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Post by copperx on Dec 17, 2022 15:27:30 GMT -6
So I heard the Silver Bullet and fell in love with the A > N processing, but spending $2-3k on one unit is a bit too much for me at the moment (apologies to DrBill).
I'm wondering whether chaining together 2 CAPI pres + 2 AML pres in line mode will achieve something similar. Sure, I'll be missing out on a lot of features of the Silver Bullet, but I'm mainly interested in the A > N magic.
Has anyone tried something similar?
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Post by drsax on Dec 17, 2022 16:49:41 GMT -6
With careful gainstaging, I’ll bet it would get get you somewhat in the ballpark of the Neve-API section. Lots of Nashville guys do this. And then when you can afford it, Silver Bullet would make it a lot easier, elegant, more flexible, and add the extra options including EQ’s inserts, filters, etc…
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Post by lpedrum on Dec 17, 2022 17:52:35 GMT -6
Sure. In essence the SB is emulating using preamps, albeit with added tonal/EQ features. I own the SB and its versatility and ease of use with multiple connections is what initially sold me. I also use it on drum overheads when recording. I honestly rarely use the combo of A and N with the Silver Bullet, and choose one or the other depending on the track. So if budget is the main issue I would suggest a pair of pres and some sort of outboard EQ if you don't have that. That would get you in the ballpark process-wise.
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kcatthedog
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Post by kcatthedog on Dec 18, 2022 9:14:14 GMT -6
Just curious if you have those pre already or were buying them ?
If buying, well on your way to buying a used SB .
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Post by drbill on Dec 18, 2022 13:28:36 GMT -6
So I heard the Silver Bullet and fell in love with the A > N processing, but spending $2-3k on one unit is a bit too much for me at the moment (apologies to DrBill). I'm wondering whether chaining together 2 CAPI pres + 2 AML pres in line mode will achieve something similar. Sure, I'll be missing out on a lot of features of the Silver Bullet, but I'm mainly interested in the A > N magic. Has anyone tried something similar? Yes. Many times for a decade or more. FYI : I started with 512B's then vp26's, then cascading into AML 1073's. Close to 15 years ago now I'd guess. I had API 512Bs initially, but those were close to unworkable for this application due to poor gain staging options, so I quickly moved to the vp26's, and eventually the vp28's - all into the AML's. I think I popularized that combo that many still use. At the point when I started - NOBODY - was doing it that I could find, and I think even Jeff thought that I was a little bit crazy. (Probably still does.) LOL Next step for me was vp28's which were better in the gain staging respect and they had filters - again into AML 1073's. Followed by Eisen LilPEQr's. That worked good too. It definitely had the mojo. The 28's were better than then 26's due to line inputs and active gain outputs - easier gain staging. And really, gain staging is critical to getting "in the zone". But honestly, it was kludgy at best cause none of these killer tools were designed to do what I wanted them to do. Using them make me go into a "set it and forget it" mode cause the gain staging had fairly big stepped jumps was not designed to do what I wanted it to do. To find my sweet spot for any particular song required a bunch of patching to try different things, and I was constantly losing focus. That's when I started brainstorming on what was to become the Silver Bullet. After meeting Brad McGowan and finding a kindred spirit - we set out to "solve a problem" that most people didn't even know they had. And I believe we did solve it. If you want a more in depth explanation, the opening section of the SB manual will explain a lot. I still have the API's, all the CAPI's and the AML 1073's and I use all of them - mostly when I'm tracking drums or full ensembles, but unless I needed 4 mono mic pre's - I'd easily sell them and buy a mk2. OF COURSE, I'm biased.  . If the $2-3k seems pricey - think about the cost of 4 mic pre's, 2 EQ's, and a 500 lunchbox. It will cost more I'm afraid..... Almost double. My history and $0.02 - and worth every penny!! LOL. Good luck on your explorations!! |
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Post by chessparov on Dec 18, 2022 14:27:35 GMT -6
I solved it!! If 4 excellent Pre's get me into the Ballpark... 40 Plugs will get me into the Outfield. But 400 (!) Plugs, over 100 Tracks, will send me straight into the Dugout. Now Lemme see... 400 X approx. $30. (Sorry to make Waves here) Is only $12,000 dollars. Hmm... How much is that SB again? Chrus |
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Post by lowlou on Dec 19, 2022 4:18:12 GMT -6
I solved it!! If 4 excellent Pre's get me into the Ballpark... 40 Plugs will get me into the Outfield. But 400 (!) Plugs, over 100 Tracks, will send me straight into the Dugout. Now Lemme see... 400 X approx. $30. (Sorry to make Waves here) Is only $12,000 dollars. Hmm... How much is that SB again? Chrus & you also need a new CPU at this point ! |
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Post by drsax on Dec 19, 2022 12:10:33 GMT -6
For anyone who has two pairs of Pres (N & A) to dedicate to this cause, and doesn’t have budget for a SB, this is a legitimate endeavor. Many have done it with excellent results. I think it also highlights the value of the SB both sonically and financially. Two pairs of quality N and A type Pres with associated 500 series racks, or if rack units, even just the 4 extra cables to connect a second unit, begin to show the value of the SB.
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Post by ab101 on Dec 19, 2022 13:07:06 GMT -6
And not to mention that many people bought Maag eqs for the airband. And the SB 2 is better than the Maag in my personal opinion - especially with presence and air.
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Post by brenta on Dec 20, 2022 20:47:07 GMT -6
I've tried going line in on preamps with mixes a few times and sometimes I've liked it. I've tried sending mixes through preamps through the mic inputs with the pads on and hated it every time. What has worked best for me is sending my mixes through the Radial JDI Duplex and then to a preamp. This sends the signal through the Jensen transformers in the Radial and converts to the line signal to mic signal, then I use the preamp to bring back up to line. Some preamps sound really good doing this while others, even those that are excellent for recording, don't really work. For example, BAE have always sounded way too colored when I've tried them for this purpose. API are great for a slight dull sounding mix. Stam 1073 is my favorite although it needs some corrective EQ. I've never tried the SB.
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Post by notneeson on Dec 21, 2022 12:32:43 GMT -6
Not an SB, but I do like how my humble TNC ACMP 73s sound line in on a mix when pushed. Nice to have a 1073 style box with line input transformers for that reason.
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