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Anybody Using Focusrite?

 
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jrkaiser
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PostPosted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 1:20 pm    Post subject: Anybody Using Focusrite? Reply with quote

Looking at upgrading from the Symetrix 528 to a Focusrite Voicemaster Platinum Pro. Anyone with experience on these?



Any other Pre/Processor suggestions?
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Edo
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PostPosted: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:36 pm    Post subject: Re: Anybody Using Focusrite? Reply with quote

jrkaiser wrote:
Looking at upgrading from the Symetrix 528 to a Focusrite Voicemaster Platinum Pro. Anyone with experience on these?

Any other Pre/Processor suggestions?




From my point of view people seem to be using the 528 because of the relatively poor quality it delivers. When you're on the air at some CHR station that unit wil function just fine. The thing is that it has way too many 'overshoots', but for CHR purposes it adds a lot of punch to each and every word because it just responds to late so the first sound of every word gets a lot of emphasis.



A Platinum Series Focusrite Voicemaster Pro (the 3RU version) can be a far better choice, but again it depends on what your goal is. I specifically like the bit of 'air' you can add to the character, but it is my experience that it doesn't work well with all kinds of microphones. I had more than satisfying results in combination with Blue microphones (Bottle and Kiwi) and my choice of Rode mics (NT2 and NT-V). It didn't do very well with a Neumann TLM 103 and an AKG C414. Combining the VM Pro with a Neumann M 147 was a killer, but hey... that's a Rolls Royce.



A VM Pro has two strong points... its de-esser is a blast! It's the same circuitry as used in the way more expensive Producer Pack ISA 430-II. Also, the tube emulation can be very impressive (with condenser mics ofcourse!). It can however sound very cold at times. Personally, and that's what this aspect is all about... it being very personal, I very much like the stuff that TL Audio put on the market. For instance the 5051 is a heck of a tube pre! http://www.tlaudio.co.uk
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kgenus
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 14, 2004 11:59 am    Post subject: 86 the Voicemaster Reply with quote

Given that preamp, I believe you would be better off saving your funds and buying a good pre like a Millennia HV-3 and saving the comp/de-essing for software. The Focusrite Platinum series really aren't that great - I believe they are used in the DigiDesign MBox and 002-



Kevin
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Edo
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 14, 2004 2:27 pm    Post subject: Re: 86 the Voicemaster Reply with quote

kgenus wrote:
Given that preamp, I believe you would be better off saving your funds and buying a good pre like a Millennia HV-3 and saving the comp/de-essing for software. The Focusrite Platinum series really aren't that great - I believe they are used in the DigiDesign MBox and 002-

Kevin


I think Focusrite manufactures the Digidesign Mbox and Digi002 even. But I doubt that the platinum series inside is used in those units. I can be wrong, but I thought only some simple mic preamp circuitry from Focusrite is put in that Digidesign stuff. It only provides the connectivity, no such thing as vocal processing.
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kgenus
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 14, 2004 6:35 pm    Post subject: Vocal Processing Reply with quote

I thought they were the platty's, I'll look around an let you know (probably that I'm wrong).



Connectivity is pretty much all you need, right? I'm a firm believer in the KISS method and for me it means only adding a touch of compression. The STT-1's compressor shares the same circuit as its de-esser, only one can be active at any given time. It really forces you to work the mic and find ways to reduce sibilance.



Kevin
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jrkaiser
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 14, 2004 7:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I guess what I'm trying to say is this... Not everyone can afford a Neumann U87 and Avalon in a whisper quiet room.



I have been using the Symetrix 528 and for what I have been using it for it has been fine. I have done VO work for TV in Australia, and heard on-air throughout the US. As mentioned, however, it is mainly a Pre that is in use at CHR stations and other radio outlets across the US.



As my business grows, it's time to move up the ladder quality-wise. I am looking for something that will give me an always consistent sound. The thing is, when it's your full-time job, you have to have the gear. It's a natural investment to have superior equipment. If you're just doodling in the studio, and voicing isn't the most important thing you do, then you don't need as much focus.



