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Your questions and our (or our suppliers) answers:

Line Audio products:

  • Q: Is the CM3 or OM1 best for me?
    A: This is up to you! The CM3 is a slightly wide Cardioid and provides better isolation than the OM1. The OM1 being a pure Omni will capture the complete room and will not help you control leakage. The CM3 will be more directional and focus on the source, with added proximity effect (bass boost) typical of Cardioids. They both take relatively high SPL's and the CM3 has realtively low noise for a SDC (16dBA) while the OM1 has a typical 18 dBA noise floor (for a SDC Omni).
  • Q: Is the CM3 a true Cardioid?
    A: It's a Wide Cardioid. Not a typical Wide Cardioid though - please look at the published polar graph. You can use it as a Cardioid, just keep in mind the back rejection is not as high as with most standard Cardioids.
  • Q: Is the OM1 quiet enough?
    A: It is quiet enough for most musical sources but 18dBA can be a bit high in some distance mic'ing scenarios. Look at the MBHO 410 for an affordable linear Omni with 16 dBA. For close mic'ing the OM1 will be quiet enough. For moderate to loud sources, it will also be quiet enough. But if you need to pick up a Violin at 30 meters, the OM1 might show its limitations.
  • Q: Can the CM3/OM1 take high SPL's?
    A: Yes, with over 130 dB SPL of clean headroom, both mics can take drums and amplified instruments without problem. Just make sure your Phantom power source can provide enough current (see specifications).
  • Q: Can you deliver the 2MP/8MP with USA or UK mains plug?
    A: Yes, please specify when ordering.
MBHO products:

  • Q: Do MBHO use parts of Asian origin?
    A: Not directly. MBHO has only German suppliers, but at least one of them is using a component for platines which is manufactured in Japan.
  • Q: Are MBHO 600 Range capsules compatible with older Schoeps bodies?
    A: No.
  • Q: What are typical sensitivity and frequency response tolerances?
    A: MBHO tries to achieve the smallest possible tolerances, and all microphones are measured twice for pairing purposes.
  • Q: How long can the 603a cable be before problems arise?
    A: The 603A cables can be up to 10 m long without problems and/or loss in sound quality, or loss in signal strength. 20 m customized cable lenghths have been supplied in the past to clients who reported no signal loss and are reporting that they are highly satisfied.
  • Q: What humidity % are MBHO DC polarized mics tested up to?
    A: MBHO microphones have been used by many on-location (outdoor) recording engineers in the USA and South America as well as tropic maritime environments (both salty and humid air) and the microphones have performed without problems. However, like all electrical devices being exposed to high levels of humidity, the microphones must be maintained during such prolongued outdoor sessions with highest care. Generally, condenser microphones and humidity do not mix very well.
Vintage Design & TK Audio products:

  • Q: Is the BC1(s)/BC2ME an SSL clone?
    A: It is based on the SSL compressor but has a number of improvements. The added attack and release values, Blend control are obvious. The BC2ME adds even more features. Please compare the specifications for more info.
  • Q: Can the BC1(s)/BC2ME used on Mono sources?
    A: Yes, just use one channel.
  • Q: Can the BC1(s)/BC2ME be modified with other VCA's and such?
    A: That is up to you but it is not recommended. Any mod will void the warranty.
  • Q: Can I use the BC1(s) for mastering?
    A: Yes but the BC2ME was designed for engineers who liked the BC1(s) but needed extra features so please have a good look at the BC2ME features and specifications.
  • Q: Does the BC1(s) sound like the BC2?
    A: Yes, if set identically. The BC2 does react a bit differently as component/parts tolerances are tighter and also rotary switches are used in key parts of the circuit rather than stepped pots. the BC2ME offers, of course, more tone shaping options.
  • Q: Does the BC501 sound like the BC1(s)?
    A: Yes, again, if set identically. The BC501 does have a bit more "snap" to it, most likely due to its different component type (smaller size required SMD devices). The BC501 also offers a slightly more felxible sidechain filtering than the BC1(s).
  • Q: Are the DP1 channels closely matched?
    A: Yes indeed, in fact the close tolerances between DP1 channels is a strong point. Close tolerances components throughout help achieve exemplary specs.
  • Q: Is the DP1 Germanium mode useful?
    A: Yes! When the input gain is pushed, the Germanium stage starts to act as a Fuzz distotion pedal and will hep you achieve new electric guitar textures. It's great to mash up drums too.
Placid Audio products:

  • Q: Is the Copperphone quiet?
    A: Being passive, it doesn't generate noise. Any decent mic pre will work well with the Copperphone without adding much noise. It is however a Dynamic mic and behaves like most Dynamics.
  • Q: I've heard about the Copperphone being prone to hum pickup, how bad is it?
    A: By design the Copperphone and Mini pick up more Hum than most modern Dynamics, but as mentioned in the user guide, placement will reduce Hum pick up to the point where it is not a problem.
  • Q: Is the Copperphone sturdy/reliable/well built?
    A: Yes, in fact I can't imagine how you could break these mics.
Triton Audio products:

