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Post by Martin John Butler on Jul 29, 2016 10:52:46 GMT -6
That video was very well done. It's not as easy as it looks to cram all that info and demonstrate it effectively. I thought the stereo option was killer on the drum overhead, and liked it a lot on acoustic guitar.
I often play with the blend of stereo mics on acoustic guitar tracks, and this had lots of flexibility. It can't duplicate the positions I can put the second mic in though. I like one in front, one above my right shoulder. If this was $600, I'd seriously think about getting one.
At $1,500, before buying, I'd have to do a serious study comparison to the mics they're emulating, and then I'd still have DSP concerns with UAD products. Aroundf that price point, there are some seriously good mics available.
Can the software alone work with a mic like my Blackspade that has a dual capsule? That might be fun..
Would it be available from UAD as just a plug-in?
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Post by Johnkenn on Jul 29, 2016 12:21:23 GMT -6
Sounds like it might not be for you.
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Post by erikppapp on Jul 29, 2016 12:37:10 GMT -6
I think 1200 is a good price. I'get a silver Apollo next week, I think I'll give this a shot as well via Indiegogo. But I am wondering about the UAD plugin - I guess UA offers a new software version when the Sphere starts to ship? Or maybe it will be part of the next update when UA got something new and Sphere buyers just have to wait until that happens? Thank you very much. Feel free to stay directly in touch with me about the UAD questions. Let's connect about it directly. |
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Post by erikppapp on Jul 29, 2016 12:51:37 GMT -6
That video was very well done. It's not as easy as it looks to cram all that info and demonstrate it effectively. I thought the stereo option was killer on the drum overhead, and liked it a lot on acoustic guitar. I often play with the blend of stereo mics on acoustic guitar tracks, and this had lots of flexibility. It can't duplicate the positions I can put the second mic in though. I like one in front, one above my right shoulder. If this was $600, I'd seriously think about getting one. At $1,500, before buying, I'd have to do a serious study comparison to the mics they're emulating, and then I'd still have DSP concerns with UAD products. Aroundf that price point, there are some seriously good mics available. Can the software alone work with a mic like my Blackspade that has a dual capsule? That might be fun.. Would it be available from UAD as just a plug-in? Thank you for your comments about the video. We completed an acoustic guitar session recently with a pair of Sphere L22s. Some of that will be in our Indiegogo video. The plug in will be available for download. We support UAD, AAX, VST, and AU. This will give you a chance to dip into the plug in without purchasing. We will also have raw tracks that have been recorded with the L22 so that you can get your own results. The pattern and post stuff here is every bit as interesting as the modeling in my opinion. |
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Post by joey808 on Jul 29, 2016 12:58:32 GMT -6
Just heard the audio examples, not diggin it.
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Post by Johnkenn on Jul 29, 2016 13:58:53 GMT -6
I might have posted this earlier...but basically, the software will be free and downloadable. So, you will be able to take some demo files that were recorded with the L22 and play around with the software in the comfort of your own room. That's awesome.
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Post by Johnkenn on Jul 29, 2016 14:13:49 GMT -6
And, yes, you could use it with your current mic...but of course, it's not going to sound like the different models.
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Post by ChaseUTB on Jul 29, 2016 14:29:23 GMT -6
Did UA/ UAD participate in creating this product? I watched the vid and understand it's available for the UAD platform as well as others, is that the only tie to UAD or did UAD do the SW modeling of the mics? What kind of capsule? Is the mic transformer based? Where is the mic / mic parts made/ assembled? It appears to be FET, I did not see a power supply or mention of tube based mic and IMO, I would think you would need to start with a tube based mic to replicate that sound? I am not as advanced in the electronics/ DIY/ analog circuits as some however how can a 47 type capsule replicate a c12 type sound/ capsule response? Also, again tube vs fet, are the harmonics "modeled " or "added" on in the SW? Looking forward to the SW, and testing out the different files and capabilities. That is awesome  This is a well thought out product especially the stereo micing capabilities for drums, gtr amps, and duet singing. The 67 example didn't sound very good to me and almost had some type of clipping/ distortion and did not sound like one I have used before. The 47 sounded nice and very usable but not like any real 47's (2) I have used to record on. The c12 did sound nice, however I have not used one in real life. The ambient noise in his CR was kind of high, or maybe it was the gain levels he had feeding the pre/ converter that caused some of the emulations to not sound accurate. How does the gain level affect the mic models ? Sorry for all the questions, this is a fascinating product that will be great for project studios / home studios especially with the stereo output/ micing capabilities |
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Post by sceneofdarhyme on Aug 4, 2016 15:43:50 GMT -6
Probably not on the business side of things: $137,532 or 344 % of funding goal achieved just after a couple of days - sick /14690604#/ |
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Post by Johnkenn on Aug 4, 2016 16:29:32 GMT -6
Figured these would fly off the shelf...Makes you wonder how many Slate has sold...
