EV RE20 - Still Good?

[Mike Walker]

I've always found the SM7 to be WAY too "warm and fuzzy". Great for smoothing the sharp edges off a really bright sounding female voice like Emmylou Harris, but for close-miking a male voice? Certainly not MY choice!

When I did mornings at a station that used an SM7, I used to bring my own mic to work with me. Hell, even an SM58 "cut" through a LOT better than the SM7 on my voice.

Of course there is no one "best" mic for all voices! Just because an SM7 sounds like warmed-over oatmeal has been smeared on my voice, doesn't mean it won't sound great on yours. Personally, I like a mic that's "BIG" down below (not in the "mud" region of 100-300hz, but between 40 and 70hz) and nice and "sparkly" on top. An older Audio Technica in my collection fits that description, and is my "new" (it's more than 10 years old) favorite mic for my voice.

 

[marketweis]

Now my question: Do you gentlemen (and ladies) recommend the dbx 286A or should I go nuts and invest in the Symetrix 528E? Wish I could say "money is no object," but I'm in radio, so it is.

Your feedback is appreciated.

I am currently working with a DBX286A (paired with a Rode NT1A and a Shure SM7) and it's a nice "starter" unit. I wanted it because of its reputation and because there aren't so many knobs and controls that you feel overwhelmed. Having said that, I kinda wish it had a few more settings options now, as I find myself wishing I could get more out of it. I've actually heard a comparison between it and the Aphex230 and the Aphex really did sound fuller and overall better. Having said THAT, the DBX is working fine for my purposes right now of voicing a lot of web-related audio. In fact, I go from my DBX right to my stock PC sound card using a $10 cable. It sounds much better than I thought it would, however I'm sure I will upgrade soon to a USB device such as the EMU to see how much better that sounds. The limitations of my own sound card could be why I'm not getting quite the punch and fullness out of my DBX.

 

[VODood]

Now my question: Do you gentlemen (and ladies) recommend the dbx 286A or should I go nuts and invest in the Symetrix 528E? Wish I could say "money is no object," but I'm in radio, so it is.

Your feedback is appreciated.

I am currently working with a DBX286A (paired with a Rode NT1A and a Shure SM7) and it's a nice "starter" unit. I wanted it because of its reputation and because there aren't so many knobs and controls that you feel overwhelmed. Having said that, I kinda wish it had a few more settings options now, as I find myself wishing I could get more out of it. I've actually heard a comparison between it and the Aphex230 and the Aphex really did sound fuller and overall better. Having said THAT, the DBX is working fine for my purposes right now of voicing a lot of web-related audio. In fact, I go from my DBX right to my stock PC sound card using a $10 cable. It sounds much better than I thought it would, however I'm sure I will upgrade soon to a USB device such as the EMU to see how much better that sounds. The limitations of my own sound card could be why I'm not getting quite the punch and fullness out of my DBX.

Anyone hear know of "BC" aka Brian Christopher? The big voice version, not the GenX "bc".

The bigger voice "BC" uses a RE27 and a dbx286 - Sounds pretty freakin' good to me.

 

[menotti1]

HOW much better did the Aphex 230 sound over the DBX 286A? was it $500.00 better which would be the price differential. i can't find anyone using the 230,(except Rick Dees ha) i know Jeff had one and sent it back,too tricky.i know Ann Dewig did use the 286a with the u87 and now uses the avalon pre, but she says she got great mileage from the 286a.Been looking at replacing my aging aircorp 500 ph and Valley 401,probably will go with a newer 500PH.But i've heard good thing about the grace 101 and the true systems solo-p,mic is the Brauner Phantom C (AWESOME) Ask Jeff....

 

[Chuck]

I’m as big a “Gear slut” as the next guy, but there comes a time when “good enough” is just that: Good enough. If nobody is complaining and you are still getting work, then what you are doing is probably fine.

There is certainly nothing wrong with striving to make things as high quality as possible, but most of the time, problems are more talent oriented, coupled with a strong dose of “doing what it takes” and being “easy to work with.” Being on time and doing what the client asked is usually a lot more important than what kind of processor you use. Most likely, your clients will never hear the difference.

