup, and I won’t be upgrading my monitoring system for almost the same price as a Carbon! I would demo it first! Find a demo and try it. I am curious to hear what you think about the product and if it fits your workflow and solves your issues, and maybe even your GAS? 😆 And not going to even mention the STA, oops😆 One of the boxes on my list because you kept talking about it! 😆 I had a Doublewide, it was ok, but didn’t thrill me, and it was sold.
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 7, 2024 10:09:23 GMT -6
Same here, I don't think I've ever paid anywhere near list for anything Avid. I bought the Carbons with $1278.00 off (yeah, seriously) which included Pro Tools Ultimate perpetual license and some additional stuff. The Mbox Pro I bought also at a 30% discount had a Studio perpetual in it, even when I went HDX years back I got a couple of grand back and I got the Digi license free as well.
What gets me is, if they can afford to sell it at this price why not just do it so the price looks more attractive from the get go? It's like the commercial equivalent of Scotty's time fudge, c'aptain it'll take me 4 hours.. Scotty: C'aptain did in 30 minutes, 300 fixes later. Kirk: "this guy's just lying to us at this point", Mariner: "Buffer time wooo"..
I’m about to get an Avid PRE8, can you hook an Avid Audio brotha up?
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 7, 2024 10:08:58 GMT -6
They are not BAD. They are not quite as good as the HD I/o's though. I have mostly HD's and one 192. It's not night and day, but if it's your only AD/DA, I'd shoot for an HD I/o. 8-10 years more modern. re: perpetuals. I buy one for $400-ish every 2-3 years. Keep it updated for one year, and let it "lapse" for the next 1-2 years. Then rinse and repeat. I'd guess my average yearly cost for HDX is around $150 or so. Again, talk to the right people when you buy. My guy always takes care of me and my clients very well. AVID has a huge markup, but it doesn't have to cost a bloody fortune. Same here, I don't think I've ever paid anywhere near list for anything Avid. I bought the Carbons with $1278.00 off (yeah, seriously) which included Pro Tools Ultimate perpetual license and some additional stuff. The Mbox Pro I bought also at a 30% discount had a Studio perpetual in it, even when I went HDX years back I got a couple of grand back and I got the Digi license free as well.
What gets me is, if they can afford to sell it at this price why not just do it so the price looks more attractive from the get go? It's like the commercial equivalent of Scotty's time fudge, c'aptain it'll take me 4 hours.. Scotty: C'aptain did in 30 minutes, 300 fixes later. Kirk: "this guy's just lying to us at this point", Mariner: "Buffer time wooo"..
I’m about to get an Avid PRE8, can you hook a brotha up?
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 7, 2024 9:56:23 GMT -6
Well, there you go! You don’t need any more gear👍🏻 Well, maybe just a Carbon!😆 Trying to get this 78 to work with no latency is what’s brought all of this on. Oh yes, I see…So, your GAS escalated into an advanced stage of GAS! Well, not to agitate your condition, however when I got my Carbon and plugged in my outboard! That was the first time after ditching the analog board that I was very happy being able to use my outboard effectively again. I need more I/O, so I’m going with a PRE8 soon. The only thing that stinks about the Carbon is I miss my AES/EBU!
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 7, 2024 9:36:13 GMT -6
Warning! Don’t watch Colt Capperunes latest video!😆 But I have an AS 1178 Well, there you go! You don’t need any more gear👍🏻 Well, maybe just a Carbon!😆
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 7, 2024 9:35:09 GMT -6
Warning! Don’t watch Colt Capperunes latest video!😆 I don’t watch any of them Good call, the GAS is real!
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 7, 2024 9:33:56 GMT -6
Those are to-buy, though - not a true demo that can be automatically returned. My Sweetwater dude fights like crazy to not let me return anything. I stopped buying from them as a result. Yeah. I just returned a stream deck and an SPL Big. Need to keep something again before I return. Warning! Don’t watch Colt Capperunes latest video!😆
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 7, 2024 9:32:25 GMT -6
Cool, this is really helpful - so the ones that have the "192" on the left edge of the front faceplate are 1 gen older than the ones that just say "Avid" in that spot? Is that right? Yes. AVID for newer, 192 for older. Also you can tell by the color. The older 192's have a silver-ish faceplate. The HD's are darker grey. That clarifies everything! Thanks DrBill
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 7, 2024 9:21:41 GMT -6
I don’t honestly get into the cork sniffing converter thing. There isn’t anything wrong with the newest Hd I/o 16 x 16 box. You’d have no problem making things sound great with it. I don’t have an issue with most converters - but I thought k remembered people specifically saying those old HD units sounded bad. Not if you get the Mutt Lange upgrade from BLA! Not sure what that costs though. Probably better just to go to the newer HD boxes? I’m confused when it comes to HD boxes, not sure what is the older from the newer? Is it the color? Didn’t Euphonix do the converters? Or was that the older boxes? Now I’m really confused. This was something I was going to nail down before upgrading into an HDX system. I like the idea of using my Dangerous Converts going out AES and running the Bricasti M7 on AES as well👍🏻
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Post by guitfiddler on Mar 7, 2024 9:20:02 GMT -6
Those are to-buy, though - not a true demo that can be automatically returned. My Sweetwater dude fights like crazy to not let me return anything. I stopped buying from them as a result. That’s a shame, I thought since they are used anyway, it would be encouraged to send them out as demos to try. Maybe that’s too logical, what do I know…
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