Allen & Heath ZED-10FX Four Mono Mic/Lines with 2 Active D.I., 3 Stereo Line Inputs and Onboard Effects Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Just got the ZED-10FX. So far, I have only tested it and done 1 gig but wanted to get a quick review in for those of you shopping as vigorously as I was. My goal was to find something that had high quality audio but a low channel count and small footprint (I'm a solo musician). It has thus far met my needs.
My first priority was finding quality mic preamps, I've found this to be as important as the microphone that's used. These apparently use the same design as the ones A&H puts in their acclaimed MixWizard series. I can only compare them to the Mackie CFX series preamps that I'm used to and LOVE. The ZED's are just as good or better- really clear, warm, and responsive. I also use a stereo channel to run a loop station with beats, electronic phrases, and live guitars. The overall output of the mixer just sounds great- clean, punchy, musical. The EQ is killer as well, very legit and impactful as you adjust. Knobs instead of faders was initially a turn-off for me but I must say I am really happy with these. They are very well mounted and have a heavy, super smooth movement to them. The gradual and fluid change in the levels as you turn the knobs is far superior to what I'm used to with Mackie. They are also very brightly colored and contrasted for low light identification of everything. I would actually take these knobs over a cheap 60mm fader any day.
I have not done any USB recording so can't say much on that (although it's a little disappointing not to have channel separation as you would get with the cheaper Alesis Multimix). However, the analog recording and signal routing flexibility of the ZED is impressive and sold me. Personally I am running my stage monitor out of the "monitor out" and saving the aux send as well as the assignable "record out" for sub mixing and live recording to a digital 4-track. Also, the circuitry and switching of everything is really clever and illustrated well on the mixer surface with helpful connecting lines.
Construction seems pretty solid short of some barely noticeable stressing on the seams of the red plastic sides (Made in China, par for the course) and the rubber feet are not perfectly level with each other. Neither issue represents any malfunction as far as I can tell but I'll admit its aesthetically annoying.
As far as the FX go, I think they are easy enough to control and the basics are there (reverbs, delays, etc.) However they didn't blow me away sonically at least for recording- just a hair on the cheapy sounding side. I've been fine with them in live application though and they are certainly adequate for this price point.
Overall, this is a great sounding mixer that's the size of a bulky laptop and weighs 8 lbs.! Combine it with some nice active loudspeakers (I use QSC K10s) and you've got a powerful system that fits in your trunk.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Allen & Heath ZED-10FX Four Mono Mic/Lines with 2 Active D.I., 3 Stereo Line Inputs and Onboard Effects

Built by Allen & Heath, ZED-10FX is an amazing little desk for small band mixing, complete with onboard effects. It is ultra portable for carrying to the gig, and can be used for recording live or in the studio. Guitars can be plugged in directly to the mixer using the specially designed high-impedance inputs, while the mixer has two stereo inputs for MP3/CD players or keyboards. Equipped with professional XLR stereo outputs and a flexible monitoring section with headphone and speaker feed outputs. ZED-10FX is bundled with IK Multimedia's AmpliTube X-GEAR software, giving access to superbly modelled amps and effects. Class A FET (Field Effect Transistor) inputs deliver the warmth associated with valve tube preamplifiers and a 26dB gain boost switch provides gain needed for instruments with very low output pickups. In addition to all of this, a USB port enables direct connection to a PC or Mac for direct recording and stereo playback with your DAW software of choice. Allen & Heath is known for building high quality mixers for the last 40+ years. At any time of day or night, across the globe, there is an Allen & Heath mixer out there working hard, sounding great and making life a little easier for the person at the controls. Back in the early 70s Allen & Heath hand-built consoles in a tiny factory in London for elite bands like Pink Floyd and The Who. These days Allen & Heath customers are spread across almost every environment imaginable, including touring, theatres, churches, nightclubs, TV and radio stations, recording studios and countless other places where great sound matters.

