Did my first gig last night with three new pieces of equipment; the Genex GX9000 that I've owned for several weeks, and the RME Audio mic preamp and Coles 4038 that both arrived last week.
Well, it took a lot of years, but I think I've finally put together one helluva location recording rig! I had spent enough time learning how to use the Genex that I knew what it was capable of. But last night I got to try out a new software upgrade that allows for MUCH easier file management when operating under the gun, like on live gigs. It worked flawlessly and allowed me to concentrate on other matters like gain adjustments and mic position. When I first received the Genex, I was afraid that I'd never be as comfortable and confident that I was when running a tape machine - there was just too much going on for me to be able to relax. But last night proved that wrong, and on the very first gig! The new fiile mgt software upgrade makes the machine super simple to operate under pressure, even for a dinosaur like me.
The QuadMic from RME seems to good to be true; 4ch of clean mic preamps in a 1/2 rack space sized box for under $600. But the damn thing works like its supposed to and sounds like.........well nothing at all! I used the QuadMic for the two KM184 mics that were set up in XY pattern. Both the nylon string acoustic and the flute sounded wonderful through the stereo pair.
The Coles 4038 was used as the spot mic on the flute. (A Royer R121 was the spot for the acoustic guitar). The 4038 was placed just about 3ft away from the flute, at the same height and aimed towards the middle of the flute. I haven't mic'd many flutes, so I don't have a lot to compare to, but this one sure sounded real nice to me. (I used a Vintech preamp for the two ribbon mics.)
Overall, all three new toys performed perfectly and sounded great. I can't say the same about the facility we recorded in. The room itself sounded very nice, but there was plenty of outside noise that made it through into our room. I won't know until I edit things whether or not the noise will be a major problem. But I'm still very happy with how everything turned out.
steve
lex125@pacbell.net www.lexington125.com