VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

georgethetech · Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 8:52 pm Post subject:

What's not clear to me with the Balance are two things:
1- Can the return from the ISDN interface be monitored without it leaving the outputs of the Balance (the "mix-minus" part)
2- Can this happen without using Reason
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Jason Huggins · Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 9:27 pm Post subject:

I would say, that probably could be done by using the stereo inputs and outputs. If you can pan the outputs, and have your voice in one and the ISDN in another, then you should also be able to send a split signal too. Then just listen in stereo to hear both in headphones and only send your signal back to the ISDN via one channel (with a splitter to one monitor) and the other monitor plugged into the other output.

I'll do some messing around, but I am thinking that as long as the input from the ISDN goes into one of the Stereo line ins (in just one channel) it should stay routed to that one channel. Then if your voice is in both channels, all you have to do is send the channel that doesn't contain the ISDN audio.

heyguido · Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 9:49 pm Post subject:

Yes.... But.... (and this is strictly assumption, because I haven't used it that way)....

With the codec feeding input 2, you should hear the mic left channel, and the codec right.... With any latency apparent. Obviously problematic. Unless you’re audio Superman, or really good at ignoring latency. As I said before, I generally work without cans, so not an issue til I need the talkback.

Workaround? Bridge a headphone adapter jack for right channel. 2 minutes with a soldering iron. ISDN solved.

In Reason? A piece of cake. Monitor direct while you read, and punch over for talkback. Should they want to interrupt mid-read? Rude ba$+ards can wait.

Skype isn't any worse, latency wise.... And once Google Hangouts goes HD?
We can argue whether we need ISDN any longer.

IF you take the time to get used to Reason.... You'll never go back. For VO, it's ridiculously intuitive, and with Balance, even more so. Single or dual channel recording is WAY simple in Reason, and EQ, highpass, gating, de-essing, minor compression, and many of the other occasional tweaks we do from time to time are most often drag and drop functions in Reason.

Reach out to the guys @ Line6, and ask them for a demo unit. Spend a few days with it. That's really all it took me to make the choice.
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Jason Huggins · Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2013 3:36 pm Post subject:

Well, I've been narrating all day with the Balance, and I can definitely say that the sound is a bit more organic, and not quite a sterile as the Duet2. This is a good thing for me, because the I've never need super excited about the Duet's sound for that reason. It is a very subtle difference, but the overall sound quality is marvelous. My noise floor is practically the same, and the physical interface with the device is magnificent!

I can't tell you how much I love the quick access to all of the controls I need. I am not using the preamp in the Balance (I have a DBX 286a), so I can't really comment on it's sound. Using an external preamp MIGHT be a bit better with the Duet2, as the Duet won't add anything to the sound, but the Balance is so close to transparent, I don't think it would be an issue with most preamps. I definitely hear a subtle warmth with the Balance that isn't in the Duet2.

So, if you want ultra pure clarity with very low noise, I'd say the Duet 2 wins on that one. If you want an interface that is magically easy to use, doesn't require software (Maestro) to run, and sounds great with low noise, go for the Balance. PLUS, the balance is $200 cheaper new. For me, we have a winner.

Yonie · CM Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 906

Cheers for putting up a comparison that directly affects a future choice for me, Jason. Am veering more towards the Balance now.

Jason Huggins · Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2013 7:42 pm Post subject:

Well if the aesthetics aren't the end all and be all, I'll be selling the Duet2 soon. Shoot me a PM if interested.

Yonie · CM Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 906

The last shove came from the interface on the Propellerhead, as I also prefer physical knobs and buttons.

Cheers for the offer, but I'll pass for now. Hope you get a good buck for it, though.

Jason Huggins · Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2013 2:21 pm Post subject:

One thing that I have found to be a large plus on the Duet that is not available on the Balance is Universal clip protection. The Duet2 has their "Soft Limit" feature, which will protect you from a rogue minor spike. The Balance does have the "Clip Safe" feature, but you have to be running Reason for it to function. If you like Reason, you're set. If you aren't going to use Reason, you are out of luck on that feature with the Balance.

Just have to make sure to be meticulous about setting gain...which I probably should be anyway.

heyguido · Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2013 9:01 pm Post subject:

I'm a Reason user.... And LOVE the Clip Safe feature.

Not only does it record a padded backup, it flags digital clipping, and replaces it in one simple step. Easy to use, and saves an otherwise damaged take.
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ZNCramer · Joined: 29 Apr 2013 Posts: 20

I think that sealed it for me...probably going to try out the Balance.

Jason Huggins · Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2013 6:56 am Post subject:

Keep in mind that feature ONLY works in Reason. It will not work if you currently use a different DAW. The Duet has a similar function that works in all DAWs.