VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

iladelf · Guest

Thought I would post my review of the CEntrance MicPort Pro as a separate post from Frank's earlier one. He's given me the go-ahead for this separate post, so here goes.

Upon its arrival, I goofed, and did NOT download and install the drivers from their website. The initial documentation in the packaging said just "plug and play". Umm, no. I'd strongly recommend downloading the driver package from their website BEFORE installation. Install the drivers, plug in the Pro via USB, and go from there. Had I read Frank's post more closely, I should have done this in the first place.

Other things I noticed; one, there is no "locking mechanism" on the pots, for either the headphones or the mic. Not necessarily important for the headphones, but I'd like to be able to "LOCK" the mic pot into place once I am finished setting my levels. The pots are very cheese-like, IMO, similar to cheap $10 computer speaker controls. Those need work. Like Frank said to me, even a clickable type of pot would have been better.

You also cannot "lock" in the microphone XLR jack. Why? Well, if you look close at the bottom of the item, it HAS a locking mechanism, but is covered up by their plastic lighted ring, which shows you that the Pro is working. How about a simple LED, elsewhere on the item? The lighted ring is there for sex appeal only, otherwise, it's useless.

Another gripe; man, I'm putting serious stress on both the USB jack and the headphone jack (they're right next to each other), because I have a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter plugged into the small headphone jack, and am using my Grado SR125 cans. Frank noted to me that, even with the smaller headphones, it's difficult to plug and unplug the 'phones with the USB cable still plugged in. In order to not put as much stress on that area, I'm going to get a dongle, per Frank's suggestion, that extends outward from the Pro's headphone port. That way, all the plugging and unplugging will occur on the dongle; should it break, it's a cheap fix, as opposed to fubar-ing the actual jack on the unit, which would surely mean...a new unit.

I've also noticed (not always) very faint crackling sounds when using; I don't think this is a buffer issue, but something within the unit, because when I move the Pro around a little bit, I can hear it. Seems to go away IF you keep the Pro still and aren't jostling it around while using.

Okay, now to the nitty gritty; how does it sound (work)? Besides all of this, I'd say it works quite well. I'm using a cheap Peavey PVi100 mic, and although I've probably got the unit turned up about 3/4 of the way, it records fine, you can hear yourself as you record (and prepare to record), and during playback, the sound quality is quite good. I was impressed that it really didn't seem to pick up much ambient sound. For grins, I did a test record with a fan in my room on, and when I turned it off to listen to playback, I could not pick it up! So that's good.

It, however, has been trial and error getting it to work on various software programs. I've tried the following: Magix Studio 12 Deluxe, Audacity and Reaper. The latter two are free, which is good, IMO.

My thoughts:

1. Magix--For whatever reason, probably the best sound quality. However, I'm not using the ASIO drivers, because it just didn't want to work with them, for whatever reason (I'd show you my settings, but don't know how to post pics here; anyone?). I'm using MME, and hearing no pops or clicks, except on occasion. In reality, the clicks I'm hearing are actually mouth noises (lip smacking, etc.).

2. Reaper--Kind of like it! Fairly simple to use, but still has boatloads of features and options. However, was noticing a lot of annoying clicks and pops, but only on playback, and randomly. I'll post those settings when I get the chance, too. Probably something not quite kosher there.

3. Audacity--Simply the easiest to use of all. The annoying thing? Can't put in Pause/Rec mode to test levels prior to recording; have to record to actually set levels. Minor, but still a pain.

Final word? I believe the CEntrance MicPort Pro, along with Audacity, would be a terrific, low-cost way for the beginner to get into VO work. It would also be good for the traveling professional for use on a laptop as well.

KaraEdwards · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 3:59 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the review! After a wonderful message from Frank answering a few questions (I'm still bummed I missed your call Frank- expect one from me soon!), I'm planning to buy one for travel. We are off to the mountains for a week at the end of October, and it will be nice not to have to lug my firewire solo up there!

Of course, I hear they are on major backorder at BSW- so I sent an e-mail to Sweetwater today asking when they will get them in. Fingers crossed!

If I ever get one, I'll post my thoughts!
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verbcrunch · Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 7:20 pm Post subject: I LOVE MY MIC PORT PRO !!!!

Holy Sh** t this thing is amazing !!!