I cut everything almost flat. Most people will fallen into the mindset that I can compensate with processing. What I am looking for is something that will be VERY clean when doing a regular VO, and also be able to add the punch needed when I'm doing imaging.



My budget on this is $400 plus shipping and I don't mind buying used. Any recommendations out there?



I brought up Focusrite because they have always had quality equipment. Lexicon has a nice box with built-in DBX Pre's. I think M-Audio has the Focusrite Pre's...



A software solution may work, but I'm more of a hardware kind of a guy.
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kgenus
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 14, 2004 10:32 pm    Post subject: Not the answer you want... Reply with quote

So this is probably what you do not want to hear, but the Symetrix 528 is in use all over the place because it's a good solution. You may have to make some changes so it works for you, but it's a very good solution.



Why settle for less, with studio equipment I'm always thinking about resale so I go for the highest amount I can afford. I usually decide what equipment I'm going to purchase and just bank 10% each month towards the purchase and buy it all in October/November. It's very difficult to do, but it is worth it.



Kevin
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Last edited by kgenus on Wed Dec 15, 2004 10:31 am; edited 1 time in total
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jrkaiser
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 14, 2004 10:37 pm    Post subject: Makes Sense Reply with quote

Which is why I am looking at a new Pre/Processor... In this price-range, what are your suggestions? A good clean Pre with good compression and processing are a must.



Can I get something in the $450 range with shipping? And I'll sell the 528 after the fact.



Justin
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Edo
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 15, 2004 2:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well Justin,



I'd suggest you take a look (and listen!) to the TLAudio 5051 Ivory 2 Series. This is a very well built tube pre, used in Europe all over the place because of its open, warm sound. Whether found in a private VO environment or in a professional studio its capabilities are downright amazing. I've been using one for well over a year now and it even made me purchase a second one... You can take a closer look here:







The unit sells within the 600 - 700 price range, but you should be able to find them used as well. Then it will be more like $ 300 - 400, you can consider that a well spent investment. If the unit doesn't say "Ivory 2" it's simply the previous model. The quality is the same...



There is also a pre-set TL Audio pre, I think it's the 5060 or something. It's a bit cheaper too. Have a look at their UK website:



http://www.tlaudio.co.uk



Good luck!



Edo
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jrkaiser
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 15, 2004 10:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'll have to check into it... any ideas where to find them used? Nothing on e-bay... not many people know too much about them. Friend of mine in Austrailia just e-mailed me back.. "they're good from what I've heard mate. I've just got an email back from a good mate of mine who is hi tech audio specialist for a large company back home in Australia and he gave TL thumbs up.

Look nice too, very similar look to the Avalon range,."



Justin
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kgenus
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 15, 2004 1:19 pm    Post subject: Found One Reply with quote

jrkaiser wrote:
I'll have to check into it... any ideas where to find them used? Nothing on e-bay...




Here's one....



Kevin
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jrkaiser
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 15, 2004 4:39 pm    Post subject: Thanks Reply with quote

I didn't see anything when I searched except cameras and cars... If you happen to see others, please let me know.



Justin
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Deirdre
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 15, 2004 7:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Justin, his link takes you directly to an auction featuring an Ivory.
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jrkaiser
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 15, 2004 7:50 pm    Post subject: Yep, I saw it... Reply with quote

Just shopping around... want to do some comparisons.
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 9:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I just got a platinum pro two weeks ago. Am trying to isolate some hiss, which I now believe is coming from my tube mic. Once I get that resolved, I'll get into playing with the Focusrite.



Have tried it with a straight condenser mic and am very pleased with it. Seems to be a nice, solid piece of equipment. I've read in several places that they tend to run hot...mine is warm, but I wouldn't call it hot.



Everything I've read, heard and have had recommended indicates it's a more than adaquate pre.
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