It has arrived~!

[steveswisher]

Isn't it still a computer?

[BBG]

Originally Posted by nobtwiddler

As long as the power stays on, everything will be fine.

solar power to the people

[Drumsound]

Originally Posted by nobtwiddler

Just in time...
As I have a feeling I'm gonna be snowed in for the next few days.
But now, somehow that doesn't seem too bad anymore!
Ha
Can't wait to dig in.

My portable rig is now complete, no more fooling around with computers, interfaces, and the like.
Worry free location recording, here I come!

As long as the power stays on, everything will be fine.

Very cool. No session controller?

Originally Posted by steveswisher

Isn't it still a computer?

They hide the computer so far under the RADAR software that you forget it's there.

Originally Posted by BBG

solar power to the people

[Sqye]

.

Awesome - congrats, Paul!

We're awaiting our custom monitor controller - shipped out this week from the UK!



.

[balanceman]

It's so......cute!
Like an R2 unit.

[Lumin]

That doesn't look "portable"...

[Sqye]

Originally Posted by balanceman

It's so......cute!
Like an R2 unit.

You have to be careful with those droids...




.

[nobtwiddler]

Yes, in all fairness it is a computer, but doesn't act like one, if ya know what I mean.

I do also have the session controller.
But I ordered the KC24 just for those sessions where all I'm doing is basically labeling tracks, arming them and hitting record.
A lot of session don't require the bigger remote, so I can leave that home, as this is all self contained within the rack!

And I also have a larger screen for when I'm editing, it's stored right under the Radar and pulls out if and when needed.
(shown in pic)

[ddageek]

Nice Paul, but I hope you have a nice shove!

[nobtwiddler]

Dont think I'm leaving the house till all the snow melts in May!

[Croaker]

Originally Posted by nobtwiddler

Just in time...
As I have a feeling I'm gonna be snowed in for the next few days.
But now, somehow that doesn't seem too bad anymore!
Ha
Can't wait to dig in.

My portable rig is now complete, no more fooling around with computers, interfaces, and the like.
Worry free location recording, here I come!

As long as the power stays on, everything will be fine.

thats badass

[Sqye]

Originally Posted by nobtwiddler

Dont think I'm leaving the house till all the snow melts in May!

.

You and me both.

Over half a foot now - which is nothing for the Hudson Valley, but we've been getting spoiled recently.

.

[Ciozzi]

Originally Posted by nobtwiddler

no more fooling around with computers, interfaces, and the like.

Computers aren't that bad, today a fast laptop and a decent interface provide more than enough resources.
BTW how much does your setup cost ?!? how much does it weight?!?

[nobtwiddler]

I had (still have) the new Macbook Pro, a UNL-8, Glyph raid drives, the 19 inch folding screen all mounted in the same rack.
Used it a few times on location.
Too much trouble. (at least for me)

So I went with the new Radar, turn it on, arm the tracks, and go.
Never a problem.
I've owned 5 Radar units in my studio at one time, and only one had a small hiccup since 96. (and that was due to a drive!)
Not only do they sound great, but they always work!
I know everyone is different, but simply put, the Radar never gets in the way of making or capturing a performance.

The only reason I didn't originally start with Radar in my portable rig, was due to it's size, weight, and the fan noise. Since I usually have to set up in the same room as the artists and or bands I'm recording the noise was a serious issue.
So I figured I'd try the Laptop route. (see photo)
I hated that,
But now, the new Radar 6 has addressed all the issues I had, and more!
I can't tell ya how stoked I am!
Yeah...!

[cheu78]

Originally Posted by nobtwiddler

Just in time...
As I have a feeling I'm gonna be snowed in for the next few days.
But now, somehow that doesn't seem too bad anymore!
Ha
Can't wait to dig in.

My portable rig is now complete, no more fooling around with computers, interfaces, and the like.
Worry free location recording, here I come!

As long as the power stays on, everything will be fine.

Very nice Paul! Radar 6 looks great indeed...

I hope you're doing good!



Cheu

[Dave Reid]

Looks really cool..

Is there an audible fan noise with the Radar 6 ?

[tekis]

Originally Posted by nobtwiddler

So I went with the new Radar, turn it on, arm the tracks, and go.
Never a problem.
Not only do they sound great, but they always work!
I know everyone is different, but simply put, the Radar never gets in the way of making or capturing a performance.

Yup. Congrats Paul! Cool set up. The new RADAR's look great, and they've always sounded great.

[plunderpot]

Paul - this setup is so inspiring and cool... I'm always trying to get to the fastest, most refined workflow with tracking, and work in a portable format as well. I've been on computers since I've started, but something like this has broad appeal. Thanks for sharing all of this with us!

[nobtwiddler]

Hey guys thanks for the replies...

