C
codeblue
New member
Has anyone used this Samson system and if so, what were the results. I am using a Tascam 414mkIII portastudio. Thanks.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
R
Raj
New member
I got one of these systems about 2 months ago, and am using it with a 414. The section on Dragon's website helped me with the decision. I decided I needed more than headphones for adequate monitoring, but didn't have a lot to spend... kinda the same reasoniong that led me to the 414 in the first place.
Now, I admit to not having well-developed "ears", but I compared the Samson with some of the smaller bi-amped monitors, which were the only other units in my price range, and it won out. Not because it sounded "better", but more neutral, if that makes sense. I used well-recorded and well-mixed classical and rock cd's that I was familiar with to make the comparison.
I was also sold on the fact that the system had a separate amp, which gives additional EQ, and lets me hook up both the 414 and my double-well 2-track mixdown cassette deck. This lets me playback a reference tape in the cassette deck at the same time I'm playing back my own multitrack, and switch back and forth to make comparisons.
As nearfeild monitors, they seem to work pretty well at the lower volumes I prefer. The system seems pretty accurate at higher volumes, too: a little more than halfway up is about all I can take with my head about 4 feet away. Not because it sounds bad or harsh: just a lot of volume and I'm real careful about my hearing.
When I first set the system up, I put "Flying Pie" by McCartney in and cranked the volume, as some of the songs and the way they are recorded are similar to some of the stuff I'm working on now. My 19-year-old son, a classically trained viola player and grunge rock guitar mini-god, was really impressed at the detail, clarity, and "nuances" revealed by this sytem as compared to my middling home stereo system.
I don't have tons of experience with more expensive, high-end monitors, but this little sytem has really improved my ability to hear what I'm doing and modify my recording and mixes for the better. And I found them at www.zzounds.com/a--2676837 for $169, which was about $40-50 cheaper than I found anywhere else. I didn't add the optional bass woofer. Thats my 2 cents worth! Good luck.
[This message has been edited by Raj (edited 02-16-2000).]
Now, I admit to not having well-developed "ears", but I compared the Samson with some of the smaller bi-amped monitors, which were the only other units in my price range, and it won out. Not because it sounded "better", but more neutral, if that makes sense. I used well-recorded and well-mixed classical and rock cd's that I was familiar with to make the comparison.
I was also sold on the fact that the system had a separate amp, which gives additional EQ, and lets me hook up both the 414 and my double-well 2-track mixdown cassette deck. This lets me playback a reference tape in the cassette deck at the same time I'm playing back my own multitrack, and switch back and forth to make comparisons.
As nearfeild monitors, they seem to work pretty well at the lower volumes I prefer. The system seems pretty accurate at higher volumes, too: a little more than halfway up is about all I can take with my head about 4 feet away. Not because it sounds bad or harsh: just a lot of volume and I'm real careful about my hearing.
When I first set the system up, I put "Flying Pie" by McCartney in and cranked the volume, as some of the songs and the way they are recorded are similar to some of the stuff I'm working on now. My 19-year-old son, a classically trained viola player and grunge rock guitar mini-god, was really impressed at the detail, clarity, and "nuances" revealed by this sytem as compared to my middling home stereo system.
I don't have tons of experience with more expensive, high-end monitors, but this little sytem has really improved my ability to hear what I'm doing and modify my recording and mixes for the better. And I found them at www.zzounds.com/a--2676837 for $169, which was about $40-50 cheaper than I found anywhere else. I didn't add the optional bass woofer. Thats my 2 cents worth! Good luck.
[This message has been edited by Raj (edited 02-16-2000).]
C
codeblue
New member
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Raj:
I got one of these systems about 2 months ago, and am using it with a 414. The section on Dragon's website helped me with the decision. I decided I needed more than headphones for adequate monitoring, but didn't have a lot to spend... kinda the same reasoniong that led me to the 414 in the first place.
Now, I admit to not having well-developed "ears", but I compared the Samson with some of the smaller bi-amped monitors, which were the only other units in my price range, and it won out. Not because it sounded "better", but more neutral, if that makes sense. I used well-recorded and well-mixed classical and rock cd's that I was familiar with to make the comparison.
I was also sold on the fact that the system had a separate amp, which gives additional EQ, and lets me hook up both the 414 and my double-well 2-track mixdown cassette deck. This lets me playback a reference tape in the cassette deck at the same time I'm playing back my own multitrack, and switch back and forth to make comparisons.
As nearfeild monitors, they seem to work pretty well at the lower volumes I prefer. The system seems pretty accurate at higher volumes, too: a little more than halfway up is about all I can take with my head about 4 feet away. Not because it sounds bad or harsh: just a lot of volume and I'm real careful about my hearing.
When I first set the system up, I put "Flying Pie" by McCartney in and cranked the volume, as some of the songs and the way they are recorded are similar to some of the stuff I'm working on now. My 19-year-old son, a classically trained viola player and grunge rock guitar mini-god, was really impressed at the detail, clarity, and "nuances" revealed by this sytem as compared to my middling home stereo system.
I don't have tons of experience with more expensive, high-end monitors, but this little sytem has really improved my ability to hear what I'm doing and modify my recording and mixes for the better. And I found them at www.zzounds.com/a--2676837 for $169, which was about $40-50 cheaper than I found anywhere else. I didn't add the optional bass woofer. Thats my 2 cents worth! Good luck.
