VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[jinglesmountjoy]

Just wondering if anyone has experience with this as an "all-in-one" pre/AD convert/processor? I'm thinking this may be a nice convenient option to simplify the chain.

[Lance Blair]

I'd pass on this. I use an ART MPA Gold preamp sometimes and like it a lot, but the reviews on this say the converters and EQ are okay on it but the compression is not smooth enough or "pumping" for voice. I had this same problem with the Joemeek One Q compressor and other cheap compressors.

For voice over, just get a nice clean preamp/ good converter and don't record at high levels (peak at -12 to -9 db) and then gently compress with your plugins post recording if at all. Raise your levels digitally, don't drive things hard and compress on the way in.

Bottom line: the compressor makes it not worth while.
_________________
Skype: globalvoiceover
and now, http://lanceblairvo.com the blog is there now too!

[jinglesmountjoy]

Thanks for the reply Lance and you're right. My budget sits at around $1100 for a mic, preamp and interface. I don't think I have the luxury of having a racked processor. I'm leaning towards an MXL V69 paired with a SE C1 (or maybe I'll be the guy that gets the VO: 1a) so I have both a tube and LDC. After that, I'm liking the GA Pre73 or possibly a DBX 286a (though I wonder, am I giving up too much quality going from the Pre73 to the 286a just to save $100??). The interface is what also stumps me. With the exception of Apogee, I can't seem to get a clear idea as to who makes a quality AD interface (not to mention I'm not on a MAC).

Apogee is obviously beyond my budget, but who's known for their quality AD converters in the $150-$300 range???

Thanks

[asnively]

You know what? The best preamp I've ever used is that itty bitty CEntrance MicPort Pro. My gear has never sounded better, and my tracks are lovely, even completely dry!
_________________
the Amy Snively family of brands for all your branded thing needs.
Amy Snively
Faff Camp
FaffCon
TalkerTees

[Lance Blair]

Amy's right...but there are so many decent pre/interface combos out there if you poke around.

BTW...you don't have to just get a SP C1...they've come out with the CS1 and CS5 and they rock. The CS5 is my go-to mic now.
_________________
Skype: globalvoiceover
and now, http://lanceblairvo.com the blog is there now too!

[georgethetech]

Interface- Echo AudioFire2
Pre-amp- FMR-Really Nice Preamp or dbx 286a (if you need a noise gate)
OR: SoundDevices USBPre (like the Duet in quality but works with Windows)
Mic- too many to choose from. The MXL HH VO:1-a is nice at the bottom end $200, Avantone makes some surprising products for under $500.
_________________
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

[jinglesmountjoy]

Amy:

Thanks, I've heard good things about it too and I may just end up getting one...maybe as a second option.

Lance:

This studio has been a long-term project (two years now!)... so much so that new gear has hit the market that I now have to keep up with ! Both of those mics sound like viable options. I just need to pull the trigger and stop worrying about it. I might just buy the pre and interface then rent some various mics over the course of a couple of months to see what works best with me.

George:

AudioFire2 is on my shortlist as well as the Tascam 144 MkII, the TC Konnekt 6 and the E-MU 0404 (last 2 would also give me another preamp option). For a preamp, the FMR's price point may make it a second stage purchase for me in a year or so. I've heard great things about it as well as the RNC unit. The 286a seems to be a popular unit...I've heard that the preamp is actually quite good for the price point and the effects just end up being a bonus (which I've heard are quite good as well).

The SoundDevices is intriguing. $600 is definitely in the top branches of my money tree. How would you compare it to the Saffire Pro 24? Also, I'm looking at the Avantone as well as Mojave and Cascade. The Cascade price points are quite low, but I've read some good feedback on them.

Thank you all for the feedback, it's VERY much appreciated and always welcomed.