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Post by BradM on Jun 12, 2015 17:55:39 GMT -6
Hi,
Let me see if I explain this so its not more confusing.
If you have signal coming into the Mix Inputs and you are in Mix Mode you will see signal on the meter.
If you have signal coming into the Track Inputs and you are in Track mode you will see signal on the meter.
If you have signal coming into the Mix Inputs, but no signal on the Track Inputs, and you are in Track Mode (which doubles as a hard bypass for Mix) then you will see no signal on the meter.
The meter shows you whatever signal you have selected with the Mode switch. The bonus is that we wired the Track setting of the switch to connect Mix Inputs to Mix Outputs so you can do global true bypass A/B when doing mix bus processing.
Brad
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Post by LesC on Jun 12, 2015 20:37:33 GMT -6
Hi, Let me see if I explain this so its not more confusing. If you have signal coming into the Mix Inputs and you are in Mix Mode you will see signal on the meter. If you have signal coming into the Track Inputs and you are in Track mode you will see signal on the meter. If you have signal coming into the Mix Inputs, but no signal on the Track Inputs, and you are in Track Mode (which doubles as a hard bypass for Mix) then you will see no signal on the meter. The meter shows you whatever signal you have selected with the Mode switch. The bonus is that we wired the Track setting of the switch to connect Mix Inputs to Mix Outputs so you can do global true bypass A/B when doing mix bus processing. Brad Thank you for the explanation Brad! You cleared up my confusion completely about both the metering and exactly what "BYP" means.
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Post by BradM on Oct 12, 2015 9:27:03 GMT -6
Hey all! I have excellent news...so if you don't mind me quoting my own announcement...
It's been over three years in the making, but it's finally ready. With great excitement, Louder Than Liftoff and drBill are proud to announce that Silver Bullet - drBill's Stereo Tone-Amp™ is immediately available for order. The Silver Bullet is a unique collaborative effort between Louder Than Liftoff and industry veteran, drBill, that marries drBill’s vintage Tone-Amp experimentations with Louder Than Liftoff’s modern design approach and aesthetic. This labor of love offers a first-of-its-kind analog topology and workflow that is designed for, and easily integrated into the modern DAW-based producer, engineer, or composer’s studio. The Silver Bullet was designed to enhance and shape tracks to sound “like a record” during every phase of audio production – from composition to the final mixdown. The Silver Bullet represents a new, innovative class of hardware designed to infuse missing analog mojo into your digital world. MOJO Amps capturing the vibe of vintage American and British consoles are coupled with a musical results-driven set of tone shaping features. Together they create a Tone-Amp™ capable of handling all mixing, tracking, and microphone preamp duties. Integrated signal routing functionality not only enhances creativity and workflow, but also makes the Silver Bullet a single unit solution for the modern hybrid studio. This box is extremely effective at introducing desirable analog artifacts ("mojo") into digitally produced mixes without expensive summing solutions, consoles, or never-ending chains of emulation plugins - although it can work alongside and enhance all of them. Principal features: - Tone-Amp™ Analog Mix and Tracking processing modes with dedicated I/O
- “A” and “N” cascading MOJO Amp topologies inspired by classic American and British consoles from the 70’s (A, N, A>N, N>A)
- Mic Modes allow Silver Bullet to function as a fully featured stereo microphone preamplifier with Polarity Reverse and 48V phantom power
- Stereo processing with easily recallable detented pots
- Tone Shaping EQ suite: Tight filter, 2-band Baxandall EQ, Vintage mode
- “No expense spared” signal path chosen by ear
- <li>ROGUE FIVE discrete op amps (2520 type)
- Transformers by Cinemag and Ed Anderson
[/ul] Direct price: $1999 Early adopter price: $1799 (with coupon code, see blog/Facebook)
The early adopter coupons are limited to the first 20 people are running out very quickly! However, you can also score a killer price through our new Rogue Planet Rewards Program, which allows participants to receive discounts off the price of the Silver Bullet. You can refer a friend and give them $200 off! Visit www.louderthanliftoff.com/rewards/faq for details. Or just ask jcoutu1 for his referral link. Available for order now. First run ships on or before 12/21/15. Made by tone geeks for tone geeks. Designed and assembled in Silicon Valley, California, USA.For more information visit: www.louderthanliftoff.com
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Post by jcoutu1 on Oct 12, 2015 9:33:31 GMT -6
Here's my link to buy from. Give me some points!
r.sloyalty.com/r/uuX8ehSMZinK
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Post by tonycamphd on Oct 12, 2015 9:40:52 GMT -6
congrats BradM , i know how hard you worked on this, best of luck, looks like a spectacular piece priced right!
