Sound Devices mixer/preamp in the studio

LuckyStudio 13

LuckyStudio 13

The Tapeless One
How would the SD302 do when we plug in a large diaphragm studio quality condenser mic like the neumann tlm 103 or the AT 4040 to it ?

Would i be better off by buying a studio preamp ? I am not looking to record music but just some narrations for documentaries and Voice overs for commercial.


 
Dxmetal said:
How would the SD302 do when we plug in a large diaphragm studio quality condenser mic like the neumann tlm 103 or the AT 4040 to it ?

Would i be better off by buying a studio preamp ? I am not looking to record music but just some narrations for documentaries and Voice overs for commercial.
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Gor for it! My 702T works great in the studio for this when the Sony mixer is tied up.
 
silicon,
which condenser mic do u use with your 302 and 702t ?? I am also looking for the legendary RE20 dynamic for VO and thank god the 302 can do up to 75 db in gain, so i am all set there.
 
Dxmetal said:
silicon,
which condenser mic do u use with your 302 and 702t ?? I am also looking for the legendary RE20 dynamic for VO and thank god the 302 can do up to 75 db in gain, so i am all set there.
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Usually a U87, but also used a C414, a pair of B&K's, a 416, a Sanken, two Conneaut Audio Devices Equitek E200's and a Soundelux E251C

Can't go wrong with the RE20. The three mics I see most often for VO are: U87, 416 and RE20 dynamic.
 
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silicon,

Dont u think those nice condenser deserves a nicer tube preamp ?? or at least the FMR's RNP ??? Was the SD 302 preamp good enough? When you use your 702t, did you plug the condenser directly to it or did u run it through the SD 302 before going into the 702t ?

thanks again
 
so, since we are using the 302 pre and skipping the audio interface's pre, which cheapest audio interface that still has decent DA/AD conversion that i should get ?
 
Dxmetal said:
silicon,

Dont u think those nice condenser deserves a nicer tube preamp ?? or at least the FMR's RNP ??? Was the SD 302 preamp good enough? When you use your 702t, did you plug the condenser directly to it or did u run it through the SD 302 before going into the 702t ?

thanks again
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Yeah, that's why I use my Neve 1066 pre's (X12) - but they're usually tied up with tracking/recording and almost always have mics plugged into them. Even with those rare and cherished puppies, the SD pres sound just as good.

I used the 702 directly. BTW I don't think the FMR is a pro studio device. Just my opinion, I constantly buy and sell gear based on that silly assessment - your mileage should indeed vary according to your tastes, desires, needs, requirements, budget, buzz factor.

My approach is that, like mics, pre amps should be used for their character - warm, clean, smooth, cool, grungy etc... and that's how I use my pre's (for their character over their spec or specifically designed function) so the SD's are right there with my most expensive ones.

I have a few more mics than I mentioned like the Emmeser, Trams, Schoeps, Cos11's etc... but one thing is clear; my microphone selection is whoefully lacking compared to most studios. {sigh} :cry:

Anyway, why is it always the cheapest - re> "...which cheapest audio interface that still has decent DA/AD conversion..."? Why not the best or really close to the best?

In my case, I only use one A/D because I know the folks there, trust the folks (even despite their sometimes need to hype - like any other A/D mftr doesn't) and that is - Apogee.

You might even try here for the whole shabang (is that how you spell it?):

http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/minime.php

There was a time when I was working with Emu Systems and we were creating the sample sets for the various samplers and playback modules and we went through every known A/D D/A company's products out there. The A/D HAD TO BE BEYOND perfect and Apogee fit that bill to a tee. Now there are newer companies and Johnny come lately's (God I hate that saying) but I still swear by Apogee. I could go into the geek side of why (and I'll spare you) and as for the "yeah but, how does it sound" dept., well Apogee is why I never need to revisit A/D issues anymore - ever. That chapter is closed. Not to say I don't keep my mind open to new technologies and such but for right now in the A/D dept. (I'm using four Rosetta 800's), I'm all set.
 
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yeah, Apogee has very veyr good reputation. Unfortunately I cannot affor that right now. I am probably gonna go with the Motu ultralite or the Motu 828 Mk II. This is also going to get hooked up to the Yamaha Mo8.

For the VO mic, I think either I am gonna run it through the 302 and then 702t or 302 going into the motu and to the Mac. Lots of possibility to experiment here.
 
Dxmetal,
It will be fine, it is VO. I've done commercial spots (35mm) recording VO to run over b-roll- in the field (portable sound booth) with a Senn 416 w/Sound Devices 442 to Fostex PD-4 DAT and it made it to air. The reason was the talent was avail. only that day.
A.G.
 
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