VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

[allensco]

Hey folks, I am looking to get a processor and I'm looking at the Behringer VX2496 model. Anyone have any experience with this unit ? I've not had the opportunity to ever use a voice processor so this area is a bit gray for me, but the price on the unit is nice. I'm going directly from the mixer to the computer. Opinions welcome Thanks for your input!

[nick reed]

I had the Composer Pro-XL MDX2600, which is pretty much the same unit except that it does not have the mic preamp. I think it is one hell of a bargain for the money. Definitely a great introduction to the world of voice channels.

Nick

[allensco]

Thanks for the reply Nick. I went ahead with the purchase. We'll see how it goes. This will be my first time with such a unit. I look forward to receiving it and trying it out.

[nick reed]

Let us know how it works out. Maybe you could do a mini-review for us.

One piece of advice: Read the manual or you may become very frustrated, very fast. Actually, I think that everything will be pretty straightforward except the compressor, which I imagine will present a bit of a challege.

[Drew]

You may also want to investigate the Phonic Tube Vocalmax T8100.

It's a 2 channel tube voice processor. I'm using one now and have gotten quite a few compliments regarding the warmth and smooth bottom I'm able to deliver. Tube voice processors can really warm up a signal. It doesn't do much for my dynamic, Sennheiser 421. But it sure do nice things with a condenser mic. And at around $250, it's almost a steal.
_________________
www.voiceoverdrew.com
Skype: andrew.hadwal1
Although I have a full head of hair, I'm quite ribald.

[allensco]

Hey Drew, I'll look at the Phonic Tube too! Sounds like a nice piece of equipment for a nice price.

Nick, I'll definitely RTFM. Maybe that'll curb the sure-to-be-forthcoming frustration. Thanks for the tips and I'll letchall know how it goes

[Edo]

This is a strange one... The pros won't ever believe you that this unit actually does the job (more or less). As long as no one sees it, they'll say it sounds nice. Be careful what microphone you use though, it doesn't cut it with all mikes.

I've had the opportunity to thoroughly test the unit. It didn't really find that much to say negative things about it, although I decided not to use it. The enhancer is VERY good, but the eq is too strong for me and the ranges are strange.

Also It seems a bit to difficult to operate... it's not that intuitive. It works nice with a Rode Broadcaster, but downright sucks when using a tube... I decided to go for the TLA 5051 followed by a Yellowtec (analog) Vip1-processor.

But hey, find anything cheaper? Probably not. In Holland they sell for less than 99 euro now... (some $117)

[kgenus]

[Drew]

Continue? Not sure I understand your comment.
_________________
www.voiceoverdrew.com
Skype: andrew.hadwal1
Although I have a full head of hair, I'm quite ribald.

[PJHawke]

I think I understood it...and if it's along the tracks I'm thinking, no, Kevin, you don't need continue!

(Of course, I could be wrong, and have just incriminated myself by revealing the way my own mind works)

[Drew]

I've paid less....come to think about it...for electronic components, I mean. :wink:
_________________
www.voiceoverdrew.com
Skype: andrew.hadwal1
Although I have a full head of hair, I'm quite ribald.

[kgenus]

Reading back, I can see how it would seem that way ... LOL ... dirty little minds.

At any rate, I was going to say, if you're using ProTools, there's a plugin from DigiDesign - BombFactory Fairchild 660. There's just no way to describe what it does. If you've already got a great sound going in, this just pushes it over the top. The Fairchild remains one of the best compressors ever made and the cost is now $25k for an original unit in somewhat good condition. The unit used tubes instead of solid state (UREI 1176) or optical based (UREI LA2A) circuitry. Now they put it in a plugin, I often wonder how close that plugin comes, but the sound is really nice. Cost $100 on Ebay.

At any rate, just something else to confuse your signal chain.

Kevin
_________________
Genus

[allensco]

Okay guys/girls, I got the unit in the other day and have been playing with it, trying to tune it up for a nice sound. I think I've got it set up pretty good. I've posted a couple of demo links so you can see the difference. I would like to know what you guy/girls think of the sound. Just for reference, the demos on my website were done with software processing only. Just the mic, mixer and computer. No other outboard gear.

http://www.voiceoverallen.com/vx2496test1.mp3
http://www.voiceoverallen.com/vx2496test2.mp3

NOTE:
Test 1 was WITH the processor using the expander, compressor and equalizer.
Test 2 was WITHOUT the compressor or equalizer. I left the expander in for noise control.

Lemme know whatcha think.


Overall, I feel satisfied with it. It seems ruggedly built and is a quite handsome little guy.

Thanks!

[mcm]

Allen, I listened thinking the first test was without the processor, and thought, gee, I don't think this was a good purchase. But I see I had it backwards. Hooray! Without the processor it sounds kind of muddy; with gives a clearer, more natural sound.

Cool!!!!

[allensco]

Thanks Mary I appreciate you taking the time to listen and respond. I think it sounds really good. It's definitely clearer with than without and I can really tell it up against the stuff I did using only the software to process the vo track.