The fan noise is just about inaudible..
I would go as far to say, you could record an acoustic guitar (instrument) about a foot or so away with no problem whatsoever.
It's very quiet.
No need for a Iso box or anything.
And since you can order the new version with the basic transport functions on the front panel, as well as the internal 10 inch screen, I don't have to carry the Session controller or an external screen!
(yes I happen to have one in the rack, but you don't need it!)
So for a lot of people, it means traveling very light, and making NO excuses.

As many of you guys know, this is Rack #3 of my (portable) location recording rig.

Rack #1 (which I have two of) Photo 1
Features:
-8 Helios type 69 Mic Pre/EQ's
-1 API 8200A used for bussing, or summing multiple tracks together when cutting basics.
(As it is not uncommon for me to take Kick, Snare, and Over and combine them in the 8200A to one output.)
-Neve 8816 used in this case for monitoring playback, and or mixing.

Rack #2 Photo 2
Features:
-8 Helios type 69 Mic Pre/EQ's
-4 Shadow Hill Mono Optogragh Limiters
-1 Shadow Hills Dual Vandagraph Stereo Limiter

And of course the star of this show
Rack #3 now with the Radar 6, KC24 small remote,

Each rack has it's own patchbay or connector panel to get in and out.
Very simple setup, quick and painless.

The entire rig will be going out for a few months sometime this spring.
It will become the centerpiece for a new Independent Record Label.
Their thing (and I'm totally involved in this) will be to record bands using only 8 tracks, with all the associated limitations brought by that methodology, without the extra cost and hassle.

Yep it's being done as we speak, but not like this.
So this, the first Radar 6 will be configured with only 8 channels of Ultra Nyquist convertors so there will be NO chance of "could I just have one more track for the tambourine!"
Haha

The main difference is we are not using tape. But because it's the Radar loaded 8 in/out it has the same basic limitations as does tape. You can't just add another track if needed, (like in a DAW) you have to bounce just like tape.

I started this project last year with my 1 inch MCI, and although it sounded great, it just wasn't worth the effort.
What we are attempting to do is record the bands in different locations, and limit them to only 8 tracks, which means lots of preproduction and rehearsing.
Discussions on production, arrangements, as well as careful selection of the room(s) we will record in will happen way before we ever hit record.

Obviously this isn't for everyone, but for those so inclined this is going to be a real treat.
I for one believe in the magic of recording out of a studio, in alternate locations, and love the the limitations brought on by using only 8 tracks to capture a moment in time.
I guess only time will tell?

Now I have to start building yet another rig.

[over-man]

I can dig it! I'm also shifting towards a simple 8-track live setup, as tearing down, setting up, and hauling around my hd24xr & mixer was just too much for one man to do consistently. I went for the Tascam hs-p82 so I can use it on film work as well, plus it runs on internal and external battery power. Good luck!

[nimblemongoose]

Get those Genelecs off their damn sides!

[nobtwiddler]

Trust me, the Genelecs will be off their sides, very soon.
As in, off and gone!
I hate them!
Had them for years and could never get a handle on them.

That being said, I'm looking for a new monitor that is relatively small, self powered, reliable, and something that translates well, so when I bring a project back to the studio, there are no surprises.
The search continues....

As I said in my earlier post, this is a no compromise, no excuse rig, and I always felt like the 1030A's were the weak link in the chain.
So they have to go.

[nobtwiddler]

Ryan,
Now your new set up is truly portable!
Mine so much.
Not as easy to move, although I can do it by myself, but it takes a few minutes to load the 6 cases into the van...

[chrisrulesmore]

Your mobile Helios/Neve/API console is pretty killer, but you probably aren't far off from an Aurora Sidecar on portability and cost...

Very keen to hear your comparison of the Radar VI compared to the ULN8. I'm running 16 channels of ULN8/LIO8 but looking to make a change soon.

Best,
Chris

Originally Posted by nobtwiddler

Hey guys thanks for the replies...

As many of you guys know, this is Rack #3 of my (portable) location recording rig.

Rack #1 (which I have two of) Photo 1
Features:
-8 Helios type 69 Mic Pre/EQ's
-1 API 8200A used for bussing, or summing multiple tracks together when cutting basics.
(As it is not uncommon for me to take Kick, Snare, and Over and combine them in the 8200A to one output.)
-Neve 8816 used in this case for monitoring playback, and or mixing.

Rack #2 Photo 2
Features:
-8 Helios type 69 Mic Pre/EQ's
-4 Shadow Hill Mono Optogragh Limiters
-1 Shadow Hills Dual Vandagraph Stereo Limiter

And of course the star of this show
Rack #3 now with the Radar 6, KC24 small remote,

Each rack has it's own patchbay or connector panel to get in and out.
Very simple setup, quick and painless.

The entire rig will be going out for a few months sometime this spring.
It will become the centerpiece for a new Independent Record Label.
Their thing (and I'm totally involved in this) will be to record bands using only 8 tracks, with all the associated limitations brought by that methodology, without the extra cost and hassle.

