Craig: Question About RNP Article

[KenElevenShadows]

I was glad to see the FMR preamp getting a good review. 'Course, this was expected! I was curious, though, as to what other mic preamps you compared them to, and on what sound sources. Gracias!

[Anderton]

<> I try not to list these sorts of things because the review is of the RNP, not the other gear. As a result, the conclusions I came to where by hopping around among various pieces of gear, rather than doing a controlled experiment with other people and double-blind testing that would qualify as a true "shootout" type of review. But I will say I tried dynamic and condenser mics on vocals, acoustic guitar, and guitar amp; and the tube preamp that I referred to as holding its own because it had a particular sound quality was the Aphex 107. But I would have to say the RNP was far more accurate than the 107, it's just that the 107 has a nice timbre with my voice.

[Gtoledo3]

Hmmm, the Aphex?.... Then the jury's still out! ;)

[KenElevenShadows]

[quote]Originally posted by GT3: [b]Hmmm, the Aphex?.... Then the jury's still out! ;) [/b][/quote]LOL! Thanks, Craig!!

[Anderton]

The thing to me about mics and mic pres is that how they sound depends more on the voice than the technology, if you know what I mean. Lynn Fuston's CDs pretty much proved that as far as I'm concerned. Some voices just work well with some mics and mic pres, while others don't. This is why I really dislike reviewing mics and pres, because it's so subjective. Just look at all the great vocals that have been cut with under-$100 mics. Does that mean they're better than $3,000 mics? Maybe not (for, say, acoustic guitar) and maybe (for, say, rock vocals). However, the RNP was much easier to review than the average pre because it does have a very accurate sound. I feel that it does a very good job of "grabbing" whatever the mic produces and amplifying it. So is this a good thing? Well, yes...unless you're looking for a preamp that colors the sound in a particular way, in which case the RNP is not as good. That's why I mentioned the 107 -- it's not as accurate as the RNP, but I use it on my vocals, and a lot of people really like my vocal sound. Ah, the vagaries of gear...

[ernest828]

If you have never used the 107, don`t be so hard on it... I have two Avalon 737s and one Aphex 107 and there are times when the 107 just sounds better (stereo acoustic guitar miking for example). The 107 is no slouch. I also could use my Mackie pres but for certain things the 107 is just better. Peace, Ernest

[Gtoledo3]

For me, the real make or break on a mic pre is how it responds on drums. I have plenty of cheap things that work well on voice, or on acoustic, but totally fall apart when put under the drum test. That kind of seperates "flavor/special effect" mic pre's from the real all around performers. It takes all kinds though! Some of the limited use stuff is indispensable.

[Rader Ranch]

[quote]Originally posted by ernest828@aol.com: [b]If you have never used the 107, don`t be so hard on it... Ernest[/b][/quote]wow...a perfect example of how subjective and application specific this all is. i record some of the best VO talent there is every day, but am saddled with a 107 (and an MK416 shotgun, which is also pretty limiting). i think it's terrible, but i only work...i don't get to shop :( i'd kill for an Avalon and a few more mics :D a RNP is def. on my short list for home!

[Ultravibe]

Okay, I finally got my RNP yesterday and played around with it for a while last night at home. On bass it sounds great. Vocals through an NT-2 annoyed me. The sound was so clear that I could hear my computer through the iso box. So because I bought this thing, now I have to spend more money to isolate the computer even more. In a pinch last night, a heavy blanket thrown over the box worked wonders, but I don't recommend that as a permanent solution. Apparently, because the blanket is blocking sound, it is also blocking air movement, dammit. And don't even get me started on the dangers of pouring engine coolant inside your computer!

[Anderton]

<> The solution, of course, is to record away from your computer. This is where the wireless keyboards and mice are really handy (not the IR type, that's only line of sight). You can go into another room entirely and still control your computer!

[fantasticsound]

[quote]Originally posted by Anderton: [b]<> The solution, of course, is to record away from your computer. This is where the wireless keyboards and mice are really handy (not the IR type, that's only line of sight). You can go into another room entirely and still control your computer![/b][/quote]Craig, please, would you offer some suggestions on specific wireless keyboards and mice that work well for recording? Is there lag time between keystroke and computer reaction with these devices?

[BOOKUMDANO]

You also have to deal with the monitor(s). My pc's are in a separate room with cabling through a wall. I had belden/office depot build several 25 ft vga cables a few years ago..which has worked well. I'm not sure if they could be longer and still work.

[Wrave]

Anybody know where I can look at the RNP? Got a link?

[Franknputer]

http://www.fmraudio.com

[Ultravibe]

[quote] Craig, please, would you offer some suggestions on specific wireless keyboards and mice that work well for recording? Is there lag time between keystroke and computer reaction with these devices? [/quote]I agree. I'd like to know more about which types. On a similar note, I've tried to find info on a thing like a KVM switch, but that would allow me to share one computer between two keyboards/video/mice. There are umpteen products that allow you to share one set of KVM, but frankly those are of no use to me. I'd like to have a separate set of KVM in the studio room, in addition to the ones in the control room. Switch between them to control everything from the studio room and I'm all set. Anybody know of anything like this? If no, anyone know the CEO of Belkin?

[KenElevenShadows]

[quote]Originally posted by Ultravibe: [b]Okay, I finally got my RNP yesterday and played around with it for a while last night at home. On bass it sounds great. Vocals through an NT-2 annoyed me. The sound was so clear that I could hear my computer through the iso box. So because I bought this thing, now I have to [/b][/quote]The NT2 has a huge peak at about 12kHz, and undoubtedly this mic preamp, since it's pretty open, will accentuate that. On other mics, you might not pick up quite as much stuff. But Craig's suggestion about recording away from the computer is of course the best solution. I have a snake that I run out to the other room. It is a fairly inexpensive solution for most things, but of course, if you want to record yourself, it's a bit difficult. Other people, fine. The other solution is to somehow move the computer to another area.