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Post by Locomotive Audio on Jun 3, 2022 13:01:17 GMT -6
Hey Friends! I'm very happy to announce that the Copperline is finally being released during NAMM and available to view at www.locomotiveaudio.com/copperline Please check out the website. Co-Inventer Will Edwards of Copperline Ranch and I are both very excited for this product and think it will be a useful set of tools for almost any recording studio in the world!    |
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Post by drbill on Jun 4, 2022 10:43:48 GMT -6
Nice Eric!!! Glad to see this finally hitting the streets! It looks absolutely beautiful! Congrats / Kudos!
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Post by deaconblues on Jun 4, 2022 15:10:18 GMT -6
Hey Friends! I'm very happy to announce that the Copperline is finally being released during NAMM and available to view at www.locomotiveaudio.com/copperline Please check out the website. Really interesting piece of gear. Classy looking meters also. I’m curious if you have experimented with starving the phantom power to an active DI. I’d also dig hearing samples of dynamics or ribbons with inline signal boosters. |
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Post by Locomotive Audio on Jun 4, 2022 19:04:52 GMT -6
Thanks so much guys... This is definitely a different product and some may not understand why they need it, but I think it would be useful for a lot of engineers because it can solve a lot of problems without too much sweat. I do think the variable voltage phantom section is not going to be for everyone, but I also know that there are many engineers to will find it to be a fun way of getting different sounds out of their mics. Not all mics will react the same way and not all mics will do anything. In fact, we tried out a Shure SM81 (If I remember correctly) and it was like - PERFECTLY GOOD - down to 2 volts. HOW? Must have had an amazing stepup converter and low current needs. But I can definitely say that every Fet 47 style(including original), will do some really cool things when dropping the voltage. The Copperline and a FET 47 are a match made in Heaven.
In terms of the current crop of inline boosters (cloudlifters, mogaine, fethead, soyuz launcher), hell yeah, this is something to experiment with. I'll get a few to the studio and check them out and get some more info to you soon. Active Fet DIs, I'm sure will do some interesting things as well.
I've been through so many iterations of the Copperline design and have finally realized that being able to zero in on a very specific voltage for phantom and getting the mic right to the edge of turning off is the most effective use of the idea. Each mic is different for sure. The United Fet 47 is WAY different than the Wunder Audio CM7 FET.... Must not have the same FETS or be biased the same way. Not sure! But this is what is so fun about it. We found two different mics that were based on the same vintage design that react completely different from each other!
So, with the DI, I'm sure it'll be the same. Drop that voltage right to the edge of it turning off and see what happens. We are going to learn a lot in the next year or so. I aim to give customers some sort of incentive to send audio samples of mics that we don't currently have on the website... coupon codes, money back, etc. Not sure yet. Should be fun to get the community involved. :-)
Thanks for the interest,
-Eric
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Post by deaconblues on Jun 5, 2022 5:15:48 GMT -6
Hey Eric, thanks for this. I'm definitely intrigued. I've had pretty good results doing these sorts of things with pedals, and I can imagine there are lots of similarly cool sounds waiting to be found with this. I'll keep an eye out for the pre-order. Peace!
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Post by jhsmastering on Jun 5, 2022 5:35:16 GMT -6
So...is this a preamp, or would you need a pre after this? Kinda confused about that, sorry! Looks like a really cool piece!
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Post by Locomotive Audio on Jun 5, 2022 7:34:22 GMT -6
So...is this a preamp, or would you need a pre after this? Kinda confused about that, sorry! Looks like a really cool piece! This is a utility unit meant to be used between devices (mic and mic preamp or between two line level devices). It would be for studios that want to consolidate all of their XLR inline barrel connectors (pads/hpf/etc) and high quality phantom power for their pres that don't have phantom. Here's a little scenario:  |
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Post by jhsmastering on Jun 6, 2022 5:53:18 GMT -6
Ah...makes total sense now, thanks so much!
