What are your gear prejudices? You've all got em'.

[Sk106]

Originally Posted by larry b

Well, when you can wipe the floor with nothing other than a PC in a corner, hey, more power to ya. You got real skills. Imagine what you could do with the NASA setup...right?

Hm, just noticed it came off sounding like that too .. wasn't my intention. Just how the differences come out sometimes and how amusing it can be.

A big rig is useful, if you record larger constellations of musicians at once and such .. and some even spend the cash just for the sheer feeling of it, the fun of it. But purely soundwise it won't replace knowledge and effort at all, and that's where overbelief sometimes becomes quite off, even amusing sometimes.

[unit7]

Originally Posted by blim

(1) Anything my "pro sales engineer" (at Sweetwater) recommends to me

+1. Lesson learned after the massive Avalon hype 10 yrs ago. The Avalons are still around and they're ok. But I'll never fall for a campaign like that again...

[Karloff70]

Originally Posted by Sk106

Hm, just noticed it came off sounding like that too .. wasn't my intention. Just how the differences come out sometimes and how amusing it can be.

A big rig is useful, if you record larger constellations of musicians at once and such .. and some even spend the cash just for the sheer feeling of it, the fun of it. But purely soundwise it won't replace knowledge and effort at all, and that's where overbelief sometimes becomes quite off, even amusing sometimes.

Agreed. A little bit of gear and a healthy chunk of knowledge goes a long way. And a big rig is only of use to anyone who has the capacity to regard it as nothing but a slightly overgrown portastudio, as otherwise it is likely to overpower them on the sly and actually become a hindrance, whether they notice this happening or not.......creative work only happens when you have your "let-through-door" open to the ether so things can flow through and materialise, and a massive rig can easily be the energy to jam that door shut, at which point you're staring at a big desk in a void space.......kind of like staring at a luxurious toilet and not getting a drop out.........also people's confusion with choices messes up many more records than a few limitations to work within I reckon.

Oh, and that is a WICKED sig you have there!!! Måste ju hålla med totalt!!

Just thought , back on topic I have a prejudice against Rode mics......so there.....just happens every single one I've heard has that 'annoyance-factor' about the sound which makes me restless. To varying degrees, and possibly the old Classic didn't.....and I haven't heard the NTV, but .......

[Jim Williams]

I don't like "pretty" gear. Stuff with carved out front panels, fancy knobs and lights.

It always makes me wonder what was cut out of the insides to pay for the pretty outsides.

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

[Sk106]

Originally Posted by Karloff70

Oh, and that is a WICKED sig you have there!!! Måste ju hålla med totalt!!

Back on topic .. Don’t know abut prejudices, but I got a few “allergies”

- Lava lamps .. never really got it. Feels cheesy to me (puts on flame suit)

- Arabian style carpets, or rug carpets in the control room, and especially the Russian way of dressing the walls with them *shivers*

- Generally, a studio looking like a brothel, satin, deep red and black, candles, dark .. feels tacky .. like a woman has taken over the studio design department, doesn’t bring out any fresh inspiration or make you feel productive, just makes me wanna get drunk and have sex

- Cables visible all over .. hate it.

- Chorus on top of guitar distortion ... yuuuck, like sharp crackling wire wool with chorus

- Bright spring reverb, surf guitar reverb … :S

- Yamaha SPX series reverb .. I just hate to love it, it’s such a bitch

- Those Marshall guitar combos with gold/yellow finish, sounds piercing, screaming, almost like lots of bright spring reverb. Don't like them at all.

- Equipment that looks to be from the army surplus stock of 1960s radio and signal surveillance equipment. Feels like I'm in a power switchgear station, not a musical heaven. If it won't do the job then I can't tweak. I either have to get new components, unscrew the top and start soldering, or go out there and get an entirely new model

- There are three types of loudspeakers in the world: warm/gentle (Dynaudio, B&W, ESI nEar), cold/hard (Fostex, Genelec, KrK) and JBL. I can deal with JBL and warm/gentle, but I can't stand the harder, almost metallic sounding ones.

[StarfishMusic]

Originally Posted by Jim Williams

I don't like "pretty" gear. Stuff with carved out front panels, fancy knobs and lights.

It always makes me wonder what was cut out of the insides to pay for the pretty outsides.

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

Bet you like Drawmer then, god it's ugly. Their multiband comp is sexy lookin though. Mind you I also like pretty in that stark industrial no frills way like tube-tech and API. I understand thinking something like Avalon might be overhyped in the looks department.

[steelyfan]

[QUOTE]

Originally Posted by Sk106

- Arabian style carpets, or rug carpets in the control room, and especially the Russian way of dressing the walls with them *shivers*

- Generally, a studio looking like a brothel, satin, deep red and black, candles, dark .. feels tacky .. like a woman has taken over the studio design department, doesn’t bring out any fresh inspiration or make you feel productive, just makes me wanna get drunk and have sex

LOL. That's funny, I love that stuff. You'd get pissed drunk at my place> I like a clean feeling place, but it has to an energy to it, even if it's a dark feel. As long as light makes shadows, I feel good.

I don't have arabian carpets, but if I did, they would be on the walls......I dig that time warp feel , very un-dentist office studio feel ya know.

Oh yea, the first things I do when I get into the studio is open the two frech doors (home made) and open the window........lite candles and incense and let the gear get warmed up. I've got paintings and pictures of all types of things that inspire me on the walls. By the time my coffee needs a refill, something visually has inspired me to create something, whether it's a picture of a 1940's english garden or a image of Ennio Morricone conducting a orchestra. When night arrives, the lights never come on, only candles flicker. Recording time is finished when I can't see anymore.

But in general, I love the brothel studio feel. Anything can happen there!
What will the mic capture!?? I like it's enchanting mojo.
I like recording in places where if you spill a bottle of wine..................open another bottle.

OT:
$3000 + mics.......uh, ok.

[Michael_Joly]

The K47-type LDC capsule or the Oktava MK-219 capsule - lovely lower midrange presence, usable proximity effect, very low phase shift, slight presence rise from 2-5 Khz and absence of sibilance.

[Duardo]

The only brand I really have a strong bias against is Behringer, and it's not a prejudice...it's a very informed, rational opinion based on the knowledge of the way the company does business. I wouldn't even say that all of their stuff sucks...but it doesn't matter what it is, I won't use it, just like I wouldn't buy my groceries from a store whom I knew was selling crack out the back door.

Other than that, I do have an irrational dislike of gear with a silver faceplate. It's not just the cheaper (Behringer, Focusrite Platinum, Toft etc) stuff but the higher-end stuff like the Grace (I love the new black faces), Avalon, Millennia (I'd opt for the black) or even 500-series stuff like the old Komit. It wouldn't stop me from using a product like that, though...I still have a Focusrite MixMaster in my rack I don't think I'll ever give up (I always thought it was one of the better-kept secrets out there).

Sure SM 57. How this mic got it's reputation, I'll never understand.

It probably didn't hurt that the market was much less saturated than it is now...there weren't nearly as many choices available.

2. Anything made by Apple. I think their products are beautifully designed, functional and innovative.

I also think that they are geared towards the 'lifestyle' crowd, which is a crowd I hate with a passion, mainly because they know nothing whatsoever about the actual products they are buying (usually), because of their proprietary philosophy, and because it's all just so poncy..

Oddly enough, I don't mind the look of my Mac Pro computer, even though if it were in a rack I wouldn't like it...

They are definitely geared towards the "lifestyle" crowd. That's not why I use their products, though...I could care less about the lifestyle...but you probably would hate me with a passion regardless, as I don't know (or care, rather) much about the products that I'm buying when it comes to computers. I just want to open it up, install what I need to, and have it work. Nothing interests me less than the technical details of a computer. And if I were to move over to the Windows platform for some reason I'm sure I'd buy one of the overpriced music-specific PCs on the market. The last thing I want to do is spend time researching components and putting a computer together on my own, even if it does save me a considerable amount of money.

-TT jacks. Come on!!! Like that is saving you soooooo much room NOT using an 1/8" jack!!

Assuming you're referring to a 1/4" jack...I've never seen an 1/8" patchbay....you can fit twice as many connections into the same amount of space, which is not insignificant.

Also, keep in mind that back in the day, there wasn't much professional gear with 1/4" connections on it...it was all XLR.

Nearly everything that the masses use I do not like even if I have not heard it. For example as everybody began to talk about how great the Great River was I sold mine. Also, sold the distressor etc etc. etc. The more common and popular the less I use it.

That seems as ridiculous to me as the people who only use gear because it's popular. Once more people found out about your Great River or Distressor did they suddenly sound worse to you?

[MarvinDog]

Half-rack stuff, and any gear that should go in a rack, but isn't rack-mount.

Soft synths. I know most people here paid for them, but I can't help thinking 'pirate' when I hear them.

Monster cable and any of the other cable-myth bs'ers.

[jpupo74]

Originally Posted by blim

(4) Patchbays.

[jpupo74]

Originally Posted by glissando

I avoid using UA stuff a lot..

I really like the LA2A reissue, I really hate the solo preamp!

[-silent-sam-]

*Any kind of JBL speakers / monitors

* Any kind of KRK monitors

*Pretty much any guitar distortion pedal ( I find they sound a-lot better when they are being used on an amp made for a Bass or a keyboard.... even then still shady)

*Anything made by Alesis but more specificly there studio monitors.

*Anything made by Digidesign or M-Audio (Aside from Pro-Tools)

*57's (even know I use them)

*When I think about it, something I probably hate just because someone I don't like uses it, would probably be Presonus pre-amps and or / Shure sm 91's....

* I also tend to respect people less once they tell me they record with cubase..... HA.

*Drawmer 1960

*Avalon 737 (though I still use it from time to time.)

[toneguru]

Patchbays (yet to meet one that improves the sound)

The Finalizer (does anybody still use that multi-functional farce?)

cheap mic stands (especially when I have two acts to get checked in 2 hrs)

Hi Hats (DOH!)

[vincentvangogo]

Fender 'the Twin' transistor amps with the red knobs, how dare they take that name in vain? Also Trace Elliot, Mesa Boogies and pretty much any 80's made amp.
Any ugly looking bit of gear eg RE20 or Earthworks mics, totally ruins the vibe of studio, wouldn't use them no matter what they sounded like. Also applies to pointy-headed guitars or five string Wals. Sorry you're not coming in the studio looking that, it's against the laws of rock 'n' roll.
Martin guitars, 'ooh I've got a Martin, everyone come and point.'
Fender strats. Insipid minor sevenths and Eric Clapton 'woman-tone.'
Drum kits that come on one of those scaffold things, also roto toms and Paiste cymbals.
Anything digital. Want to date your record for all time? Why not add some digital reverb?
Neve Portico. Never used it or heard it, I just don't like the name. Ditto Charter Oak, Shadow Hills, Crane Song and Great River.

[AlexK]

Originally Posted by Tom Orrow

Microphone and preamp modeling - good luck with that.

Missed this post, I'd add that to my list...

[steelyfan]

Originally Posted by vincentvangogo

Fender 'the Twin' transistor amps with the red knobs, how dare they take that name in vain? Also Trace Elliot, Mesa Boogies and pretty much any 80's made amp.
Any ugly looking bit of gear eg RE20 or Earthworks mics, totally ruins the vibe of studio, wouldn't use them no matter what they sounded like. Also applies to pointy-headed guitars or five string Wals. Sorry you're not coming in the studio looking that, it's against the laws of rock 'n' roll.
Martin guitars, 'ooh I've got a Martin, everyone come and point.'
Fender strats. Insipid minor sevenths and Eric Clapton 'woman-tone.'
Drum kits that come on one of those scaffold things, also roto toms and Paiste cymbals.
Anything digital. Want to date your record for all time? Why not add some digital reverb?
Neve Portico. Never used it or heard it, I just don't like the name. Ditto Charter Oak, Shadow Hills, Crane Song and Great River.

LOl.! perfect.
Like your style.
It's a shame, it seems all the folks I'd want to hang with live so far away.
Most of my "future" best friends seem to either live in England or Germany.
Weird, it's like I have fuzzy history/connection with these places that I just can't pinpoint. Most artist I've made connections with or find me, are from these places. ???????

I bet you drink ales, think scotch doesn't make sense in the day time, and find that sunshine and fresh air are more inspiring than a new preamp in the studio.

[vincentvangogo]

Originally Posted by steelyfan

LOl.! perfect.
Like your style.
It's a shame, it seems all the folks I'd want to hang with live so far away.
Most of my "future" best friends seem to either live in England or Germany.
Weird, it's like I have fuzzy history/connection with these places that I just can't pinpoint. Most artist I've made connections with or find me, are from these places. ???????

I bet you drink ales, think scotch doesn't make sense in the day time, and find that sunshine and fresh air are more inspiring than a new preamp in the studio.

thumbsup I've always had a big French thing (movies, music, women, writers etc) and recently I was told I may have relatives from there. Maybe you have some Euroblood.

[Karloff70]

Originally Posted by vincentvangogo

thumbsup I've always had a big French thing (movies, music, women, writers etc) and recently I was told I may have relatives from there. Maybe you have some Euroblood.

There's something in that! I'm a kraut, but loved english since age 4 (couldn't speak it then, but loved to warble gobbeldigook and say I'm speaking english...lol) and been in London for coming on 18 years now.....still think there's a hidden part of my family around here somewhere. Always found english supereasy as well. Kind of feel if there are mistakes.....not so in other languages. Past lives??

[The Beatsmith]

my kinda thread

1) PC's. if you're using a PC for audio then... bleaugh. i haven't seen any half decent amateur - let along professional - place doing audio, video, photography or design that doesn't use macs. they're just better, OK?*

2) focusrite stuff. dunno why, just don't trust it. maybe cos i used to have a trackmaster?! but if i had a grand to buy a preamp/channelstrip, it just wouldn't be a focusrite. i don't 'hate' it or anything, i'm sure it's great. i just would never buy one.

3) cubase. ewww

4) guitar amps that don't use valves. crap.

5) non-usa or japanese made guitars

6) waves. i hate it when they sound good. it's more waves stuff that i'll never use, not that they're crap or anything.

7) PRS guitars. the accountants guitar.

[The Beatsmith]

IKMultimedia stuff. my experience with Sampletank 2XL - which is just a pathetic soundbank and piece of software with a horrendous tiny interface, has put me off them for life.

[AllAboutTone]

Originally Posted by htieksppircs

#1 Pro Tools: Ah, the the BMW of the pro audio world. If you're you're not driving this overpriced, over-rated vehicle, your just not a member of the club. Pro tools is the industry standard. It's sounds great, works well, it's very slick and I hate it.


Neumann: Again overpriced and overrated. Neumann is responsible for some of the best mics of all time. And they still make some of them. I guess I just have a problem with people who refuse to stand in front of anything else. Rubs me the wrong way.

Waves Plugins: I had a Waves rep once tell me that there's Waves, and then there's everything else, nothing can compare! ...Oh Really?

Lets see I have 600.00 invested in PT, Overpriced ? WTF are you talking about, unless you are talking about the HD rigs that you really don't need.

Neumann Mics <<< Overpriced ?, I have 2k in both of my U87....BS again....

Now on the other hand any kind of plugs are overpriced, I don't like em, don't use them either.

Some of your stuff makes sense but not the PT..

[Dean Roddey]

We live in a nice little neighborhood. Mostly working people, all nice and quiet. And then one day some COMPRESSORS moved in next door. The next thing you know there are transformers out in the yard up on chassis and tubes laying all over the place and the average volume level is just completely out of control. I told my wife the day they moved in, just wait. I know how these compressors are. How they live. They aren't like us. They don't respect transients. She told me I was just being prejudiced and got pissed off and walked away. But now the foot is in the other shoe and I caught her the other day yelling across the street, "go back to the studio where you belong".

The whole thing has just been a disaster, and we may end up moving. Some of their friends are looking at moving into the house down the street, and I just don't want to live around a bunch of peak squashing opto-backs.

[AllAboutTone]

Originally Posted by The Beatsmith

2) focusrite stuff. dunno why, just don't trust it. maybe cos i used to have a trackmaster?! but if i had a grand to buy a preamp/channelstrip, it just wouldn't be a focusrite. i don't 'hate' it or anything, i'm sure it's great. i just would never buy one.

This is how I feel about Focusrites ADL, they send them out the door with crap tubes, they look cheap looking but if you say anything about them on this forum about them, GS think they are gods gift to us......its nothing but Focusrite gear that = crap.... all of it.

[Bassmankr]

Nice one Dean LOL, reminded me of the old National Lampon magazine "letters" section and current "The Onion" newspaper stuff.

[phelbin]

Several people have mentioned it, but I'll echo. I refuse to use Avalon. I think I made that a rule because a guy used to come track at my place and always brought his 737. And he used it on absolutely EVERYTHING! Trident Series 80 desk, Tube Tech, Telefunken, API, Grace...nope...he wanted to use his Avalon. Why in the world would he bother to come to my place and use his gear. It was annoying...and I never really liked what he got out of it compared to my gear anyway.

[Duardo]

This is how I feel about Focusrites ADL, they send them out the door with crap tubes, they look cheap looking but if you say anything about them on this forum about them, GS think they are gods gift to us......its nothing but Focusrite gear that = crap.... all of it.

I'll have to disagree with you on two points. I wouldn't classify them as "God's gift" but I have been very happy with the sound of the ADL, so I'll have to disagree with you there...but the main point I'll disagree on is that it's a Focusrite piece, because the ADL is in fact a Presonus piece.

[woodhenge]

After 25 years as a studio owner and freelance producer/engineer, I've found that the majority of my gear prejudices have actually gotten in the way of making great productions. Since I work out of a lot of different commercial studios, I've learned to make things work regardless of what they are and wether I actually prefer the gear or not. As long as a unit is functioning correctly, I'll squeeze what I can out of it regardless of the name on the faceplate!

Ok, all that being said, there are still 2 brands of gear I absolutely refuse to use in my audio path. Those would be Behringer (of course!) and Presonus. I've experienced and heard many bad things with these brands over the years and steer clear of both at all costs. Fortunately, my studio and all the studios I work out of don't have any of either of these brands in inventory so they're easy for me to avoid!

Ultimately, my clients hire me to make good records. If me nit-picking about how much I hate that Neumann, Avalon, or whatever gets in the way of turning out a great product, something is wrong. Time is of the essence when it comes to capturing emotional takes... the performance is ultimately the most important. Everything else is just gravy...

[fretman]

Originally Posted by sameal

2. fender "road worn" guitars. "here let me drop your guitar down a flight of stairs and charge you an extra 1,000." what a stupid idea...next on fenders list will be road warped necks.

+1. I'll throw in another $50 for a road short in the output jack!

[The Beatsmith]

Black Lion Audio... ehhhhhh.