xonlocust wrote on Tue, 20 June 2006 10:04 |
blueboy - i've noticed the same thing with my RNCs, i've thought it was sort of like putting piece of gauze over the signal. they still definitely get use, but aren't always my first choice.
of the stuff i've used and like that you might look into:
- dbx 160x (probably in your budget) - valley dynamite (probably in your budget) - urei LA-4 (a little more) - manley elop (probably too expensive)
they all have thier own character, but i don't find any of them putting the "gauze" i feel w/the RNC.
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Blueboy,
Here's my .02 take it or leave it.
From your own posts it appears (forgive me if I'm wrong) that you are a relative novice at this art vs. science thing we call recording.
With that in mind, you do appear to have a natural ear. and have made some decisions you are happy with as far as your recording chain goes.
Here's the thing:
The RNC is inexpensive and arguably the best value out there as far as quality vs price + functionality.
It has a couple drawbacks for the relatively new engineer:
1, the unbalanced / balanced connection thing.
If you mess this up you will immiediatly get a weak signal and be unhappy. It seems like you have this sorted.
2, Too much control for a novice.
The power of this comp is the high degree of control you have with attack and release. The RNC has the possibility of really fast attack and Rel control. More than most comps out there. If you have these controls set too fast you will certainly get a undesirable sound. even in super nice mode.
It's unfortunate that the few bad reviews out there for the rnc (seem to me) are related to these two issues. Search bass RNC threads.
Even the big time producers and engineers out there use a much simpler comp for tracking.
Such as: LA-2a LA-3a for tracking. Both being no attack / release control. Just look for a few db of GR and let it go.
Or, if they use a 1176 or disstressor it is with slower at/ rel times for tracking. Or for the cool pump you get with faster settings.
Anyway, Bottom line. Keep your RNC and if you can afford it get a reissue LA3a or a LA2a for tracking. It's really hard to fuck it up with those.
Regarding the quote:
160x Yeah maybe, but still too fast.
Dynamite, too much color and hard to control (no threshold control)
LA4, yes go for it, Make sure its in good shape and terminated right.
Manley elop, If you can afford it Yes.