JJ Audio Microphones Visits Studio E

[Storyville]

Originally Posted by excLOUsiv

For Hit Song Drums.Wav, was there any kind of additional processing on those drums? I really liked the sound of the kick. The mics got the "boom" pretty nice and clean. How much of that warmth did the Tube Pac contribute?

I just left the studio - got there at 11:00am yesterday. Left today. Going up to NY tonight in a bout an hour.....

Anyway, the Art Tube comp was not used on that drum loop. I'll have to check to see what combination I used on that kick drum. I know d112 was the inside. I switched to different out kicks on different songs. That one may have been the Daisy.

The snare has a boost on it at 3k right now. Otherwise nothing is processed. Just level balancing.

[Storyville]

Originally Posted by 5StarProject

Storyville you are the best. Thanks for taking the time out to give that description and the samples. This definitely helps my decision, it's good to have a reference point. Thanks again.

It's my pleasure. Working with JJ was a great experience, so I only feel I'm living up to my end of the bargain.

[Storyville]

Originally Posted by IBE

Well how similar are those outcomes mxl2001 vs v67g because I already ordered the V67g

I found the mxl2001 to be much better on vocal overall than the V67g. I didn't actually try it out on Noesis. I used the V67g on bass cab and on Sax. Bob will tell you I almost never put condensers on sax - I'm a ribbon man here. But, original u87s I find work well on sax. Now I can add V67g to that list of condensers I will allow to be placed near a saxaphone.

The V67g has a very rounded bottom, and colorful low mid. And it has a frequency response that is remarkably similar though texturally different than an 87. Based on hearing Langston's voice through it, it didn't make it a go to choice for vocals when I had the Akita, Daisy, Chihuaha, mxl2001 mod, and Taho in the same room. I felt that on any voice, I had a better option - but this was mainly speculation, I didn't try it out.

The mxl2001 really surprised me. I didn't really know which mic was which or how much they cost when I put them up. And I didn't really care - and it was better I didn't know. But the mxl modd really shined as a vocal mic it was good all around, and really kicked ass on Dame's vocals. He has a low voice and the mxl really brought out the presence nicely. When I get back to the Studio this weekend I'll post up a clip.

[Storyville]

Originally Posted by guitarsfrommars

Thanks PSM, just got off the phone with JJ and got a brief blow-by-blow and descriptive about the session, sounds like all the goodness was off the chain. I have a V67/U87 mod, due back this week if the snow plows are working in Maryland. I hear the cheesesteaks were awesome too...

You should post up a clip of your voice after it arrives. Fill the void on lack of V67g on Voice example.

[Chris Lago]

I love this thread

[guitarsfrommars]

Originally Posted by Storyville

You should post up a clip of your voice after it arrives. Fill the void on lack of V67g on Voice example.

If I can make the time, I'll do it.I am in the middle of moving the next 3 weeks and I have to tear down the entire studio to do it.I would bet you Lago, illacov, haz-mat-strat, or PSM, will get to it before my process is working again/ or I have the mic in hand.

[phillysoulman]

Originally Posted by guitarsfrommars

If I can make the time, I'll do it.I am in the middle of moving the next 3 weeks and I have to tear down the entire studio to do it.I would bet you Lago, illacov, haz-mat-strat, or PSM, will get to it before my process is working again/ or I have the mic in hand.

look forward to hearing it!

[Monroe/Rampart]

No disrespect to philly, story, illacov or jj, but doesn't this topic seem just a liiiittle bit over the top?

I know that everyone on this board is pimping their own gear, retailers as well as those with smaller businesses, and that everyone is recommending exactly the piece of gear that they own, but this level of, pardon my language, circle jerking is distasteful, even if jj's mics were the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Philly, you're always talking about credibility, dignity and acting humble and appropriate, not to mention you, justifiably, being the first one to snap when somebody acts opposite of that, so it would be nice if you would try to objectively see the kind of impression of you this topic is leaving.

