VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

WillMWatt · Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2014 8:41 am Post subject: Can you hear a hiss?

I recently bought a new channel strip (Presonus Studio Channel) and have been using it a little for the past week.

I'm not sure if it's just me, but I'm sure I can hear a really irritating hiss in the background since I started using it. I've sent a recording to a few people I know who say they can't hear anything, but I'm not convinced.

So over to you guys - can you hear anything? Should I be concerned? I'm using a TLM-103 which is utterly silent on its own.

(apols for the rushed, barely edited performance)

https://soundcloud.com/will-m-watt/i-wandered-lonely-as-a-cloud/s-XRyI0

Jason Huggins · Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2014 11:36 am Post subject:

Allowing download would assist in investigation. I hear the hiss, but can't say whether it is something to worry about or not without some DAW analysis.

WillMWatt · Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2014 1:56 pm Post subject:

Aha, no problem

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6hj28ruu79cu4fn/WillWatt_I-Wandered-Lonely-As-A-Cloud_mixdown.mp3

Tada!

Jason Huggins · Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2014 3:34 pm Post subject:

Yep, there is a lot of noise. Normalized at -3db, your noise floor is sitting around -48db. That is definitely too high. Looks like the noise is across the entire spectrum, but there is a good amount of low end noise as well.

If it just started, I'd say either that strip is a bad choice, or you got a lemon. I've never heard anyone talk about that particular strip on here though...so my guess is that it just isn't a best bet. Try and score a used DBX 286a (I think there might even be on one the forum). Very quiet and usable for entry-level price.

WillMWatt · Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2014 4:08 pm Post subject:

Thank you so much. Interestingly, when I was looking at this strip, I was also looking at the DBX. I decided on this one because I thought the tube might work nicely with the TLM-103. I'll definitely send this back in favour of the DBX.

Bish · Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2014 5:25 pm Post subject:

Here's my $0.02... I listened and I thought the noise had a certain air of familiarity (this, of course could be total bs)... I agree it's far too high... I agree with Jason's observations (-48dB). However, it's only on re-reading your post that I realized that we're talking about a tube pre-amp here... and the noise reminded me of when I was using my V69me tube mic. As I say, this could be total bs... but it may just be an iffy tube.

That being said, I'd get a dbx286a anyway... just on general principles. Rock-solid unit that sounds fine with a lot of different mics... I have one myself which I use occasionally. I think it's officially classed as one of those "can't go wrong with this" items.
_________________
Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

WillMWatt · Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2014 5:42 pm Post subject:

Thank you Bish. I'm starting to believe in the power of the DBX!

I know what you mean about the V69me. I had one for a while. It was like a brand new mic after I changed out the naff stock tube.

Cheeky question - what's the difference between the DBX 286a and the 286s??

Bish · Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2014 5:57 pm Post subject:

1) Obvious answer: The 286s is white, and the 286a is black Smile

2) Sensible answer: ummm... just some updated components I think... same functionality and controls... slightly different re-branded, "Over-easy" compressor... and supposedly the "s" stands for "studio". Otherwise, see answer 1)

Personally, I'd look for a used 286a... otherwise the 286s is a drop-in functional replacement.
_________________
Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

WillMWatt · Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2014 6:06 pm Post subject:

Hee hee, good answer!

bobsouer · Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2014 7:04 pm Post subject:

Will,

I have a 286a that I'm no longer using. Make me an offer.
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Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

WillMWatt · Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2014 7:37 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the offer, Bob.

Import charges to the UK and postage costs would make it financially unviable.

bobsouer · Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 4:25 am Post subject:

Very good point.
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express