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Post by watchtower on Jan 15, 2014 19:40:05 GMT -6
I am looking to buy some equipment over the next couple months, and wanted to gather some opinions from you good people to help in my thinking about all this. I don't necessarily feel like my chain HAS a weak link, as there is nothing in particular I am displeased with in any of my recent output, but I'm very curious for your opinions.
I've gotten really into microphones recently, which has set me off on a DiY kick over the past 6 months. However, what's funny is that most of my audio work (which unfortunately is sporadic throughout the year and not consistent) is mixing and mastering through the internet for a niche genre of bands that are located all over the world; not recording. I only track a couple of things throughout a typical year, but I will mix and master a few albums worth of material. So, while I was planning on spending my cash on more parts to build more mics, maybe I would actually be better off upgrading other parts of my chain. You be the judge... Mics are more of a passion than a necessity for me at this point, but at the same time, while I don't record OTHER people all that much, I do write my own music and record that throughout the year, too. In fact, my heavy metal band is recording our sophomore album right now. Having a couple "super channels" could be very nice.
Here's my equipment:
Mics
Manley Reference Cardioid
Very nice DiY U47
Very nice DiY C12
Royer R-121
AEA R44CE
Miktek C5 Matched Pair
MD421 II (3x)
e906 (wish it was an MD409, but fuuuu)
Audio Technica ATM25 (rules on kick)
SM7b
SM57
and a few other cheapies for when I need more spot mics on a drum kit
Pres/Converters/Interface
Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56
M-Audio Profire 2626 (only use this when I need more than 8 pres for a drum kit. I ADAT into the Focusrite)
Monitoring
Yamaha HS80M
Shure SRH940 Headphones
Recording and mixing on a 2010 Macbook Pro entirely ITB with a whole bunch of plugs I'm not going to list. I have been producing ITB since day one, so this isn't a big deal to me.
My thoughts: It looks like my chain gets progressively more "low end" the further on you go in the chain. However, I'm a firm believer that you can mix pretty well as long as you're used to your monitors. And I've been using these Yamahas for probably over 4 years, so I'm pretty familiar with what "good" is supposed to sound like, and they've always translated well. But, maybe I'm wrong, and this is the weakest link?
I could get some more/different pres, but if most of my work is mixing and mastering, what's the point?
I could get a high end 2-channel A/D like a Burl so that when I'm recording things that AREN'T drums, it will be as good as it could possibly be.
I could get a Dangerous Source so that I have a high-end DA as well as a nice analog monitor controller.
I've been interested in getting into the UAD game, so I could get an Apollo or a Satellite, which would help out in my mix game, which as I've stated, is the bulk of my work.
If this were YOUR equipment, what would you immediately change/upgrade? What do YOU think is the weak link?
Any advice is appreciated, as it will help me make a decision over the next few weeks. Thanks!
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Post by Johnkenn on Jan 15, 2014 19:53:16 GMT -6
Definitely your ADDA. I think you might be really surprised how big a difference it would make.
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Post by tonycamphd on Jan 15, 2014 19:54:52 GMT -6
^ +1
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Post by jcoutu1 on Jan 15, 2014 20:12:57 GMT -6
I would add a set of monitors. I just got a set of PMC's and they sound boss. World of difference. Keep the Yamahas around and get some truly high end ones.
I wish converters were an easy thing to shoot out. How much better would Apogee be than the current Focusrite line up? Who really knows.....other than Popmann. Ha. I've read a lot of praise about the Focusrite stuff, but who knows what else these people have used.
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Post by cowboycoalminer on Jan 15, 2014 20:58:44 GMT -6
My question would be "How well are your mixes translating now?" The conversion looks like it would be the weakest of your links. Everyone knows a well treated work space is critical (which I know you know that too). So if you are comfertable with your rig as it is, I'd be leery about "changing" too much. You know, swapping out one piece for another. If your simply wanting to add to what you've got, I'd go with something like this rupertneve.com/products/mbp/Especially if your mostly mixing. You can do sooo much more with that bad ass than simply using on the buss. I lust for it bad but all in good time. I will have one someday. |
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Post by Guitar on Jan 15, 2014 23:33:13 GMT -6
Pres and converters, I think. Nice mics!
I was astounded at the difference a high end DAC made, coming from Echo Audiofires. I had no idea how much the converters were limiting me, now I need to replace them all with RME or something. Made my mid-end monitors sound a lot better, too.
Good preamps are good to have, along with everything else.
I think it's good that you got great mics early, that really makes a difference.
Along with cowboycoalminer, I am really starting to lust after and pursue stereo buss processors, like compression, EQ, and summing mixers......... I think a lot of the sweet hype I'm hearing on records lately can be traced to this area.... jut a hunch, since I haven't tested it yet. The front end is really important, but I would guess that the back end is, too. Like you said, it all matters, get rid of the weakest links and add strong ones.
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Post by popmann on Jan 16, 2014 0:25:53 GMT -6
My advice for someone happy with the results they're getting is go make some more results.
I'm not sure AD is an option when all the preamps are built ins. Just as a technical note. So, if it's either/or money...you can't upgrade the AD without upgrading the preamps. It's not like there's a unit you can buy to magically upgrade the conversion you're using. You COULD get a DA to feed the monitors....technically....but, again...if they're translating fine....what would you be gaining? Ease of mixing? I don't think anyone would do badly to own a Benchmark DAC1 who mixes digitally.