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Post by jdc on Oct 12, 2015 9:44:54 GMT -6
just ordered mine
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Post by mrholmes on Oct 12, 2015 9:49:18 GMT -6
maybe I am too dense.... but what is it? A mic pre? A mix pre? A ?
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Post by tonycamphd on Oct 12, 2015 10:05:51 GMT -6
maybe I am too dense.... but what is it? A mic pre? A mix pre? A ? Yes and much more...
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Post by drbill on Oct 12, 2015 11:06:18 GMT -6
maybe I am too dense.... but what is it? A mic pre? A mix pre? A ? mrholmes - we call it a “Tone-Amp™” - “drBill’s Stereo Tone-Amp™” to be exact. In a nutshell, Brad and I believe is a new class of audio processor that integrates analog sonics and workflow into a DAW based world. As a side benefit, we found it works awesome on the L/R mix inserts an IC based console where you want a little vintage American or British flavor and iron (weight). It functions as a mix processor, mic pre (with cascading A into N or N into A options not available in any other preamp on the market), reamping tone shaper, tracking amplifier, EQ, Filter, and has some cool High Res metering thrown in for good measure. It's meant to be employed from the first note of your writing stage, all the way through to the final mix, and even mastering engineers are showing interest as it's really great at warming up mixes and shaving off transients at the same time. I've written a lot of application notes for that manual that explain things a bit more in detail, but suffice it to say that it's a "first-of-it's-kind" style of box, so kind of hard for some to wrap their minds around until you get to use one. But at that point, you'll find it incredibly easy to use. When I came to Brad with this idea years ago, we had no idea how long and difficult the journey would be, but we're happy that we made it out the other side in one piece. We're both looking forward to hearing all your thoughts on the unit once you get it and start kicking the tires, because as musicians and engineers ourselves, we built this thing the way WE wanted to build it. And that's part of the reason it took so long. Neither one of us like compromise.... :-) Special thanks to jcoutu1 and jdc for their up-front confidence in us delivering a great product. We appreciate you guys! Hope you enjoy the SB. I can say that a prototype of one type of another has been on my mix bus for 3 years now and it N E V E R comes off. Well, never say never...I pulled it off for I think 1 mix out of about 300+. heh heh My only problem now is that I have to get to the rear of the production line to get a full production unit. bp BTW, the EQ and Filters (vintage) are to DIE for. :-) Enjoy guys!
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Post by LesC on Oct 12, 2015 12:38:50 GMT -6
I ordered one at 3:43 am, as soon as I found out about it. It's going to let me sell a few pieces that will more than pay for it. I know, listen to it first and all that, but I have complete confidence in Brad and Dr. Bill. And at $1799, holy cow, why not?
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Post by lpedrum on Oct 12, 2015 18:51:54 GMT -6
I've ordered one. I mostly mix in the box and I'm very happy to do so. But I'm setting things up here to go partially hybrid, and the Silver Bullet will play a key role in that. Really looking forward to it's arrival!
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Post by mdmitch2 on Oct 12, 2015 20:17:07 GMT -6
Jealous of everyone who ordered one... I've been wanting this thing since it was announced, but my budget is gonna be tied up for a while I want the first 'Gear with Friends' Silver Bullet!!
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dfh
Full Member
Posts: 27
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Post by dfh on Oct 12, 2015 22:11:40 GMT -6
I ordered one first thing this morning! Think I'll camp out by the mailbox.
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Post by LesC on Oct 12, 2015 22:36:46 GMT -6
I ordered one first thing this morning! Think I'll camp out by the mailbox. That will be a lot of camping, I think they are expected to be delivered in December. I'm hoping it will be a real two months, not a Slate two months.
