|
|
Post by drbill on Dec 10, 2022 17:48:25 GMT -6
So I'm trying to figure out the slots. There are three?? One is the stereo slot taken up by the SSL buss (which comes with the unit), and it has a mix knob. The other are mono, dedicated to each channel, and are delivered empty in the stock unit. If I'm on the right track, how are the two mono units controlled? The simple schematic at the bottom of the Mk2 page on the LTL site labels the C-Drive knob as controlling "Plugin Slots." Does this mean that all three slots all linked to the C-DRV knob? Are they also linked to the C-MIX knob? Just making sure, Is the 'dual slot' you speak of the slot that the SSL buss sits in? I'd want to remove it in order to use the LTL mojo amps coming in the future, right? Thanks! No Noooooooo....  Hope this clears things up M57 ! If not, fire away again, and I will answer any questions you might have. First - there is nothing mono on the SB. It's a dedicated stereo box from input to output. You CAN use it in mono by using L or R individually, or if you are really tricky - L as one mono source and R as a second mono source, but you would be gaming the system as all the controls still operate in stereo. It's a stereo box. Pure and simple. Although not really on point - there are 3 stereo "slots" as we have made the unit more modular for easy field servicing. (Good for everybody - especially on other sides of the world) Slot A is and has been the A (api) stereo mojo amp. Slot N is and has been the N (Neve) stereo mojo amp. Slot C is new to mk2 and is user configurable and will take a pair of any properly spec'd mono (they are all mono) Colour modules to make a stereo pair or 1 LTL stereo mojo amp that are in development now or in the future. It ships with (2) LTL Hitmaker 4000 (ssl) colour modules which are a legit clone of a 1980's 4000 master section. The controls for A and N are identical - Gain (or you might like to think of it as input, or drive) and Output (which you might think of like the master output knob on a guitar amp - it attenuates). The controls for the C Mojo amp are different. You have a C-Drv control which both drives the input of the amp, while at the same time turning DOWN the output of the amp allowing (essentially) a more harmonically saturated sound while turning it up, but keeping the signal at unity. One of many of Brad's tricky little touches. Essentially you can push hard, but still maintain unity. A nice touch that not many companies are doing. Then, also on the C amp you have C-Mix - which is a wet/dry blend of the C signal. This thing is a tone / gain staging monster and could have gotten out of control without some intelligent work under the hood by Brad, but if you keep the A&N tone amps at mirror image (9:00-3:00, 7:00-5:00, 12:00-12:00, etc.), you will always have unity throughout the many stages of the unit - even with C and other circuitry engaged. You do have the opportunity to break those rules though.... A and N slots will always have the A and N mojo amps. The C Colour / LTL Mojo Amp expansion slot can hose EITHER (2) Colour modules, or (1) LTL Mojo Amp and is planned for current and future expansion opportunities. For complete signal flow, cascading topologies, design philosophy, user application notes, etc... : cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0574/4353/files/LTL_Silver_Bullet_Mk2_User_Manual_Rev2.pdf?v=1665428559Also - great news guys - esp. Chad - we hope to clear the pre-sale waiting list by late this year or very early next - eliminating the un-defined wait time we've had for quite awhile!!! We're making good headway! |
|
|
|
Post by indiehouse on Dec 10, 2022 18:40:13 GMT -6
One important thing that I can add. Customer support is excellent. I had a slight problem with mine. Brad and Deegan were responsive, helped me troubleshoot to pinpoint the problem. They sent the replacement part and I was able to swap it in myself in a matter of minutes. This was a year after purchase. This is Great River level of support, versus some other builders that barely respond to email, let alone get any kind of support. Lynx charged me $150 plus shipping to fix their busted headphone amp in my Aurora (n). And my ongoing issue with a noisy tube mic.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blackdawg on Dec 10, 2022 19:15:01 GMT -6
] If you are truly interested, I'd highly encourage mixing "into" it - not not just dropping a finalized mix "thru" it post mix. This is super true. Although I think it's great for mastering stereo mixes through. But mixing into really let's it shine. Someday an MK2 will be in my desk too. But I'm never getting rid of my mk1 |
|
|
|
Post by gwlee7 on Dec 10, 2022 20:08:53 GMT -6
Chad reread your post. Help me understand if you don’t mind… So you and your son “mixed” into the SB at first to get an idea of the overall sound and then reamped the individual tracks individually through the SB. Is that the basic process?
