first impressions

hollywood_steve · 8th August 2003

Did my first gig last night with three new pieces of equipment; the Genex GX9000 that I've owned for several weeks, and the RME Audio mic preamp and Coles 4038 that both arrived last week.

Well, it took a lot of years, but I think I've finally put together one helluva location recording rig! I had spent enough time learning how to use the Genex that I knew what it was capable of. But last night I got to try out a new software upgrade that allows for MUCH easier file management when operating under the gun, like on live gigs. It worked flawlessly and allowed me to concentrate on other matters like gain adjustments and mic position. When I first received the Genex, I was afraid that I'd never be as comfortable and confident that I was when running a tape machine - there was just too much going on for me to be able to relax. But last night proved that wrong, and on the very first gig! The new fiile mgt software upgrade makes the machine super simple to operate under pressure, even for a dinosaur like me.

The QuadMic from RME seems to good to be true; 4ch of clean mic preamps in a 1/2 rack space sized box for under $600. But the damn thing works like its supposed to and sounds like.........well nothing at all! I used the QuadMic for the two KM184 mics that were set up in XY pattern. Both the nylon string acoustic and the flute sounded wonderful through the stereo pair.

The Coles 4038 was used as the spot mic on the flute. (A Royer R121 was the spot for the acoustic guitar). The 4038 was placed just about 3ft away from the flute, at the same height and aimed towards the middle of the flute. I haven't mic'd many flutes, so I don't have a lot to compare to, but this one sure sounded real nice to me. (I used a Vintech preamp for the two ribbon mics.)

Overall, all three new toys performed perfectly and sounded great. I can't say the same about the facility we recorded in. The room itself sounded very nice, but there was plenty of outside noise that made it through into our room. I won't know until I edit things whether or not the noise will be a major problem. But I'm still very happy with how everything turned out.

steve
lex125@pacbell.net
www.lexington125.com

fifthcircle · 9th August 2003

What sample rate did you run for your Genex (DSD or hi-res PCM)? Also how will you go about editing?

I'd think with a rig like that you could get some pretty spectacular recordings.

--Ben

hollywood_steve · 9th August 2003

I recorded to DSD and I can't see any reason not to always go that route. I like the idea of archiving all projects to DSD and only converting when I need to deliver final product to a client.

The obvious exception will be on projects where the client will also be recording other parts at other studios and needs to have all files in a consistent format. But in all other cases, I really like the idea of standardizing on DSD and only converting prior to delivery.

As with 95% of my work, the editing required for this project consists of compiling the best complete takes into a 2 track master. This particular client only requires a 16/44 CD for his immediate needs, so I will pick the best takes of each tune and burn them to CD (using the Genex converters to send the CD burner an AES 16/44 signal.

The project was recorded to 4ch with a main stereo pair and a spot mic on the flute and another on the guitar. The amount of "mixing" required is extremely minimal. Especially after I adjusted the guitar's spot mic midway through the set. From that point forward, the mix should stand as is. Prior to that point, I need to boost the guitar / cut the flute a total of 2 or 3 dB.

Oh, yes.....I agree that this rig is capable of some breathtakingly good recordings. On listening to the first playback last night, I caught a few stupid mistakes that I made (like allowing the Genex fan to get inside the pickup pattern of the right side mic of the stereo pair, D'oh!) that night. But if I can keep from screwing things up, the basic recordings will sound amazing - without any post processing. It's great to finally be satisfied with the gear I've got. Now I can concentrate on recording, not chasing equipment.

steve
lex125@pacbell.net

Rick Sutton · 10th August 2003

Great to hear that your remote went well. I'm still using my Genex 9000 as a PCM recorder due to continued unavailability of the analog cards. Can't wait to try DSD. Also glad to hear that the new file software is helping. is it still based on random file numbers? I can't see why it isn't more logical and incremental....like #1...then #2 then #3....If fostex and the like can figure out how to make a file system work that way, you'd think Genex could too. Anyway...keep up the good work and keep us informed. cheers, Rick

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8th August 2003	#1
hollywood_steve Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: uh..... Hollywood Posts: 1,242 Thread Starter	first impressions Did my first gig last night with three new pieces of equipment; the Genex GX9000 that I've owned for several weeks, and the RME Audio mic preamp and Coles 4038 that both arrived last week. Well, it took a lot of years, but I think I've finally put together one helluva location recording rig! I had spent enough time learning how to use the Genex that I knew what it was capable of. But last night I got to try out a new software upgrade that allows for MUCH easier file management when operating under the gun, like on live gigs. It worked flawlessly and allowed me to concentrate on other matters like gain adjustments and mic position. When I first received the Genex, I was afraid that I'd never be as comfortable and confident that I was when running a tape machine - there was just too much going on for me to be able to relax. But last night proved that wrong, and on the very first gig! The new fiile mgt software upgrade makes the machine super simple to operate under pressure, even for a dinosaur like me. The QuadMic from RME seems to good to be true; 4ch of clean mic preamps in a 1/2 rack space sized box for under $600. But the damn thing works like its supposed to and sounds like.........well nothing at all! I used the QuadMic for the two KM184 mics that were set up in XY pattern. Both the nylon string acoustic and the flute sounded wonderful through the stereo pair. The Coles 4038 was used as the spot mic on the flute. (A Royer R121 was the spot for the acoustic guitar). The 4038 was placed just about 3ft away from the flute, at the same height and aimed towards the middle of the flute. I haven't mic'd many flutes, so I don't have a lot to compare to, but this one sure sounded real nice to me. (I used a Vintech preamp for the two ribbon mics.) Overall, all three new toys performed perfectly and sounded great. I can't say the same about the facility we recorded in. The room itself sounded very nice, but there was plenty of outside noise that made it through into our room. I won't know until I edit things whether or not the noise will be a major problem. But I'm still very happy with how everything turned out. steve lex125@pacbell.net www.lexington125.com

9th August 2003	#2
fifthcircle Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 3,300	What sample rate did you run for your Genex (DSD or hi-res PCM)? Also how will you go about editing? I'd think with a rig like that you could get some pretty spectacular recordings. --Ben __________________ Benjamin Maas Fifth Circle Audio Long Beach, CA http://www.fifthcircle.com

10th August 2003	#4
Rick Sutton Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Atascadero, CA Posts: 3,862	Great to hear that your remote went well. I'm still using my Genex 9000 as a PCM recorder due to continued unavailability of the analog cards. Can't wait to try DSD. Also glad to hear that the new file software is helping. is it still based on random file numbers? I can't see why it isn't more logical and incremental....like #1...then #2 then #3....If fostex and the like can figure out how to make a file system work that way, you'd think Genex could too. Anyway...keep up the good work and keep us informed. cheers, Rick