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Behringer Eurodesk SX4882 Ultra-Low Noise Design 48/24-Input 8-Bus In-Line Mixer with Xenyx Mic Preamplifiers, British Eqs And Integrated Meterbridge Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently opened a Professional Music Recording Studio and purchased one of these mixer boards for one of the Main mixers. My Lead Engineer and I were so pleased with the performance and reflexibility of the SX4882 that I purchased another one and also a smaller version of it. Now all of my Studio is Behringer equipped with amps, effects, and All. I wouldn't even think of paying all that extra money for a Mackie when the SX4882 does everything the Mackie does and more, and even Better. Behringer is OUT-Performing all the competition, and once again on the Rise Up!

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Rode NTK Tube Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)Great mic - excellent sound. I have been a pro voiceover artist for over 30 years and have dealt with a variety of studio mics. In building my own studio I really wanted a front end that had a clear and smooth full-range sound. The R0de NTK was recommended to me by another "big voice" artist, and completely lives up to the recommendation. Everyone I have talked to says it's about the best value out there. If you have cash to blow, you can get a "noyyyyyymannnnn" (raise eyebrows here), or you can enjoy the sound of this mic and take the extra $3200 and spend it on more gear. The hard plastic padded case for the mic and power supply are a nice touch. Don't forget to buy a shock mount for it!
Enjoy -

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Behringer 1622FX 16-Input 2/2 Bus Mixer with Effects and USB Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been looking for a mixer for my home studio. I use it to produce audio programming for a radio station.
I checked several others along with this. I heard good reviews on Mackie products. I have seen them in action and I believe they are quite good. However, after a comparison, the Behringer is of equal quality with more features for a lower price. I would highly recommend this to anyone needing to mix several aux sources along with microphones.

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The X1622USB features four XENYX-fueled mic inputs with channel Inserts, "one knob" compressors and 3-band British-style EQs with a sweepable, semi-parametric mid frequency band. The four stereo line-level channels offer enhanced fine-tuning via 4-band EQ, which is extremely handy for adjusting critical keyboard midrange frequencies. Aux 1 Sends are switchable (pre- or post-fader) and individual channels can be assigned to two subgroups for mixing flexibility.

XENYX USB Series Mixers XENYX USB Series mixers are designed to handle your live gigs, and they provide the state-of-the-art tools you need to make stunning, professional-quality recordings. Along with their built-in USB/audio interfaces, XENYX USB mixers come with all the recording and editing software you'll need to turn your computer system into a complete, high-performance home recording studio.
Sonically Superior Mic Preamps All XENYX mixers have one thing in common--great-sounding, high headroom XENYX mic preamps. These state-of-the-art mic pres represent a major step in the evolution of audio technology--and they can easily hold their own, even when compared to the most expensive stand-alone mic preamps. XENYX preamps offer a staggering 130 dB of dynamic range, with a bandwidth that extends from below 10 Hz to well above 200 kHz. Armed with these outstanding mic preamps, XENYX mixers provide such transparent, crystal-clear performance you just might think someone upgraded your mics while you weren't looking.
Sublimely Musical British EQ The British consoles of the 1960s and '70s changed the sound of rock and roll--without them the British Invasion might not have happened. Those legendary mixing desks soon became the envy of engineers and producers all over the world. The channel EQ on our XENYX mixers is based on that very same circuitry, allowing you to imbue signals with incredible warmth and detailed musical character. Even when applied generously, these equalizers exhibit sweet forgiveness and superb audio quality.
One-Knob Compression Ask professional sound engineers what their favorite piece of external processing gear is and the majority response will be virtually unanimous--dynamic compression. What is compression? We're glad you asked. Compression essentially limits the dynamic range of a signal, lowering the level of loud sounds and turning up softer sounds, to achieve sonic balance. But applying compression is a delicate art that many novice, and even intermediate, sound techs have great difficulty mastering. Our "one-knob" compression is available on all mono channels and is easy to operate, even for entry-level users. With this one knob, you can easily dial in the perfect amount of compression for instruments and vocals, creating powerful mixes with punch and clarity. This is indeed a rare feature for products in this class--but standard on all XENYX USB mixers.
Effective FX All XENYX USB Series mixers (except the 1204USB) feature our new 24-bit dual engine FX processor, with 16 editable, studio-grade presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter and multi-effects. Complete with a highly accurate input meter, these effects can be altered to your personal taste via the Parameter control. Time-based functions can be entered manually by pressing the Tap button in tempo with the music.
Recording Bliss There was a time when the recording process called for lots and lots of expensive gear, which meant the average musician had to buy time at a recording studio--and that time was pricey indeed. But modern technology has put personal recording well within the reach of virtually anyone with access to a computer. How do you get all that music flying around your brain into your computer? That's where XENYX USB mixers come in. Thanks to the built-in, bi-directional stereo USB audio interface, you can connect any of these mixers directly to your PC or Mac computer via a single USB cable. Now any signal source you connect to the mixer can be recorded directly to your hard drive.
Software Included Because you'll want to take full advantage of the XENYX USB Series mixers' recording and podcasting potential, Behringer has thrown in a massive software package that includes Audacity (the most popular open source audio editor), Podifier, Juice, Podnova and Golden Ear (a great selection of podcasting software). You're ready to go live on your PC or Mac computer right out of the box! You also get more than 100 virtual instruments and 50 FX plug-ins, turning your computer into a complete home-based or mobile recording studio from input to output.
energyXT2.5 Compact BEHRINGER Edition Included When you're ready to take your recording projects to the next level, XT Software's energyXT is just the trick. This amazing DAW (digital audio workstation) makes it easy to manipulate your audio and MIDI files, turning song ideas into stunning CD or Web-ready recordings. energyXT includes its own multi-FX processor, plus a built-in synthesizer/sampler and a drum machine, both of which can be accessed directly via an external controller (such as our UMA25S) or programmed in step-write mode.
What's in the Box Behringer 1622FX Mixer, Power Cable, User's Manual, Software CDs, Rack Mount Brackets

