December 2009
The best mic pre for Neumann U87
One of the most sought after studio microphones - Neumann U87, paired up with one of the most coveted studio mic preamps - Avalon VT737. Is this the Posh and Becks of studio land? It seems so, because just about everytime a U87 leaves Factory Sound, there's a lovely Avalon pre under the proud new owner's other arm. Does everyone do it because everybody's doing it?
Perhaps. But when we asked Leigh (who plays far more often in a studio than the rest of us) why they are a match made in heaven, he said "news to me..."
So why then Leigh, do so many people buy them at the same time? "Simple, they're both top of their class, and everyone knows what they sound like". Since he seemed to have all the answers, we got Leigh to write a few words:
"The U87 has long been regarded by the industry as the utility microphone of choice. For example...Problem: I have 6 pieces in my drum kit and I have 6 U87s at my disposal. Problem solved: put six U87s on the drum kit. The U87 has all the most useful polar patterns with smooth and airy, (but not crisp) tones, which is the Neumann signature sound we have all become used to hearing on our favourite records. The U87 has been in production for decades and classic artists from each have used the U87 in the studio. From Metallica to Michael Jackson and then to Amy Winehouse. The U87- A true winner."
Yes, so that sounds great Leigh, but what about the '737'? "...it is responsible for the round, sinewave bass pulses we hear on many hip hop records. The VT737 gives you a full channel of discrete, class A valve tone. By no means 'transparent' it imparts the Avalon sound on your signal. Adjectives such as rich and creamy spring to mind. For those of us who are unfamiliar with the term discrete, when used in an electronic context it means that the device in question contains no little black silicone chips by the name of 'integrated circuit'. The Integrated circuit (IC) performs the job, in one small chip, of a traditional circuit comprised of many 'discrete' electronic components, ie resistors capacitors and diodes. IC's can have a detrimental effect on your signal. So the VT-737 is built the traditional way, all class A, extremely inefficient, but sounds awesome."
So there you have it. Two great bits of gear, with no further clues as to why they're so often paired up. If you've got a better idea...let us know! For the record, other notable pairings we've seen in recent times include Neumann TLM103 with Universal Audio LA-610 (either original or 'MKII' version), AKG C414 with loads of different preamps, and then there's the Australian-made Rode mic range that seem to begin by getting plugged straight into a DAW, and then down the track get matched with anything between a Joe Meek Twin Q, something tasty from TL Audio, and more.
Oh, and thanks to Leigh for his input, too. Probably unfair that we threw this pic of him in from our Christmas Cruise last week.
Read full postUp to 70% off? Must be our 3 day sale!
We know it's been coming for a while. The annual end-of-year stock annihilation. This one is extra special though, because we've just received our items that had an extra-special wash. As a last hurrah for 2009, you can grab yourself the most serious of bargains - anything that left our building as 'waterdamaged' and has returned from the technical recovery company is good to go. Some of these items will be discounted up to 70% off their original Recommended Retail Price.
But it's not just the great flood survivors that are getting the end of year treatment, any item we currently have in stock will be priced to clear. The big stack of Allen & Heath WZ316:2DX (mixwizard) analogue mixers or Presonus StudioLive digital consoles, boatloads of Pioneer ProDJ stock, including CDJ2000, DigitalForce7000 or the limited edition PRODEX400BB (BluBack). Yes there are plenty of microphones, headphones, and stands. Firewire or USB DAW interfaces? Yes, from Digidesign, RME, Presonus, MOTU, Lexicon and Tascam. So for live sound, home studio, production company, DJ, lighting, or anything else you can think of, pretty sure we'll have it covered.
Studio Monitors: We've just had a large load of Event Opal monitors hit our deck. Plus the usual suspects from Dynaudio, Genelec, JBL, Fostex and Behringer. If it's PA Speakers that float your boat, you know there are plenty of those in stock. RCF Art Series, JBL Eon, QSC K Series, Electrovoice and more. And you know what else they say... go to Factory Sound, you'll get looked after.
Goodies from Pioneer, just in time for NYE gigs
Two cracking specials from Pioneer, and we've stacked up tall to make sure you get sorted. First of all is the killer deal on DIGITALFORCE7000 packs. You get MEP7000, DJM3000 and RC4 roadcase to make sure you can just pick it up and play as easily as possible. DIGITALFORCE7000 pack has RRP of $4999, so our 'go' price of $xxxx* makes about as much sense as a Chewbacca Defense, but that's how we roll this time of year. While stock lasts.
Secondly the limited edition PRODEX400BB (BluBack) is stacked up higher than the limited edition lets on. Check out the promo pic, you get 2 x CDJ400K (limited edition blue), 1 x DJM400K (limited edition blue), 1 x RC2BLU (limited edition blue), 1 x HDJ1000 headphones, AND because it's the season of giving, $200 cash back (via redemption form) plus a couple of sweet Future Music tix (also via redemption). The price on this one will be cracking, so take advantage while you can.
*Factory Sound infopool members, you'll have this price emailed to you this week! If you're not a Factory Sound InfoPool member, get on board!
