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Anyone selling...?

a used Electrovoice RE27-N/D mic
or a Symetrix 528E voice processor?

I was looking at getting an RE20 (or PL20), but decided on the RE27 and Symetrix 528E (had previous good experience with both)... only thing is... I'M POOR! Does anyone here want to get rid of their used ones? <P ID="signature">______________
Igor
www.IgorRadio.com</P>
 
> a used Electrovoice RE27-N/D mic
> or a Symetrix 528E voice processor?
>
> I was looking at getting an RE20 (or PL20), but decided on
> the RE27 and Symetrix 528E (had previous good experience
> with both)... only thing is... I'M POOR! Does anyone here
> want to get rid of their used ones?
>
I got my Symetrix on E-bay for $350. Seems to be the going rate, and there's always two or three listed. Just be careful what kind of studio they were in.
 
> > a used Electrovoice RE27-N/D mic
> > or a Symetrix 528E voice processor?
> >
> > I was looking at getting an RE20 (or PL20), but decided on
>
> > the RE27 and Symetrix 528E (had previous good experience
> > with both)... only thing is... I'M POOR! Does anyone here
>
> > want to get rid of their used ones?
> >
> I got my Symetrix on E-bay for $350. Seems to be the going
> rate, and there's always two or three listed. Just be
> careful what kind of studio they were in.
>

I know, eBay has it all. I just wanted to see if my $$$ could go to a fellow R.I. poster rather than some random person on eBay.

Question, what kind of studio would be a bad studio to get a used Symetrix from? As long as it's in working order, I could care less if it was in a home studio, a large production house, or TV studio.<P ID="signature">______________
Igor
www.IgorRadio.com</P>
 
> a used Electrovoice RE27-N/D mic
> or a Symetrix 528E voice processor?
>
> I was looking at getting an RE20 (or PL20), but decided on
> the RE27 and Symetrix 528E (had previous good experience
> with both)... only thing is... I'M POOR! Does anyone here
> want to get rid of their used ones?
>


I don't mean to post a commercial, but I've had good success from SCMS in Pineville, NC with both new and used equipment. They have a web site that I can't remember right now, but they're just outside Charlotte.
 
> Try getting a real mic and compressor.
>

Gee, how do you REALLY feel?! Nevermind the part where I said I had good experience with both in the past, and also disregard that I don't want to spend a lot (over $900 total). Glad YOU know what mic and processor works best with MY voice. Would you mind sharing this info with me??! Thank you kind sir.<P ID="signature">______________
Igor
www.IgorRadio.com</P>
 
> > Try getting a real mic and compressor.
> >
>
> Gee, how do you REALLY feel?! Nevermind the part where I
> said I had good experience with both in the past, and also
> disregard that I don't want to spend a lot (over $900
> total). Glad YOU know what mic and processor works best
> with MY voice. Would you mind sharing this info with me??!
> Thank you kind sir.
>


I'll jump in here. If you're planning to do freelance voiceover work, the RE27/Symmetrix combo isn't the best idea. In fact, you can get a better sound for less money...Easily.

Rode NT1A, Audio Technica AT4040, Studio Projects C1, Shure KSM27, AKG C3000B...These are all mics that will sound better than an RE-27 and cost less money. A mid-price condenser will alsmost always sound better than a higher-priced dynamic.

As far as processors, there are many that will do the job of the Symmetrix. Check out the DBX line. Also, if you save on the mic, you could spend a little more on the preamp and go for a Focusrite Platinum Voicemaster Pro ($600-650), which would give you WAY more options and a better sound than the 528E.

If your goal is to have the best sound, there are better options than the RE27/Symmetrix combo. But if you're trying to match the sound of other stations, which you might be voicetracking for, that's another story.

Also, if a lot of different people will be using your studio, the RE27 wouldn't be a bad idea.

Stations don't use these pieces because they sound good. They use the RE20/RE27 because they're nearly indestructable and the jocks don't break them. They use the Symmetrix because it's small and simple to use, but it doesn't provide many options.

Just some things to think about.

