|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 29, 2017 15:51:22 GMT -6
Ah, Langston, so that would be Gorilla taped damped copper flashing. Was gonna ask you why you thought of that, but hey, you're the guy who thought of the ZULU. Where do you get the flashing? Hardware store or see if you can score some off a guy who fixes chimneys. Not super thick stuff, but malleable enough to form into shapes or fold without tearing. You need shears to cut the stuff I'm talking about. Thinner than a coin, thicker than cooking foil. Plumber tape works too but don't stick it to the drum stick it to the sticky side of the tape (sticky to sticky). A drummer taught me bout the plumber's tape. Copper flashing was my own discovery  Thanks -L. |
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 29, 2017 13:36:58 GMT -6
Ok I'll share a really slick and really good sounding trick for drum dampening that doesn't impact tone as much as the wallets and the gels do. Copper Flashing. Dead serious. Thin copper flashing with some gorilla tape is AMAZING on cymbals, hi hats, toms, snares AND kick drums. I park a small piece like a dollar coin inside the hi hat on the under side of the top hat near the center, closer to the edge makes the decay very short so near where the bell and the body of the cymbal meet is a balanced spot to park it. Works like this on cymbals too. Again, copper flashing, the kind you put on chimneys. Before somebody finger wags, ignore what they are saying, run to the hardware store and try it. A small piece near the edge of a snare drum or the underside of a tom or a larger piece (half a Hershey Chocolate bar) on the batter head of a kick drum will change your life forever. Cut one shots of these drums, use this dampening, you will lose your shit. Do the same thing again but intentionally distort the mic preamps or use Zulu in a lofi setting to have as parallel triggers as well. FYI I've also triggered real snare drums with a guitar amp etc, but I trigger both sides of the snare as well. Top and bottom. Just spin that puppy around and try it. EQ on the guitar amp impacts how it sounds too Thanks -L. Post a pic of it! That's the beauty of it. All you see is a small piece of Black gorilla tape. The copper flashing is on the sticky side Keeps little punk wanna be engineers from stealing your good azz tricks for smokin drum sounds. LOL You want a picture of a snare drum with some black tape on it? Thanks -L. |
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 29, 2017 12:18:13 GMT -6
Ok I'll share a really slick and really good sounding trick for drum dampening that doesn't impact tone as much as the wallets and the gels do. Copper Flashing. Dead serious. Thin copper flashing with some gorilla tape is AMAZING on cymbals, hi hats, toms, snares AND kick drums. I park a small piece like a dollar coin inside the hi hat on the under side of the top hat near the center, closer to the edge makes the decay very short so near where the bell and the body of the cymbal meet is a balanced spot to park it. Works like this on cymbals too. Again, copper flashing, the kind you put on chimneys. Before somebody finger wags, ignore what they are saying, run to the hardware store and try it. A small piece near the edge of a snare drum or the underside of a tom or a larger piece (half a Hershey Chocolate bar) on the batter head of a kick drum will change your life forever. Cut one shots of these drums, use this dampening, you will lose your shit. Do the same thing again but intentionally distort the mic preamps or use Zulu in a lofi setting to have as parallel triggers as well. FYI I've also triggered real snare drums with a guitar amp etc, but I trigger both sides of the snare as well. Top and bottom. Just spin that puppy around and try it. EQ on the guitar amp impacts how it sounds too Thanks -L. |
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 28, 2017 14:55:51 GMT -6
Wiz, I know your sessions are low track count, do you run the entire mix out thru your delta at once? 16 channels at once? Hi lcrthanks for checking it out. No, I dont usually do that many at once... Here is how it normally goes. 1) I track a guide acoustic guitar part, this gets discarded after the next step. 2) I track drums 2a) since getting zulu, I now reamp the drums at this point, with zulu on kick and snare, before zulu I would keep on below 3) I track bass 4) I track rhythm guitar part 5) now I reamp those two elements out (including zulu) 6) cut vocal part 7) cut second rhythm guitar part (last time, I tracked this through zulu) 8) reamp those two elements (including zulu,if not tracked with it) So at this point, its up for grabs, usually backing vocals, then guitar solo, then what ever else is needed. If I had more channels of zulu, I would use them on the overheads at the reamp stage. Remember that I only use 6 channels of drums, kick, snare, floor tom, rack tom, overhead left, overhead right. The overheads on the above track, have a apex 320A compeller (modded by revive audio) on them, and the delta EQ... cheers Wiz Can't hurt to try printing an old school 4 track drum bus thru Zulu during reamp. It will still work in parallel to the dry tracks. Or just use it as it is after you print! If you wants more channels please don't fail to contact me. Thanks -L. |