[phillysoulman]

Originally Posted by Monroe/Rampart

No disrespect to philly, story, illacov or jj, but doesn't this topic seem just a liiiittle bit over the top?

I know that everyone on this board is pimping their own gear, retailers as well as those with smaller businesses, and that everyone is recommending exactly the piece of gear that they own, but this level of, pardon my language, circle jerking is distasteful, even if jj's mics were the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Philly, you're always talking about credibility, dignity and acting humble and appropriate, not to mention you, justifiably, being the first one to snap when somebody acts opposite of that, so it would be nice if you would try to objectively see the kind of impression of you this topic is leaving.

"
No disrespect but.... This site is called 'GEAR SLUTZ" and we are talking about gear.
Maybe you need to go over to Future Producers" ..maybe that is what your future holds.

[Chris Lago]

Originally Posted by Monroe/Rampart

No disrespect to philly, story, illacov or jj, but doesn't this topic seem just a liiiittle bit over the top?

I know that everyone on this board is pimping their own gear, retailers as well as those with smaller businesses, and that everyone is recommending exactly the piece of gear that they own, but this level of, pardon my language, circle jerking is distasteful, even if jj's mics were the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Philly, you're always talking about credibility, dignity and acting humble and appropriate, not to mention you, justifiably, being the first one to snap when somebody acts opposite of that, so it would be nice if you would try to objectively see the kind of impression of you this topic is leaving.

It's a forum about gear, chill.

[Haz-Mat-Strat]

Originally Posted by Monroe/Rampart

No disrespect to philly, story, illacov or jj, but doesn't this topic seem just a liiiittle bit over the top?

I know that everyone on this board is pimping their own gear, retailers as well as those with smaller businesses, and that everyone is recommending exactly the piece of gear that they own, but this level of, pardon my language, circle jerking is distasteful, even if jj's mics were the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Philly, you're always talking about credibility, dignity and acting humble and appropriate, not to mention you, justifiably, being the first one to snap when somebody acts opposite of that, so it would be nice if you would try to objectively see the kind of impression of you this topic is leaving.

Monroe/Rampart

No disrespect taken

What you are seeing is a documentation of an event that took place to critique and test the microphones that I personally build. I know that if these mics were not high quality products and did not produce the desired results, I would have been shown the door and driving back to Maryland on Friday afternoon.

You know Philly and Storyville have ears that rival the best and I think my ass would have been handed to me wrapped in Gearslutz toilet paper, and thrown in a snowbank on the side of I95. (without even trying one of Philly's best cheesesteaks)


The mics that I build use the best parts available and I fine tune every microphone before I send it into the recording world. Each mic has a different sound and tone that is refreshing in the recording industry.

Do not listen to the "hype" that is posted here, listen for your self!!
There are many tracks and rough mixes that you can make an informed opinion of what these mics sound like.

I think what you feel is a "circle jerk" is true excitement about a new products that gives the studio consumer a true alternative to the mass produced high frequency squeel that is called the modern microphone.

[Storyville]

Originally Posted by Monroe/Rampart

No disrespect to philly, story, illacov or jj, but doesn't this topic seem just a liiiittle bit over the top?

I know that everyone on this board is pimping their own gear, retailers as well as those with smaller businesses, and that everyone is recommending exactly the piece of gear that they own, but this level of, pardon my language, circle jerking is distasteful, even if jj's mics were the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Philly, you're always talking about credibility, dignity and acting humble and appropriate, not to mention you, justifiably, being the first one to snap when somebody acts opposite of that, so it would be nice if you would try to objectively see the kind of impression of you this topic is leaving.

I agree, on the whole. I'm approaching this as a clinical evaluation - and as I made very clearly to both Langston and Jim, I'm not going to pull punches. And I think if they wanted me too just jerk them off, they would have found a different engineer. It does in fact hurt MY credibility not to relate my honest thoughts.