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Post by Tbone81 on Jun 6, 2022 8:00:38 GMT -6
So...is this a preamp, or would you need a pre after this? Kinda confused about that, sorry! Looks like a really cool piece! This is a utility unit meant to be used between devices (mic and mic preamp or between two line level devices). It would be for studios that want to consolidate all of their XLR inline barrel connectors (pads/hpf/etc) and high quality phantom power for their pres that don't have phantom. Here's a little scenario: It seems obvious now that you said it, but I was also confused...thought it was a pre and could be used as a swiss army knife also. Must not of had my coffee when I looked at it the first time lol. Though if two of us were confused I'd assume others are too. Now that I "get it" I want one...just cant really justify it. Looks great though. |
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Post by Locomotive Audio on Jun 6, 2022 9:12:06 GMT -6
Thanks for your responses guys. All good feedback and this is definitely extremely helpful as the website needs to be updated making it more clear that this is NOT a preamp. Maybe that should be the first line, haha! And im not kidding! Regarding pricing, I don't yet have the final cost of the parts, and also the reason for not starting sales just yet. Therefore, pricing may be the same or a bit lower, especially for first adopters. My hope is that I have final cost of goods and all parts on order within the next two weeks.
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Post by enlav on Sept 26, 2023 11:08:35 GMT -6
Just a feeler to see if anyone ended up getting one of these.
The more I've been using outboard gear during tracking and mixdown in my setup, the more I've started to realize things like the variable pad would be really beneficial. I'm using some whirlwind IMP pads on the output of various compressors when I'm intentionally PUSHING them, but it's kind of a pain in my current setup to go to the back of the rack, and add it or change out pads when the need calls for it. Having a Copperline in the patch bay seems more beneficial in terms of time/convenience.
How is the "Vintage resistance" switch faring with anyone? Using some of the Audioscape and Stam stuff, I haven't really had an issue whether it's used as inserts off the Aurora(n) or as part of my recording chain, but if it leads to a change of tone in a patch-friendly solution, it might be worth investigating for myself.
Similarly, anyone digging the variable phantom power?
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Sept 26, 2023 12:30:57 GMT -6
Just a feeler to see if anyone ended up getting one of these. The more I've been using outboard gear during tracking and mixdown in my setup, the more I've started to realize things like the variable pad would be really beneficial. I'm using some whirlwind IMP pads on the output of various compressors when I'm intentionally PUSHING them, but it's kind of a pain in my current setup to go to the back of the rack, and add it or change out pads when the need calls for it. Having a Copperline in the patch bay seems more beneficial in terms of time/convenience. How is the "Vintage resistance" switch faring with anyone? Using some of the Audioscape and Stam stuff, I haven't really had an issue whether it's used as inserts off the Aurora(n) or as part of my recording chain, but if it leads to a change of tone in a patch-friendly solution, it might be worth investigating for myself. Similarly, anyone digging the variable phantom power? I don’t know if anyone has one but honestly the biggest competition for this is a well laid out patchbay for what you need. |
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Post by enlav on Sept 26, 2023 12:48:09 GMT -6
I don’t know if anyone has one but honestly the biggest competition for this is a well laid out patchbay for what you need. Just to make sure I'm following, a patchbay with the whirlwind IMP pads wired in? Huh, it wouldn't cost anything additional to what I already have. I'm not sure why the thought didn't cross my mind, thanks. I had, at one point, cables running from behind the rack up and on my desk, so it was in arm's reach to bypass it when I needed to, but it was such an eye sore. Just patching a few cables there would be far neater.
It doesn't completely alleviate my interest in the Copperline though!
