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Post by raddistribution on Jun 26, 2020 6:52:37 GMT -6
Introducing the Baby RAM: a boutique, passive-circuit monitor controller inspired by classic European console designs. Baby RAM is the ultimate controller for total transparency — a zero-compromise signal path, paired with a simplified control set keeps both your monitors and your ears where you need them. Baby RAM features a 4 gang, 24 step rotary switch for volume as opposed to cheaper stereo potentiometers, which means the precision of your stereo signal is perfect on every position! Baby RAM also has no insertion loss, meaning that there’s no extra coloration or signal loss at any settings. Baby RAM might pack a zero-compromise circuit design, but it couldn’t be any easier to use: 2 stereo -pair inputs and outputs — both balanced and ground free (unbalanced compatible) on gold plated TRS jacks, and Mute, Dim, Mono, and Volume monitoring controls make Baby RAM a breeze to work with. And with it’s passive design, it also means you have no concerns with bad power supplies, as no supply is needed! Baby RAM is built with the most cutting edge methods in manufacturing and design, without ever compromising audio quality or cutting corners. Price: $179 |
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Post by the other mark williams on Jun 26, 2020 10:24:30 GMT -6
Holy shit, man. How are they hitting that price point?? They say it’s not a stereo potentiometer, but they don’t say it's a ladder stepped attenuator, either, unless I missed that. I’ve looked at Goldpoint units at various points over the years, but always felt it wasn’t quite worth it to me. I wonder how this thing actually sounds and what kind of crosstalk or drift it has.
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Post by tasteliketape on Jun 26, 2020 10:38:06 GMT -6
I have a Drawmer CMC2 that’s been a PIA from the start .
It’s been back to the factory twice and still have issues.
This looks like maybe a good replacement.
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Post by Johnkenn on Jun 26, 2020 11:45:37 GMT -6
This might be in my future.
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Post by the other mark williams on Jun 26, 2020 12:00:54 GMT -6
I always thought the RAM 2000 looked good. But I’m *really* curious about this one.
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Post by professorplum on Jun 27, 2020 17:13:43 GMT -6
Amazed that they can hit that price point. Would love to hear some feedback on this once its out
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Post by svart on Jun 27, 2020 17:50:26 GMT -6
Holy shit, man. How are they hitting that price point?? They say it’s not a stereo potentiometer, but they don’t say it's a ladder stepped attenuator, either, unless I missed that. I’ve looked at Goldpoint units at various points over the years, but always felt it wasn’t quite worth it to me. I wonder how this thing actually sounds and what kind of crosstalk or drift it has. The post says it's a 24 position rotary switch, so it can't be anything else but a stepped attenuator unless it just controls some kind of variable gain amplifier, but since it's unpowered, it has to be a stepped attenuator. |
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Post by Guitar on Jun 28, 2020 13:37:11 GMT -6
Maybe they use some surface mount components to reduce build time? It would be fun to open one of these up and have a look.
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Post by svart on Jun 28, 2020 13:39:28 GMT -6
Maybe they use some surface mount components to reduce build time? It would be fun to open one of these up and have a look. That's almost a guarantee that they did. No way to make that thing for so cheap if someone made it by hand. |
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Post by the other mark williams on Jun 28, 2020 14:13:06 GMT -6
Maybe they use some surface mount components to reduce build time? It would be fun to open one of these up and have a look. That's almost a guarantee that they did. No way to make that thing for so cheap if someone made it by hand. My understanding is that in many cases, using surface mount components/technology is not necessarily considered a bad thing - I particularly remember a discussion around here with Brad from LTL about this topic. In the case of something like this "Baby RAM," described in the press release as a "4-gang, 24 position rotary switch," would you personally consider surface mount to be a compromised design, svart? Genuinely curious to hear your thoughts, as well as others like EmRR and matt@IAA. My own knowledge of these kinds of things is lacking. |
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Post by EmRR on Jun 28, 2020 14:16:16 GMT -6
It's a design decision, like anything. Depends on if it's a good decision! Depends on the goals.