Yep it's being done as we speak, but not like this.
So this, the first Radar 6 will be configured with only 8 channels of Ultra Nyquist convertors so there will be NO chance of "could I just have one more track for the tambourine!"
Haha

The main difference is we are not using tape. But because it's the Radar loaded 8 in/out it has the same basic limitations as does tape. You can't just add another track if needed, (like in a DAW) you have to bounce just like tape.

I started this project last year with my 1 inch MCI, and although it sounded great, it just wasn't worth the effort.
What we are attempting to do is record the bands in different locations, and limit them to only 8 tracks, which means lots of preproduction and rehearsing.
Discussions on production, arrangements, as well as careful selection of the room(s) we will record in will happen way before we ever hit record.

Obviously this isn't for everyone, but for those so inclined this is going to be a real treat.
I for one believe in the magic of recording out of a studio, in alternate locations, and love the the limitations brought on by using only 8 tracks to capture a moment in time.
I guess only time will tell?

Now I have to start building yet another rig.

[Sqye]

.

Wow, Paul - you are ROCKIN' it!...holy moly!

.

[Sqye]

Originally Posted by nobtwiddler

Trust me, the Genelecs will be off their sides, very soon.
As in, off and gone!
I hate them!
Had them for years and could never get a handle on them.

That being said, I'm looking for a new monitor that is relatively small, self powered, reliable, and something that translates well, so when I bring a project back to the studio, there are no surprises.
The search continues....

As I said in my earlier post, this is a no compromise, no excuse rig, and I always felt like the 1030A's were the weak link in the chain.
So they have to go.

.

Indeed. Finding proper monitors is a bitch.

It took me years to get to my current setup - which is about as UNportable as it gets, and growing bigger by the month.

The multiple surround setup plan isn't helping any with portability!

.

[nobtwiddler]

Hey Chris,
The Aurora stuff,,,,been there done that.
I was one of the first adopters / owners of the Aurora GTM-822.
It was placed in the first rendition of this 8 track remote rig I had a few years ago.

Let me preface what I'm going to say with this.
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, sounded as good as that little mixer!
It sounded amazing.
I've been working on this portable rig for quite a few years, and it took this long to get a system that not only sounds beautiful, but also works consistently.
Which sadly was not the case with the 822 mixer.
I had it repaired (for free) three times.
Geoff was great about it, but the repairs / updates took months, and I had sessions booked.
At the time his mixer was the heart and soul of my location rig.
Needless to say, I had to cancel many gigs, in turn I lost a few clients, and ultimately just gave up on him and the mixer.

Sadly I had no choice but to sell the unit less then a year later at 1/2 it's initial cost.
A major waste of time and money!
Now, no matter how much I love something, if it is NOT reliable, and something I can count on day in and day out, I will not use it!
Just can't have any down time during a session, especially when I'm in a remote location.........

[nobtwiddler]

Sqye,
Hey bud,
I totally understand where you are coming from. And I believe that the only compromise I might have to make is with the choice of monitors that I can take on the road with me.
That being said, they still need to tell me what's going on or they are useless.

Trust me, If I could, I'd love to take my Dunlavy S-1VA's or my Wilsons with me, but both are a bit too large, and heavy to work on location sessions.
So I'm now looking into some of the newer (smaller) monitors that are on the market, as well as some old favorites, such as ATC, Harbeth, and Tannoy's.
I have to find something soon...

[chrisrulesmore]

Originally Posted by nobtwiddler

Hey Chris,
The Aurora stuff,,,,been there done that.
I was one of the first adopters / owners of the Aurora GTM-822.
It was placed in the first rendition of this 8 track remote rig I had a few years ago.

Let me preface what I'm going to say with this.
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, sounded as good as that little mixer!
It sounded amazing.
I've been working on this portable rig for quite a few years, and it took this long to get a system that not only sounds beautiful, but also works consistently.
Which sadly was not the case with the 822 mixer.
I had it repaired (for free) three times.
Geoff was great about it, but the repairs / updates took months, and I had sessions booked.
At the time his mixer was the heart and soul of my location rig.
Needless to say, I had to cancel many gigs, in turn I lost a few clients, and ultimately just gave up on him and the mixer.

Sadly I had no choice but to sell the unit less then a year later at 1/2 it's initial cost.
A major waste of time and money!
Now, no matter how much I love something, if it is NOT reliable, and something I can count on day in and day out, I will not use it!
Just can't have any down time during a session, especially when I'm in a remote location.........

Oh man, sorry to hear about that. So far, my Sidecar has been solid, and the sound is beyond compare. Please keep me posted on the Radar vs Metric Halo ULN8 comparison. Your experience with the 822 is eerily similar to my experience with the ULN8. It sounds great and has all of the features I want, but it is very "glitchy", which is especially problematic on location recordings where there is no room for error. Your setup really does look well thought out and cool, and your 8 track concept sounds like a lot of fun. Congrats!

Best,
Chris