[The S]

First there's this:

http://slatedigital.com/virtual-microphone-system/

And then there's this:

https://townsendlabs.com/products/sphere-l22/

This is just too good to be true. I cannot resist. It's impossible. I've wanted several of those mics for the better part of my adult life, what's an old man to do?!?!  

I'm thinking about going with the Slate digital one but was wondering if any of you have any input to share? I know it's kind of early to ask, both systems have just been released and available for purchase but still, I've read the few reviews that are out there, but if you know anything or heard something, any and all input are much appreciated.

Cheers,

Peter

[Boydie]

I have not come across the TOWNSEND LABS option but I have DEFINITELY been following the SLATE VRM

The reviews I have read have been VERY favourable

The SLATE also emulates some well known (and loved) Pre-amp chains

I am very tempted myself when I get my studio sorted later in the year

[The S]

Tempted doesn't cut it. It's a no brainer. I'm ready to sell one of my kids if I have to.

 

[Boydie]

I know!

I am in the same boat about the WAVES SSL Bundle - it looks like I can get it for under $200 

[shadowfax]

I know!

I am in the same boat about the WAVES SSL Bundle - it looks like I can get it for under $200 

the SSL bundle is awesome..you gotta have it!!!

[shadowfax]

First there's this:

http://slatedigital.com/virtual-microphone-system/

And then there's this:

https://townsendlabs.com/products/sphere-l22/

This is just too good to be true. I cannot resist. It's impossible. I've wanted several of those mics for the better part of my adult life, what's an old man to do?!?!  

I'm thinking about going with the Slate digital one but was wondering if any of you have any input to share? I know it's kind of early to ask, both systems have just been released and available for purchase but still, I've read the few reviews that are out there, but if you know anything or heard something, any and all input are much appreciated.

Cheers,

Peter

Heck of a lot of money though... 

[Jamie]

Hi guys, stupid question if the day perhaps! Can these bundles be used with logic prox and if so are they complicated to set up and use? You can tell I'm an amateur .
Cheers
Jamie

[Boydie]

Hi JAMIE

Yes, WAVES (and most plugins) can be used with Logic Pro X

I would, however, warn against jumping down the plugin rabbit hole until you get your recording/mixing skills to the point where you either realise what you are missing OR you know what SLIGHT improvement you want to your mix

These types of plugins will NOT instantly make your mixes sound great - it is like seasoning a dish you have cooked - if the ingredients and cooking are not right it doesn't matter how much salt or pepper you use it still won't taste good - and there is also a big chance you could ruin a "good cook" by putting too much salt and pepper on!!!

Most DAWs come with at least one stock EQ, Compressor, reverb etc. so I would suggest getting your head completely around these before looking at other plugins

If you do want to make an investment in plugins I would personally suggest improving the things that WILL make a dramatic difference - e.g. A good drum virtual instrument, other virtual instruments you may use (piano, keys, bass etc.) and for plugins I would suggest going for a "pitch correction" plugin first (e.g. Melodyne) as this has the potential to dramatically improve the pitching and timing of any instruments- not just vocals

Having said all of that I did go for the SSL bundle (got it for an amazing $150ish in the end) and the difference is very subtle but EXACTLY what I was looking for (an analogue feel for some tracks)

The support from WAVES was incredible - I had an issue getting the plugins to show and they resolved it within an hour - and I was only using the demo at the time!!!)

[Jamie]

Hi Boydie, sensible advice, as ever, and your pitching of my need for such packages is spot on. I am still learning, don't always know what I'm doing and I suspect opening a Pandora's box of new tools would definitely take me down the 'rabbit hole'!  I'll look at the suggestions you make, thanks! On a related note I've had limited success using the midi instruments in logic using my korg Kronos as the interface. I've had situations where I'd play a note and it would stick even when I'd released the key, so I've stopped trying them. Have you had any experience/ issues like this? Is it the keyboard or the software?

Cheers
Jamie

[shadowfax]

Hi Jamie, I've had issues such as yours with midi notes sticking and it was always the keyboard...
there could be other reasons of course, but..for me, it was the keyboard..

[Jamie]

Hi Kevin, thanks for your input, I think I'll get another midi keyboard and see if that sorts it, I think they are pretty cheap, do you have a recommendation?
Cheers
Jamie

[The S]

Heck of a lot of money though... 

Sure is. But the fun will last a lifetime so I figured it's worth it. And after the fam has got their share, music is where I put my money.

Peter

[Boydie]

Quote from: shadowfax on Today at 07:14:04 AM

Heck of a lot of money though...  Shocked


Sure is. But the fun will last a lifetime so I figured it's worth it. And after the fam has got their share, music is where I put my money.

Peter

But a fraction of the cost of the "real deal" mics and pre-amps it is recreating!

[shadowfax]

If you buy it would love to know more about it..keep us posted please

[Ramshackles]

Systems like the slate VRM have some smart modelling software and excellent marketing in them. The only problem is that for anything close to an *authentic* sound, it is very reliant on having an uncoloured signal on the way in. If the acoustics of your room are colouring the sound, this will overwhelm any subtleties introduced by the mic modelling.

There is an ongoing question as to the true quality of the microphone and preamp as well. Again, for the modelling to get you close to the originals, it is vital that the mic & preamp impart no sonic signature of their own. I've read a number of reviews which question how much the system really gets to sounding like the classics.
(For real pessimism, tech-head opinions and some input from slate himself, see here: https://groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=54971.0)

My personal opinion is that if you look beyond the flashy marketing and proclamations of having all these classic mics at your fingertips, you actually have an interesting collection of different tonal controls and a slightly different way of approaching recording/mixing.

Its certainly very interesting & useful and they have a history of good plugins (I am a fan of the virtual console and the mastering plugin), but I dont think it is breaking new ground. At the end of the day it is a (potentially/possibly?) good microphone and preamp bundled with some interesting tonal & distortion plugins.

I would love to see a company actually break new ground with microphone hardware and finding a real way to consolidate using transformers, tubes etc to create the distortion & tonal artifacts that people love so much with a modern 'internet of things' connectivity & usability.