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Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)For recording my voice (baritone), it does a great job. For extra warmth that means close-miking, which in turn means not popping your p's, etc. If you hold it close to your mouth but don't directly face it end-on, that's easily done (or get a pop filter). [...].
The microphone electronics are extremely quiet - the audio is sampled at 18 bits.
It comes with a warranty which is easily extended to 10 years for free.
The real-time headphone monitoring is a great idea and works well.
It's a bit heavy (part of being built like a tank), and you need to think a little about how you're going to mount it, since some cheap desktop stands can barely manage it.
Some things to keep in mind are:
1) It likes close-miking (at least for male voices)
2) It is USB-only
3) It is a on the bit large and heavy side.
If those don't bother you, and the price is in your range, then you will probably like it a lot.

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Rode NT2000 Vocal Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)Everyone should have a multi-pattern mic around for utility purposes and this is the one I chose after demoing a half-dozen of interest (I had particularly high hopes for the Blue Mics). Aside from one super-expensive, and unnamed mic, the Rode NT2000 was actually my favorite by quite a margin. As I regard this type of mic as a utility piece, I was looking for a mic that was fairly neutral on voice/cardioid and without too heavy a proximity effect, airy and crisp on omni, and had to have an attentuation switch.
The NT2000 has all that, plus a rugged build. I've been very pleased since purchase, having used it for voice, acoustic guitar (could probably use a warmer mic here), cab miking on electric, bagpipes, recording ambience, and percussion. I'm especially pleased with the mic's ability to capture detail in high sound pressure conditions.
The NT2000 has continuously variable patterns, not a fixed selection of patterns. It has a variable pad, not a simple cut type attentuation switch, which really helps in nailing the sound without having to compromise the mic's position. Finally, the high-pass filter is also continuously variable. All go a long way in making this a HIGHLY adaptable mic.
After my demos, I went in to buy one mic, got an offer I couldn't refuse on two, and walked away poorer but happier! You won't be able to equal that price, as it was something of a favor, but the price here is good.
Although I love NT2000's sound and capabilities, I'm not wild about the controls (pattern, etc.). These aren't knobs you grab and turn - they're thin and flat. They have an edge pattern, but I can't turn them reliably by trying to grab the edges. I have to put my thumb on the knob surface and rotate it that way. It works and the knobs won't get accidently moved, but it's not exactly the height of convenience.
Great multipurpose mics.

