VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

anthonyVO · 14th Avenue Joined: 09 Aug 2005 Posts: 1470 Location: NYC

So, wait - it *does* have an onboard EQ and comp?

JTVG · Backstage Pass Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 433

Yeah, looks like it has everything the 737SP has, with the added benefit of line input.

Mike Sommer · Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 10:55 am Post subject:

The EQ and compressor on the 737 are garbage. I don't know anyone who uses them. Which is why I never understood the appeal of it.

THe Grace M103, as a fairly clean transparent preamp, is a good way to go, and gives you the option to plug other preamps into it and use the signal processing that it has.
_________________
The Blog:
http://voiceoveraudio.blogspot.com/

Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

JTVG · Backstage Pass Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 433

I mostly agree, Mike. At least about the comp. I'm tired of fiddling with the the 737 and not really getting the sound I want. Might give the Grace a try and maybe put a Pre 73 through it. Is the compressor on that more beefy when you need it to be?
_________________
Joe Szymanski
http://www.joethevoiceguy.com

Mike Sommer · Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 11:15 pm Post subject:

It is an optical compressor, and will act more like a peak limiter. It will also sound more smooth and natural. That's all you want for VO while recording "Peak Limiting."

Use your DAW for the dynamic compressor and the contouring of sound.

Mike's HOT TIPS:

If you are doing Local TV or radio announce, where your delivering finish audio for direct to air. Then I would build a custom chain with the likes of an LA2A compressor going into a 1176 compressor. An expensive combination, but you will get a classic vocal broadcast sound, that is full and dynamic.
_________________
The Blog:
http://voiceoveraudio.blogspot.com/

Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago

Steve Knight · Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 12:16 pm Post subject:

Actually, UA does sell the LA-3, and 1176 as plug-ins,..but you have to buy their DSP card whic is like $400

Mike Sommer · Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 5:01 pm Post subject:

UA also sells the LA2A plug in for about $150. Plus the card (that's the only down side to it, it need the processing power) The hardware version sells for about $2500.00 as does the 1176 , so take your pick hardware

software.

There are some folks out there that make clones, that are very nice and less expensive. I built my LA2A, for about $500.00

If you want to go with something that is close in sound to the UA plug ins without the card, try McDsp "Compressorbank" http://www.mcdsp.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23&Itemid=271

I've never used it or heard it. But some trusted folks say it's very good, but not the same as the UA -- different, but good. I believe you can demo it. (I might just do that)

But there is nothing is quite like the real deal.

Lastly, if I were to start with the hardware I would get the LA2A first.
_________________
The Blog:
http://voiceoveraudio.blogspot.com/

Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

D Voice · Been Here Awhile Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 232

anthonyVO · 14th Avenue Joined: 09 Aug 2005 Posts: 1470 Location: NYC

Mike Sommer · Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 11:02 am Post subject:

To clarify: the compressor is on the 737 is notoriously slow and flabby, and the EQ section is not very musical it can even be niosy. This is not singularly my own opinion, but also of other respected engineers. Which is why most simply bypass these sections all together, or just simply use other gear.

If you're happy with the 737, then I'm happy for you. Of course what happens in post production is where all the real magic takes place. With a little digital pixy dust, one can take the dullest audio and breathe life into it-- I'm not saying you have dull audio, I'm just stating what can be done.

I simply believe there is often a lot of built in hype with some gear, and it's best to steep back and understand what one is getting before taking that leap.

EDIT

anthonyVO · 14th Avenue Joined: 09 Aug 2005 Posts: 1470 Location: NYC

I agree. The Avalon's compressor is slow and the EQ shouldn't be used for more than perhaps half or 1db correction (at best) in either direction. But it suits my reads and me needs.

Trashing (pun intended) gear is as bad as praising it if there is no reason initially given for doing so. Stating that a large group of individuals have the same opinion does nothing for the argument if there is no separation of fact and opinion. A slow and noisy EQ are fact. Stating that something is "garbage" is opinion.

Too many VO's take the word of some on this board as gospel without so much as going out and trying what is being suggested. I'd advise anyone looking in this gear section that bettering your equipment (preamp, mic, or otherwise) will serve you much less than bettering yourself and your techniques and to take the suggestions of other audio "experts" with a grain of salt; Present company included.

-Anthony

Bruce · Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 7:40 am Post subject:

It looks like the same rules for "what's the best mic?" apply to pre-amps as well:

- Whatever sounds best to you in your price range is the best item for you, and

- You can only really tell by trying that component yourself.

It's like the difference between Ford, Chevy and a dozen other brands of pick-up trucks. They all work, they all do what they're supposed to do, but just one or two brands are going to feel right to you, and the others aren't as "good" to you.

B
_________________
VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

Mike Sommer · Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 2:21 pm Post subject: