I wish FMR made a really nice everything!

  • Thread starter Thread starter parkbirds
  • Start date Start date
BTW, since we're talking about Speck, I spent the weekend with the Mic Pre 5.0. It's actually pretty nice. When you figure in the features, it's worthy of getting more than a serious look.

The DI on it was surprising on bass. I thought it one of the best I've used. It's got a -20dB pad. It's got a trim. It's got a phase invert and a switchable output transformer. It's got a high pass filter that you can dial in from 30 Hz to 250 Hz. The transformer gives the pre a different degree of musicality when it's switched on.

Steve
www.mojopie.com
 
Steve -
Ive been checking out the Speck Micpre. How do you think it compares to the RNP? Or the ME-1NV? Of those 3 what do you think would be the most versatile for alt/indie rock? Or do you think there is a better choice?
 
Their EQ is pretty solid, but I think the Speck was probably my least favorite of all the mic pres tested on Dan's site.
 
Scinx--

That's a tough one. What is the best for Indie Rock???

I think the best thing you can do for any genre is start with a two channel pre that's somewhat versatile. I started with my first quality pre being an FMR RNP. But, then I immediately added a Grace 101 and then I started getting nice pres into eval as well and added to my own collection as well.

The FMR RNP is not a bad choice really. It's not truly sexy to me on anything but acoustic guitar. I think it works on anything else to acceptable results. It's a great sound when it comes time to mix.

Here's what I'd suggest:

Mic pre -- FMR RNP or Sytek MPX-4Aii (with the Burr-Brown option on two of its channels) as the first pre;

Compressor -- FMR RNC;

EQ -- Speck ASC with transformer output.

If you could afford it, then I'd slide the Great River MP-2NV in there on the preamps as a third choice for a first pre. The A Designs MP-2 would be a great first choice as well.

I personally view the Great River ME-1NV and the Speck Mic Pre 5.0 as being considered for purchase as the second quality pre in your collection b/c they are one channel. But, if you wanted me to suggest a one-channel mic pre, then I'd suggest getting the Millenia TD-1 as well as the Speck and Great River.

I know I've thrown a lot out there but these are all good choices that'll be of use many years from now.

--Steve
www.mojopie.com
 
chessrock said:
Their EQ is pretty solid, but I think the Speck was probably my least favorite of all the mic pres tested on Dan's site.
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Keith--

I agree with you that I did not expect the Speck Mic Pre 5.0 to be that great due to the clips at the Listening Sessions. But, it's a nice unit. It sounds way cool. It freaked me out how good it sounded on bass. It was just the perfect sound to slide a bass guitar into a mix without much EQ.

--Steve
www.mojopie.com
 
parkbirds said:
I’d like a Really Nice Parametric EQ.
Click to expand...

Since the RNC and RNP are 1/3 rack width, it's a no-brainer to figure out that we can expect at least one more unit in that size. What would make the strip complete ? A RNEQ of course. It's coming.
 
In fact, previous rumours have it that they were working on a Really Nice EQ but decided that the market for a Really Nice Preamp was better, so they put the EQ on hold and made the preamp first. Which means that they by now should be working on the EQ design, unless they have found another market hole to fill. :)
 
regebro said:
In fact, previous rumours have it that they were working on a Really Nice EQ but decided that the market for a Really Nice Preamp was better, so they put the EQ on hold and made the preamp first. Which means that they by now should be working on the EQ design, unless they have found another market hole to fill. :)
Click to expand...

The link has been provided for the next "market" hole to fill.



Nonono:
http://northstargallery.com/pages/MP200015.htm
 
ozraves said:
I did not expect the Speck Mic Pre 5.0 to be that great due to the clips at the Listening Sessions.
Click to expand...

Herein lies the problem with things like "the listening sessions"... you have zero point of reference.

The Speck 5.0 is a great unit that I use on a regular basis... but you were put off to it by a less than valid presentation... where in "actual use" you found it to be a good tool...
 
Fletcher said:
Herein lies the problem with things like "the listening sessions"... you have zero point of reference.

The Speck 5.0 is a great unit that I use on a regular basis... but you were put off to it by a less than valid presentation... where in "actual use" you found it to be a good tool...
Click to expand...

Isn't this true for any kind of internet based evaluation?

The number of variables in determining the usefulness of any piece of gear is boggling. Early on was taught that audio gear was like a tool box, you have tools for various situations but rarely use the same tool for every situation. I typically try to research what people use the tool for, then I set a budget and head in that direction. Once I aquire the tool I use it where needed and put it back in the box for the next time. More tools...more options...not always better.... but different.
In a pinch...cowboy boots are a great VCR tracking adjustment tool :)

SoMm
 
Fletcher said:
Herein lies the problem with things like "the listening sessions"... you have zero point of reference.

The Speck 5.0 is a great unit that I use on a regular basis... but you were put off to it by a less than valid presentation... where in "actual use" you found it to be a good tool...
Click to expand...
Just to underscore your point: When evaluating recording gear, nothing comes (even) close to listening to that gear in your setup. Nothing. Zip. Zilch. Nada. Not even fucking close.

Isn't this one of the reasons that FMR and Mercenary both offer generous product return policies? yes. YES. YES!!! (It was a rhetorical question...).

Not that you asked, but I think the whole evaluation of audio product via internet samples is, at best, just plain fallacious* and, practically-speaking, silly. Too much room for bullshit, sincere bias and honest mistakes (not to mention the potential for malevolent manipulation)...all of which is rendered moot by first-hand experience.

Regards,
McQ

*--This does not indicate, as some will claim, that I'm orally fixated...
 
Thanks HR!

BTW, guys, thanks for the general vote of confidence expressed in this thread! It was a nice surprise to stumble on this morning! Beth and I both appreciate it and hope to continue to be, at least, a very small part of your individual efforts to make great music!

Thank You most sincerely <sniffle, sniffel> from Austin,
McQ
 
McQ said:
Just to underscore your point: When evaluating recording gear, nothing comes (even) close to listening to that gear in your setup. Nothing. Zip. Zilch. Nada. Not even fucking close.

Isn't this one of the reasons that FMR and Mercenary both offer generous product return policies? yes. YES. YES!!! (It was a rhetorical question...).

Not that you asked, but I think the whole evaluation of audio product via internet samples is, at best, just plain fallacious* and, practically-speaking, silly. Too much room for bullshit, sincere bias and honest mistakes (not to mention the potential for malevolent manipulation)...all of which is rendered moot by first-hand experience.

Regards,
McQ

*--This does not indicate, as some will claim, that I'm orally fixated...
Click to expand...

soooooo whats the scoop with the RNEQ??? :D
 
Re: Thanks HR!

McQ said:
Beth and I both appreciate it and hope to continue to be, at least, a very small part of your individual efforts to make great music!

Thank You most sincerely <sniffle, sniffel> from Austin,
McQ
Click to expand...

Mark, you've helped me get an acoustic guitar sound to tape I've been wanting for years. I want to thank you for it.

Steve
www.mojopie.com
 
I would like to see a Really Nice 2ch Gate, and a Really Nice 2ch de-esser. Most de-essers out there suck. And a lot of the gates too.

With 2ch I mean dual mono.
 
Strange Leaf said:
I would like to see a Really Nice 2ch Gate, and a Really Nice 2ch de-esser. Most de-essers out there suck. And a lot of the gates too.

With 2ch I mean dual mono.
Click to expand...

i guess you weren't around when fletcher was explaining the problems which equal to higher costs with dual mono instead of stereo like the rnc??

well if they did that it would cost around 1000-2000, which would defeat the purpose of it being affordable for us bottom feeders...
 
Teacher said:
i guess you weren't around when fletcher was explaining the problems which equal to higher costs with dual mono instead of stereo like the rnc??

well if they did that it would cost around 1000-2000, which would defeat the purpose of it being affordable for us bottom feeders...
Click to expand...

I was around, and I know that dual mono is more expensive than stereo. But, and I am guessing here, a gate should be easier/cheaper to build than a compressor, so maybe you'll end up at the same cost ?
 
How bout an FMR lunch box with a built in power supply too hold up to 4-6 units? (2 RNP's, 2 RNC's. 2 RNEQ's)

or maybe an RNP4 four channel pre with a single power supply or even an RNP8 (8 channel pre with an external PS for drums)

just would like to illiminate all those wall warts somehow. I already own 2 RNC's and an RNP = 3 wall warts ...so far!
 
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