Audio/Visual Test... 5 Big Pre's in the Transient Response Challenge

[ethan_c]

Here (hear) is a listening test for you guys with a slightly different spin. I took a simple SM81 and recorded some Zildjian 14" K Custom Dark hats into 5 different pre's. One of my main areas of focus this time was transient response of the mic pre's so I have taken several pics of the tracks at different resolutions so you can also debate of which has the best transients. All 5 are major heavy hitters so you should find this interesting. To keep this manageable I just put up one "hit" on the hats for each of the pre's. I have a bunch more material recorded from each pre so maybe if there is enough interest I can post it to an ftp.

So, number 1 thru 5 and list the pres you think have the best transient response. If you want to take a stab in the dark at the pre's the be my guest!

Pictures and Audio As usual with these I'll reveal the pre's after several replys

[ethan_c]

Here are the pictures:

[Ethan Winer]

Ethan,

Nice name!

Unless you recorded the same performance using a splitter to route the SM81 to all the preamps at the same time, your comparison is not valid. Every time you hit a cymbal you get a slightly different sound. This is impossible to avoid. And if you did use a splitter, that too could be a problem. This is one of those conundrums that I've never been able to find a solution for. When you record different performances you get differnet sounds, and when you use a splitter the microphone's interaction with each preamp is affected. Even if you could find five truly identical microphones, each will be in a slightly different place. They'll also create small reflections and interfere with each other.

--Ethan

[u b k]

Originally Posted by ethan_c

So, number 1 thru 5 and list the pres you think have the best transient response.

what do you mean by "best" transient response? i like transformers in the equation, and i like 'em hit hard, which means i like my transients rounded, sometimes even mushed.

so to me, "best" is usually on the slow side. is that what you're after?


gregoire
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ubk
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[joeq]

Originally Posted by Ethan Winer

Unless you recorded the same performance using a splitter to route the SM81 to all the preamps at the same time, your comparison is not valid. Every time you hit a cymbal you get a slightly different sound. This is impossible to avoid.

well you could even things out somewhat with the help of P.E.A.R.T.

Pneumatic and Electronic Actuated RoboT

even given robotic precision , I think something like a few bars of a hip ride pattern would be more useful. I just can't get much from a single hit.

[Beardhead]

Originally Posted by joeq

well you could even things out somewhat with the help of P.E.A.R.T.

Pneumatic and Electronic Actuated RoboT

even given robotic precision , I think something like a few bars of a hip ride pattern would be more useful. I just can't get much from a single hit.

Boy, see how the stick is gnawed off in the middle? That robot is a heavy hitter!