VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

cyclometh · Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2011 4:55 pm Post subject: New Interface recommendations

Hey folks- I'm in the happy position of getting a nice income bump this month from another source. I have plans for much of it (including a pretty major studio upgrade) but I can take the opportunity to upgrade my audio chain a bit.

I'm mostly interested in an upgrade to my audio interface, not the entire chain, but I may be looking longingly at some new microphones too. Smile

My current setup:

* PreSonus Studio Channel Tube Preamp
* M-Audio Fast Track USB
* Behringer Xenyx X1204
* Cascade Microphones M20u
* Shure Beta 58a

My normal recording setup is the M20u into the PreSonus into the Fast Track, and for editing I use the Behringer. Sometimes I use the Behringer for recording also, but it's usually my radio station interface. The Shure I use for singing or when I do something mobile (I do interviews for a Shoutcast radio station sometimes, that sort of thing).

I have a baritone to bass range. Many of you have heard my voice, or if you haven't you can hear it here:

http://voxman.net/demos

or here:

http://springbrookaudio.com/2011/03/30/heart-of-a-dragon-by-david-niall-wilson/

I have a few ideas in mind, and I'm interested in hearing recommendations from the crowd here.

Thoughts?
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

give us a budget range for your audio chain upgrade....and what kind of vo work will you be doing...or do you want to do? (other than audiobook and podcast, which I believe you already mentioned)

cyclometh · Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2011 5:21 pm Post subject:

Heh, a bit of an oversight there. My budget is $1000. I do audiobooks, some commercial spots and training/narration, so mostly long-form narration.

For the podcasting and radio stuff I've got that covered with my current gear.
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Corey "Vox Man" Snow
http://voxman.net

Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

Sell
* PreSonus Studio Channel Tube Preamp
* M-Audio Fast Track USB
* Behringer Xenyx X1204

Buy a new soundcard with that $ that will will accept XLR (Lynx)
Buy a Focusrite ISA One preamp (@$500 on ebay)

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2011 7:27 pm Post subject:

hold on. Let's think about this. Is there anything in your current setup that isn't working for you as well as you'd like? If not, then perhaps the money is better spent elsewhere?

Gearitis can be a very expensive disease.
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cyclometh · Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2011 7:40 pm Post subject:

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

Living Culture · Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2011 11:10 pm Post subject:

If you are happy with your pre-amps, then you can get a professional quality interface like a Lynx (mentioned above) L22 or an RME 9632. These are limited in terms of analogue in and out (but upgradeable). But if you don't need more than 2 in and 2 out, they have no equals (not just my opinion) in terms of stability and reliability.

http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_hdsp_9632.php

If you don't like PCI, the RME babyface is similar in functions.
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todd ellis · Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 8:37 am Post subject:

after much searching, soul & otherwise, i went with a motu 896HD for my audio interface. it's firewire and chock full of awesome. i got a deal on it on ebay & am super-happy with it.
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Mike Sommer · Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 10:03 am Post subject:

The first thing you should do is post some raw un-produced audio. This will give us a better understanding of what you really have.

If you can spring PCI sound card get that, but you're going drop some coin for a good one.

Then there is my favorite interface Echo AudioFire2

Now that you have a good clean interface, dump that Behringer mixer. If you need the mixer get a Soundcraft M4.

The Focusrite ISA One preamp is clean with some sizzle on the top end.

The Golde Age Pre 73 for $300.00. It has great classic mojo, warm smooth, great for vocals.

The next step, Or what should be your first step is to get a good mic with a low noise floor. What might be a good step up for you is a AT 2035.

Once you start improving your sound chain, you're going to notice more deficiencies on your recording area. So get ready for the snowball effect.
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Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

cyclometh · Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 2:53 pm Post subject:

Some unedited/raw recordings:

http://soundcloud.com/cyclometh/corey-snow-audiobook-demo
http://soundcloud.com/cyclometh/audiobook-demo-butcher-bird-2

The audiobook Heart of a Dragon link in my first post contains a sample that when recorded was totally without any processing except editing out unwanted flubs and excessive breath/mouth noise. I don't think much was done to it after that.

I'll record some raw samples a bit later today and post them for you also. Got my hands full of tax stuff right now. Mello

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georgethetech · Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 11:07 am Post subject:

Order of priority (IMHO):
1- Acoustics and mic placement
2- Room noise floor
3- Electronics noise
4- Mic
5- Audio interface/Preamp
6- Standalone preamp/processor
7- Monitor mixer

A 416 similar high-output mic into a MicPort Pro or Apogee One sounds fantastic, no other junk in the chain. Do the "sizzle" in post.
Agree the Echo AudioFire2 is a fantastic A/D for $200. As long as your Behringer isn't in the mic chain, doesn't matter how crappy it is.

George
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cyclometh · Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 11:38 am Post subject:

Thanks for the followup, George- is that list specific to the audio I posted or a general list? I have some plans for the the room based on discussions I've had here and offline- that's already budgeted.
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Corey "Vox Man" Snow
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georgethetech · Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 1:12 pm Post subject:

That's a general list, I tried the soundcloud player just now and nothing happens.. maybe it's Chrome to blame. Will give a listen when I can.

George
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If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

georgethetech · Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 1:12 pm Post subject:

That's a general list, I tried the soundcloud player just now and nothing happens.. maybe it's Chrome to blame. Will give a listen when I can.

George
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder