Just got my Soundfield

[SEB]

Greetings Sluts!

I know I`ll be a little pathetic now, but wer`e among slutty friends now, aren`t we

After some years of trying out several OH-combination I finally decided to opt for a SoundField SPS422B, and man I am impressed!!

I borrowed about 15 minutes in my studio from the band who`s recording, and after some minutes we were 5 studio-hardened musicians & techs almost with tears in our eyes. It was amazing, just like standing there right beside the drummer; the cymbals were right there - loud, proud & singing, not plinging and sissling! And I could actually hear the sub freq. I never have heard before. Noble&Cooley BD`s have an amazing low end thud that rarely comes through overhead, but they`re there now in buckets!
It got a remarkable transient respons and impact, I will never dream of compress it or EQ the track. It just sonds ehhh.. finished! I tried to put on a HEDD, and later a compressor from the TC6000, but nope - there`s no use for it

The mic was placed a couple of feet above the drummers head.

Tomorrow I`ll record some classical guitar, and I`ve got a feeling that will be a very nice day in the studio
But if this mic only would be suitable for OH, I`ll be more than happy!

The initially cost may be high, but a couple of matched DPA`s, Royer or Schoeps with a suitable preamp will set you back a couple of bucks too.... and I haven`t not even mentioned the ease of setup, the stereo perspective or the surround potential... And within these minutes I got 2 bookings from a couple of drummers who wanted to record some drumtakes for their project-studios.


Thanks for making me do this purchase guys (you know who you are thumbsup )

When the novelty wears out I`ll report back

WOW!

[Doug Ring]

Is it the full kit with the four-output box? I never got to play with one of these, only ever had the stereo version, but that was an amazingly natural mic for amlost anything you put it in front of.

[caughtup]

Does the soundfield mic correct for any phasing stuff?
Is the mic(s) fixed fromeach other? It sounds like a beauty; I'll look up some info on it but I suspect it's like Earthworks mics if only in the way you can't tell someone about it, they have to hear it...
I love learning about microphones... even if it one of the mics that can also be used as a microphone!;^)
Jeff

[MattiMattMatt]

I corresponded with Michael Gerzon about the Soundfield shortly before his death. He invented it (among many other things). I wound up buying the first SPS 422 sent to this side of the pond.

Each SoundField microphone contains four capsules arranged in a tetrahedral array capable of recording 360°. The signals from the capsules are then turned into stereo or other formats depending on the model you have, and how you twirl its knobs.

Benefits of four capsules include improved spatial imaging and the elimination of typical phasing effects that occur with two microphones or even two capsules within a single microphone.

Each model includes the same microphone, but the remote control decoder varies per model, with more money buying more bells and whistles.

It's a fantastic system, a bargain if you consider what it replaces. I've had particularly good results recording a big, juicy Steinway grand piano with it, as well as vocals. I would describe its "sound" as similar to the ATC monitors discussed in another thread -- crystaline and accurate rather than warm and fuzzy.

It's also extremely easy to use -- stereo for dummies, but goes way beyond typical l/r stereo. Based on M/S and its algorithms for pattern and width, it records a 3-dimensional soundfield in which you can feel where things are. For example, I recorded a string quartet with it (using the soundfield and nothing else), and the violist's watch started beeping in the middle of a piece. Listening back to the tape, you could place the exact position of the beeping watch in the left/right/front/back soundfield -- like you could just jump in and smack it off that damn violist's wrist!

-MattiMattMatt

[Brad Lunde]

Originally posted by caughtup
Does the soundfield mic correct for any phasing stuff?
Is the mic(s) fixed fromeach other? It sounds like a beauty; I'll look up some info on it but I suspect it's like Earthworks mics if only in the way you can't tell someone about it, they have to hear it...
I love learning about microphones... even if it one of the mics that can also be used as a microphone!;^)
Jeff

The 422 he got would probably be the "B" version with B format outputs on it, but not the B format inputs like th Mark 5 has for remixing (post mic steering and pattern alteration).

On phase, it doesn't have much of problem in this area within audio bandwidth. that is what makes the SF so good, the phase issues are not there for one to worry about.

You can learn a lot about Soundfields here

http://www.soundfieldusa.com

They are the only mic out there addressing audio's last great frontier: imaging. You should hear one in 5.1. Stunning is the word.

Brad

[Brad Lunde]

Originally posted by MattiMattMatt
I corresponded with Michael Gerzon about the Soundfield shortly before his death. He invented it (among many other things). I wound up buying the first SPS 422 sent to this side of the pond.

<SNIP>

It's a fantastic system, a bargain if you consider what it replaces. I've had particularly good results recording a big, juicy Steinway grand piano with it, as well as vocals. I would describe its "sound" as similar to the ATC monitors discussed in another thread -- crystaline and accurate rather than warm and fuzzy.