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Behringer 1204FX Xenyx Premium 12-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer with Xenyx Mic Preamps, British Eqs, 24-Bit Multi-Fx Processor And Usb Audio Interface Review

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(More customer reviews)My first mixer was (is) a fantastic Berhinger XENYX 802 mixer that still works great. I wanted a couple more preamped inputs, some built in effects and a USB connection, all of which were included on this model, so I was sold, naturally. I thought I was going to replace my audio interface with this bad boy! I was really excited to get this mixer for this price. And therein lies my rookie mistake. Well the USB is not an ON BOARD USB. It is a separate device. You have to plug it in using RCA cables from the mixer to the box (It's called the Berhinger UCA200) then to your computer via USB.
This was very disappointing and inconvenient. I'm not even sure it's a USB 2.0 (It doesn't say anywhere!) as it is very slow on my computer anyway. Had I known that I would have second guessed this purchase. It's just another box to create noise and take away power. I looked through the manual for some other options but it was useless. Half of the manual consisted of plugging the product I just bought which makes no sense to me.
As a live mixer it's pretty damn good, and that's its saving grace, which is why I gave it 3 stars. But for home recording, this USB thing is a big disappointment. Noisy and a bit confusing. The FX are OK. I thought all the room, hall and plated reverbs sounded terrible though. Everything else was pretty good. Had lots of fun with the Reverse and Ambience FX. The MUTE buttons were also the 3/4 BUS buttons (which they don't call BUS but 'ALT') which was kind of confusing at first.
The outputs were great too. Two main XLR outputs and two 1/4" 'ALT' outputs as well as two 1/4" control room outs. Lots of possibilities. I salvaged this thing for myself but connecting the ctrl room outs to my audio interface. Oh well. Can't win em all. Lesson learned.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Behringer 1204FX Xenyx Premium 12-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer with Xenyx Mic Preamps, British Eqs, 24-Bit Multi-Fx Processor And Usb Audio Interface

Be it bone-simple rock or classic folk, the XENYX 1202FXFX gives mind-blowing voice to intimate performances with an internal 24-bit FX processor. It's simple, lightweight and just waiting to make you sound amazing.

Perfect for Small-Scale Applications The 12-input, 2-bus XENYX 1202FX has four XENYX mic preamps with +48 V phantom power, making it possible to use four dynamic or condenser microphones. The three-band British EQ ensures warm, musical sound every time. Simple, high-quality controls make it possible to create beautiful mixes with minimal technical expertise.
Play music between sets via the RCA CD/tape inputs (assignable to main mix or control room/phones outputs) and record your performance to an outboard recording device via the RCA outputs.
XENYX Preamps The microphone channels feature high-end XENYX preamps that compare well with costly outboard preamps in terms of sound quality and dynamics, and boast the following features:
130 dB dynamic range for plenty of headroom
A bandwidth ranging from below 10 Hz to over 200 kHz for nuanced reproduction
Low-noise, distortion-free circuitry for a transparent signal
Perfect for most any mic, with up to 60 dB of gain and a +48 volt phantom power supply

"British EQ" The equalizers used for the XENYX series are based on the legendary circuitry of top-notch consoles made in Britain, which are renowned throughout the world for their warm and musical sound character. Even with extreme gain settings, these equalizers provide outstanding audio.
Feel the Effects Add some digital trickery to your sound using the internal FX processor. It gives you 100 excellent effects presets for delay, reverb and other time-tested favorites. You can also connect an outboard device via an auxiliary send with stereo returns.
Each channel features a post-fader send for determining effect amount, and the FX to control room function helps you monitor effect signal via headphones and control room outputs.
Little Wonder Weighing in at just 3 pounds, the XENYX 1202FX is the compact, crowd-pleasing way to turn a small performance with multiple vocalists into an unforgettable experience. Keep it organic, or decorate your mix with warm, 24-bit effects. The XENYX 1202FX puts real sonic sorcery at your fingertips.
Built to Last The 1202FX's long-wearing 60-mm logarithmic-taper master fader and sealed rotary controls are great examples of Behringer's high-quality components. Rugged construction means you'll get a long life out of your board.
What's in the Box Behringer 1202FX 12-Input Mixer, Power Supply, User's Manual

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Audio Technica AT4050 Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been using this microphone for years. I have two of them, actually. I didn't buy them as a matched pair, so one is a bit brighter sounding than the other. That can be an advantage, as I use the darker mic for overly bright sound sources, and vice-versa. I've used these mics with good results in my project studio, on vocals, guitars, and hand percussion, and actually earned a major film festival award for music I created in that studio. I think the mics sound particularly good on female voices (as a number of reviewers have noted). The figure-of-eight pattern offers the flattest response curve, and I almost always use that for vocals. (The cardioid and omni pattern give more treble/upper mids boost--useful for some applications, but a little harsh on my voice.)
Bottom line: This is a well-made, versatile microphone that will do pretty much anything you ask of it.

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The Audio Technica AT4050 multi-pattern condenser microphone is like getting three completely different microphones for the price of one! Meet the studio condenser that captures every nuance. With three switchable polar patterns, the large-diaphragm Audio-Technica AT4050 exhibits a remarkable combination of qualities: high-SPL capability with transparent and airy uppers/mids complemented by rich low-end qualities. Its dual large diaphragms are gold-vaporized and aged for consistent, outstanding performance. A precision-machined, nickel-plated brass acoustic element baffle provides rock-solid element stability and exceptional sensitivity. Ideal for studio use and live sound productions with vocals, piano, strings, drum overheads, guitar amps, and more. Audio Technica AT4050 Features Transparent uppers/mids balanced by rich low-end qualities combine with advanced acoustic engineering for extensive performance capabilities and highest quality Dual-diaphragm capsule design maintains precise polar pattern definition across the full frequency range of the microphone The 2-micron-thick, vapor-deposited gold diaphragms undergo a five-step aging process so that the optimum characteristics achieved remain constant over years of use Three switchable polar patterns: omni, cardioid, figure-of-eight Transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high-speed transients State-of-the-art surface-mount electronics ensure compliance with A-T's stringent consistency and reliability standards Switchable 80 Hz hi-pass filter and 10 dB pad Custom shock mount provides superior isolation

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Audio Technica AE5400 Handheld Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this microphone as a gift to a very talented Vocalist. I looked at many brands and models. After giving this microphone, I received several demo tapes on which it was used. Amazing! What a difference over the 58 wired and wireless he was using. One big attraction is the ability to use the microphone in either flat or low roll off modes. This extends the utility dramatically. I'm glad I went this way.

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Studio Projects C1 Condenser Microphone, Cardioid Review

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(More customer reviews)This microphone is terrific. I'm a classically trained vocalist, and I recently recorded an entire demo album using the C1 (with the Edirol UA-5 as a preamp). The microphone captured a warm, true, and vibrant sound right out of the box, and its dynamic response was excellent. In fact, I was so pleased with the raw sound that I left it entirely untouched in the mixing process. While this unit's price is extremely reasonable, this is not a great microphone "for the price"; it's simply a great microphone that happens to be priced affordably.

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The Studio Projects C1 is a large diaphragm, fixed-cardioid condenser microphone employing a 1.06 Inch (27mm) capsule, high quality, low noise amplifier and balanced, transformerless output circuitry. It features switchable -10dB or -20dB pad and 6dB@75Hz or 150Hz high pass filter for added control in various recording applications and a clear, full response expected from a large capsule microphone design. Versatility is key in the recording arena, and the Studio Projects C1 is a well-proven and award winning tool. It is designed to deliver the finest quality vocal and instrumental recordings and will serve to enhance any professional or project studio at an unbelievably low price.

