Mics, preamps, BBE Sonic Maximizer

[diplopenia]

What do you guys all use for mics for recording and playing live. If you use a condensor mic, do you need a preamp if you have separate phantom power. How about the BBE sonic maximizer. What exactly does it do? Can it double as a preamp? Why would I want or not want to use the balanced or unbalanced inputs of certain devices? I am totally new to all this and need basic information. Does anybody know of a good educational website for this type of information. I find that when you go into one of these stores like Guitar Center, and don't know anything, it is like walking into a bouzouki makers shop and saying I have 5,000 to spend on a bouzouki, what does it cost?

[Panagiotis]

I use a Nady SCM-1000 condenser mic. It's not bad but I need to find a good preamp because I hate the Tube MP I've been using. I'm not a huge fan of the BBE. It seems like it is the kind of unit that you use once your sound is completely messed up and beyond fixing! Also, I don't like the way it makes the highs sound. When used in moderation, it has it's place, however. It can brighten up some vocals, for instance.

P

[dagreek]

I have the BBE as a VST plug-ing. If you put it over your whole mix it often has the effet of flattening things out in a bad way, but sometimes depending on the track can help with sheen or definition.

In general, if you misuse it, you will get sharp highs and flat mixes.

I do use it often on Kick drums and the like, it does have a way of beefing up the low end, but you have to control it.

Can indeed be nice on vocals, probaly backing vocals or chorus.

I often use it as subtle special effect to give particular sounds a little something.

If you want pluging that makes stuff sound better with little effort try PSP vintagewarmer...

Set it as you like it and then roll it off a bit.... (applies to most effects :-) )

Alex

www.cave31.com/trichordo/trichordo.htm

[Panagiotis]

dagreek said:

I have the BBE as a VST plug-ing. If you put it over your whole mix it often has the effet of flattening things out in a bad way, but sometimes depending on the track can help with sheen or definition.

In general, if you misuse it, you will get sharp highs and flat mixes.

I do use it often on Kick drums and the like, it does have a way of beefing up the low end, but you have to control it.

Can indeed be nice on vocals, probaly backing vocals or chorus.

I often use it as subtle special effect to give particular sounds a little something.

If you want pluging that makes stuff sound better with little effort try PSP vintagewarmer...

Set it as you like it and then roll it off a bit.... (applies to most effects :-) )

Alex

www.cave31.com/trichordo/trichordo.htm

I agree, I have th BBE plugin as well. I find that I don't care for it on most things. At first, it seems cool but I find that it add sort of an artificial coloration to the sound. It does brighten up dull samples and loops nicely though....and I agree about the bass drum thing. It probably would make the bd punchier.

Pete

[dagreek]

Hi Pete,

Yeah, I abused/overused the BBE for a little while whenI first got it, as often happens hehehe, then put it away, but now finally have a sense for when and what type of sound it might help.

What it actually does is a combination of reverb, EQ, phase correction (dont ask me), something along those lines, but in special way lets say.

heres the marketing departments explanation :

What it is and what it does

When you listen to live music, all the high and low frequencies reach your ears at the same time. When music is recorded and played back through speakers, the process induces “frequency dependent phase shifting.”
In layman’s terms it makes the music sound unfocused and muddy. That’s why recorded music never seems to have that same punch and sparkle as when you hear it live.

The BBE system changes all that. Without getting too technical, BBE technology compensates for the phase shifting between your high, low, and mid frequencies, while also augmenting your sound to compensate for the tendency to lose the extreme high and low frequency range during recording and playback. The result for you is the restored brilliance of your original live sound.

www.kvraudio.com/forum/archive/effects/2002-10/9648.php

Oh yeah, Diplopennia:

I am totally new to all this and need basic information. Does anybody know of a good educational website for this type of information.

Here is a website that is actually more about making music using your PC, but will help you understand a few concepts, its very educational. Cant think of any other right now for some reason, bu they are out there.. oh yeah the kvr one in the link above is a good site for plugins info..

www.computermusic.co.uk/basics/basics.asp

www.computermusic.co.uk/tutorial/tutorialmain.asp

www.computermusic.co.uk/tutorial/features.asp