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Post by chessparov on Feb 7, 2023 15:34:33 GMT -6
Well at least my Soundelux U195, is serial number (get this)... 007 I expect at least a $5K CASH offer from Plush now. Goes with that Walther PPK. And he even has a Degree in, Triggernometry. Hmm... Maybe $5K is too low guys?  Chris I have 007 Weight Tank. We'll combine farces then! BTW I'm always right. It's the only thing I have left. Chris |
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Post by johneppstein on Feb 7, 2023 15:59:36 GMT -6
We'll probably see something like "David Bock Designs" or "FocusBock" or some other spin. LOL But how old is he? I know he was working at Power Station, which was a long ass time ago. Has to be near retirement age. He knowingly sold the name and rights to Bock microphones knowing someone else was in charge of decisions ultimately. I'm sure he's sitting pretty. I'm interested to know who else was let go. I'm sure David's salary was a higher one, and once they own the IP and brand he isn't completely essential. Valuable, of course, but I'm sure they could have pulled off building mics without him in the first place. It was the branding that gave them legitimacy. I haven't seen Ben Lindell doing any of the marketing videos for some time. A lot of things have collided with this company. They've been strategizing their diversification for years now, knowing that DSP couldn't be their main thing forever. And studios are only going smaller and cheaper. They are trying to straddle that line between high-priced brand and affordable entry brand. Not unlike every other big name that isn't Neumann. But that chip factory fire was a big deal, and COVID had its pros and cons for a business like theirs. If they were financing new growth for diversifying, and then those other things hit costs of current business expenses, they could be looking at an issue where they had to cut expenses somewhere. Collided? Hell, yes! Strategizing? I dunno. I think that if they were really strategizing the first hill to climb would be taming and controlling their bean counters and stockholders to avoid subjecting the company to a slow and embarassing eventual death. If they can't keep David Bock I see no real progress in product development of a truly innovative nature. You need audio innovators for an audio company. You can't just rely on coders fresh out of college, with or without "credentials". You need a background in the real gear or you don't understand anything about the the design side of the business.
There was a very famous piece of audio gear (may have been a comp, maybe an EQ) that nobody could ever clone. Why? Because the idiot coders went by the schematic, not realizing that part of the tone of the device was the result of "phantom components" in the devices' PC board. In other words, the exact layout. Doing a digital clone of the published circuit wouldn't work (sound) right. Bob O. might know what device I'm referring to.
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Post by drbill on Feb 7, 2023 16:20:48 GMT -6
Well at least my Soundelux U195, is serial number (get this)... 007 I expect at least a $5K CASH offer from Plush now. Goes with that Walther PPK. And he even has a Degree in, Triggernometry. Hmm... Maybe $5K is too low guys? Chris I have 007 Weight Tank. And I have 007 Silver Bullet mk1. |
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Post by kcatthedog on Feb 7, 2023 16:26:29 GMT -6
We'll combine farces then! BTW I'm always right. It's the only thing I have left. Chris Your right is left ? |
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Post by aremos on Feb 7, 2023 16:36:44 GMT -6
Right now D. Bock must be the person with the most knowledge on quality microphone manufacturing. But I had lunch with him one day years ago & we talked about everything but microphones & I was extremely impressed with the man. I think he'll be on to something new when the time is right & we'll probably hear about it as soon as it happens.
I probably wouldn't go QUITE that far. There's always Klaus. Klaus does not manufacture mics. He did one with Dirk Brauner & produced by Brad Lunde. If anyone else should be on this list is David Josephson who, not only makes them but, also makes the capsules.
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Post by sirthought on Feb 7, 2023 16:38:10 GMT -6
David Bock driving innovation? I'm sure the mics are great, but for how long was the roster his version of a U87, U67, etc. Not exactly breaking the mold. If he has something new up his sleeve I'm sure we would have heard about it by now. The playbook seems to follow that of Upton, Heiserman, and many other boutique builders.
There is knowledge and opinions I'm sure he has left with them about sourcing, design and build techniques, and what testing tolerances are needed. But since they paid a fair amount of money to buy a company where they were essentially reformatting existing mics, I'm not sure innovation was at the top of the to-do list. They wanted reliable performers that can offer people as a solution to their need for a quality mic. We'll see if they follow through with that, but it's what's been announced.