Still, I admit that it is fun to play with our toys…

 

[VODood]

HOW much better did the Aphex 230 sound over the DBX 286A? was it $500.00 better which would be the price differential. i can't find anyone using the 230,(except Rick Dees ha) i know Jeff had one and sent it back,too tricky.i know Ann Dewig did use the 286a with the u87 and now uses the avalon pre, but she says she got great mileage from the 286a.Been looking at replacing my aging aircorp 500 ph and Valley 401,probably will go with a newer 500PH.But i've heard good thing about the grace 101 and the true systems solo-p,mic is the Brauner Phantom C (AWESOME) Ask Jeff....

So that Brauner is working out? Glad to hear it since you beat me out on the bid, LOL!

I remember when Ann was using a TLM103/Symetrix 528E combo. Having an engineer as a husband certainly works out for her!


Mike Bratton has been on here numerous times talking up the True Solo. I bought Mike's ISA220 (working great!).


I also have an Avalon M5 paired with a TLM103 and a dbx286a. Sounds great! I really like it. I use that chain at work. Also will swap the RODE NT2 for the 103. RODE NT2 is really close to the TLM103, but the 103 is more intimate.

 

[JustPastBuffalo]

These are the kind of recommendations and real-world knowledge I was looking for when I asked about mic processors. As it is, I use Mackie 1402, CEP 2.0, coupled with a MiaMidi Echo sound card, using the processing & EQ programs after recording. I'm researching all of the feedback and appreciate the comments here. Outstanding! You guys are in the trenches every day, so I'd rather take your input than read a spec sheet or hear a sales pitch. Thank you. Keep it comin'! -Jim

 

[marketweis]

HOW much better did the Aphex 230 sound over the DBX 286A? was it $500.00 better which would be the price differential. i can't find anyone using the 230,(except Rick Dees ha) i know Jeff had one and sent it back,too tricky.i know Ann Dewig did use the 286a with the u87 and now uses the avalon pre, but she says she got great mileage from the 286a.Been looking at replacing my aging aircorp 500 ph and Valley 401,probably will go with a newer 500PH.But i've heard good thing about the grace 101 and the true systems solo-p,mic is the Brauner Phantom C (AWESOME) Ask Jeff....

Actually, I just listened to the podcast again where host Mark Jensen of Podsquod featured the DBX. What he did was begin his podcast while on the Aphex, then switched over to the DBX. Listening again, this time on my smaller speakers at home, the difference doesn't seem to be as noticeable. Still think the Aphex has a more natural sound.

If you go over to http://www.podsqod.com, you can download the mp3 of his podcast and hear it all. He also goes through every control knob on the DBX and fiddles around a bit so you can hear the adjustments. Pretty cool really.

To answer the question about the Aphex being worth $500 more than the DBX...from what I've heard, I would have to say No. However, I have a buddy at my station who is buying the Aphex. I'm hoping he'll let me borrow the Aphex for a day, so I can directly compare with my setup.

 

[VODood]

These are the kind of recommendations and real-world knowledge I was looking for when I asked about mic processors. As it is, I use Mackie 1402, CEP 2.0, coupled with a MiaMidi Echo sound card, using the processing & EQ programs after recording. I'm researching all of the feedback and appreciate the comments here. Outstanding! You guys are in the trenches every day, so I'd rather take your input than read a spec sheet or hear a sales pitch. Thank you. Keep it comin'! -Jim

The Mackie 1402/416 combo is one I used. Mackie pre-amps are really good, and clean. However, unless you have a really quiet room, a lack of a gate will be an issue. Plugs can't get rid of that much room noise.

 

[surfdude]

I really like the DBX286A with really light settings. The expander, if
used very lightly, theshold -30, ratio 2:1 will help a little with a bad room.

I bought some cheap corduroy curtains from Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and hung them all
the way around, covering the walls, in a 10X12 bedroom in the basement. Works great for
eliminating room echo. I think they're 84 inches floor to ceiling.

 

[Chuck]

I bought some cheap corduroy curtains from Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and hung them all
the way around, covering the walls, in a 10X12 bedroom in the basement. Works great for
eliminating room echo. I think they're 84 inches floor to ceiling.

Frequently, low-tech things like treating the room, installing a good pop filter, or even taking voice lessons will yield more dramatic results than buying the latest and greatest audio processor.

Technology CAN do a lot, but it is no substitute for a good audio source. As our computer friends say, "Garbage in - Garbage out."