Behringer VX2000!

[jb4play]

If anyone has the Behringer VX2000 or have used it to a certain extent, let me know, I have some questions to ask. Thx

[crawdad]

I have one. Ask away!

[jb4play]

Ok, my thing is I'm using the Behringer as my new pre/outboard compressor for my studio. I still have my Mackie VLZ 1202 pro mixer as well. My main question is where to start with the Behringer and its features? I record straight into Cubase Sx where I can compress and eq with its high quality plugins but I wanna know how and what features to use to get that thick, in your face vocal of many rap tracks that I hear. So far I've settled on just usin the mic's pre, compressing hard to keep the vocals level, and noise gating anything below -40, then adding more compression, eq, de ess, and tube warmth within Cubase Sx. My friend also told me to run the Behringer's out to my mackie and then into my system b/c the pre and mixer combo would make my signal stronger, I'm going to try this as well, I just need help on a good starting point. holla bak

[MISTERQCUE]

What kind of mic are U using?

[jb4play]

I use an Apex 420, http://www.apexelectronics.com/apex420.htm .

[crawdad]

Sounds like you are using the unit correctly. I wouldn't run it into another pre-amp, though. Its not going to improve your signal any. You can try adding a bit of bottom end with the warmth at about 220 and a slight boost on the low end.

Since the VX2000 has inserts, you can patch a limiter in. I do this with a ART Levelar. You can find these things on Ebay for $35 bucks sometimes. That will fatten up your vocals too.

[jb4play]

Thx, I will try that next time I track vocals, my main goal is to get thick, fat, up front vocals that highs shine through without sibilance or harsh sounds or hiss. I don't eq with outboard, but if it can help I will, I'd rather have it as close to right before it gets into Cubase where I can always eq more and compress more. Any other settings on it i can try?

[mikeh]

Hey crawdad - how do you like your VX2000 and what other pres/channel strips do you use?

I bought a VX2000 - for the price I figured it had to have some value. I A/B'd it to my Focusright Voicemaster (which seems to be of very close design) and I thought the VX2000 held it's own - at less then 1/2 the price.

I tend to use my MP20 the most - candidly, the channel strips take more effort to get the "right sound". So I'm sure I have not really utilized the VX2000 or the Voicemaster to thier full potential.

However. I'm rambling on - back to the question - how do you like the VX2000, and why???

[jb4play]

Has anyone using this unit used its tube emulator, voice optimized eq, or enhancer on the compressor? If so let me know if they are worth using

[c9-2001]

Originally posted by crawdad
Sounds like you are using the unit correctly. I wouldn't run it into another pre-amp, though. Its not going to improve your signal any. You can try adding a bit of bottom end with the warmth at about 220 and a slight boost on the low end.

it sounds like his vocals are in the back of the music.. kinda like a reverb hole but no reverb... i was thinking it was the signal, thats why i told him to go into the mackie...

before he got the behringer his vocals sounded up front, now they sound like he's recording iin a hole almost....

i don't think its the booth... its not huge but i know ppl with smaller booths and they're recordings come out just fine....
the only other thing i could think of was maybe its the mic....

[crawdad]

mikeh--i think the VX2000 is a workable pre. I use it all the time. Nice to hear it holds up next to the Focusrite. My other pre's include a meek mq3, two tube mps, a mackie board, a PAIA tube mic pre, and the pre's in my Yamaha Promix1. So, I don't really have any high end stuff to compare the VX with.

For the money, i like it a lot. Lots of sound shaping potential there to get me in trouble! I do use the expander, sometimes the low cut, the comp and sometimes a slight bit of the eq. I never use the tube emulation. I'd rather do that kind of stuff in the computer. Anyway, the pre is very quiet and very clean.

i still want a Neve or Neve clone!

[mikeh]

crawdad, thanks for the reply! I agree the VX200) is quiet. I should have clerified that the A?B I did with the Voicemaster was useing the pre only (non of the processing when compared) - but the Behringer did hold it's own.

I think the EQ is functional. The compression isn't the best but used in moderation (as compression should be used) it does the job.

Much like you I do't have high end pre's - the Voicemaster and Presonus MP20 are the closest I get. I do have a couple of Art Tube MP's that I run my POD and J-Station through.