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Post by kcatthedog on Jan 16, 2014 3:20:42 GMT -6
Just curious which diy 47 build did you do? Since you derive your income from mixing, whats going to help you do that better: plugs,converters and or monitors ? You didn't mention your computer so i guess that is ok. UA adds dsp , then you start buying plugs and never stop  ! What's your budget ? Slippery slope Look for the deals ! Conversion and Monitors: better conversion will improve the sonics of your finished product. Better monitors well help you better define those sonics. Let me ask you a different question, if I gave you a cheque for the retail value of all your gear, what would you immediately buy again ? Not being a jerk: got a feeling you are not as satisfied as you state and I think you will not change just one thing. Before you start that, Could you borrow a dbox for a week or two:? dropping it into your current system might augment it in a meaningful way helping you sonically and complement your conversion and monitoring but not disturb your workflow : you can grab them used for around a grand plus cables. Good review of dbox from a non believer at gearautopsy ! |
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Post by kcatthedog on Jan 16, 2014 3:27:16 GMT -6
My advice for someone happy with the results they're getting is go make some more results. I'm not sure AD is an option when all the preamps are built ins. Just as a technical note. So, if it's either/or money...you can't upgrade the AD without upgrading the preamps. It's not like there's a unit you can buy to magically upgrade the conversion you're using. You COULD get a DA to feed the monitors....technically....but, again...if they're translating fine....what would you be gaining? Ease of mixing? I don't think anyone would do badly to own a Benchmark DAC1 who mixes digitally. Fyi: buy it now :)http://www.ebay.com/bhp/benchmark-dac1 |
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Post by kcatthedog on Jan 16, 2014 3:42:17 GMT -6
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jan 16, 2014 7:40:50 GMT -6
would the Benchmark DAC-1 be superior to a D=Box?
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Post by watchtower on Jan 16, 2014 10:44:53 GMT -6
For those of you suggesting an ADDA upgrade... Do you think an Apollo would be an upgrade from my current interface, or is it more of a sidestep? I ask because IF it is a converter upgrade, then getting an Apollo would kill 3 birds with one stone (converter upgrade, analog monitor controller, and UAD entry). My advice for someone happy with the results they're getting is go make some more results. I'm not sure AD is an option when all the preamps are built ins. Just as a technical note. So, if it's either/or money...you can't upgrade the AD without upgrading the preamps. It's not like there's a unit you can buy to magically upgrade the conversion you're using. You COULD get a DA to feed the monitors....technically....but, again...if they're translating fine....what would you be gaining? Ease of mixing? I don't think anyone would do badly to own a Benchmark DAC1 who mixes digitally. Wow, see that's exactly why I made this thread. I was clearly overlooking this. Now that you mention it, I don't think I could even use a Burl AD without also buying at least one pre. I am not positive, but I think even the "Direct Monitoring" outputs of my Focusrite go through a trip of ADDA. Just curious which diy 47 build did you do? I built the AMI/Tab Funkenwerk U47 with a BeezNees K7 capsule. Using a NOS Telefunken glass tube currently. Making some mods to the mic soon just for fun. |
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Post by henge on Jan 16, 2014 12:04:15 GMT -6
If your simply wanting to add to what you've got, I'd go with something like this rupertneve.com/products/mbp/Especially if your mostly mixing. You can do sooo much more with that bad ass than simply using on the buss. I lust for it bad but all in good time. I will have one someday. Damn just got drool on the floor... |
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Post by kcatthedog on Jan 16, 2014 13:23:25 GMT -6
Hmm Apollo i haven't used your current so can't say but yes to the last 2 attributes also currently they give you the $499 tbolt card and a bunch of plugs some of which qualify fir mkii upgrade discounts and when you register you get a custom upgrade offer : 3 plugs for $399: 6/699 or all
So if you drop some extra cash on plugs you can save about $1200 on 6 plugs of your choice and they give you the $499 tbolt card so you be spending around 3 grand (apollo quad) but getting about$ 4,000 of value
There are rumours they are about to drop an apollo octal at namm
Take your time but tbolt deal goes to end of march.
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Post by popmann on Jan 16, 2014 13:55:52 GMT -6
My advice for someone happy with the results they're getting is go make some more results. I'm not sure AD is an option when all the preamps are built ins. Just as a technical note. So, if it's either/or money...you can't upgrade the AD without upgrading the preamps. It's not like there's a unit you can buy to magically upgrade the conversion you're using. You COULD get a DA to feed the monitors....technically....but, again...if they're translating fine....what would you be gaining? Ease of mixing? I don't think anyone would do badly to own a Benchmark DAC1 who mixes digitally. Wow, see that's exactly why I made this thread. I was clearly overlooking this. Now that you mention it, I don't think I could even use a Burl AD without also buying at least one pre. I am not positive, but I think even the "Direct Monitoring" outputs of my Focusrite go through a trip of ADDA. They are. You need a preamp with analog outs to make use of an upgraded ADA. |
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Post by Johnkenn on Jan 16, 2014 14:43:57 GMT -6
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Post by Johnkenn on Jan 16, 2014 14:49:08 GMT -6
I would imagine the Apollo would be an upgrade from the Focusrite...but I've never heard the Focusrite. I've owned both the Apollo and the Symphony and ultimately decided the Symphony sounded better. But man, the Apollo is a one-stop solution - would love to have both. Speaking of which, cowboycoalminer has both...and I think he was considering selling the Apollo because he also has the Burl... |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 16, 2014 23:23:37 GMT -6
since yyou built some mics, you should build some ClassicAPI or TheDonClassics 500-series preamps. your preamp game is wack compared to everything else you have
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Post by Johnkenn on Jan 17, 2014 9:29:33 GMT -6
Yeah - CAPI VP28's are killer, killer...I've got a guy that will put them together for you for around $100 apiece...
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! What's your budget ? Slippery slope Look for the deals !