Emmett
 
> > > Try getting a real mic and compressor.
> > >
> >
> > Gee, how do you REALLY feel?! Nevermind the part where I
> > said I had good experience with both in the past, and also
>
> > disregard that I don't want to spend a lot (over $900
> > total). Glad YOU know what mic and processor works best
> > with MY voice. Would you mind sharing this info with
> me??!
> > Thank you kind sir.
> >
>
>
> I'll jump in here. If you're planning to do freelance
> voiceover work, the RE27/Symmetrix combo isn't the best
> idea. In fact, you can get a better sound for less
> money...Easily.
>
> Rode NT1A, Audio Technica AT4040, Studio Projects C1, Shure
> KSM27, AKG C3000B...These are all mics that will sound
> better than an RE-27 and cost less money. A mid-price
> condenser will alsmost always sound better than a
> higher-priced dynamic.
>
> As far as processors, there are many that will do the job of
> the Symmetrix. Check out the DBX line. Also, if you save
> on the mic, you could spend a little more on the preamp and
> go for a Focusrite Platinum Voicemaster Pro ($600-650),
> which would give you WAY more options and a better sound
> than the 528E.
>
> If your goal is to have the best sound, there are better
> options than the RE27/Symmetrix combo. But if you're trying
> to match the sound of other stations, which you might be
> voicetracking for, that's another story.
>
> Also, if a lot of different people will be using your
> studio, the RE27 wouldn't be a bad idea.
>
> Stations don't use these pieces because they sound good.
> They use the RE20/RE27 because they're nearly indestructable
> and the jocks don't break them. They use the Symmetrix
> because it's small and simple to use, but it doesn't provide
> many options.
>
> Just some things to think about.
>
> Emmett
>

Regarding the RE27/528E combo...that's what Charlie Van Dyke uses. Seems to work for him. I will add that not too many have CVD's natural pipes. I digress...


Igor, go for the 528, not the 528E. There's a BIG difference. The former is MUCH better than the latter! I have a 528. We used them at WMJI, I know they have a nice sound. 528 was paired with the AKG 414 (then to a UREI 1176LN). 528 is a good, solid older pre-amp. Works well with many mics.

I also have a dbx 286a. Nice and clean, and inexpensive. New they go for no more than $200. I also have a vintage Valley 400. Of the three I mentioned; dBX, Symetrix and Valley, I prefer the Valley. Simple and EZ to use. The 401...not recommended.

As far as mics go, I recommend the RODE NT2. IHO the NT2 is as good as the TLM103, but with more crispness. If you recall Igor we used these when I was at WMMS. They're no longer in production, but eBay has some every now and then.

A nice inexpensive priced mic, w/ big price sound is the Apex 460 tube. Retails for about $250-300. I'm thinking of selling mine (hint hint).

If mic cost is not a concern, $1000 or less, the Sennheiser 416 shotgun, aka the "L.A." mic is the way to go. It's my #1 mic. I'll never sell it.

Under $3000? Neumann U87 or a Soundelux.

Mic pre is argubly more important than the mic. VO skills will stand out no matter what combo you have.


Chucker<P ID="signature">______________
Everyone is entitled to my opinion.</P><P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by bigwoody on 12/06/05 11:36 PM.</FONT></P>
 
> Regarding the RE27/528E combo...that's what Charlie Van Dyke
> uses. Seems to work for him. I will add that not too many
> have CVD's natural pipes. I digress...
>
>
> Igor, go for the 528, not the 528E. There's a BIG
> difference. The former is MUCH better than the latter! I
> have a 528. We used them at and Valley, I
> prefer the Valley. Simple and EZ to use. The 401...not
> recommended.
>
> As far as mics go, I recommend the RODE NT2. IHO the NT2 is
> as good as the TLM103, but with more crispness. If you
> recall Igor we used these when I was at WMMS. They're no
> longer in production, but eBay has some every now and thenWMJI, I know they have a nice
> sound. 528 was paired with the AKG 414 (then to a UREI
> 1176LN). 528 is a good, solid older pre-amp. Works well with
> many mics.
>
> I also have a dbx 286a. Nice and clean, and inexpensive. New
> they go for no more than $200. I also have a vintage Valley
> 400. Of the three I mentioned; dBX, Symetrix .
>
> A nice inexpensive priced mic, w/ big price sound is the
> Apex 460 tube. Retails for about $250-300. I'm thinking of
> selling mine (hint hint).
>
> If mic cost is not a concern, $1000 or less, the Sennheiser
> 416 shotgun, aka the "L.A." mic is the way to go. It's my #1
> mic. I'll never sell it.
>
> Under $3000? Neumann U87 or a Soundelux.
>
> Mic pre is argubly more important than the mic. VO skills
> will stand out no matter what combo you have.
>
>
> Chucker


Having no experience with the original 528, I can't comment on the quality, but you're not the first person that I've heard say that. That's not the unit with the compressor before the expander, is it? Expander should always come first.