|
|
|
|
Post by Chad on Dec 10, 2022 21:13:12 GMT -6
Chad reread your post. Help me understand if you don’t mind… So you and your son “mixed” into the SB at first to get an idea of the overall sound and then reamped the individual tracks individually through the SB. Is that the basic process? Yep! This song was in process in Logic, and we hooked up my SB just to try it out (I had just purchased it used), and it was so easy to start getting it to feel just right, so I patched in the comps and then we started testing it on individual tracks by re-amping. (Actually, tried the Neve 542’s before the SB, but they were so so thick and more difficult to shape the low end). |
|
ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 16,099 
Member is Online
|
Post by ericn on Dec 10, 2022 22:43:06 GMT -6
Chad reread your post. Help me understand if you don’t mind… So you and your son “mixed” into the SB at first to get an idea of the overall sound and then reamped the individual tracks individually through the SB. Is that the basic process? Yep! This song was in process in Logic, and we hooked up my SB just to try it out (I had just purchased it used), and it was so easy to start getting it to feel just right, so I patched in the comps and then we started testing it on individual tracks by re-amping. (Actually, tried the Neve 542’s before the SB, but they were so so thick and more difficult to shape the low end). Chad my friend you know why I keep saying the SB, if I we’re still pimping ( and no Bill and company have not comped me) should carry the tag of “ baby’s first out board”😎 |
|
|
|
Post by gwlee7 on Dec 10, 2022 22:45:55 GMT -6
Chad reread your post. Help me understand if you don’t mind… So you and your son “mixed” into the SB at first to get an idea of the overall sound and then reamped the individual tracks individually through the SB. Is that the basic process? Yep! This song was in process in Logic, and we hooked up my SB just to try it out (I had just purchased it used), and it was so easy to start getting it to feel just right, so I patched in the comps and then we started testing it on individual tracks by re-amping. (Actually, tried the Neve 542’s before the SB, but they were so so thick and more difficult to shape the low end). Okay that makes perfect sense and what I am going to start doing more with mine. I have kept mine parked on the mix bus for doing rough mixes and track through my Dakings. I don’t do my own final mixes. However, reamping individual tracks with the SB will still be a good things to add some more “polish”. |
|
|
|
Post by nick8801 on Dec 11, 2022 6:22:41 GMT -6
One important thing that I can add. Customer support is excellent. I had a slight problem with mine. Brad and Deegan were responsive, helped me troubleshoot to pinpoint the problem. They sent the replacement part and I was able to swap it in myself in a matter of minutes. This was a year after purchase. This is Great River level of support, versus some other builders that barely respond to email, let alone get any kind of support. Lynx charged me $150 plus shipping to fix their busted headphone amp in my Aurora (n). And my ongoing issue with a noisy tube mic. Not to derail this thread, but my Lynx had the same issue. Apparently they had some bad boards on a particular production run. They were going to charge me as well, but I ended up putting some pres in my unit, so they fixed the headphone amps for free, but still…I love Lynx and I think they should have just taken care of the headphone thing without charging. |
|
|
|
Post by Chad on Dec 11, 2022 9:28:30 GMT -6
Yep! This song was in process in Logic, and we hooked up my SB just to try it out (I had just purchased it used), and it was so easy to start getting it to feel just right, so I patched in the comps and then we started testing it on individual tracks by re-amping. (Actually, tried the Neve 542’s before the SB, but they were so so thick and more difficult to shape the low end). Chad my friend you know why I keep saying the SB, if I we’re still pimping ( and no Bill and company have not comped me) should carry the tag of “ baby’s first out board”😎 Exactly!! 😂 |
|