[This message has been edited by Raj (edited 02-16-2000).]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Raj-Thanks for the feedback and more thanks for the Zzounds location. I will be contacting them soon. I'll let you know the results. So far the 414 is fairly clear. I have done just basic tracks with acoustic guitar ,mandolin , and percussion but need to hear it with a monitor to fully appreciate it. again, thanks. codeblue
I got one of these systems about 2 months ago, and am using it with a 414. The section on Dragon's website helped me with the decision. I decided I needed more than headphones for adequate monitoring, but didn't have a lot to spend... kinda the same reasoniong that led me to the 414 in the first place.
Now, I admit to not having well-developed "ears", but I compared the Samson with some of the smaller bi-amped monitors, which were the only other units in my price range, and it won out. Not because it sounded "better", but more neutral, if that makes sense. I used well-recorded and well-mixed classical and rock cd's that I was familiar with to make the comparison.
I was also sold on the fact that the system had a separate amp, which gives additional EQ, and lets me hook up both the 414 and my double-well 2-track mixdown cassette deck. This lets me playback a reference tape in the cassette deck at the same time I'm playing back my own multitrack, and switch back and forth to make comparisons.
As nearfeild monitors, they seem to work pretty well at the lower volumes I prefer. The system seems pretty accurate at higher volumes, too: a little more than halfway up is about all I can take with my head about 4 feet away. Not because it sounds bad or harsh: just a lot of volume and I'm real careful about my hearing.
When I first set the system up, I put "Flying Pie" by McCartney in and cranked the volume, as some of the songs and the way they are recorded are similar to some of the stuff I'm working on now. My 19-year-old son, a classically trained viola player and grunge rock guitar mini-god, was really impressed at the detail, clarity, and "nuances" revealed by this sytem as compared to my middling home stereo system.
I don't have tons of experience with more expensive, high-end monitors, but this little sytem has really improved my ability to hear what I'm doing and modify my recording and mixes for the better. And I found them at www.zzounds.com/a--2676837 for $169, which was about $40-50 cheaper than I found anywhere else. I didn't add the optional bass woofer. Thats my 2 cents worth! Good luck.
[This message has been edited by Raj (edited 02-16-2000).]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Raj-Thanks for the feedback and more thanks for the Zzounds location. I will be contacting them soon. I'll let you know the results. So far the 414 is fairly clear. I have done just basic tracks with acoustic guitar ,mandolin , and percussion but need to hear it with a monitor to fully appreciate it. again, thanks. codeblue
R
Raj
New member
Codeblue: If you get the little Samson system, I sure would like to hear back from you about what you think. And if you decide not to, I'd like to know what led you to a different system.
So far I feel like I'm really getting a bang for my buck. I'm using an AKG c1000s and a Shure SM57 as mics through an ART Tube MP into my older version of the 414 (no XLR input) to record acoustic guitar (steel string, classical, and six string) as well as rudimentary vocals.
It is really nice to be able to sit back and listen without headphones, and I feel like I'm getting a lot better feedback about what I'm recording (just don't forget to turn the mic off before playback through the monitors - awesome feedback!) and when I'm twiddling those dials to mix what I've recorded.
Be sure to test out other monitors in the price range - or even somewhat better ones like Alesis Point 7 through a dedicated amp - before you purchase. What works for me may not for you!
So far I feel like I'm really getting a bang for my buck. I'm using an AKG c1000s and a Shure SM57 as mics through an ART Tube MP into my older version of the 414 (no XLR input) to record acoustic guitar (steel string, classical, and six string) as well as rudimentary vocals.
It is really nice to be able to sit back and listen without headphones, and I feel like I'm getting a lot better feedback about what I'm recording (just don't forget to turn the mic off before playback through the monitors - awesome feedback!) and when I'm twiddling those dials to mix what I've recorded.
Be sure to test out other monitors in the price range - or even somewhat better ones like Alesis Point 7 through a dedicated amp - before you purchase. What works for me may not for you!
C
codeblue
New member
Originally posted by Raj:
Codeblue: If you get the little Samson system, I sure would like to hear back from you ....Raj- I bought the Samson system and am very happy with it. Very small and takes up little space but you are right,more than enough power. I am using an SM-58 that I,ve owned for about 25 yrs. Bought an XLR cable and get good response. My next purchase will be an SM-57 and then will not have to switch back and forth from left to right. Read where Tom Petty uses the 57 for vocal mic.I am still experimenting with the best way to record bass but the acoustic guitar sounds better mic'ed and moving the air as opposed to direct.Thanks for your input. codeblue
R
Raj
New member
Cool, codeblue. I hope you got a good deal!
p.s. I like my SM57 for what it is, but you might want to check out the mic forum of the BBS before you buy one. A lot of the folks here seem to think that the 57 & 58 are pretty much interchangeable, so why get two of the same (sort of) mics when you can get a condensor for variety?
Unless they are going to do double duty as stage mics - then a 58 for vox and a 57 for acoustic seems to be a popular choice. I know (believe me!) that paying the extra bucks for a condensor can be hard, but the Rode NT-1 seems to be very popular and its on sale several places for $199 or so - which is a steal.
[This message has been edited by Raj (edited 03-13-2000).]
p.s. I like my SM57 for what it is, but you might want to check out the mic forum of the BBS before you buy one. A lot of the folks here seem to think that the 57 & 58 are pretty much interchangeable, so why get two of the same (sort of) mics when you can get a condensor for variety?
Unless they are going to do double duty as stage mics - then a 58 for vox and a 57 for acoustic seems to be a popular choice. I know (believe me!) that paying the extra bucks for a condensor can be hard, but the Rode NT-1 seems to be very popular and its on sale several places for $199 or so - which is a steal.
[This message has been edited by Raj (edited 03-13-2000).]