<SNIP>
-MattiMattMatt

Gee Matt, maybe we should hire you. You understand ATC and soundfield. Now how about Brauner and GML?
Brad

[Paul Turpin]

I found a Soundfield ST250 used for $3000 with just the stereo output box - Is this a good deal? I've always wanted a soundfield. How much would I need to spend in additional to add get surround outs from the B-format signals?

[Brad Lunde]

Originally posted by Paul Turpin
I found a Soundfield ST250 used for $3000 with just the stereo output box - Is this a good deal? I've always wanted a soundfield. How much would I need to spend in additional to add get surround outs from the B-format signals?

Well the ST250, the portable SoundField, sells for $4600 new, so 3K sounds right. We were selling these for $3600-$4K before the dollar fell apart. UK sell with VAT in dollars is around $4900, so there you go. 3K sounds good.

Now the B format part, the St250 can either output stereo OR unbalanced B format; one or the other. You need a SoundField SP451 decoder for the B Format to 5.1 or stereo part. B format is not something you want to listen to because its pieces of the 3 dimensional soundfield (X, Y Z and W reference). The SP451 sells for $3600, but there is a Nuendo plug-in called Surround Zone from SoundField now starting to ship that can be had for $900 that enables stero, mono, M/S, 5.1 and beyond from B format.

The SPS422B is a rack mount version of the SoundField that sends out stereo, mono or M/S AND B format. Its the same price as the ST250 new. You still need the Sp451 decoder for 5.1. The Mark 5 is the big boy, and it sends out the same output config as the 422B, but can manipulate the B in stereo, mono or M/S in post. Before 5.1, folks loved the ability to change the stereo angle and pattern in post.
Brad

[Paul Turpin]

Now the B format part, the St250 can either output stereo OR unbalanced B format; one or the other. You need a SoundField SP451 decoder for the B Format to 5.1 or stereo part. B format is not something you want to listen to because its pieces of the 3 dimensional soundfield (X, Y Z and W reference). The SP451 sells for $3600, but there is a Nuendo plug-in called Surround Zone from SoundField now starting to ship that can be had for $900 that enables stero, mono, M/S, 5.1 and beyond from B format.

some questions:
$3600 for the SP451 is a full List Price right?

As I understand it - with the ST250 you can record the B format signals into a DAW for re-formatting later - even though you wouldn't listen to it. But, you can't record the stereo at the same time (in parallel - which is too bad). Will the SP451 allow you to track a reference stereo AND either a b-format or a surround output?

I don't own Nuendo - do you think the aforementioned software will come out in other formats? (i.e. ProTools, VST, audio units, direct connect, rewire, etc).

Are there any differences in the microphone itself between the different packages (ST250 mic body only vs Mark V mic body) ?

[Brad Lunde]

Originally posted by Paul Turpin
some questions:
$3600 for the SP451 is a full List Price right?

Nope, list is $4500, we sell it for $3600.

seee http://www.transaudioelite.com


As I understand it - with the ST250 you can record the B format signals into a DAW for re-formatting later - even though you wouldn't listen to it.

You can hear it on headphones (stereo), but not record it. You are recording much more than stereo. Youa re recording the 3 dimensional components of the acoustical event.

But, you can't record the stereo at the same time (in parallel - which is too bad). Will the SP451 allow you to track a reference stereo AND either a b-format or a surround output?

YEs, you can record stereo and 5.1 simultaneously in real time if you connect the ST250 to the 451. However, most folks just recod B format and do the final output later.

I don't own Nuendo - do you think the aforementioned software will come out in other formats? (i.e. ProTools, VST, audio units, direct connect, rewire, etc).

Yes, VST is next, then Pro Tools.

Are there any differences in the microphone itself between the different packages (ST250 mic body only vs Mark V mic body) ?

The mics are all the capsule and acoustics, however, the St250 is modded to work on DC (nternal battery power), so the headroom is less, 10dB less. The St250 mic will not work with a SP422, SP422B or Mk5. The 422, 422B and Mk5 all share the same indentical mic, around 14dB self noise, around 135 or so max spl.

Brad

[ozraves]

The Soundfield is the only thing that has ever given me gear envy.

[Brad Lunde]

Originally posted by Brad Lunde
The mics are all the SAME capsule and acoustics, however, the St250 is modded to work on DC (nternal battery power), so the headroom is less, 10dB less.
Brad

A critical word was left out. Made it hard to understand what I was saying!
Brad

[MattiMattMatt]

Originally posted by Brad Lunde
Gee Matt, maybe we should hire you. You understand ATC and soundfield. Now how about Brauner and GML?
Brad

How can I say no after visiting your website and discovering that you display quotes on it from, well, ME!

(Of course, I would need to get more acquainted with gear from Brauner and GML, but I suppose that's the sort of sacrifice one makes for one's work.... )

[fross]

Does the SPS422B system require external pres aswell for each channel?

[ToddP]

Originally posted by fross
Does the SPS422B system require external pres aswell for each channel?

No, Foss. It serves as the preamp and processors

Todd