|
|
Post by indiehouse on Dec 11, 2022 9:35:42 GMT -6
One important thing that I can add. Customer support is excellent. I had a slight problem with mine. Brad and Deegan were responsive, helped me troubleshoot to pinpoint the problem. They sent the replacement part and I was able to swap it in myself in a matter of minutes. This was a year after purchase. This is Great River level of support, versus some other builders that barely respond to email, let alone get any kind of support. Lynx charged me $150 plus shipping to fix their busted headphone amp in my Aurora (n). And my ongoing issue with a noisy tube mic. Not to derail this thread, but my Lynx had the same issue. Apparently they had some bad boards on a particular production run. They were going to charge me as well, but I ended up putting some pres in my unit, so they fixed the headphone amps for free, but still…I love Lynx and I think they should have just taken care of the headphone thing without charging. Told me the same. The problem was on their end, but since it was out of warranty, they charged to fix it. They were going to charge more, but I was not happy, and they “graciously” lowered the price a bit, not much. |
|
|
|
Post by ab101 on Dec 11, 2022 11:19:44 GMT -6
Not to derail this thread, but my Lynx had the same issue. Apparently they had some bad boards on a particular production run. They were going to charge me as well, but I ended up putting some pres in my unit, so they fixed the headphone amps for free, but still…I love Lynx and I think they should have just taken care of the headphone thing without charging. Told me the same. The problem was on their end, but since it was out of warranty, they charged to fix it. They were going to charge more, but I was not happy, and they “graciously” lowered the price a bit, not much. I have used Lynx products since they came out with the Lynx One in 1998. Never had a problem with them and were always willing to talk things out with me and make sure I was happy. Maybe someone there was going through a rough time! Sometimes people have glitches. Sorry your experience was not better. |
|
|
|
Post by OtisGreying on Dec 15, 2022 3:10:58 GMT -6
Not to derail this thread, but my Lynx had the same issue. Apparently they had some bad boards on a particular production run. They were going to charge me as well, but I ended up putting some pres in my unit, so they fixed the headphone amps for free, but still…I love Lynx and I think they should have just taken care of the headphone thing without charging. Told me the same. The problem was on their end, but since it was out of warranty, they charged to fix it. They were going to charge more, but I was not happy, and they “graciously” lowered the price a bit, not much. Ha! My aurora has the same problem. F***ing thing hurts my ears so bad with this terrible noise whenever I move the volume knob on either headphone amp. Other than that love my Lynx, but man the headphone amp has pissed me off quite a few times, in terms of replacing the part yourself what did you have to do? Wondering if I can do the replacement myself as well. |
|
|
|
Post by indiehouse on Dec 15, 2022 6:44:49 GMT -6
Told me the same. The problem was on their end, but since it was out of warranty, they charged to fix it. They were going to charge more, but I was not happy, and they “graciously” lowered the price a bit, not much. Ha! My aurora has the same problem. F***ing thing hurts my ears so bad with this terrible noise whenever I move the volume knob on either headphone amp. Other than that love my Lynx, but man the headphone amp has pissed me off quite a few times, in terms of replacing the part yourself what did you have to do? Wondering if I can do the replacement myself as well. Exactly. Sounded like a scratchy pot blasted at full volume. Murdered my ears several times. They wouldn’t let me fix it myself. Had to send it in, shipping on my dime both ways. |
|
|
|
Post by kcatthedog on Dec 15, 2022 7:35:21 GMT -6
Drag !
|
|
|
|
Post by ragan on Dec 15, 2022 8:42:02 GMT -6
Yikes re: Lynx. No thank you.
|
|
|
|
Post by kcatthedog on Dec 15, 2022 9:02:54 GMT -6
Fingers crossed: just hilo ?