I do think it's sad that someone with David's reputation is no longer part of their team. I'd love to have seen what might have developed. But look at their product growth: affordable dynamic mics, more affordable USB interfaces, affordable software controlled studio mic, native plugin package. All of this stuff is the proverbial lower hanging fruit for pulling the trigger on a purchase. That is likely a smart move for a company needing cash to build more in the future.
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Post by johneppstein on Feb 7, 2023 16:51:24 GMT -6
A lot of things have collided with this company. They've been strategizing their diversification for years now, knowing that DSP couldn't be their main thing forever. And studios are only going smaller and cheaper. They are trying to straddle that line between high-priced brand and affordable entry brand. Not unlike every other big name that isn't Neumann. But that chip factory fire was a big deal, and COVID had its pros and cons for a business like theirs. If they were financing new growth for diversifying, and then those other things hit costs of current business expenses, they could be looking at an issue where they had to cut expenses somewhere. They missed the point (fact) that high priced companies NEVER survive an attempt to attract a mass market for low priced junk. It always kills the primary, like a lamprey eel. The only (semi) way to barely survive is to open one-shot "straw" companies to unload the junk.
The late night TV ads are filled with the names of formerly proud, famous companies that are now figurehead "names" hawked by promoters like "Bulbhead". Along with the more obvious one-shot products. The locusts have arrived and more are coming. We need bug spray!
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Post by johneppstein on Feb 7, 2023 16:52:51 GMT -6
We'll combine farces then! BTW I'm always right. It's the only thing I have left. Chris Your right is left ? Abooot-FARCE! |
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Post by plinker on Feb 7, 2023 16:59:08 GMT -6
Yes; I do believe, and have provided a very sound argument, that emulating audio gear in software is more difficult (for many reasons) than cloning existing hardware designs that have schematics and reference architectures. Do you have credentials in either software engineering or electronics engineering?
If so, I'm all ears. If not...no comment.
Credentials? Are you kidding? (No, you're just young) There were no real credentials in this from schools when I started out. I learned by doing and by working for older people in the biz. That's the way most of us did it back then. I'm72 years old I got interested in this around 1960. My Dad was a professor at The University of Oklahoma and most of my friends were fellow "college brats" - which gave us free access to the university science labs (up to a point, anyway.) The wold was full of ham radio guys who built their own rigs - and their own stereo sound systems. From parts, not finished components.
What are your "credentials"
John, you are barely 20 years older than I am. As I posted earlier, and referenced, I've been a software engineer doing systems modeling -- a chunk of that time was in digital signal processing and acoustics. I know very, very well how difficult it is to emulate real-world systems in software. I'm also a multi-genre, multi-instrumentalist who happens to enjoy recording.
Unless you've been designing audio electronics, reading and implementing schematics, designing new electronic devices, or have extensive experience in software, you should probably stick with your "no comment" approach as it relates to my previous post.
Please don't respond to my posts anymore, and I'll do the same. As a bonus, I'll stay off your fucking lawn.
Thanks!
...and my sincere apology to everyone else for my lack of restraint.
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Post by johneppstein on Feb 7, 2023 17:06:57 GMT -6
I had forgotten all about those colors. In retrospect it was a sign of things to come. Blatantly thumbing their nose at the pro market.... Pandering to the bedroom crowd. Not sure the prices are "bedroom crowd" John . Not pointing any fingers but this thread has become a little "purple" IMO - largely speculation Cheers, Ross Would you want to set up a mic that looked like that on a stage or in a public studio? Given the choice of another mic of similar quality that doesn't scream "Dilettante!" or maybe "Fashionista!" or won't invoke ire from any video guy who might be present?
I vwouldn't. And I have a few very expensive but normal looking mics to use. U48. C12a. K84(pair). Coupla Pearlmans. Etc. Why would I want to use a mic that evokes Martha Stewart before it's even plugged in?
Mics should not call attention to themselves. It's not professional.