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 28, 2017 13:59:46 GMT -6
Tracked some electrics through Zulu last night. Sounded great. I love the ability to sculpt the sonics outside of the typical EQ/compression paradigm. "I need more *gnarl* and maybe a little more *gurrhggh*..." (turn some Zulu knobs) "...ahh, there we go" I can't wait to hear something you did with Zulu on the sources plus the mix! So far you and Wiz are beating everybody to the punch Thanks -L. |
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 28, 2017 12:24:11 GMT -6
International pre-order here for Ireland. My invoice just came in ... for the Zulu only. A separate one will come in for the shipping. I paid the invoice but I would have liked to know what the shipping was.... I have seen some silly numbers on shipping over the years and you just get cautious with age. In this case I took the leap of faith based on this forum and Langston's participation in it added to the feedback from people who have got the product already. Just a note on form factor ... I am planning to make a 4-core cable to hook this into my patchbay and have it sitting atop my desk, but easy to move around a la Lexicon remote (as Langston suggested in another thread) Looking forward to this! We use USPS unless the customer asks for a different carrier. Our shipping costs are technically shipping and handling. So this includes the shipping plus the shipping materials and handling of them. Thanks -L. |
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 27, 2017 0:40:01 GMT -6
Amazing at what Zulu on just kick and snare will do for a drum mix. Tapey as hell. Try it on all the drums man. Just heard Zulu with a Tubetech mic pre following it. Almost fell over at how sick it sounded. Thanks -L. Hey Langston thanks for checking it out... I would need more zulu's...I do my drum reamping in one pass, you can send me another pair...8) I only need 6 channels.... LOL cheers Wiz I hear so much tasty splat. Harmonic over wash is what I hear. Thanks -L. |
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 26, 2017 10:51:21 GMT -6
Dry Drums with ZuluI thought you guys might like to hear the Zulu, just on drums.. I tracked this yesterday, the ZULU is on KICK and SNARE during my reamp phase. So this is drums tracked straight from preamp to MOTU 16A into logic I then run Sound Radix Drum Leveller on the kick snare and toms (which takes care of some of my inconsistency and gating duties) Then the tracks get sent out to my Delta, EQ'd, Kick and Snare through Zulu then into Comps, other tracks go through comps as well, then back into Logic No other processing ITB just mixed down Sounds good to me... 8) cheers Wiz Amazing at what Zulu on just kick and snare will do for a drum mix. Tapey as hell. Try it on all the drums man. Just heard Zulu with a Tubetech mic pre following it. Almost fell over at how sick it sounded. Thanks -L. |
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 22, 2017 10:44:22 GMT -6
I like vertical as well.
How much? Do you like analog tape simulators? Wanna trade lunches?
Thanks
-L.
|
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 21, 2017 11:06:17 GMT -6
Wiz, this version is a whole 'nuther smoke from the 2015 edition. I didn't think there was much wrong with the track recordings you published here then. But the new version is it's own thing, and it's a very good thing. I especially like how the guitars gel into the track, and the new BG's are gorgeous. I'd like to hear a little added sparkle and air on a couple elements, (like the lead vocal and the dobro,) but the ZULU sounds great across the board. The overall sonic impression is, this wasn't recorded by some guy in his home studio on a PC. Hey donr I used a Mac... 8) ... LOL! thanks , thats a really nice thing to say. We all try really hard with our music, for that to be the case.. not sound like its done at home... cheers Wiz I actually thought it was the perfect balance of bright vs warm. There's plenty of recordings from the 90s that had this sound to it man, vox cut but were round. Love it. What were lead vocals cut with? Chain? Like Butta. Thanks -L. |
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 20, 2017 13:43:18 GMT -6
I always wondered if there's a better way to work with hardwood floors and drums.
Drummers need rugs to prevent their kick drum from shifting, but the snare doesn't. If you have a hardwood floor but are only really worried about the kick drum and the throne, try making a small section of carpet just long engough and big enough to handle the drum throne and the kick drum, but don't have the rug go beyond the front head, if anything just have enough to catch the spikes so they don't slip and let the reso head project onto open floor.
I've had some great results doing this with a utility rug on concrete slab and wood floors. It opens up the kick drum's sound and ESPECIALLY the snare.