I almost agree with you on the NT2. I don't know that I would go so far as to say it's as good as a TLM103, but for spoken voice, few mics compare to the TLM103. However, the Rode NT2 (if you can find one) is a superb value.

As for the 416, I say no. I only say that because it won't work for me. For the 416 to be any good, it has to be on the right voice. Paired with the wrong voice, the 416 sounds boxy and lifeless. It's not a very versatile mic, like the TLM103 is.

IMO, the U87 is the most overrated mic in the industry. I don't care for it at all. Not because it's a bad mic, but because better sound is available for less money. The U87 has no character. It's a very accurate, pure mic...But I like a little character with my sound. Personal preference.

Funny...As I'm writing this, I'm recording with the exact RE-27/528E combo that I advise against. Ha ha.

Emmett
 
Re: 528E

>
>
> Having no experience with the original 528, I can't comment
> on the quality, but you're not the first person that I've
> heard say that. That's not the unit with the compressor
> before the expander, is it? Expander should always come
> first.
>

The thing that I liked about the 528E, was that you can change which order the chain worked. For example, I want to EQ my voice BEFORE compressing. Does the original 528 do this?<P ID="signature">______________
Igor
www.IgorRadio.com</P>
 
>
> I could have spelled out several options, but since you had
> to be such a typical radio ass in your response, I'll just
> keep it to myself. Why wise up a chump anyway?
>

I love you too. ;) Someone needs a happy pill. The first time I saw you chime in on this board was a derogatory comment about my personal preference of equipment with no explanation. At least the other posters gave a reason for a different selection, and was actually a great opinion/advice. Thank you Emmett and Woody! I'll slow down and consider other options. Sometime I get buy-happy and have to get something I hardly need! lol <P ID="signature">______________
Igor
www.IgorRadio.com</P>
 
> Having no experience with the original 528, I can't comment
> on the quality, but you're not the first person that I've
> heard say that. That's not the unit with the compressor
> before the expander, is it? Expander should always come
> first.

The Threshold/Expandeer/Compressor are all in the same "section" of the pre. I assume the way they are positioned that the Threshold is first since it's on top, then the Expander directly below, then the Compressor.



>
> I almost agree with you on the NT2. I don't know that I
> would go so far as to say it's as good as a TLM103, but for
> spoken voice, few mics compare to the TLM103. However, the
> Rode NT2 (if you can find one) is a superb value.


I should have declared the NT2 as good as the TLM 103 - when price is involved. I've owned both. I preferred the NT2. Since a u87 is so costly, I'll most likely buy another TLM103, or a TLM190, which Randy Reeves uses (with a Symetrix 528).

>
> As for the 416, I say no. I only say that because it won't
> work for me. For the 416 to be any good, it has to be on
> the right voice. Paired with the wrong voice, the 416
> sounds boxy and lifeless. It's not a very versatile mic,
> like the TLM103 is.


The 416 works best on heavy, deep voices. It has a natural high end boost to it. Some radio VO's who use the 416; John Wells, John Driscoll, Chris Corley (also RODE Classic II), Chuck Riley, Ernie Anderson (the greatest!), Beau Weaver, Nick Michaels, on and on.

The 416, rule of thumb, doesn't work well with female voices, unless they're deep/smokey/sultry, then the 416 makes those voices shine.


>
> IMO, the U87 is the most overrated mic in the industry. I
> don't care for it at all. Not because it's a bad mic, but
> because better sound is available for less money. The U87
> has no character. It's a very accurate, pure mic...But I
> like a little character with my sound. Personal preference.
>

The u87 is exactly like the TLM103 (same capsule, no?). They're essentially identical except for the multiple patterns on the u87, hence the price difference between the two. (Don LaFontaine uses the u87).

>
> Funny...As I'm writing this, I'm recording with the exact
> RE-27/528E combo that I advise against. Ha ha.


Works for Charlie Van Dyke.. what a voice!