However, it's also very exciting for me to be presented with 16 hand crafted microphones. So if I get a little over the top, I do apologize - I felt like a kid in a candy store.

Would I say that JJ Audio mics blow everything else out of the water. No, there are some amazing mics out there, and ultimately it's all application dependent. But there were a few times where I honestly heard a few occasions where I would prefer certain JJ Mics to your U87s, 67s, 251s, etc, etc. There were also some times where I was disappointed.

But this isn't just a sales pitch for me. In fact, I have very little personal stake in what I say about JJ Audio - except that I like Jim and Langston as cool peoples. This is also about technique. Langston and Jim are excellent technicians, and adept recording engineers - but I spend as much time thinking about mic placement as they spend thinking about capacitors (which is A LOT). My MAIN purpose is not really to praise or denounce microphones - it's to reveal how they operate in practical application. I'd be willing to wager that Jim probably learned a few things about his own microphones that he never even realized - and he built the darn things!

Sorry this post is getting long -

One thing I've noticed is that overall, Jim and Langston are very much into "flavored" microphones. Flavored microphones are always an undertaking because "flavor" is an interpretation of imperfections, used to create interesting sounds and compliment tones. It's easy to find a misuse for a colored mic - but it's often these same mics that create our best sounds.

....And I got to use a tube version of a C414 ULS! Hey, it is Gearslutz.



But anyway: I see your point, I agree. Jim and Langston are very proud of their mics - and should be. Bob absolutely loves them. I'll do my best to stand outside of the "circle jerk" but at the same time there were some mics that really impressed me.

[Reggmail]

Originally Posted by Storyville

It's unmixed, the bass and kick are a little light at the moment. Here's the break down:

Drums:
Mono OH - Husky into Focusrite ISA
Snare top - Sm57 into Focusrite ISA
Snare Bottom - Doctsung SDC into ISA
Kick In - D112 into "Electronic Scrotum"
Kick out - Daisy into "Electronic Scrotum"
Hi Hat - Nt5 SDC into ISA
Room Mic A - Wolfgang into ISA
Room Mic B - Mxl2001 modd into ISA
----------
Bass:
Cab - Wolfgang into Electronic Scrotum
Bass DI - Blue Robbie
----------
Keys:
DI Left - ADK Ap-1
DI Right - ADK Ap-1
Amp Close - Taho into "Electronic Scrotum"
Amp OH - Docstung into Robbie
-----------
Sax:
Close mic - V67G into Ap-1
Room - Chihuaha into Ap-1
-----------
Vocals:
Taho into "Electronic Scrotum" into Lang PEQ-2
-----------
other instruments were brought to session.

Thanks for the info on the bottom Daisy into "Electronic Scrotum bass drum mics storyville.
Thanks Bobby, illacov &guitarsfrommars for all of your hard work.

That Chihuahua and the Akita sounds really good on vocals, have you ever used the Akita on saxophones and if so what did you think about it?
Thanks for the info.

& blessings.

[guitarsfrommars]

Originally Posted by Reggmail

Thanks for the info on the bottom Daisy into "Electronic Scrotum bass drum mics storyville.
Thanks Bobby, illacov &guitarsfrommars for all of your hard work.

That Chihuahua and the Akita sounds really good on vocals, have you ever used the Akita on saxophones and if so what did you think about it?
Thanks for the info.

& blessings.

Clarification: I was not there. I am a musician/engineer, who happens to be a member of Gearslutz. I am a long time acquaintaince/jambuddy of haz-mat-strat (JJ Audio) for over 30 years. I was NOT in Philly this weekend, recording with these gentlemen, or eating cheesesteaks. I wish I had been. I am really impressed with the story, and the equipment. The rough mix MP3's are great.

[e-are]

Originally Posted by Storyville

I agree, on the whole. I'm approaching this as a clinical evaluation - and as I made very clearly to both Langston and Jim, I'm not going to pull punches. And I think if they wanted me too just jerk them off, they would have found a different engineer. It does in fact hurt MY credibility not to relate my honest thoughts.