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Post by Johnkenn on Aug 4, 2016 16:30:48 GMT -6
I sure would like to hear this in person...
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Post by erikppapp on Aug 4, 2016 22:44:20 GMT -6
Probably not on the business side of things: $137,532 or 344 % of funding goal achieved just after a couple of days - sick /14690604#/ We are feeling pretty grateful for the support and interest. |
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Post by Bob Olhsson on Aug 5, 2016 8:38:47 GMT -6
This approach is the only one most of us who have used microphones for many years can imagine possibly working!
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ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 15,014 
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Post by ericn on Aug 5, 2016 10:00:54 GMT -6
This is the one I want to hear ,I'm still a doubter, but this one I need to play with!
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Post by kcatthedog on Aug 15, 2016 5:17:15 GMT -6
Demo released today for download with sessions in major daws.
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Post by Johnkenn on Aug 15, 2016 7:12:55 GMT -6
Sweet!
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Post by Johnkenn on Aug 15, 2016 7:43:33 GMT -6
Why raise the price $100?
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Post by Martin John Butler on Aug 15, 2016 7:53:08 GMT -6
I wish they had an option to demo just the plugin. No time for other things today.
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Post by joseph on Aug 15, 2016 11:22:07 GMT -6
Not bad. Pattern modeling is cool.
This seems like a more serious product than the Slate to me too.
Definitely something of the varying characters of the Neumanns is obtained and I think the capsule sounds better than the one in the Slate mic. It's pretty smooth. Smart of them to put money toward capsule than some shitty preamp.
For what it's worth, in the demo, the modeled 67's top sounds more like my vintage 87's than the modeled 87's. The 87-mod sounds weird.
Neither has quite the same midrange texture/depth of a real Neumann. Same deal with the 47 or 49 vs real thing. I wonder how much transformers play a role, because the sound is more clean/sterile overall.
Also the Coles doesn't have the same transient response, which I don't think would be possible using a condenser element to model into a ribbon. Ideally they'd have condenser, ribbon, and dynamic capture which are then shaped through modeling.
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Post by erikppapp on Aug 15, 2016 11:32:44 GMT -6
I wish they had an option to demo just the plugin. No time for other things today. The download gives you the Plugin. You likely need audio recorded with the mic to check it out (wav files are also available). There isn't anything in place that should take much time. You are welcome to grab the download and just do the install and skip the use of the sessions we offered. They are just there to get people listening quickly as well as demonstrate the 2ch input routing. |
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Post by erikppapp on Aug 15, 2016 11:39:48 GMT -6
Hi John,
The retail price is $1799. in 2 weeks I expect the product to be available to pre-order at an advertised price of $1499. It is common and best practice in a crowdfunding campaign, to begin with a lower price. The perceived risk, in the beginning, is bigger and the wait for the product potentially the longest. No decisions have been made for sure but I find it quite likely that the price will be increased again as we are finishing out the campaign.
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Post by donr on Aug 15, 2016 18:04:59 GMT -6
I went for one of these a couple weeks ago. I'll report in December when I get it.
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Post by ChaseUTB on Aug 18, 2016 18:48:49 GMT -6
Maybe this format is better for getting some answers regarding your product ? By the looks of it, it's already a success, congratulations! my questions are concerning:
1. the build of the mic?