Read full postShure Super 55 - even better than it looks
It's the mic no self-respecting Elvis impersonator should be caught dead without. For many years the retro-styled, unidyne-inspired 55SHSII was really the only choice for looking good and being heard at the same time. Seems though that Shure has recently cottoned on to the old trick that a bunch of sound engineers worldwide had been doing. Keep the body, rip the guts out and throw a Beta58A or Beta57A capsule inside. More frequencies, better sound, and far less chance of feedback on stage.
Anyway, the resulting Super 55 mic is a ripper, and well worth the listen. We've used it a few time in store now, and are pleasantly surprised at how well it grabs the sound. Do you remember the first time you sang into a Beta58 after using a crusty old SM58 that had been in the same venue for a dozen years? Same sort of thing when you have a crack at the Super 55. You'll be well-impressed.
And the pic? That's a screen grab from our Round 16 footy tipping video. We were showing off the Quest LT-01 cable tester, but we'd just gotten our first batch of Super 55 microphones, so we gave one a try. See the clip here if you've got a lazy 41 sec to spend. Yes, we really did use a keg and Sapporo can for kick and snare, beer bottles for the bass notes, and it all was recorded using our new favourite mic.
Read full postBehringer purchases Midas and Klark Teknik
Regular readers of this blog and viewers of Factory Sound TV will already know that our friend Uli Behringer is never one to sit back and relax for too long. So although this news may come as a surprise, it doesn't really amaze us. Just in case you don't already know, Behringer purchased both Midas and Klark Teknik yesterday. Rather than using his spare cash to buy a garage of slick cars (see what he drives in our video interview) and miniature horses, Uli has reinvested in his biggest passion, professional audio, by injecting some well-needed cash into the UK companies Klark & Midas.
This means that two of our favourite brands can keep building innovative and desirable products for professional touring and installation purposes. Heritage, Verona, Venice, DN360, Helix, the list is an honor roll of great sounding products that perform exactly as they should, and never fail to make their operators happy to turn a knob or push a fader. No doubt Behringer will take the opportunity to learn plenty along the way too!
Company acquisitions are not a new thing to pro audio. Harmon purchased Allen & Heath a while ago...then our favourite Cornish company bought themselves back. Italian speaker powerhouse RCF got a much-needed cash topup when American company Mackie acquired them...until RCF's management and workers pooled together and regained owenership. And what about Austrian microphone legends AKG, purchased by Harmon some time ago, and have since reinvigorated their product range to include great releases like C214, D5 and more. We can only imagine how exciting the future of Klark Teknik and Midas is going to be.
If you want the full version, press release from Behringer is here.
Read full postSpecial price on the last Presonus Firebox stock
Say it isn't so. Don't dream it's over. This is the end, beautiful friend... Actually, we're far from melancholic, and more than a little excited about the last of our Firebox stock For two reasons: First of all, the NEW Presonus Firestudio Mobile (new window, via Presonus website) will hit Australia sometime in January, AND we've got a still got a few of the old Firebox, at great prices.
There are only 10 left, and they'll run out quickly at $299 each, so if you're after a serious bargain on the most popular firewire recording interface we've seen over the last couple of years, NOW is the time to snap it up. There are NO MORE left at Rode (the Australian importers of Presonus), so once these ten are gone, it's a waiting game until the posse of Firestudio Mobile start rolling into Factory Sound. No, it's not a typo. Firebox was around $700 a couple of years ago. 10 left, $299 each. Don't even bother asking anyone if this is a good deal. It's not. It's a great deal!
Read full postSennheiser Wireless, sharing buckets of love
In one of those 'you-snooze-you-lose' kind of scenes, Sennheiser is seriously bumping up the amount of love being shared this December. One of the most popular handheld radio mics on the planet EW145G3 is coming with a little bonus. All you need to do is order the stock-standard EW145G3, and you'll get an upgraded capsule, the awesome MMD945 capsule - it's from their e900 series, supercarioid dynamic. On it's own, the MMD945 is valued at $493 (recommended retail price), and if you've had a sing through the wired e945 mic, you already know how good it really sounds.
So, order an EW145G3 this December, and you'll receive the upgraded capsule instead, at no extra cost. But only for December 2009.
Read full postMixer madness has hit
We're full swing into December now, and just about everyone who comes in to Factory Sound seems to be busier than ever before. So now is NOT the time to forget about the 50% govt tax rebate. It finishes Dec 31, so take advantage while you can.
Just to help your business plan along, we've ordered up huge on a bunch of the most popular mixing consoles for 2009. The clear winners are Allen & Heath's Zed Series and Presonus StudioLive. We've also got a stack of other A&H mixers, including the all-purpose WZ316:2DX - the mix wizard, and also their GL2400/24 (yes, that is a crazy low price currently advertised). Plus we're ready to do best deals on any other mixer we've got in stock. Behringer, Soundcraft, Midas, plus our studio mixing consoles like TL Audio and the mighty Toft, PLUS for those who need (or want) the power of a digital solution, the awesome RSS V-Mixing System. We haven't put a 'direct-to-public' special price on every single mixer we've listed on our website, so if you've got a specific mixer you'd like to enquire about...
Need something a little different? We'll find it for you. Whatever you need - touring, live, installed, production company, av service provider or simple a 'little something' for your solo, duo or trio.
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