However, it's also very exciting for me to be presented with 16 hand crafted microphones. So if I get a little over the top, I do apologize - I felt like a kid in a candy store.

Would I say that JJ Audio mics blow everything else out of the water. No, there are some amazing mics out there, and ultimately it's all application dependent. But there were a few times where I honestly heard a few occasions where I would prefer certain JJ Mics to your U87s, 67s, 251s, etc, etc. There were also some times where I was disappointed.

But this isn't just a sales pitch for me. In fact, I have very little personal stake in what I say about JJ Audio - except that I like Jim and Langston as cool peoples. This is also about technique. Langston and Jim are excellent technicians, and adept recording engineers - but I spend as much time thinking about mic placement as they spend thinking about capacitors (which is A LOT). My MAIN purpose is not really to praise or denounce microphones - it's to reveal how they operate in practical application. I'd be willing to wager that Jim probably learned a few things about his own microphones that he never even realized - and he built the darn things!

Sorry this post is getting long -

One thing I've noticed is that overall, Jim and Langston are very much into "flavored" microphones. Flavored microphones are always an undertaking because "flavor" is an interpretation of imperfections, used to create interesting sounds and compliment tones. It's easy to find a misuse for a colored mic - but it's often these same mics that create our best sounds.

....And I got to use a tube version of a C414 ULS! Hey, it is Gearslutz.



But anyway: I see your point, I agree. Jim and Langston are very proud of their mics - and should be. Bob absolutely loves them. I'll do my best to stand outside of the "circle jerk" but at the same time there were some mics that really impressed me.

Great reply Storythumbsup

[Lawrence]

I think - as relates to the value of the mics - it rests on price. What I heard sounds good to me but of course sound quality + usability (across multiple sources) + affordability + durability + flexibility (pattern switching) is what makes a mic truly stand out to the masses.

Other than that I enjoy seeing people build and sell their own products that compete with others who have huge marketing budgets so this is a good thing. I also enjoy seeing people who truly care about their craft making things like this happen. Let's face it, Philly didn't get paid to do that afaik. (if he did I would assume there would be a disclaimer) He opened his room for the potential benefit of others, to hear those mics being used in real life situations other than rap vocals.

I agree that "blowing everything else out of the water" was a wee bit over the top. He got a little excited about it... not a big deal. I doubt if anyone here really thought Philly was gonna replace his entire mic locker with JJ's.

[phillysoulman]

Originally Posted by Lawrence

I think - as relates to the value of the mics - it rests on price. What I heard sounds good to me but of course sound quality + usability (across multiple sources) + affordability + durability + flexibility (pattern switching) is what makes a mic truly stand out to the masses.

Other than that I enjoy seeing people build and sell their own products that compete with others who have huge marketing budgets so this is a good thing. I also enjoy seeing people who truly care about their craft making things like this happen. Let's face it, Philly didn't get paid to do that afaik. (if he did I would assume there would be a disclaimer) He opened his room for the potential benefit of others, to hear those mics being used in real life situations other than rap vocals.

I agree that "blowing everything else out of the water" was a wee bit over the top. He got a little excited about it... not a big deal. I doubt if anyone here really thought Philly was gonna replace his entire mic locker with JJ's.

Lawrence..the mikes are THAT good and I may indeed have an all JJ Audio mike locker as far as my condensers are concerned.

[Lawrence]

Originally Posted by phillysoulman

Lawrence..the mikes are THAT good and I may indeed have an all JJ Audio mike locker as far as my condensers are concerned.

I stand corrected. I haven't seen the actual list of your condenser mic collection but I assume you have some great things in there already. I mean, I have an AT4050 that I'd never stop using for various sources here and there no matter what other mics I had access to. I consider it a great all around mic. I'm sure there's a JJ that could replace it and it's various patterns and sound but I already have it.