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Post by mrholmes on Oct 13, 2015 3:21:41 GMT -6
maybe I am too dense.... but what is it? A mic pre? A mix pre? A ? mrholmes - we call it a “Tone-Amp™” - “drBill’s Stereo Tone-Amp™” to be exact. In a nutshell, Brad and I believe is a new class of audio processor that integrates analog sonics and workflow into a DAW based world. As a side benefit, we found it works awesome on the L/R mix inserts an IC based console where you want a little vintage American or British flavor and iron (weight). It functions as a mix processor, mic pre (with cascading A into N or N into A options not available in any other preamp on the market), reamping tone shaper, tracking amplifier, EQ, Filter, and has some cool High Res metering thrown in for good measure. It's meant to be employed from the first note of your writing stage, all the way through to the final mix, and even mastering engineers are showing interest as it's really great at warming up mixes and shaving off transients at the same time. I've written a lot of application notes for that manual that explain things a bit more in detail, but suffice it to say that it's a "first-of-it's-kind" style of box, so kind of hard for some to wrap their minds around until you get to use one. But at that point, you'll find it incredibly easy to use. When I came to Brad with this idea years ago, we had no idea how long and difficult the journey would be, but we're happy that we made it out the other side in one piece. We're both looking forward to hearing all your thoughts on the unit once you get it and start kicking the tires, because as musicians and engineers ourselves, we built this thing the way WE wanted to build it. And that's part of the reason it took so long. Neither one of us like compromise.... :-) Special thanks to jcoutu1 and jdc for their up-front confidence in us delivering a great product. We appreciate you guys! Hope you enjoy the SB. I can say that a prototype of one type of another has been on my mix bus for 3 years now and it N E V E R comes off. Well, never say never...I pulled it off for I think 1 mix out of about 300+. heh heh My only problem now is that I have to get to the rear of the production line to get a full production unit. bp BTW, the EQ and Filters (vintage) are to DIE for. :-) Enjoy guys! Its something like my stereo 1073 clone which I also misused for mixing into it??? Is there a short video about the unit?
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Post by swurveman on Oct 13, 2015 8:27:48 GMT -6
Congratulations to Louder Than Liftoff and drBill!
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Post by drbill on Oct 13, 2015 10:29:45 GMT -6
mrholmes - we call it a “Tone-Amp™” - “drBill’s Stereo Tone-Amp™” to be exact. In a nutshell, Brad and I believe is a new class of audio processor that integrates analog sonics and workflow into a DAW based world. As a side benefit, we found it works awesome on the L/R mix inserts an IC based console where you want a little vintage American or British flavor and iron (weight). It functions as a mix processor, mic pre (with cascading A into N or N into A options not available in any other preamp on the market), reamping tone shaper, tracking amplifier, EQ, Filter, and has some cool High Res metering thrown in for good measure. It's meant to be employed from the first note of your writing stage, all the way through to the final mix, and even mastering engineers are showing interest as it's really great at warming up mixes and shaving off transients at the same time. I've written a lot of application notes for that manual that explain things a bit more in detail, but suffice it to say that it's a "first-of-it's-kind" style of box, so kind of hard for some to wrap their minds around until you get to use one. But at that point, you'll find it incredibly easy to use. When I came to Brad with this idea years ago, we had no idea how long and difficult the journey would be, but we're happy that we made it out the other side in one piece. We're both looking forward to hearing all your thoughts on the unit once you get it and start kicking the tires, because as musicians and engineers ourselves, we built this thing the way WE wanted to build it. And that's part of the reason it took so long. Neither one of us like compromise.... :-) Special thanks to jcoutu1 and jdc for their up-front confidence in us delivering a great product. We appreciate you guys! Hope you enjoy the SB. I can say that a prototype of one type of another has been on my mix bus for 3 years now and it N E V E R comes off. Well, never say never...I pulled it off for I think 1 mix out of about 300+. heh heh My only problem now is that I have to get to the rear of the production line to get a full production unit. bp BTW, the EQ and Filters (vintage) are to DIE for. :-) Enjoy guys! Its something like my stereo 1073 clone which I also misused for mixing into it??? Is there a short video about the unit? mrholmes - it's similar. I was doing similar things with mic preamps, but found that it didn't give me the options, flexibility - and ultimately - tone I was looking for. It's a lot more than "mixing thru a 1073". There will be a manual available end of this week or early next which will probably give you a better idea of how it interfaces with a DAW. And yes, there WILL be video's and application notes and audio files, but we're overwhelmed at this point. Soon....
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Post by drbill on Oct 13, 2015 10:30:24 GMT -6
Congratulations to Louder Than Liftoff and drBill! Thanks swurve!!
