SP VTB-1 pre-amp and RNC 1773 compressor

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mr. Moon
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Mr. Moon

Mr. Moon

Force of Naked
Hi!

Earlier today I picked up my new VTB-1 pre amp to try to help solve some quality issues I've been having with recording vocals in my home studio. I decided to make this purchase based on some of the feedback and opinions expressed on this forum regarding this product.

Based on the feedback found on this site, I also have a RNC 1773 due to arrive on Wednesday of this week to help solve the same problems.

(*Note: If you want to hear the problems listen to "War13" at the following site: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/9/mrmoonmusic.htm)

I'm hoping that by having a decent pre amp and decent compressor, I'll have the tools I need to record some better sounding vocals. I know that neither of them have the "automatic kick-@ss vocalist" button that will polish a turd vocal track to make it shine, (due to the low price, of course.. :)), but I think they will help allow me to get the best sound out of my mic's (SP C1, SM -57, SM-58, ? AT condenser mic, etc.) as possible.

My question: Does anyone have any suggestions to help get the most natural full-sounding tone out of these components?

For instance; I'm assuming that I should run the C1 into the pre amp (VTB-1) and run the pre amp directly into my Aardvark DP 2496's balanced input. I should then connect the RNC 1773 compressor via the insert plug on the VTB-1, rather than include it directly in-line in the signal path. Am I correct?

Any other tricks I should know? Default settings? etc.?

I *will* read the manuals before I play with the gear to get a feel for them, so I'm not asking for anyone to do this for me out of lazyness. I have not had any real experience with pre amps or compressors at all (I had a 3630 for a while, but I never used the POS, too noisy..). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!

-Mr. Moon
 
Sp C1 --> VTB-1 --> RNC seems to be the common recording forum budget setup.
 
I might be inclined to chain the compressor as the last gentlemen indicated instead of using the inserts in order to keep the signal path fully balanced.
 
Actually, the inputs/outputs on the RNC are unbalanced :(

As described here: http://www.fmraudio.com/faq.html

So, I was thinking that using the inserts on the VTB-1 would be the best way to go. I won't have much cable between the devices, so I shouldn't have too much trouble, correct?

Oh, I guess I should also ask what type of cable to use between the devices... I know that I should use TRS, but should I use instrument-type cables, or speaker type cable? (I would think I'd want to use instrument-grade, as it is part of that signal chain, but I want to be sure!)

Thanks!

-Mr. Moon

---------
Hear me at:

http://www.soundclick.com/MrMoon
- and -
http://www.soundclick.com/VictimsOfReality
 
I have an FMR Audio RNC1773 compressor that lives with my Studio Projects VTB-1 preamplifier (sits on top of the pre) and I have the RNC connected to the VTB-I insert with a standard 3 foot insert cable, and it works very well. An insert cable (or Y cable) has one stereo 1/4" male jack on one end and two mono 1/4" jacks on the other end.
 
jmproductions said:
I might be inclined to chain the compressor as the last gentlemen indicated instead of using the inserts in order to keep the signal path fully balanced.
Click to expand...

Actually, since the RNC is all unbalanced input and output, the way to keep the overall chain balanced is to use the RNC in the VTB-1 inserts.

Also, the RNC is setup so you can use a cable that has tip-ring-sleeve connectors at both ends. Simply plug the TRS from the VTB-1 Insert to the RNC Left Input. Voila!
 
screws said:
Actually, since the RNC is all unbalanced input and output, the way to keep the overall chain balanced is to use the RNC in the VTB-1 inserts.

Also, the RNC is setup so you can use a cable that has tip-ring-sleeve connectors at both ends. Simply plug the TRS from the VTB-1 Insert to the RNC Left Input. Voila!
Click to expand...

So you can insert the RNC into the VTB-1 using just a plain TRS balanced cable? Very coolness.

I ordered the two today along with a C1 mic and cannot wait to get them in and lay down some vocals.
 
screws said:
Actually, since the RNC is all unbalanced input and output, the way to keep the overall chain balanced is to use the RNC in the VTB-1 inserts.
Click to expand...

My bad, the RNC has only unbalanced connections. However a TRS insert is not a balanced connection under any circumstances. This should not be an issue using a high quality TRS cable, but I would keep the run as short as possible.
 
Robertyu...

Geeezzzzz... sounds like we have the same mic (C1), preamp (VTB-1), and compressor (RNC 1773) setup!!! Hopefully, you will post any great info you learn with this combo; I'll be sure to do the same!! :)

jmproductions,

By high-quality TRS cable, do you mean a shielded cable (i.e. instrument cable), or an unshielded cable (i.e. speaker cable)? I have been under the impression that these different cables run under different impedences, and shielding was required in instrument (i.e. guitar) cables to help prevent noise and crosstalk in cables in close proximity to one another.

I know that back when I used external effect pedals with my guitar rig, I had to use instrument-grade (shielded) cables to patch the effects together. Is this true for the RNC/VTB-1 setup (while using the insert) too?

Thanks!

-Mr. Moon
 
TRS stands for Tip Ring Sleeve, the same type of connector you see on a set of stereo headphones.
A TRS cable is neither a guitar cable, nor a speaker cable. It is a balanced, shielded cable just like a microphone cable, but with different connectors. It has 3 connectors (vs. 2 in a guitar cable). In the RNC - VTB1 configuration, however, it will NOT be functioning as a balanced cable, but rather will carry both the send and return signals within the same shield.

Scott
 
What the last guy said..

By quality TRS cable I meant don't go and buy the cheap (Hosa or whatever) TRS cables. Get a good quality set of cables and keep the length under 3 feet.

Joel
 
I'm also a member of the "VTB-1/RNC" club.
Both are way better than "decent" BTW.
You can get CD release level quality out of them IMHO.
Plenty of pro studios use the "unbalanced" RNC.

Chris
 
jmproductions said:
What the last guy said..

By quality TRS cable I meant don't go and buy the cheap (Hosa or whatever) TRS cables. Get a good quality set of cables and keep the length under 3 feet.

Joel
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info! What are some "good quality" name brands I should look for? (For mic cables too, might as well get some new ones 'cuz I'm sure the ones I have are crap...:()

Thanks!

-Mr. Moon
 
Well, I couldn't wait for a reply, so I went out and picked up a Monster 500 (somethingoranother) patch cable. D@mn thing was $22.00 for a 1 meter chunk.....

...But Geeeeeeeezzzzz! I could tell a big difference between that and the P.O.S. HOSA patch cable I had been using!! The Monster cable was actually worth it! ...Go figure

Now, should I be concerned that the cable is 3.3 feet long (1 meter), and go get one that's shorter, or will 1 meter be okay?

-Mr. Moon
 
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