But I certainly respect your opinion. If you have a mic "garage sale" hit me up.

Thanks Philly.

[Monroe/Rampart]

Originally Posted by phillysoulman

"
No disrespect but.... This site is called 'GEAR SLUTZ" and we are talking about gear.
Maybe you need to go over to Future Producers" ..maybe that is what your future holds.

Look, Philly, I really hate to toot my own horn, but I'm actually intellectual property lawyer and work part-time as an audio-technician in broadcasting to support my doctor's degree, so you can drop your 'home slice, go apply for a job at burger king' routine and at least try to reply, well, on topic.

[Haz-Mat-Strat]

Originally Posted by Lawrence

I stand corrected. I haven't seen the actual list of your condenser mic collection but I assume you have some great things in there already. I mean, I have an AT4050 that I'd never stop using for various sources here and there no matter what other mics I had access to. I consider it a great all around mic. I'm sure there's a JJ that could replace it and it's various patterns and sound but I already have it.

But I certainly respect your opinion. If you have a mic "garage sale" hit me up.

Thanks Philly.

We actually compared the 4050 to the new MXL 2001 mod. I am sure Storyville has some thoughts on that shootout.thumbsup

BTW Philly sent three mics back with me to mod. I will keep you updated.

We are getting slammed with snow in Maryland 12" on top of 33" from the last storm.

[phillysoulman]

Originally Posted by Haz-Mat-Strat

We actually compared the 4050 to the new MXL 2001 mod. I am sure Storyville has some thoughts on that shootout.thumbsup

BTW Philly sent three mics back with me to mod. I will keep you updated.

We are getting slammed with snow in Maryland 12" on top of 33" from the last storm.

I have always liked the 4050...however,the 2001 mod blows it out of the water.
With use on male vocals,you get more of the "chest voice" as well as a very smooth top end.

[guitarsfrommars]

Originally Posted by Monroe/Rampart

Look, Philly, I really hate to toot my own horn, but I'm actually intellectual property lawyer and work part-time as an audio-technician in broadcasting to support my doctor's degree, so you can drop your 'home slice, go apply for a job at burger king' routine and at least try to reply, well, on topic.

Then counselor, please refrain from sounding so intrepidly snide and so egregiously inappropriate.

[Lawrence]

Originally Posted by phillysoulman

I have always liked the 4050...however,the 2001 mod blows it out of the water.
With use on male vocals,you get more of the "chest voice" as well as a very smooth top end.

I hear you PSM. I don't really use the 4050 on lead vocals anymore. I much prefer tube mics for that for the reasons you listed above. If I had a larger room I might feel differently about that though for some cases, but close micing of lead vox in a smaller space like mine (or getting that good mid-range vocal sound you talk about, absent a good match with a particular voice) is not really the 4050's forte' imo.

I typically end up using the NTK or V69 for most lead vocal tracks... V69 probably 80% of the time works well on a wide range of voices. My LDC collection is not that big though.

[terrytee]

The Twists & Turns of Gearslutz Rap & Hip Hop pages never cease to amaze me.

[IBE]

I typically end up using the NTK or V69 for most lead vocal tracks... V69 probably 80% of the time works well on a wide range of voices. My LDC collection is not that big though.

Lawrence is that v69 stock or is it modded?

[Lawrence]

Originally Posted by IBE

Lawrence is that v69 stock or is it modded?

It's a stock V69ME. When I audition those 3 on lead vox, 4050, V69, unmodded NTK, people almost always pick the V69 to track with and I almost always agree.

Again, I have a small project studio so I can't throw up a Sony or a $2k Nuemann in that audition before tracking (I wish) ... I can only compare what I have available for a particular singer. One of those three always gets the job done pretty well for lead vox. The chain is strong and somewhat colorful (TLAudio DBX/Grace, Lavry) so it works out.