Thanks
-L.
|
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 20, 2017 10:12:09 GMT -6
I'll be sending one off to John soon enough!
Thanks
-L.
|
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 20, 2017 10:11:26 GMT -6
Zulu in Super Hifi Mode: Try putting a pair of direct boxes on the line outputs of Zulu in HX or EX mode using balanced XLR to TS/instrument (unbalanced) adapters then patch the outputs of the direct boxes into a pair of mic pres. This patch produces euphoric results. Check it out and share your experiences here. This is my partner Tod Levine's favorite way to patch Zulu, especially during mastering jobs. As long as you have a transformer couple DI, we prefer passive, so far even the cheap transformer coupled ones perform quite well, you experience a forward shift in headroom, clarity and 3D imaging of the audio. The bass in this mode must be tried to heard! An image of the hookup is attached. View AttachmentThanks -L. Why does this work? Just another stage of transformers? It's actually loading the output stage of Zulu differently with the high impedance of the DI transformer (typically 50K or better) which transformers with an output impedance of 600R or 1kohm (in one example) like to see alot. Extreme oversimplification alert: Iron likes stages of high impedance and the higher it goes the less deterred your signal becomes. Additionally, when a transformer works harder usually indicated by it's ratio (higher ratio, more work) you tend to hear it's impact more. That is unless great care and expense is taken to fabricate the transformer. So it's really a double whammy for Zulu in this regard. BTW this works for every output transformer coupled device in some way shape or form. Try it on your 1176 or your 1073, etc...See what you get, may not be Ultra HIFI anything but it will be something of interest. For Zulu it creates extremely open upper midrange, expanded stereo presence and really deep low end. More so than typical in any other application. The cheaper the passive DI the happier I've been LOL The better the DI the less color you obtain, it will still work just be different. I tried it with $20 Stereo Pyle DI and loved it. I need to try it with one of those impedance changer mabobbers inline to a mic preamp or a line input/ADC as well. Or a mic pre with switchable impedance. Another thing to try! Thanks -L. |
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 20, 2017 8:03:03 GMT -6
Wiz can we share this on the Handsome Audio social media?
Is there a mastered version?
Thanks
-L.
|
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 20, 2017 8:01:46 GMT -6
Please spread the word about this if you can. I posted this on Facebook and other sites, but everything we can do helps. Some people are just finding out about Zulu, the $400 price goes good bye at midnight.
Thanks
-L.
|
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 19, 2017 20:13:19 GMT -6
www.dropbox.com/s/lfd76uqaa30bzks/Fool%20Me%20Once%20-%20Zulu%20HX%2CHI%2C10%2C8%2CPRO.aif?dl=0this song was built from the ground up incorporating Zulu. I re-wrote and re tracked a song I put up here for everyone to work on, Fool Me Once. Remember I play everything on these (wife does some oohs) ... So sometimes tracking with outboard is difficult. Anyways during tracking Zulu was used on the les paul electric on the RHS... on the output of the preamp. I do a reamp stage after tracking where tracks are routed to my console (soundcraft delta) and EQ'd Compressed etc Zulu got used in this stage on Kick, Snare, Acoustic on the LHS , Bass, Double Tracked Acoustics LHS RHS and the MIX I am really impressed with my first time using it .... I may have been a touch heavy handed... but my favourite sounds, are the ones that came out of SOUND CITY, and this mix is as close to that as I have ever got.. Chocolatey.... Its really heavy. Its a very interactive box... lots of possibilities.. gonna take a while to settle in. I have XLR to TRS leads connected that are 6 foot long.. I sit with the zulu on my lap in the mix position and the leads go to the patch bay next to me... and I tweak from there... The mix goes into the SA4000 by STAM and then into the ZULU Great Box! Wiz Read more: realgearonline.com/conversation/3170#ixzz4bpAlZts9 Dear God in Heaven this sounds AWESOME. The drum sound, especially the snare sounds immaculate. It definitely has some of that 70s Sound City vibe. A slight touch of Fleetwood Mack in the arrangement too. Love it! Sending you much love all the way to the land of Oz, you just made my day even brighter than it already was Thanks -L. |
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 19, 2017 20:01:21 GMT -6
Just as an FYI we are officially into back order on Zulu's at Handsome Audio. To celebrate our successful launch you may still enjoy pre-order pricing until Midnight 3/20/2017. Please go to our pre-order form and fill out an order form to sign up for our next round of Zulu's due the first week in April 2017. If you have already pre-ordered then your pricing is locked in, but after 3/20/2017 the price for Zulu will officially be the awesome low price of $750 for the world's first passive analog tape simulator.