|
|
|
|
Post by Chad on Oct 2, 2023 22:14:15 GMT -6
drbill Bill, :-) Thanks for bringing this up! I was super pleased with how the Silver Bullet MK1 worked in vocal recording as well as prepping each track and running the SB on the mixbus for my son’s single he and I worked on together the last few weeks. And, of course, drsax (Darren) did an outstanding performance on the track! Rather than wait until it’s posted on Spotify, I’m going to just add a link right here of the final master which features the silver bullet on several individual tracks, plus the mixbus: spotify.link/cv8wdkepADb👆🏼 Sometime in the future, I will replace this link with the streaming link, but for now, I don’t want to keep putting this off. It’s been mentioned by a couple of guys now, and I think Darren‘s performance alone deserves the attention!! PS: And, yes, I now have a SB MK2 on order. ================================================================ Production Notes:My son wrote/programmed the song on an iMac, using Logic Pro. For this single, this is a list of the main pieces of hardware I brought in: - MOTU M4 interface
- Louder than Liftoff Silver Bullet MKI
- Heritage Audio OST-4 v2 with these modules:
- Rupert Neve Designs 535 Diode Bridge Comps (x2 - for mixbus / mastering along with Silver Bullet)
- Serpent Audio Splice 500
- Tegeler Audio Vocal Leveler 500 Opto Comp (THIS is amazing!)
- United Studio Technologies Twin87 (U87 clone) – We both prefer this set to "Vintage" mode.
Prepping for Final mix:» PLEASE NOTE: Because of the simple setup, all re-amping of individual tracks included running through the Silver Bullet and then out of the SB's inserts to the various compressors. So, as I talk about hitting comps in the following bullets, it's understood that this always included the A » N mojo setting on the Silver Bullet. » I ran the Kick & Snare out through the 535 for added "punch" » Then sent his lead vocal out through the Serpent Audio Splice into the Tegeler Vocal Leveler Opto, both only hitting around 3-4 dB to just smooth things out, using the Black (D) circuit instead of Blue Stripe » Also sent the Bass out to the Splice using the Blue Stripe mode, just because it sounded great. » Got a rough mix completed & emailed it over to drsax Darren. » A few days later, drsax Darren gave me then two files: A) Dry sax running through his Chandler Redd mic; B) His Effects send without the dry signal so we could mix the reverb/delays to taste. » For the final mix, we ran everything out through the Silver Bullet (Driving A into N on the "MOJO" circuit), using the pair of RND 535's set to "Auto / Fast" on the SB's inserts, in order to make it punchy and to take the place of where I'd normally want to reach for an SSL VCA comp – Honestly, I like the 535's better than a VCA! On the EQ setting of the Silver Bullet, we had the "Punch" turned off; On the EQ, the LF knob was at "0", HF knob was set to "Presence" mode, and boosting to about to the second line/marker (about 2 o'clock). My son finally released his song, featuring drsax: spotify.link/cv8wdkepADb |
|
|
|
Post by thehightenor on Oct 3, 2023 0:39:33 GMT -6
I listen to the link, it’s a nice tune, really nice atmosphere.
But after verse 1 it had the tingling anticipation the singer was going to flip up to the next octave and tear at my heart strings - I was kinda disappointed it didn’t happen, it was screaming out for it - I thought it was the reason the vocal was started in a low tessitura.