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Allen & Heath AH-ZED-12FX 12-Channel Mixer with USB Interface and Onboard EFX Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Great unit once I got A good one that worked right. Perfect size/features for a home recording, and live performance. I do some ripping/remixing for my radio show.
1st & 2nd machine didn't have a working CODEC. A&H knew exactly what was wrong when I called and had repair people lined up in my area to fix it!!!
I sent it back to Amazon 2X before I got a good one.
Amazon was very helpful in getting squared away.
Check all feature on arrival. JM

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Complementing the existing ZED series, the ZED FX has been developed around an FX chipset purely for the new model. Our DSP engineers have been working hard, crafting and refining beautiful reverb algorithms. The effects are available nowhere else - this quality and integration is only available from the ZED FX. The ZED-12FX is a 12 channel mixer with USB interface and onboard EFX. It has 16 essential time-delay effects which add to the already bulging feature set. The mixer is ideal for small groups who don't want to carry around an effects unit with their gear but who still want great quality FX at their gigs and on their recordings.

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Yamaha MG124CX 12 Input Stereo Mixer with Digital Effects Review

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(More customer reviews)I have had no problem with this unit at all. I use it for a Youth Praise Team...keys, 2 guitars, 2 mics...dvd-player input and i-pod input.
We go from this board to a Pyle amplifier that was purchased here as well. Sound quality is good, effects work well.
The only drawback that I have is there are no individual audio levels for each channel.
Recommended purchase.

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AKG C214 Condenser Microphone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Nice Sounding Microphone. Interestingly I find it to have a similar frequency response to many stage-vocal condensers in that it has a distinctive curve meant to flatter its sound source--flat until 1000hz. This is not a neutral microphone but rather a microphone that accentuates. Your opinion may vary but I think it sounds nice. When the bass cut is selected, and without the -20db pad, it reminds me of a Neumann KMS 104. AKG makes nice mics and for the price it is a nice addition to a collection. I bought this microphone to use in conjunction with a Shure Beta-57 on a guitar cab for live work but also recording. The price, pad, and the frequency curve were its selling points. But it sounds good on anything with a voice.

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M-Audio Sputnik Multi-Pattern Large Diaphragm Vacuum Tube Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm more then happy with my new M-Audio Sputnic. A great mic and a great price

Click Here to see more reviews about: M-Audio Sputnik Multi-Pattern Large Diaphragm Vacuum Tube Condenser Microphone

M-Audio's Sputnik mic signals the end of microphone envy. Based on a classic vacuum tube design and manufactured in modern facilities to exacting standards, this multi-pattern, large diaphragm studio condenser delivers the lush, classic sound normally associated with rare and expensive vintage mics like the Neumann U47 and AKG C12. Sputnik's combination of military-grade vacuum tube, ultrasensitive evaporated gold Mylar diaphragm, solid brass construction, and multiple polar patterns makes it ideal for a wide variety of voices, instruments, and applications--especially putting that signature sound in the spotlight. Engineered from scratch, we designed Sputnik with input from top recording industry studio engineers--and it's an instant classic in their hands.