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Post by chessparov on Feb 7, 2023 17:43:18 GMT -6
We'll combine farces then! BTW I'm always right. It's the only thing I have left. Chris Your right is left ? Actually I'm almost totally ambidextrous. (Around 51% Left 49% Right) They didn't know, so I was trained as a "Righty" as a child. Good thing I wound up totally normal. Chris P.S. One of the many reasons I love my MXL V69, is it's low key appearance. Well at least for the Grammys! Chris |
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Post by kcatthedog on Feb 7, 2023 17:51:33 GMT -6
Best to stay humble, if you are 49% right ! |
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Post by chessparov on Feb 7, 2023 19:08:05 GMT -6
Hey maybe Klaus AND now David Bock could hot rod that V69 together!! Just imagine. The Soundeluxe V69 KH along with FAT switch. Pure genius. At least I can throw in one of the mint VF-14's I somehow find, on April 1st of each year. BTW don't worry either Tim C. We can use your capsule! David does the Circuit mod. Klaus can tweak the capsule accordingly.  Then off to John Eppstein for the final disapproval-ahem-approval! Chris |
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Post by johneppstein on Feb 7, 2023 19:31:17 GMT -6
Yes; I do believe, and have provided a very sound argument, that emulating audio gear in software is more difficult (for many reasons) than cloning existing hardware designs that have schematics and reference architectures. Do you have credentials in either software engineering or electronics engineering?
If so, I'm all ears. If not...no comment.
I have credentials in both and software engineering is always more difficult. Not necessarily because of the know how but the technical, long term support, cost limitations etc. invoked by the hardware which the software runs upon. It's always fun when someone says this plugin is maxing out my Celeron processor..
You can do a lot more with external DSP based physical racks, I'm not saying it's always necessary but a Briscasti for example is what it is for a reason.
You definitely have a point.So did plinker, before he let the rhetoric take over. There's a small semantic "gotcha" in there in that it has been credibly maintained that you can't really do a perfect softwre emutation of hardware because hardware is never absolutely perfect. So you're chasing a wraith.
In your answer you mentioned several long tern cost factors, some of which are not actually in the control of those writing the agreement. Not if a company is publicly held, with a board of directors, outstanding stock,etc. I'm talking about long term support, cost limitations imposed by hardware, all that stuff that gets promised, but money talks and the losers go under the buss. So it really is contingent on the honesty of the opposing side.(Of course the practical "Business" way is to dump all those legacy people in the trash with a non- compatible update that won't run on old hardware, and offer then maybe 20-25% off on the new softwre to them as a booby prize.)
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Post by Bat Lanyard on Feb 7, 2023 22:35:45 GMT -6
And I have 007 Silver Bullet mk1. And I sold 008 mk1 right here on the Classifieds. |
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Post by gravesnumber9 on Feb 8, 2023 9:16:44 GMT -6
And I have 007 Silver Bullet mk1. And I sold 008 mk1 right here on the Classifieds. Sitting in my rack! |
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Post by johneppstein on Feb 8, 2023 12:01:25 GMT -6
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Post by Chad on Feb 8, 2023 19:03:34 GMT -6
Ok,
Let’s pick up this thread from its agonizing death. 😂
Anyone have any fun plans coming up this month??