MicPort Pro finally arrived today - i leave for Germany on Saturday. Not only do I now not have to bring my M-Box, but this thing sounds far better than the pres and convertors on the M-Box ever sounded. Running a Sennheiser 416 - just plugged it into my powerbook and away I went. Recorded with Peak, Audio Hijack and Garageband. Had some clicks with Peak until I fussed with the Hardware settings, but both Audio Hijack and Garage Band just automatically made proper recordings.

I've always had a hard time getting VO tracks done on the road to measure up, I think next week my clients won't even know I'm not in my normal studio.. this little thing has a warm, rich sound - and it's the size of a half smoked cigar.

Sorry, just had to gush - i'm very happy with this little unit. It has exceeded my expectations.

I got mine from Musician's Friend, and paid more than BSW, but they have 'em as of this writing.
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BenWils · Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 8:44 pm Post subject:

Okay Jeff, tell me your brother does not own the company (kidding).

Anyway, you have me very interested in this now. Thanks for posting your thoughts on the gear. Especially since I am also traveling this coming Sunday to the west coast... I am sure they can't send me one that quick.

Recording in Audio Hijack....never thought of that. Interesting.

BTW, thanks to TC for pointing out Audio Hijack to me on the board....and Fission, which is a wicked spiffy program that came with it also. Especially for cutting up multiple auditions and creating seperate files all at one time. Fission is a gold mine program for me. Way hot stuff for sure.
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verbcrunch · Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 9:22 pm Post subject:

verbcrunch · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 7:28 am Post subject: SAMPLE AUDIO from MicPortPro

Just back from Germany.

Y'all are welcome to listen in. Recorded in the back seat of a Toyota Versa Diesel (some kind of Corolla-SUV crossover).

http://www.jberlin.com/SENS/10_12_2007_LazlowShow_fromGermany.mp3

Used a Sennheiser 416, CEntrance Mic Port Pro, into a Mac Powerbook, recorded using Audio Hijack Pro directly into mp3 format with Channelstrip doing Gating, 20Hz Low Cut, and a tiny bit of compression. Mic was placed on top of the laptop.

If i can get a copy of the finished product, will post. Client was very happy with the audio.

jeffb
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Brett Mason · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 7:55 am Post subject:

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KaraEdwards · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:15 am Post subject:

Ahhhh! I dyin' ova here!

Mine arrived in the mail Friday, but we've had family in town and I haven't even been able to open the box!!!! My goal is for a little peace this afternoon to tear that baby open and give it a shot. I got a colapsible (sorry, no time to look up the spelling) box with Aurelex panels, the MicPort, my Lawson, and Macbook. I'll post a sample if I can ever get to it...I can't WAIT!!!!!
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todd ellis · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:10 am Post subject:

i ordered mine last week ... now i'm just standing at the window waiting for UPS.
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Lizden · Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 7:37 am Post subject:

I guess I've gotta get mine now too!

I ususally get my stuff from Full Compass, I'll see if they have 'em.

L.
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bobsouer · Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 8:04 am Post subject:

Liz,

Martin Vire is my Full Compass guy. Terrific human being.
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tackerman · Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 8:19 am Post subject:

You know, I'm tempted to pick one these up and bypass my Mackie FW nightmare altogether. Ninja

Lizden · Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 8:47 am Post subject:

iladelf · Guest

An update to my original post. I was able to get the ASIO drivers to work on Magix Music Studio 12, after reinstalling the Magix program. Something went haywire with the program, so it needed reinstalled anyway. After that, it found the CEntrance ASIOs no problem.

Plus, from chatting with Brian at CEntrance (their Quality Control Manager), he tells me that if you experience clicks and pops with recording or playback, go into the CEntrance Audio Driver Control Panel and raise the latency bar under ASIO settings. He says raising just a notch or two usually remedies the problem. He further stated that the company, at this time, sees no need to issue new drivers, so the ones from the website will probably be "final", plus the MicPort Pro works in Windows Vista (at least in his trials). Thought regular board viewers would like to know this bit o' info.

Good to see folks are having good experiences. I'm happy with it; hope you are too.

Frank F · Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2007 2:39 pm Post subject:

"Told ya' all" you would like this little gizmo.

Kara, have not heard your opinion yet... let us know...

Toodles

F2
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