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Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone, Cardioid Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you are looking for a microphone for voice-overs or broadcast use, THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO BUY.
The Shure SM-5 and SM-7 microphones are the best voice mics ever made. The large SM-5 is no longer made, so you can only find it used, but the SM-7 is just as good.Either one, you have the best.
Don't let the price fool you. I have brought this in to studios that have $3000 Neuman condenser mics and they laughed when I said I wanted to use my $300 Shure mic instead.I told them to put up both mics and do an A/B test while I spoke into each of them. The three other audio engineers in the studio had to agree, the Shure was better and it was a night and day difference, not hard at all to decide it was best.
This mic has a warmth and rich sound no other mic can give you.
Even industry publications like MIX MAGAZINE and RadioWorld have done reviews where they did the same tests and said the same things about this mic in comparison to the expensive condenser mics...
--------------------------------------------
from MIX MAGAZINE, March 1998, page 53:
Eric Paul has made a career out of recording country giants like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and many others: "My favorite overall microphone for voices is the Shure SM-5. If they can't get a Shure SM-5, they can still get Shure SM-7s, which are still available. If you've tried out three very expensive tube mics and you aren't happy with any of them, then the next step should immediately be a Shure SM-7. I will almost always guarentee you that if the expensive mic doesn't work, an SM-7 will. For some reason, people sound better on them."----------------------------------------------
from RADIO WORLD, February 18 1998, page 62:
Joe Stack, director of engineering for ABC radio said: "When I worked at WATH in Athens, Ohio, I had someone call and offer me ten RE-20s for the three SM-5s we had. I turned him down." ------------------------------------------
from EQ MAGAZINE, July 2006 issue:
The SM7 is perhaps most famous for being used as the vocal microphone on Michael Jackson's Thriller engineered by Bruce Swedien. -----------------------------------------------
Some interesting facts about the SM-7..."When we were doing "Off The Wall", "Thriller" and "Bad" I ended up with 6 Shure SM7's. That is a fantastic mike." - Bruce Swedien
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have used the SM 7 on vocals on every album they have done.
You can see James Hetfield from Metallica singing into a Shure SM 7 on the "Some Kind Of Monster" DVD.
----------------------------------------
Another thing I have noticed in the studio, is that some of my other mics require gating and downward expanders on the mics to get rid of room noise, but the SM-7 doesn't need it. It is quiet all by itself.
And to save many hours trying to edit out mouth noises, clicks and smacks from voice-over talent that use expensive CONDENSER microphones, just have them use the SM-7 next time, and no more wasted time editing out mouth noises anymore.Throughout the years on the Howard Stern Show, they have replaced and tried all sorts of microphones, from the Electrovoice RE-20 to Neuman mics. But if you notice, the Co-host, Robin Quivers, STILL uses the Shure SM-7 and refuses to change to any of the other mics. You can see throughout the years on the TV show that although the mics are always changing for everyone else, Robin ALWAYS has the SM-7 to this day.
Since the Howard Stern Show has moved to Sirrius Sattelite, the show had to buy new microphones, (couldn't take them with from CBS) and everyone seems to be using the same mics they did before. Robin has another SM-7 so she really likes this mic! It looks different now, because she has the larger windscreen that now comes with the SM-7.


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Mackie Onyx 1220i FireWire Recording Mixer Review

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(More customer reviews)I was recently looking into ways of kicking my podcasting setup up a notch, and settled on the Mackie Onyx 1220i FireWire mixer. I'm extremely pleased with this decision.
Obviously you don't need something this fancy if you're just getting started. And indeed I've been producing my show, Otaku no Podcast, for almost 4 years using just a standard USB microphone. But I was beginning to outgrow that setup. Adding a co-host was one factor that pushed me to upgrade. Having each host on their own mic just sounds much better than having everybody crowd around one mic "jazz singer" style. But what really made me upgrade is dealing with group Skype calls. I have been using computer-based Skype call recording software until now, which worked well enough when I only had one other person on the line with me. But things quickly degenerated when I had more than one additional Skype caller. The way Skype call recording software works is that it puts you on one channel, and all other Skype callers on a second channel. Which is fine if you only have one other caller on with you. But if you have two or three (or more) people on a Skype conference call, then they all get mashed into one channel. Which means that, if one person coughs or sneezes while someone else is talking, or somebody's Skype connection goes haywire, or an ambulance/police car screams by in the background of someone's audio, you're in a world of hurt. There's just no way to edit around that.
What I really needed was a way to put each individual Skype caller on their own channel. Which meant that I needed a multi-channel mixer. The Mackie 1220i's four XLR mic inputs means that I can have up to four "live" cohosts, each on his or her own mic. But its two AUX buses means that, using a "mix minus" type setup, I can have two Skype callers each on their own channel. Mix minus means that the Skype callers can hear everybody else, both myself and my "live" cohosts as well as other Skype callers, but they don't hear an echo of themselves (which gets really weird and annoying). And all of these channels get sucked into my Mac where I can individually tweak or fiddle around with them to my heart's content. Finally I have a Zoom H4n solid state recorder plugged into the mixer's "main mix out," which serves as a backup recording in case the computer recording fails for some reason (it's been known to happen). This has turned out to be a very flexible setup, and the Mackie has performed like a champ. It's well built and rock solid.
Unfortunately, the way "mix minus" works is that you need one AUX channel for each Skype caller. So with this setup I can have up to two Skype callers. If I wanted more, I'd need to move up to a bigger board with more AUX buses such as the Mackie Onyx 1620i, which has four of them. Maybe next year.


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