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Hestoft · Contributor Joined: 11 Jul 2010 Posts: 39

I am currently using a Sound Designs USB2 pre which I like a lot. I have seen it referred to here as a very "clean-sounding" preamp. I am wondering, however, if I might need to offer another flavor of sound eventually, something warmer and fuller (I am using an AKG c414 and a soon to arrive CAD E100s).

I know a different sound can be achieved via changing out the preamp to something "Neve'ish" for warmth or something "API'ish" for more punch and that is one option. However, I was wondering if there were any plugin options that would achieve the same or similar sound at a lower cost than a new pre.

I have been playing around with Voxformer as per George's recommendation, and it does have a "saturation" control that seems to warm things up a bit, but it quickly distorts. I have also heard some good things about the new $449 Warm WA12 preamp...

Any other suggestions, on either plugin's or preamps that would warm things up on a chilly fall day?

As always, thanks for the help and input. This is a great resource for all!

Ralf-Finn
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georgethetech · Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2012 1:56 pm Post subject:

If you aren't the producer, it isn't your job to determine how "warm" you should sound. Let them handle it. Clean is king. If you are self producing, then you should have a lot of experience with audio engineering, or have an expert create a sound for you using software processing that is your "signature" sound.

That said, read this for some insight, an article that synchronistically mentions a Voxengo plugin:
http://www.newproducer101.com/2012/03/how-to-get-warmer-vocals.html

Let the flaming begin!
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todd ellis · Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2012 2:38 pm Post subject:

i agree - put all them fancy-pants knobs at 12 o'clock and send it DRY!
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Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

As a former field-audio engineer, I adore Sound Designs preamps.

Clean is king for broadcast work: let the post-production people warm it up to taste...for corporate, e-learning, and online programming, one is usually dealing with an editor who is proficient but not nuanced with audio. These editors will not deliver amazing audio to the producer/director who hired you. Usually, they cut 'n' paste but they don't process things well and they don't monitor the audio in an optimal environment anyway. These editors work hard, but they're not paid or trained to deliver top-notch audio as well.

So, to impress the producers/directors who hired you for continued work, giving them what they want up front is the way to go. I've found plugins to be more effective than going with a tube mic or pre, and I've found variable impedance input settings on preamps to be the best subtle change for warmth.

Ultimately, warmth comes from the personality/character of the voice. However if in film they use different lenses and exposures (etc...) to convey a sense of 'warmth' why can't we manipulate the sound in voiceover?
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Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

LANCE HITS A HOMER! Well said. Warmth comes from the voice and mic technique. The mic plays a small role, the preamp not much.

I agree with Lance that you should send the best sound possible, even if it requires a little seasoning. TV producers and web people are not very good with audio. When you send them something that pops, they'll like it!

Tip: Develop your sound, then lock it down. It makes it easier for revisions and updates for the producer.
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Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

...and, I still think the DBX286 is still a great way to help get a warmer tone.
Analog OverEasy compression and a little Low Freq detail smooth things out a bit.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

I've heard good things about the WARM Audio pre-amp

georgethetech · Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2012 11:12 am Post subject:

Auditions are a different matter, I still think they need to be pre-sweetened to taste to impress. I don't think a flat audition will "cut it" anymore. Plugins are the way to go here... The right combo of pre and post comp. EQ seems to work nicely, with a limiter to make up gain to taste.
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melissa eX · Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2012 11:49 am Post subject:

And that's another service to add George ,if you don't already do that.

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

Hestoft · Contributor Joined: 11 Jul 2010 Posts: 39

Thanks for all the awesome tips! I understand and agree that clean audio should be sent to clients and I will definitely be contacting George for his help in fine-tuning my chain and plugins for auditions!

I guess I am still figuring out what I want my unique sound to be (and what it CAN be), and was wanting to experiment with a "warmer" sound to see if it fits my voice. I was pleasantly surprised with how much my new CAD E100s warmed and fattened up my voice, but don't yet have the ear or vocabulary to know how to fully describe what I am hearing or to know if it is too much.

I think I will do some more experimenting with mic placement and then post some samples with my different mics (and mic patterns) and see what everyone thinks, if that would be OK...

Thanks,

Ralf-Finn
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Bill Roberts · Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2012 5:27 pm Post subject:

Get the Warm Audio and call it good. It will deliver the sound you are looking for,
and could be the best deal on earth for a pre that sounds that good in that price range. Also, the owner of the company answers the phone when you call. Search Warm Audio on YouTube.
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Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 5:00 am Post subject:

Bruce · Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 6:05 am Post subject:

Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 6:09 am Post subject:

Bruce, good point there.
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