Igor, another inexpensice mic is the Sennheiser MD421 (wedge shape). It's a dynamic that is as sturdy as the RE20/RE27. Arguably it's better.
<P ID="signature">______________
Everyone is entitled to my opinion.</P><P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by bigwoody on 12/07/05 11:34 PM.</FONT></P>
 
> I love you too. ;) Someone needs a happy pill. The first
> time I saw you chime in on this board was a derogatory
> comment about my personal preference of equipment with no
> explanation. At least the other posters gave a reason for a
> different selection, and was actually a great
> opinion/advice. Thank you Emmett and Woody! I'll slow down
> and consider other options. Sometime I get buy-happy and
> have to get something I hardly need! lol
>


Don't feel bad...We all do that! I can't tell you how much I've spent on new headphones that I didn't need. But eventually, I ended up with two pairs that I use a lot and love, but I still have plenty that collect dust.

Something else I should mention about investing is a really good mic processor, is that it really is an investment. Good mic pres hold their value better than just about anything else in this business. Buy a good pre now and in 10 years, if you decide to sell it, you'll likely be able to sell for nearly as much as you paid for it. If you get a REALLY good pre, it's value may actually INCREASE over time! That is one good reason to avoid pres with digital components. Mics are the same, to some degree. As long as you take good care of those pieces, they will hold their value extraordinarily well.
 
>
> Don't feel bad...We all do that! I can't tell you how much
> I've spent on new headphones that I didn't need. But
> eventually, I ended up with two pairs that I use a lot and
> love, but I still have plenty that collect dust.
>
> Something else I should mention about investing is a really
> good mic processor, is that it really is an investment.
> Good mic pres hold their value better than just about
> anything else in this business. Buy a good pre now and in
> 10 years, if you decide to sell it, you'll likely be able to
> sell for nearly as much as you paid for it. If you get a
> REALLY good pre, it's value may actually INCREASE over time!
> That is one good reason to avoid pres with digital
> components. Mics are the same, to some degree. As long as
> you take good care of those pieces, they will hold their
> value extraordinarily well.

Agreed. I have a vintage UREI 1176LN blackface comp/limiter. It's worth at least $2800. The new ones from Universal Audio, patterned after the original, retail for $2500. I'll never sell the UREI. I am however looking to get a UA 6176.
<P ID="signature">______________
Everyone is entitled to my opinion.</P>
 
Re: 528E

> >
> >
> > Having no experience with the original 528, I can't
> comment
> > on the quality, but you're not the first person that I've
> > heard say that. That's not the unit with the compressor
> > before the expander, is it? Expander should always come
> > first.
> >
>
> The thing that I liked about the 528E, was that you can
> change which order the chain worked. For example, I want to
> EQ my voice BEFORE compressing. Does the original 528 do
> this?
>

No, EQ is after the Threshold/Comp section. However, you can turn off each respective section. So you can turn down the Comp to 1:1 ratio, which is almost nothing, still use the Thres/Expander, and the EQ section. Add more Comp with plugs.


Technically, you should EQ after Compression. Otherwise, you're Compressing an EQ'd signal. If you EQ then Compress, you're really altering the EQ dynamics.<P ID="signature">______________
Everyone is entitled to my opinion.</P>
 
> a used Electrovoice RE27-N/D mic
> or a Symetrix 528E voice processor?
>
> I was looking at getting an RE20 (or PL20), but decided on
> the RE27 and Symetrix 528E (had previous good experience
> with both)... only thing is... I'M POOR! Does anyone here
> want to get rid of their used ones?
>


If that's the combo your interested in I've got a Symetrix 528E that just been used in the home studio. I'll let go for $250. It looks and works great, just don't need it. It's in the rack but not being used due to an upgrade. Plus I've got another VO friend of mine who's got an RE27-N/D for sale. Let me know if your interested.

Thanks,

Russ<P ID="signature">______________
Russ McLamb
Chris-Mar Studios</P>
 
Russ,
good to see you found this website.

Haven't heard from you in awhile.

Got any used 77 dx's for a low price? (ha)

your friend,
the old WQSM morning guy....(1987-1992)
 
> Russ,
> good to see you found this website.
>
> Haven't heard from you in awhile.
>
> Got any used 77 dx's for a low price? (ha)
>
> your friend,
> the old WQSM morning guy....(1987-1992)
>


Hey man, good too hear from you. You still on the air down in Texas?<P ID="signature">______________
Russ McLamb
Chris-Mar Studios</P>
 
>
> Hey man, good too hear from you. You still on the air down
> in Texas?
>


Yep -- playing Christmas music solid till the 25th....quite tired of
it already...
 
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