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Post by Guitar on Jun 28, 2020 14:19:36 GMT -6
That's almost a guarantee that they did. No way to make that thing for so cheap if someone made it by hand. My understanding is that in many cases, using surface mount components/technology is not necessarily considered a bad thing - I particularly remember a discussion around here with Brad from LTL about this topic. In the case of something like this "Baby RAM," described in the press release as a "4-gang, 24 position rotary switch," would you personally consider surface mount to be a compromised design, svart ? Genuinely curious to hear your thoughts, as well as others like EmRR and matt@IAA . My own knowledge of these kinds of things is lacking. It's probably just a bunch of resistors. I don't really see why they would be much different from through hole resistors. |
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Post by svart on Jun 28, 2020 14:51:54 GMT -6
That's almost a guarantee that they did. No way to make that thing for so cheap if someone made it by hand. My understanding is that in many cases, using surface mount components/technology is not necessarily considered a bad thing - I particularly remember a discussion around here with Brad from LTL about this topic. In the case of something like this "Baby RAM," described in the press release as a "4-gang, 24 position rotary switch," would you personally consider surface mount to be a compromised design, svart? Genuinely curious to hear your thoughts, as well as others like EmRR and matt@IAA. My own knowledge of these kinds of things is lacking. Sonically, there is zero functional difference between surface mount and through-hole resistors. Some will try to argue about lead inductance and all this other academic stuff, but the truth is that at audio frequencies it's so miniscule it can be ignored. Mechanically, the boards shouldn't be flexing, so there should be no reason for the surface mount components to come loose. If they do, it's a design error, not a problem with smd parts. I wouldn't worry. |
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Post by tasteliketape on Jun 28, 2020 15:47:35 GMT -6
There are some preorder on Reverb.com showing delivery end of August.
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Post by sirthought on Jun 29, 2020 3:56:36 GMT -6
I think this would be a winner for many folks at this price. It's just going to depend on how well that attenuator lasts.
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Post by the other mark williams on Jun 29, 2020 7:46:18 GMT -6
I think this would be a winner for many folks at this price. It's just going to depend on how well that attenuator lasts. And how well it's matched L/R, and if there's any crosstalk. |
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Post by raddistribution on Jun 29, 2020 8:10:09 GMT -6
matching is sub-tenth of a dB precision in each position
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Post by LesC on Jun 29, 2020 14:53:06 GMT -6
I probably missed it, but are the two input and output buttons radio buttons or can they be used for two simultaneous inputs and/or two sets of speakers? For example, my Focal Shape 50's on output 1 and my 2 subs on output 2, so I can switch between using or not using the subs?
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Post by the other mark williams on Jun 29, 2020 16:03:04 GMT -6
I probably missed it, but are the two input and output buttons radio buttons or can they be used for two simultaneous inputs and/or two sets of speakers? For example, my Focal Shape 50's on output 1 and my 2 subs on output 2, so I can switch between using or not using the subs? good question. Paging raddistribution |
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Post by LesC on Jun 29, 2020 16:27:44 GMT -6
The only other thing I would have liked to see is a phase button, so it could go into mono with left and right out of phase.
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Post by tkaitkai on Jun 29, 2020 17:42:11 GMT -6
Awesome. I've been considering getting a TB or USB card for my Aurora and only using my Apollo for the plugs... this might be exactly what I need in the near future.
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Post by peterhess on Jun 29, 2020 17:48:11 GMT -6
Likely a dumb question, but what would be the best way to route output 2 on this to a single, balanced mono input (powered Avantone)?
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Post by Guitar on Jun 29, 2020 18:13:04 GMT -6
Likely a dumb question, but what would be the best way to route output 2 on this to a single, balanced mono input (powered Avantone)? I think you can add a few resistors to a reverse Y cable and make a little summing cable, with whatever connectors you need on each end. There are schematics out there if you google around. |
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Post by raddistribution on Jun 29, 2020 19:28:16 GMT -6
I probably missed it, but are the two input and output buttons radio buttons or can they be used for two simultaneous inputs and/or two sets of speakers? For example, my Focal Shape 50's on output 1 and my 2 subs on output 2, so I can switch between using or not using the subs? good question. Paging raddistribution no clue, the switches used are similar to those of an 1176 where engaging one switch disengages the other one. this is to make sure that you dont get weird loading issues between devices. i have a baby ram on my desk and have the sneaking suspicion that you can "all buttons in" these switches to get both to work at the same time. ill test first thing in the morning. |
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Post by raddistribution on Jun 29, 2020 19:31:17 GMT -6
Likely a dumb question, but what would be the best way to route output 2 on this to a single, balanced mono input (powered Avantone)? use a single 1/4" trs to xlrm cable out of the left output and use the mono switch. We have seen a few different types of adaptor cables and summing network adaptors used in the past and they almost always over complicate things when a single cable and mono switch will do. |
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