Lovely atmosphere though - well done.
|
|
|
|
Post by ragan on Oct 3, 2023 10:43:54 GMT -6
drbill Bill, :-) Thanks for bringing this up! I was super pleased with how the Silver Bullet MK1 worked in vocal recording as well as prepping each track and running the SB on the mixbus for my son’s single he and I worked on together the last few weeks. And, of course, drsax (Darren) did an outstanding performance on the track! Rather than wait until it’s posted on Spotify, I’m going to just add a link right here of the final master which features the silver bullet on several individual tracks, plus the mixbus: spotify.link/cv8wdkepADb👆🏼 Sometime in the future, I will replace this link with the streaming link, but for now, I don’t want to keep putting this off. It’s been mentioned by a couple of guys now, and I think Darren‘s performance alone deserves the attention!! PS: And, yes, I now have a SB MK2 on order. ================================================================ Production Notes:My son wrote/programmed the song on an iMac, using Logic Pro. For this single, this is a list of the main pieces of hardware I brought in: - MOTU M4 interface
- Louder than Liftoff Silver Bullet MKI
- Heritage Audio OST-4 v2 with these modules:
- Rupert Neve Designs 535 Diode Bridge Comps (x2 - for mixbus / mastering along with Silver Bullet)
- Serpent Audio Splice 500
- Tegeler Audio Vocal Leveler 500 Opto Comp (THIS is amazing!)
- United Studio Technologies Twin87 (U87 clone) – We both prefer this set to "Vintage" mode.
Prepping for Final mix:» PLEASE NOTE: Because of the simple setup, all re-amping of individual tracks included running through the Silver Bullet and then out of the SB's inserts to the various compressors. So, as I talk about hitting comps in the following bullets, it's understood that this always included the A » N mojo setting on the Silver Bullet. » I ran the Kick & Snare out through the 535 for added "punch" » Then sent his lead vocal out through the Serpent Audio Splice into the Tegeler Vocal Leveler Opto, both only hitting around 3-4 dB to just smooth things out, using the Black (D) circuit instead of Blue Stripe » Also sent the Bass out to the Splice using the Blue Stripe mode, just because it sounded great. » Got a rough mix completed & emailed it over to drsax Darren. » A few days later, drsax Darren gave me then two files: A) Dry sax running through his Chandler Redd mic; B) His Effects send without the dry signal so we could mix the reverb/delays to taste. » For the final mix, we ran everything out through the Silver Bullet (Driving A into N on the "MOJO" circuit), using the pair of RND 535's set to "Auto / Fast" on the SB's inserts, in order to make it punchy and to take the place of where I'd normally want to reach for an SSL VCA comp – Honestly, I like the 535's better than a VCA! On the EQ setting of the Silver Bullet, we had the "Punch" turned off; On the EQ, the LF knob was at "0", HF knob was set to "Presence" mode, and boosting to about to the second line/marker (about 2 o'clock). My son finally released his song, featuring drsax : spotify.link/cv8wdkepADbSounds great Chad and drsax |
|
|
|
Post by notneeson on Oct 3, 2023 11:00:55 GMT -6
Someone was asking about using the SB in mono.
Dr. Bill touched on this but here’s something I’ve come to realize on that subject.
First, it’s pretty much a non issue for me to start with. I’m doing 1 mic overdubs in my spot for 90% of tracking.
But also, I have my Stam VCA comp on insert a lot of the time.
I tend to use the make up gain on the Stam to trim the overall gain from time to time once I have already got the mojo section in a pretty
good place (the cascading gain feature is the tweakiest part of the box, but it’s also a super power). I like to undershoot on saturation, get it to bloom and pull back a hair for clarity.
So anyway, I sometimes day dream of replacing the Stam with a Smart C2 because the Smart is a little more fun and feature rich (they have them at a couple places I have worked as a freelancer).
Anyway, it occurred to me that the duo mono controls on the Smart would add (within limits) functionality to the SB by adding some measure of separate control over R and L gain structure at the insert level.
You could also do this a pair or mono comps on insert.
I need to experiment with it, like a great use of my 2 Aphex 651s given how transparent they can be.
Or maybe I’ll spring for a Smart. We will see. Kinda want a Sta Level or 176 though…
|
|
|
|
Post by mike on Oct 3, 2023 11:43:08 GMT -6
Nice!, Sounds great Chad and drsax, keep up the good work! |
|