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Post by phdamage on Sept 26, 2023 14:17:38 GMT -6
Just a feeler to see if anyone ended up getting one of these. The more I've been using outboard gear during tracking and mixdown in my setup, the more I've started to realize things like the variable pad would be really beneficial. I'm using some whirlwind IMP pads on the output of various compressors when I'm intentionally PUSHING them, but it's kind of a pain in my current setup to go to the back of the rack, and add it or change out pads when the need calls for it. Having a Copperline in the patch bay seems more beneficial in terms of time/convenience. How is the "Vintage resistance" switch faring with anyone? Using some of the Audioscape and Stam stuff, I haven't really had an issue whether it's used as inserts off the Aurora(n) or as part of my recording chain, but if it leads to a change of tone in a patch-friendly solution, it might be worth investigating for myself. Similarly, anyone digging the variable phantom power? Would the Little Labs 8810U8RS help? I've found it invaluable for me at times - admittedly mostly getting mic pre outputs back down to earth. |
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Post by enlav on Sept 26, 2023 14:45:59 GMT -6
Would the Little Labs 8810U8RS help? I've found it invaluable for me at times - admittedly mostly getting mic pre outputs back down to earth. Wow, didn't know about this little box. Thanks for the heads up! Enough channels and then some for my purposes - gives me some interesting options looking forward. |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Sept 26, 2023 14:55:57 GMT -6
I don’t know if anyone has one but honestly the biggest competition for this is a well laid out patchbay for what you need. Just to make sure I'm following, a patchbay with the whirlwind IMP pads wired in? Huh, it wouldn't cost anything additional to what I already have. I'm not sure why the thought didn't cross my mind, thanks. I had, at one point, cables running from behind the rack up and on my desk, so it was in arm's reach to bypass it when I needed to, but it was such an eye sore. Just patching a few cables there would be far neater.
It doesn't completely alleviate my interest in the Copperline though!
While the little labs box is awesome, ok everything Jonathan Little makes is awesome, a decent patchbay is a great place to start DIY’ing. Pads phase reverse are really simple projects as well as some mults and a couple of transformer splitters. |
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Post by Ward on Sept 28, 2023 11:00:07 GMT -6
IN my recent post(s) on the Coil Audio thread about phantom power, the Copperline™ completely slipped m mind. Now I'm curious again . . . as having 1-4 copper lines in the main live room before snaking back to the patchbay in the control room could prove useful and interesting!
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Post by andersmv on Sept 28, 2023 15:43:49 GMT -6
Thanks for your responses guys. All good feedback and this is definitely extremely helpful as the website needs to be updated making it more clear that this is NOT a preamp. Maybe that should be the first line, haha! And im not kidding! Regarding pricing, I don't yet have the final cost of the parts, and also the reason for not starting sales just yet. Therefore, pricing may be the same or a bit lower, especially for first adopters. My hope is that I have final cost of goods and all parts on order within the next two weeks. Hey Eric. We talked a year or two back about having me review this for TapeOp, I got super busy and TapeOp got backed up with reviews. I’m still interested in checking this out, it seems like there’s a lot of interest in the Coil Audio phantom supply as well. I’ll shoot you an email, but maybe in a couple of week (when I’m not as swamped) you can send one over here and I’ll do a “phantom extravaganza” video on your unit and the Coil one for the MillSounds YouTube channel. I don’t think there’s going to be much overlap between the two products, they both do phantom power “better” but yours is going to appeal for a lot of different reasons with all the additional features. I think a lot of people will find it helpful, and I’m curious enough to try a bunch of fun stuff with them! |
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Post by Locomotive Audio on Oct 6, 2023 10:29:49 GMT -6