2. where the parts are sourced?
3. the capsule?
4. Who makes the capsule(s)?
5. transformer output or electronically balanced?
6. UAD's role in this software modeling?
7. How UAD is involved if not doing the SW modeling?
8. How does gain level affect modeling?
9. Stereo output mode, can this achieve multiple stereo paired BG or just XY, or matched pair?
10. Seeing as the SW is a huge part of this, how do we know the SW will be updated, bug free, and supported 5 years from now?
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Post by erikppapp on Aug 18, 2016 21:17:00 GMT -6
Maybe this format is better for getting some answers regarding your product ? By the looks of it, it's already a success, congratulations! my questions are concerning: 1. the build of the mic? The mic is cast metal with custom tooling and a dual screen head basket. We have layer out 4 layer boards for shielding and separated the power supply board from 2 signal boards. Most components are surface mount in order to maintain low noise and channel matching. 2. where the parts are sourced? Currently almost all components (Probably 99%) are sourced in the US in order to keep control of the supply chain. 3. the capsule? The capsule is a very highly selected Chinese capsule. Each capsule and microphone is verified in an anechoic chamber and we maintain data sets on each mic produced and then verify again in quality control before listening. 4. Who makes the capsule(s)? We do not disclose that specific information, in general, we will source or produce capsules for the quality and consistency to achieve our desired result. 5. transformer output or electronically balanced? Each of the two channels is identical and electronically balanced. 6. UAD's role in this software modeling? We are a third party UAD developer. UAD-2 is the platform and we are honored to be chosen as a developer. This is a Townsend Labs product and software and we have demonstrated and sought feedback from UA as much as is required and certainly with as much feedback as we could collect. 7. How UAD is involved if not doing the SW modeling? UA has selected various 3rd party developers like Softube and Brainworx. We are happy to be included with these companies we know and respect. 8. How does gain level affect modeling? The channels need to be matched for modeling. The plugin has no real way of knowing the gain level actually applied before the DAW. We have taken care to make a mic that has transparent pad circuits and that can handle quite high levels with the pad engaged. 9. Stereo output mode, can this achieve multiple stereo paired BG or just XY, or matched pair? We stop short of calling it Sphere stereo and call it Sphere 180 because the capsule arrangement is coincident stereo. Usage applications are still coming in but favorites so far are overheads and acoustic guitar. We have also had great success with 2 singers opposite and being able to change the desired model on each. 10. Seeing as the SW is a huge part of this, how do we know the SW will be updated, bug free, and supported 5 years from now? We are a new company but have been at it for over three years. We were granted a patent in the first part of 2014 on key portions of the tech. Chris and I have each created products for companies that remain produced and supported. That being said, it's a bit like a new company having a lifetime warranty. I never really trust it. I'd like to think the selection as a UAD developer is a big vote of confidence. Beyond that we made the mic sound great on its own in no small part due to this inevitable and natural question. Some will trust us early on, others will wait and see. We expect and invite skepticism on the models and the tech in general. It is been a big part of our development process and it makes us better along with our products. We certainly plan to be around. |
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Post by erikppapp on Aug 18, 2016 21:22:38 GMT -6
Maybe this format is better for getting some answers regarding your product ? By the looks of it, it's already a success, congratulations! my questions are concerning: 1. the build of the mic? 2. where the parts are sourced? 3. the capsule? 4. Who makes the capsule(s)? 5. transformer output or electronically balanced? 6. UAD's role in this software modeling? 7. How UAD is involved if not doing the SW modeling? 8. How does gain level affect modeling? 9. Stereo output mode, can this achieve multiple stereo paired BG or just XY, or matched pair? 10. Seeing as the SW is a huge part of this, how do we know the SW will be updated, bug free, and supported 5 years from now? Thank you for your congratulations. We disclose most of this information on our website in the FAQs but not all of it. We are pretty transparent and happy to answer questions. I'm not complaining but we have been quite busy and I acknowledge that we are not getting to all the questions. I also acknowledge that we are not getting to all of the forum questions. We have been bringing people into help. I am quite responsive on email. erik@townsendlabs.com |
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