Q) Shielding is crappy. I hear radio all the time. Is there anything I can do to improve this?
A) It's not exactly the shielding. Some studios have troubles, some not. The problem is endemic to most powered monitors due to difficult ground, 120v ground loops and troublesome incorrect balanced cables and other situations between devices....Read Full Article
Many years ago I was asked to review and critique Audio equipment by a popular local music magazine, but they assumed I would say nice things about products obviously because some were their advertisers. It's obvious to see the conflict here. Today with the internet, the average guy or a BSEE fellow can make comments without too much repercussion. It's a curse and a blessing. The average guy has his stubborn prejudices and some brilliant insights too. The engineer type can be a little cold hearted and may have higher standards which most consumer equipment will never match. Now the situation is sometimes well done and apparently simple equipment may not get a fair review by either due to name appeal or design criteria....Read Full Article
Read Full ArticleWow, new cutting edge construction designed ribbon mics are now here. Although the wave of quality, large plate condenser mics has saturated the market and for many recordists who have an open mind, great benefits of cost to performance are welcome. Ribbon mics however will not be easy to make inexpensively and correctly. This is because the design criteria for ribbons are ironically more archaic and tough to build with consistency. It requires more hand assembly and more QC testing....Read Full Article
Read Full ArticleThe DBX Sub Harmonic Synthesizer was truly an amazing unit, though they are getting hard to find. I owned one years ago, then used an 'expounder'. Did 4 bands of dynamic EQ as well. Clever auto filter effect and 4 bands of parametric EQ. Now I use a Behringer DEQ-2496 multiband adjustable dynamic EQ, compressor or expander and 5 band digital parametric and 11 band EQ, and real time high sensitivity spectrum analyzer and digital converters the quality of Apogee and image, latency correction and… $300!! I still like analog EQ's, but this Behringer is so accurate, dead quiet, can do tricks like a finalizer, etc. It's hard to look back. No doubt older EQ's have a sound character...Read Full Article
Read Full ArticleIt seems people are constantly asking about modifying machines by changing out op amps. Most recently on a TNE 7000 Noise Reduction unit which we do modify (see Services section) but not by changing out the op amps for more updated, better paper-rated versions. Ironically, "better" op amps will actually work worse in the circuit due to the need for correct DC offset and time phase, delay required at 4 stage all pass filter. In fact, the incorrect op amp running in the circuit will ruin the FET/switch of the high filter operation. What I am changing is the way and how the circuit can switch out the transients more inaudibly. This is done by installing precise calibratin trimmers and more clever filters at the FET switching. Also, a special circuit which gain rides the possible ticks so as not to fool the click suppression. I spent about 6 months picking the circuit apart to reduce the modification to about 8 parts. The modification is $140 plus the cost to return ship. I have done many of these mods and everyone has been impressed with the results. ...Read Full Article
Read Full ArticleQ) What is different about the dbx 3bx pro... is it the ds series?
A) DBX expanders are all conceptually the same. User controlled capability of creating more dynamics and lessening the noise floor (of vinyl and tape) by "expanding" the music's dynamic range, leaving the noise floor further down in level. Old 3bx, big knobs and LED's in 2 rack space box, are discreet circuit 3 bands of VCA
...Read Full Article
Q) I have a pair of ads 810 series 2 a tweeter went out and I got a replacement. Not the stock 3/4 inch softdome though. Do you have any of those available? And I have a curiosity mabe you wouldnt mind answering this for me.(I know its personal preference) If you had only two choices between a/d/s 810 & Polk audio monitor 10 which would you pick? Kinda like Mustang vs Camaro, apples against oranges.
A) I've owned ADS which I prefer (if they are modified), and bought and sold Polk many times. These typically are just OK speakers. Their design and use of "passive bass" radiator is a cheap way out and not a properly designed speaker....Read Full Article
We get many letters and phone calls asking about certain high dollar audiophile gear, which all basically boil down to - does this unit do what they claim it does?
Many manufacturers make remarkable claims of amazing fidelity. Are these electronic designs capable of revealing or creating more lifelike imaging or depth of detail when amplifying pre-recorded music? Does the use of super special capacitors, wiring, and connectors by esoteric manufacturers create euphonic nirvana? Listeners are so cleverly convinced of the quality of sound reproduced by a fancy built and expensive device, they will defend their choices quite adamantly. The problem is they are not really making a fair comparison of all existing technology at any price point low or high....Read Full Article
Q) How many watts is the JVC RX 550 V?
A) About 40 to 50 watts of average power. The amplifier is infact designed like Adcom or other real HiFi amps. I have sold a lot of JVC product. It is a very reliable era of product, but it is important to get low use time machines so that buttons and switches are nice....Read Full Article
Q) How does the ADA MP1 Classic model compare to the modded MP1's? Do you repair them? Is the ADA foot controller the way to go with these?
A) The Modified ADA are changed to sound less "metal" on too many programs and more control is available to enhance regular electric and acoustic guitar sounds, but it still can do the "buzz saw" metal sound no problem. The MP1 is a device which obviously intends to use the tubes to create the nice "crank". The "Classic" versions add some minor features...Read Full Article