Thanks for your responses guys. All good feedback and this is definitely extremely helpful as the website needs to be updated making it more clear that this is NOT a preamp. Maybe that should be the first line, haha! And im not kidding! Regarding pricing, I don't yet have the final cost of the parts, and also the reason for not starting sales just yet. Therefore, pricing may be the same or a bit lower, especially for first adopters. My hope is that I have final cost of goods and all parts on order within the next two weeks. Hey Eric. We talked a year or two back about having me review this for TapeOp, I got super busy and TapeOp got backed up with reviews. I’m still interested in checking this out, it seems like there’s a lot of interest in the Coil Audio phantom supply as well. I’ll shoot you an email, but maybe in a couple of week (when I’m not as swamped) you can send one over here and I’ll do a “phantom extravaganza” video on your unit and the Coil one for the MillSounds YouTube channel. I don’t think there’s going to be much overlap between the two products, they both do phantom power “better” but yours is going to appeal for a lot of different reasons with all the additional features. I think a lot of people will find it helpful, and I’m curious enough to try a bunch of fun stuff with them! Awesome Matt! That would be fun for sure. Yeah, just get in contact with me via email or IG. ANNNNND here is something fun I just added to Instagram today. Check out what happens with mic boosters when phantom is varied via the Copperline.... www.instagram.com/reel/CyEEznLuMJa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== |
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Post by andersmv on Oct 6, 2023 12:32:55 GMT -6
Hey Eric. We talked a year or two back about having me review this for TapeOp, I got super busy and TapeOp got backed up with reviews. I’m still interested in checking this out, it seems like there’s a lot of interest in the Coil Audio phantom supply as well. I’ll shoot you an email, but maybe in a couple of week (when I’m not as swamped) you can send one over here and I’ll do a “phantom extravaganza” video on your unit and the Coil one for the MillSounds YouTube channel. I don’t think there’s going to be much overlap between the two products, they both do phantom power “better” but yours is going to appeal for a lot of different reasons with all the additional features. I think a lot of people will find it helpful, and I’m curious enough to try a bunch of fun stuff with them! Awesome Matt! That would be fun for sure. Yeah, just get in contact with me via email or IG. ANNNNND here is something fun I just added to Instagram today. Check out what happens with mic boosters when phantom is varied via the Copperline.... www.instagram.com/reel/CyEEznLuMJa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==That was a great idea! I love my Launchers, that will be another fun thing to play with. "Fun with Phantom"! |
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Post by deaconblues on Oct 7, 2023 8:56:30 GMT -6
That was a great idea! I love my Launchers, that will be another fun thing to play with. "Fun with Phantom"! Please try the Copperline with an active DI if you get a chance. 🙏 Looking forward to seeing more experiments. Thanks for doing them! |
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Post by Locomotive Audio on Oct 7, 2023 12:01:50 GMT -6
That was a great idea! I love my Launchers, that will be another fun thing to play with. "Fun with Phantom"! Please try the Copperline with an active DI if you get a chance. 🙏 Looking forward to seeing more experiments. Thanks for doing them! Cool idea... what are the most popular active DIs out there or the ones you prefer? Thanks! Eric |
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Post by deaconblues on Oct 7, 2023 13:39:09 GMT -6
RND DI and a Radial J48 are my preference.
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Post by andersmv on Oct 7, 2023 22:05:57 GMT -6
Seems like almost every studio I worked in around California had the Countryman 85’s.
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Post by andersmv on Aug 30, 2024 12:42:15 GMT -6
Just a heads up if anyone is interested... Eric finally got me a review unit, I'll be doing a video review on it. I've starting to do some messing around and getting to know it, trying a bunch of weird things. I'm open to suggestions if there's anything people are curious about. I've shot some video sweeping through the phantom power levels on a few different mics. I've got pairs of a few things, so next thing will be having a pair side by side so I can switch back and forth between one of them at normal 48v from the API console and the other at various voltage settings with the Copperline. Eric had mentioned that some mics take a little bit to settle at different phantom power settings, so I want to find some interesting settings with different mics, give them a minute or so to settle and then do some level matched comparisons with the same mic next to it.
I've already tried my Soyuz Launcher and Cloudlifter through it. The Cloudlifter was pretty boring, not really any useful changes other than the level dropping. I'll have to do some better level matched comparisons to be sure. The Launcher was much more interesting, especially jacking the voltage up. Turning it down gave some really gnarly fuzz sounds that might give some good results on aggressive drum room mics or a distortion mic.
Plenty of other fun things to try, and the thing is build like a tank.
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