We will begin issuing EU and global invoices the week of 3/20/2017 as well.
Thank you for continued support.
-L from Handsome Audio.
|
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 16, 2017 17:16:27 GMT -6
Zulu in Super Hifi Mode: Try putting a pair of direct boxes on the line outputs of Zulu in HX or EX mode using balanced XLR to TS/instrument (unbalanced) adapters then patch the outputs of the direct boxes into a pair of mic pres. This patch produces euphoric results. Check it out and share your experiences here. This is my partner Tod Levine's favorite way to patch Zulu, especially during mastering jobs. As long as you have a transformer couple DI, we prefer passive, so far even the cheap transformer coupled ones perform quite well, you experience a forward shift in headroom, clarity and 3D imaging of the audio. The bass in this mode must be tried to heard! An image of the hookup is attached.  Thanks -L. |
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 16, 2017 17:14:28 GMT -6
We will start invoicing for Global within a week or so. We wanted to double and triple check our manufacturing processes and materials for Global reg friendly distribution. Thanks -L. |
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 16, 2017 17:05:11 GMT -6
Dereck Blackburn of Quiethouse Recording, posted some awesome clips demonstrating Zulu with before and after examples, plus his settings via recall sheet for Zulu. He wrote on Facebook today: "Zulu People - I am going to be putting together some before and after files today. Here is a song I made a few months ago with and without Zulu, gain matched wavs. More to come." drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B2qtL18cH3iWWHluWGZFWkRkeHMI've attached the recall sheet along with an image of the wav before Zulu and after Zulu. The transient difference is massive. Thanks -L. Hey quiethouse , looks like you've got a stalker. Haha Hey man, he said it was cool to share it! LOL And why wouldn't you stalk Dereck, his stuff sounds amazing! He's already loving Zulu and showing off some amazing settings that are truly insightful! Thanks -L. |
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 16, 2017 16:37:23 GMT -6
Dereck Blackburn of Quiethouse Recording, posted some awesome clips demonstrating Zulu with before and after examples, plus his settings via recall sheet for Zulu. He wrote on Facebook today: "Zulu People - I am going to be putting together some before and after files today. Here is a song I made a few months ago with and without Zulu, gain matched wavs. More to come." drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B2qtL18cH3iWWHluWGZFWkRkeHMI've attached the recall sheet along with an image of the wav before Zulu and after Zulu. The transient difference is massive. Thanks -L. Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 16, 2017 13:32:44 GMT -6
I have to say that I love the way the manual looks like it was recovered from your hoarder cousin's flooded basement. Haha. Nice work by Naomi there! Brad Thanks Brad! I asked her to do like a Lil Archie inspired take on myself and Tod, as the little boys and make Zulu the Snoopy character. She normally does more Manga stuff (what she's known for) but I always loved her retro art deco stuff. There's a lady engineer graphic that didn't make it into the v1 manual but Zora will be in the next revision. She looks like my mom when she worked at Bell telephone. The recall sheet art is hilarious too. My sister thinks people who engineer music are sooo happy. LOL I love those yellowed Crown Manuals and tech manuals that are crumbling and stained. I buy gear sometimes for the manual. Thanks -L. |
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 15, 2017 20:18:36 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 15, 2017 19:36:54 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by illacov on Mar 12, 2017 18:07:28 GMT -6
If you can live without ganged controls, then help is on the way!! Thanks -L. I have grown quite fond of these knobs so yeah, give me 16 sets of them... I think I can find a way to carry on.  It'll be like having 16 different tape machines, each playing a single channel. Think of all the money you are saving on tape reels alone. Oh the humanity! I bet it's going to look really pretty too. Will the calibrations be shared or individual? It will actually be like 16 tracks of 1 channel tape machines. So each channel will have it's own calibration control (front panel), individual and independent Deck, Bias, Enhance, Headroom controls. Still stepped, just less steps on Bias Enhance and smaller knobs. One tasty analog channel strip, same delicious circuits, however we may have some tricks up our sleeve for the mixing/mastering module. Thanks -L. |
|
It'll be like having 16 different tape machines, each playing a single channel. Think of all the money you are saving on tape reels alone. Oh the humanity!