Focusrite Platinum VoiceMaster

[dirtythermos]

You might want to try a different mic first - the c3000b has a reputation for being harsh and brittle.

 

[steve350]

Thanks for the reply. I almost hate to ask this question because I know it's very subjective but, what Vocal Mics work better with the Focusrite? Thanks

 

[Middleman]

NTK, TLM103, V67 (only the G model )

The NTK is the best on this best preamp however from my collection.

 

[mikeh]

I agree that the C3000B is a harsh mic and would not e the best mic to use to draw conclusions on any pre. I have a C3000B but it rarely gets into the mix anymore.

I mainly use an AT4047 or a KSM32 though my Voicemaster. It work very well with the AT4047. I've also used a V67 through the Voicemaster, with mixed results.

 

[steve350]

O.K. my friends I will give the Focusrite another try. I've read some good things about the RODE NTK Tube Condenser Mic. I will try it and post my results when I get it. Thanks Steve

 

[acorec]

Thanks for the input. I am using a Korg D1600 Multi track recorder. I have my Focusrite going directly into that. My monitors are Fostex PM-1's and the vocal mic I've been using is the AKG-3000B.

I looked at the Korg 1600 and cannot tell if it has inserts. I think not, but check your manual. If it has no inserts, then you are hearing the Korg's pre-amp and not the Voicemaster Pro. This is the #1 problem with outboard pre's. Your mixer has to be able to by-pass the internal pre-amps. I suspect that you don't like the Korgs pre-amps and bought the VM Pro to upgrade. The problem is that you have done nothing but add another pre-amp before the Korg's pre-amp. In your present configuration, there is no pre-amp that will help you. Sell the Korg and get a system that allows you to by-pass the pre-amps. You need inserts. Without inserts, you will forever be held back and a slave to the Korg's pre-amps.

 

[steve350]

It's my understanding that turning the Korg's D1600 input trim pots fully counter-clock wise, turns off the Korg's pre-amp.

 

[acorec]

It's my understanding that turning the Korg's D1600 input trim pots fully counter-clock wise, turns off the Korg's pre-amp.

That is not true. A pre-amp usaually is an op-amp. The "gain" knob only sets how much voltage gain is expected from the op-amp. Turning down the trim-pot only sets the op-amp to unity gain (1:1), but the signal still goes through the op-amp. In order to use an outboard pre-amp you have to *by-pass* the op-amp completely. That is what inserts do. A line insert breaks the connection to allow a devices such as a preamp to be "inserted" into the mixer without going through the built-in pre-amps. Most people run the outboard pre-amp directly to the tape deck/hard disk recorder and by-pass the entire mixer. Look at your manual carefully and see if there is any way to insert directly to the hard-disk recorder. That is your answer. If not, then you will have to live with the Korg's pre-amps until you replace it in the future. This is the problem that people in-the-know don't tell buyers of these "all-in-one" recording stations. I know it sucks, and you may not believe me, but if you are serious about recording, then experience will teach you that what I tell you now is right. I say, sell the VM Pro if you are not into serious recording and use the Korg. If you are serious about recording, keep the VM Pro and concentrate on upgrading to a mixer/Seperate HD recorder later.

 

[steve350]

I believe the Korg's preamps are bypassed by using the digital input. Since I upgraded my Focusrite with the digital card, I will give that a try.

 

[lbcstudios]

i used the VM on the gig yesterday and today, i used it for guitar so far, we do vox tomm.... i used a audio technica 4040 with it, and i loved the sound i got from it... the at 4040 is an awesome mic, and works well with the platinum... so i guess im gonna keep the thing, he said i could use it for a few days, 95 bucks, great buy !

 

[xfinsterx]

Thanks for the reply. I almost hate to ask this question because I know it's very subjective but, what Vocal Mics work better with the Focusrite? Thanks

try the at 4047 or a nuemann u87
or even a blue dragon fly.
the trick with that unit is not to use the (depth) button on the vintage harmonics, compress at around -2 to -3, auto release with a slow ratio, run the vintages harms POST comp, and make up the gain post eq.
a few minor tweaks and you should be dialed.

this is the only pre i use for scream or growl type bands, its a classic in that arena.

peace.

 

[Big Kenny]

True- going in digi does bypass the korgs pre amps
Very true- use ALL the bells and whistles sparingly (tube warmth, vintage harmonics, de esser) set your comp at slow attack too and expander at twelve's
You will get great sounds out of this ubit if you don't try to use all the pretty lights all the time