VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[GunslingerWriting]

Hello,

We have a series of upcoming projects involving several flights per day and the related need to pack super efficiently and ultra-light (i.e., carryon). To this end, the compact JH M-1 Personal Mic Pre suits our needs and voices perfectly.

We've spoken to John Hardy, who says he won't be producing more of these preamps in the foreseeable future; if anyone may know of an available unit (new or used in top condition), we'd be very grateful to hear of it.

Thank you!

Bob

[georgethetech]

Really, anything from SoundDevices is better suited for your needs, IMHO.
Starting with the MM1, a fantastic pre with built-in headphone monitoring. USBPre2 if you want to go simple and painless into the computer.
_________________
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

[GunslingerWriting]

Thanks for the input, George.

Could I get an elaboration on your reasoning? We absolutely need the 'clean-but-not-sterile' benefit imparted by the Hardy; is it your opinion that the MM1 would match that resulting tonal quality...or, even, exceed it?

It's rare to hear someone subordinating the M1 for pure, single-channel voiceover use and, since I'm confident you have solid reasons, I'd appreciate getting your input.

We also like the very compact size of the M1 for carryon packing in the previously mentioned 'carryon' situation.

Thanks again and I look forward to hearing from you.

Bob

[georgethetech]

Bob, what I know is the SoundDevices equipment is built to operate in extreme conditions, for constant travel abuse, run on a few AA's, and sound incredible in the process. Will it match the Hardy? I dunno, but it meets the needs of Production Sound Mixers all over Hollywood, and they are EXTREMELY picky folk (was one myself).
_________________
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

[GunslingerWriting]

George, I asked for the followup because, in addition to the bouncing around in the carryon between gigs, the travel preamp must have the quality to hold its own in a more tightly controlled 'portable studio/remote' environment at the end of the day. That is, we'd like something that delivers the highest quality at the studio level but can then also be thrown (okay, gingerly placed) in a small travel bag for the haul to the wilderness.

Am I correct that you put the Sound Devices quality/versatility in that category?

Finally, George--and I know we're talking a whole different price structure here--what would you suggest would be the differences in performance/suitablity between the MM1 and the higher-end Grace Design Lunatec AV3 Portable Microphone Preamp? We like the MM1's portability but, again, we want that top studio quality when the occasion demands.

That's essentiallyt what had us looking at the Hardy M1: small enough for the carryon bag and with enough heart to let the talent soar on demand.

Bob

[georgethetech]

Bob, I have the top VO's in the business traveling with nothing but the Apogee ONE or MicPort Pro and they have no trouble making their demanding television network clients quiet happy. Not sure what special fairy dust you feel the M1 is providing your clients working out in the field, outside the confines of a carefully sound-proofed and acoustically tuned studio, but I stand on my opinion that such a piece of equipment is unnecessary.
I am not an audiophile, I simply recommend and endorse what equipment works for my clients. I can't compare/contrast the nuances that differentiate the MM1 from the Lunatec. I do happen to have the Lunatec V2, a splendid piece of kit, but it's sat on my shelf now for many years as I no longer record music. Perhaps the information you seek would be more readily available to you among the community of users at GearSlutz.
_________________
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

[GunslingerWriting]

Hi George,

Heh, maybe I am mesmerized by 'fairy dust'--some was sprinkled by a couple of engineers commenting on the clean, quality results we'd achieved with the Hardy M1 (and a TLM 49) on some diverse projects where, one day, we were using it in a superbly treated/soundproofed pro studio and, the next, had it in the forest with a Porta Booth surrounded by moose.

I highly value your viewpoint, George; while I still wish to locate an M1 Personal Mic Pre for its ongoing suitability to our mics/voices and studio needs, you've shown me that there are alternatives clearly matched to VO's travel demands.

Thanks so much for that.

I will do as you suggest and ask for additional input on Gearslutz; I must say that, from what I've seen and read here, the level of industry-specific insight and support is clearly helpful.

Bob