  • Q: Does the Fethead work with condenser mics?
    A: No, the standard Fethead blocks Phantom power. You need the Fethead Phantom when using condenser mics.
  • Q: Does the Fethead change the sound of the mic?
    A: No, but it does alter the relationship between the mic's output stage and the preamp input stage that folows.
  • Q: Can I use two Fetheads for stereo use without matching?
    A: Yes, as far as we know, all Fetheads are pretty much identical in their performance: amplification factor and impedance are the same.
  • Q: Do I need a Fethead?
    A: If you're using a low sensitivity dynamic (moving coil or ribbon) microphone and need to optimize the transfer between the mic and the preamp, or if your preamp doesn't behave well at higher gain setting, yes, the Fethead will improve your recording chain. If you have a high end preamp designed for ribbon mics, the Fethead might be redundant but it will still be useful when using longer cables, as the front end of the system is practically at the "butt" of the mic, so the length of the cable between the Fethead and your preamp matters less. With longer than usual cable runs, a Fethead will always yield better S/N ratio and impedance matching.
  • Q: Will using a Fethead give me a warmer sound?
    A: The Fethead is designed to be linear, clean, transparent. It's not designed to colour the sound of your mic.
  • Q: Will a Fethead give my ribbon mic a cleaner low end?
    A: The standard Fethead will optimize the impedance match between the mic and the following chain. Your low end will typically increase and gain in clarity. However a Fethead will not filter out the low end! If you need LESS low end, use a Fethead Filter. It will give you the performance of the Fethead but gently roll off the low end, giving you a clean, deep low end without too much of a boost (typical of Bidirectionnal mics, especially ribbons).
XQP Audio products:

  • Q: Is the XQP 541 Optical compressor similar to an LA3a?
    A: No, in that it uses a different opto element. Yes in that it has a typical Opto compression characteristic. No, in the sense that it has a very transparent audio path, unlike the quite coloured LA3a. Yes in that it is very simple to use and will not destroy your signal unless you abuse it.
  • Q: Is the XQP 535 EQ good for tracking?
    A: Yes, it is a good tracking EQ when you need to gently add top end, make a track a bit less bright, control proximity effect, or boost low frequencies in an unobtrusive way. Unlike most EQ's, it will not impose a strong colour onto the signal and let you apply creative EQ during mixing.
  • Q: What is the XQP 545 Disrupter best used for?
    A: Messing up your audio. It's basically a compression circuit, but acts as a distortion box. Used conservatively it can warm up your track, or it can really screw things up if you use it freely.
  • Q: How clean is the XQP 531 De-Esser?
    A: Cleaner than you'd expect for such a simple design. But if you abuse it it can be used as the disrupter to mess things up nicely too.
  • Q: What does the XQP 570 Mic Pre sound like?
    A: It's not transparent, it's on the clean side, but with a forward thing going. It's great when you want to keep your signal clean and natural but need it to have a natural sense of presence. Lead vocals, acoustic guitar solos etc. are usually a good match.
  • Q: Are XQP modules power hungry?
    A: No, please check the specifications. Any powered rack will have more than enough juice. As the VPR Alliance logo suggests, no problem using standard API racks.
MTR Audio products:

  • Q: Are MTR products still make in the UK?
    A: Yes, absolutely!
  • Q: What do the MTR DI boxes sound like?
    A: Very clean, you won't get a heavy colouration using them.
  • Q: Do the HPA-2 and HPA-6 headphone amps have a lot of power?
    A: They excel at providing clean, high power amplification for any and all headphones.
NoHype Audio products:

  • Q: What's the difference between the LRM-1 and LRM-2?
    A:The LRM-2 is smaller and lighter, has a more solid, stable and less resonant one piece body, an integral (but removable) shockmount. The result of the new body is a more linear response and a cleaner sound. The bass is cleaner and the top end more open while less peaky.
  • Q: What's different between the Lundahl and "stock" transformer option?
    A:The Lundahl transformer option offers more linearity and a cleaner tone in the top and low octaves. It is typically chosen for more critical applications like classical recording. For Pop, Rock, Blues, Jazz... the stock transfo is usually preferred for its added midrange colour.
  • Q: Can the LRM-X be stored horizontally?
    A: Yes, but for long storage periods (months on end) a vertical position is best. If possible/practical, keep it always vertical.
  • Q: Can the LRM-X be shipped without its original box?
    A: If you don't have the original foam lined box please make sure the mic is securely packed in several layers of bubble wrap before shipping it long distance. Avoid shocks and vibrations as much as possible.
  • Q: Can the LRM-X be moved around without its soft bag on?
    A: Ideally, no. Keep the mic away from air movements, so if you move the mic itself make sure the ribbon is not exposed to air blasts. If the original soft bag is not around, use anything that will protect the ribbon: ie. slide a plastic bag on the mic.
  • Q: Can I switch Phantom power on when the mic is plugged in?
    A: Ideally, no. But if you have no choice, either use the handy Triton Phantom Blocker (or other devices blocking Phantom power from the mic) or at least make sure that the cable will not be unplugged (and possibly plugged back in again) after Phantom has been applied. Always switch off Phantom power before unplugging the mic. Never plug the mic in a cable with Phantom power present. If Phantom power is applied after the mic has been properly plugged in (ie. all cables between the mic and preamp arer firmly plugged in) then you should be fine. The output transformer of the LRM-X will not conduct DC under normal circumstances but if you plug a cable with Phantom already applied, for a split second, a potential difference between terminals could lead to a strong signal reaching the ribbon itself which can be bad news (however DC should not pass the transformer anyway).
  • Q: My LRM-X fell on the floor but works perfectly well. Should I send it in?
    A: Please perform these few checks:
    • Check the sensitivity, it should be within 2dBs of the published spec.
    • Check the frequency response: a drastic loss of treble indicates probably a stretched ribbon.
    • Check if the mic is quiet when you move it around a bit, while holding it, listening to its output with headphones; rattling and other suspicious noises are a bad sign.
    • If the mic does not seem to behave normally please contact us.
Do not hesitate to contact me:

If you have any questions: Email me!

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