😁
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Post by teejay on Feb 8, 2023 19:10:50 GMT -6
Ok, Let’s pick up this thread from its agonizing death. 😂 Anyone have any fun plans coming up this month?? 😁 Thanks to Chad, who is saying...  To answer your question: Not this month, but heading to Nashville for the first time in 20+ years in March. Already have my Ryman (Buddy Guy) and Grand Ole Opry (Steven Curtis Chapman) tickets. Still looking for great live music cafes/locations, restaurants, lodging if anyone has suggestions. Likely do the RCA Studio B tour. May test a few mics/mic pres at VK. |
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Post by chessparov on Feb 8, 2023 19:11:37 GMT -6
Sure Chad. Even John E. was... speechless on his last post! * Am planning to sing along (again like last Friday evening with a couple of Soul singing friends (a Brother/Sister duo)... At their small gig in Laguna. We had a blast last time. Simple 2/3 part Harmonies. Call and Response/etc. Onstage comedy. Some intentional. I'm going to see if they'd like to do some Marvin/Tammi stuff, for one thing. Chris *I hope you feel better soon John. (Otherwise I feel a little guilty teasing you! ) |
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Post by sean on Feb 8, 2023 19:28:11 GMT -6
Ok, Let’s pick up this thread from its agonizing death. 😂 Anyone have any fun plans coming up this month?? 😁 Thanks to Chad, who is saying... To answer your question: Not this month, but heading to Nashville for the first time in 20+ years in March. Already have my Ryman (Buddy Guy) and Grand Ole Opry (Steven Curtis Chapman) tickets. Still looking for great live music cafes/locations, restaurants, lodging if anyone has suggestions. Likely do the RCA Studio B tour. May test a few mics/mic pres at VK. Hotels are pretty expensive especially if you want to stay close to downtown but if you look 15-20 minutes in either direction it’s more affordable…if you have a car that is. The Underdog has really incredible blues bands, Dee’s and the Station Inn for acoustic music. Jane’s Hideaway for singer songwriter vibe. Broadway is crazy and I avoid it but maybe that’s more your vibe! Since you’ll be down there anyway for the Buddy Guy show you might as well walk around and poke your head into the bars and listen to some music. I believe VK is still appointment only but I could be wrong. |
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Post by chessparov on Feb 8, 2023 19:52:52 GMT -6
Wait a minute!
I'm also gonna study some more music too.
Including "Switched On Bock".
Chris
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Post by teejay on Feb 8, 2023 20:01:15 GMT -6
Thanks to Chad, who is saying... To answer your question: Not this month, but heading to Nashville for the first time in 20+ years in March. Already have my Ryman (Buddy Guy) and Grand Ole Opry (Steven Curtis Chapman) tickets. Still looking for great live music cafes/locations, restaurants, lodging if anyone has suggestions. Likely do the RCA Studio B tour. May test a few mics/mic pres at VK. Hotels are pretty expensive especially if you want to stay close to downtown but if you look 15-20 minutes in either direction it’s more affordable…if you have a car that is. The Underdog has really incredible blues bands, Dee’s and the Station Inn for acoustic music. Jane’s Hideaway for singer songwriter vibe. Broadway is crazy and I avoid it but maybe that’s more your vibe! Since you’ll be down there anyway for the Buddy Guy show you might as well walk around and poke your head into the bars and listen to some music. I believe VK is still appointment only but I could be wrong. Thank you, Sean. Currently have a decently priced hotel in Green Hills not far from the Bluebird Cafe, but looking at other unique options as well. I do have a car, although it's costing as much as our airfare! We likely won't spend much time if any on Broadway...not our "vibe". Already have the wheels in motion with my VK rep on a scheduling a time. Appreciate the suggestions! |
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Post by Quint on May 21, 2023 11:10:44 GMT -6
(quote removed)
I have no idea if this is true or not, but that guy in that video, like many other youtubers (remoras) who seek out "likes and subscribes" based on living in an ecosystem in and around a particular manufacturer (UA, Mac, etc.), tend to drum up controversy and/or speculative theories because it gets them more clicks.
So I'm taking everything being said in that video with a HUGE grain of salt. Notice the "?" after the word "care"? That "?" is no accident. And, oh brother, with the VO voice...
When someone is actually angry, they don't talk in a VO voice or make sure at the end of the video to say "leave a comment".
This is no different than Barry Johns, who similarly swims around in UA waters, looking for clicks wherever he can get them. I dislike all of these kind of videos and wish the monetization structure at YouTube didn't reward this sort of stuff, but here we are.
And to be clear, UA regularly pisses me off, but this is just click bait, regardless of whether or not any of this is actually true.
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Post by christopher on May 21, 2023 11:35:14 GMT -6
I lived by UA headquarters for many years. All I had to do was look at the building and I knew 100% without a doubt, it’s a giant corporate pos. Sadly I had a favorable impression of them before I saw their HQ. The UA2192’s were pretty nice, the 76 reissues etc, all desirable. Until I saw their HQ.. just another Silicon Valley money grab, clear as day. (Apollo.. dreaming of Apple money to the moon) And just can’t stand them. Sorry all
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Then off to John Eppstein for the final disapproval-ahem-approval!