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Post by BradM on Oct 14, 2015 22:42:26 GMT -6
Here's my link to buy from. Give me some points! r.sloyalty.com/r/uuX8ehSMZinK I'm rooting for you Jesse! There have been a good number of visits come through your link. It's just a matter of time before someone bites... Brad
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Post by Johnkenn on Oct 16, 2015 19:03:06 GMT -6
Sounds like these are going to be a big success.
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Post by mrholmes on Oct 16, 2015 19:40:41 GMT -6
Brad.... Read the pdf .....in other words you are saying:
You can ditch your console.
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Post by BradM on Oct 16, 2015 22:44:47 GMT -6
I sure hope so, Johnkenn! I just placed a big order for metal enclosures today. PCBs got ordered yesterday. I'm almost at a point where I can finally catch up on sleep. mrholmes - I assume you are talking about the Overview PDF that describes all the controls? I wouldn't necessarily say someone can ditch their console. I fully intend to use a Silver Bullet alongside my console...to give my clean D&R some color and mojo that I can tailor to suit the song. That was actually the very original concept for this box. It was meant to be something that would be used with clean consoles specifically. Then it kind of evolved a bit. There are so many things a console does really well that justify keeping it around: monitor control, cue mixes, routing/bussing, tracking session "organization", etc. Having said all that, if you have a console and only use it as a glorified summing or tone box, then I do think there is a case to ditch it in favor of a Silver Bullet. I'm a big fan of less is more. Streamlined setups that enhance workflow always allow music-making to be more fun IMHO. Having more space in a studio always feels good, too. I used to tell Bill that we invented a 2-channel console with no bussing. Haha [EDIT: It appears both Bill and I were addressing you at the same moment in time. Let's see if we contradict one another. ] Brad
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Post by drbill on Oct 16, 2015 22:45:20 GMT -6
Brad's pretty smoking busy, so I'll answer you until he has a chance to get over mrholmes. To answer your question, I'd say no, that's not what the SB is all about. It designed to work with a console as well as your DAW, and ergonomically it's not a console so..... I wouldn't go tossing it just yet. That said, it does a REALLY great job of giving you the same options and sonics that driving a console into the sweet spot will. Add to that the mic pre's, metering, EQ, etc and it's a versatile box that designed to fit a lot of applications.
Also, since Brad is busy, I snagged a little bit about the EQ from a post he made :
When we first announced the Silver Bullet a year ago the high shelf had 5k and 10k shelving settings. The initial design concept was that there would be one setting for general presence boosts, and a second for shimmery top end lifts specifically tailored for the mix bus. I then had a separate Air boost switch which have a very slight boost to stuff way up on top...the galactic fairie dust, if you will. That Air switch was meant to replicate something Bill had been doing with his 2-bus processing chain.
Fast forward a few months, after we really had a chance to use the box on a number of sessions in the studio... We sent one of our prototypes to Benny Grotto and he put it through the paces as well. Benny and I had an in-depth discussion about what we liked and didn't like, what was working and wasn't working. He was using the unit mostly in a mix application and said he loved the Air boost, but really wished it was variable. I agreed. In keeping with my original motif to have one setting tailored to general tracking presence boosts I also decided to shift the cutoff frequency a little lower to match a setting I found myself frequently using while mixing...especially sources tracked with ribbon mics. The design goal now became: how do we eek out as much versatility out of these two settings as possible? Thus the old Air switch evolved into Vintage. While on the surface it seems like it's just a simple high frequency low pass filter, it actually serves to reshape the HF shelving boost into a bell boost at a different frequency altogether. So the two HF settings become four, each with their own personality. If you think of the composite curves one might achieve using the HF Boost and HF Atten on a Pultec...this is in that vein (although not directly inspired by the Pultec).
As I think I may have mentioned in the old thread, the Baxandall EQ in this box is definitely a "turn the knobs to the right" kind of design. I know that's how I'll be mostly using it, although cutting the low end is really nice for evening out overly boomy tracks. I also intended this EQ to be the kind of circuit that just by engaging it with the knobs at zero you get some special kind of magic out of it - to my ears there's a really nice organic 3D quality that happens just by switching it in the circuit.
Brad
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Post by drbill on Oct 16, 2015 22:45:55 GMT -6
Ha!!! Maybe he's not so busy. We both posted at the same time. LOL
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Post by mrholmes on Oct 17, 2015 4:28:46 GMT -6
Intresting concept but I think I have a running system in my rack which makes me happy.
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