[illacov]

Originally Posted by Haz-Mat-Strat

We actually compared the 4050 to the new MXL 2001 mod. I am sure Storyville has some thoughts on that shootout.thumbsup

BTW Philly sent three mics back with me to mod. I will keep you updated.

We are getting slammed with snow in Maryland 12" on top of 33" from the last storm.

I'm beyond certain that Noesis shot out the V67G vs the 4050. I remember sitting there in the control room with Matt and looking at the Waves Spectrum analyzer with him. Noting how the 4050 sounded faster but didn't have as much low end information or suprisingly as much top end information. We couldn't get the 4050 to sound like the V67G without ALOT of tweaking and wonking about. Matt and I discussed that shootout all the way back to his crib. I think that seeing as how we only had 3 days to really go through those microphones, we need to do more recording with them. Plus the V67G mod has 3 versions. Story only heard the vintage version (darkest) and we never got a chance to fire up the medium version and we didn't have the original brightest mod. The 2001 mod to my ears sounds more like a U87AI on roids. The V67G vintage mod has more of a richer sound to it and takes EQ very very very well. The other two versions are subsequently brighter and need less eq to cut through a mix.

Peace
Illumination

[Lawrence]

Here's a demo track with the V69 with one of my friend's daughter. It's a little strange to hear a young black female so deep into country music around here, she loves it and plays the acoustic guitar and all that. The music is a karaoke track. A "country beat" I suppose.

The 4050 really sucked balls on her (again, up close), being really young with a relatively thin voice. I will be looking at the JJ's though if they're in my price range. Cool mics.

[phillysoulman]

Originally Posted by illacov

I'm beyond certain that Noesis shot out the V67G vs the 4050. I remember sitting there in the control room with Matt and looking at the Waves Spectrum analyzer with him. Noting how the 4050 sounded faster but didn't have as much low end information or suprisingly as much top end information. We couldn't get the 4050 to sound like the V67G without ALOT of tweaking and wonking about. Matt and I discussed that shootout all the way back to his crib. I think that seeing as how we only had 3 days to really go through those microphones, we need to do more recording with them. Plus the V67G mod has 3 versions. Story only heard the vintage version (darkest) and we never got a chance to fire up the medium version and we didn't have the original brightest mod. The 2001 mod to my ears sounds more like a U87AI on roids. The V67G vintage mod has more of a richer sound to it and takes EQ very very very well. The other two versions are subsequently brighter and need less eq to cut through a mix.

Peace
Illumination

Hi L,
Just as soon as the weather breaks and we get "the all clear signal" from the gods of all things spring, I will assemble all of my r&b/pop peeps,musos,singers, for another marathon weekend extravaganza featuring the awesome JJ AudioMikes.
I am REALLY fooking forward to it!
So Jim,"Illacov" and the gang,look forward to some more cheese steaks!!
BTW..why did Tony B.move this thread?
We are talking about GEAR on Gearslutz and not some idiotic thread about how use an mpc for hip hop.

[Haz-Mat-Strat]

Originally Posted by phillysoulman

Hi L,
Just as soon as the weather breaks and we get "the all clear signal" from the gods of all things spring, I will assemble all of my r&b/pop peeps,musos,singers, for another marathon weekend extravaganza featuring the awesome JJ AudioMikes.
I am REALLY fooking forward to it!
So Jim,"Illacov" and the gang,look forward to some more cheese steaks!!
BTW..why did Tony B.move this thread?
We are talking about GEAR on Gearslutz and not some idiotic thread about how use an mpc for hip hop.

PSM I am packed and ready!! I can bring the three modded mics back.
I have to say this weekend was one of the best I have had in years!!


For those that dont know downtown Philly, we stayed at the "Gables" bed and breakfast. Cool place, good price! thumbsupthumbsupthumbsup

Philadelphia Pennsylvania Bed and Breakfast Philadelphia PA Bed and Breakfast