The Red 7 Microphone Preamp from Focusrite employs a superb mic preamp with a dual-range mic gain pot for precise control. Phantom power and phase reverse are also provided. Line input is electronically balanced with continuously variable gain. An output fader offers +6dB to infinite attenuation. A full dynamics section, optimized for vocals includes a versatile compressor characterized by low noise and distortion, and transparent natural sound even when heavy compression is applied. A swept high-pass filter allows treatment for rumble, bass lift, and proximity effect. A de-esser/exciter stage can be switched to provide frequency selective de-essing or excitation.






Avalon 737 SP

The Avalon 737 is one of the first channel strip boxes that were designed, that was released in the late 1990’s. When it came out, it received rave reviews from numerous engineers, and artist, and it still used today on a lot of session work heard on the radio. However there have been several new pre’s and channel strips that have come out since then with bigger and punchier sounds. Many also have impedance and iron controls for added flexibility. I figured it was time to take a look at the 737 SP, and see how it matches up against the new guys on the block.

When the 737 came out around 1998, it had ugly purple plastic knobs which many did not care for. Thankfully Avalon updated the unit by putting higher grade aluminum knobs, and also increased the mic input transformer level with the SP (Special Performance) model. It is one of the best looking channels strips out there.

The 737 SP combines a tube pre, optic compressor, and a 4 band EQ in a 2U space. In looking at the front panel starting from the left, there is a preamp gain, instrument input, input control knobs that gives an option of line, instrument, or mic. There are push buttons for high gain, phase, phantom power, and filter. The high pass filter has a knob that starts from 30 Hz and goes to 140 Hz. Avalon also has recall sheets that can be helpful in remembering your settings. DAW’s like Nuendo/Cubase have a note section for each channel, where you can write information about the track including your settings on compressors and EQ.

In regards to the mic pre, it utilizes two cascaded dual vacuum tube triodes configured with minimum negative feedback. The pre has a clean but smooth sound that is very pleasant. In comparison with my Neve Portico, the 737 pre is more even sounding and not as big. While this is all subjective, I still like the sound of the 737 pre, but on its own, it lacks some of the punch or sparkle that many other pre’s have. Thankfully the 737 does not stop there.

After the pre is a very nice optic compressor. I found up to -3db it performed wonderfully on vocal tracks and it did not alter the sound of the performer. The compressor was able to control the peaks and help give a very even performance. My Langevin DVC limiter acted pretty much the same way. As you start to use more compression, the smooth character starts to get stronger in a very pleasant way. I found myself liking the attack on the fast side, and ratio on about 4 on vocals. I found it excels on vocals and acoustic instruments. It won't offer you the punch of a 1176, but this is why studios have more than one compressor as each has their own purpose. Generally it’s best not to use too much compression at the tracking stage. This is to allow you alter it more during the mixing stage so you can hear it within a full mix.



The BeesNeez Microphones

 

The BeesNeez Microphones team takes seriously the work of creating a great sound and share your passion for recording. So you can be certain that every microphone is built with the care that you would expect from any artist.

All Producer series microphones are manufactured by hand in the Beesneez factory. The Producer Series is our flagship line, the Beesneez Microphone body and head grill is made in house, from all Australian materials and are built to last a lifetime. Our head grills are turned from solid bronze to give the best combination of strength and sonic qualities. Our body is turned from high quality food grade brass bore casing material. The powder coating has a suede finish, which protects the metal and gives the microphone a gorgeous look and feel. These truly are beautiful boutique microphones of unrivaled quality.

At Beesneez we believe that a microphone should be like a beautiful piece of jewelry. From the moment that you open the box it should shine and sound incredible and be something that you are proud to show your friends and something that adds class and style the studio.

Neumann U 87

Neumann U 87
Natural Response
Switchable Polar patterns
Updated Components
Filter and Attenuation
Natural Response
The U 87 Ai is addressed from the front, marked with the Neumann logo. The frequency response of the cardioid and figure-8 directional characteristics are very flat for frontal sound incidence, even in the upper frequency range. By means of a highpass filter interferences through subsonic and low frequencies are reduced remarkably.

Switchable Polar patterns
The dual-diaphragm capsule is elastically mounted and protected by a large headgrille. A switch below the headgrille selects the three directional patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8. A window above this switch shows the symbol of the selected characteristic.

Updated Components
The letter A in the name indicates a more recent generation, as compared to the U 87 i microphones that were built from 1967 to 1986. Modifications apply to the electronic components of the microphone only; the capsule remained unchanged.
The present-day circuitry increases the operational headroom of the U 87 Ai by supplying the bias voltages for the capsule through a reduced resistance. The result is a higher sensitivity of 10dB for identical sound pressure levels, and an improved S/N ratio of 3dB.

Filter and Attenuation
A switch located at the rear attenuates the sensitivity by 10dB. When this switch is activated, the microphone accepts sound pressure levels up to 127dB (equivalent to a sound pressure of 45 Pa) without distortion. An additional switch at the rear allows to change the microphone's cutoff frequency. This reduces low frequency interference directly at the input of the microphone amplifier. This setting also compensates for the unavoidable bass boost that occurs with all pressure gradient transducers when they are used at close distance (proximity effect). The cardioid characteristic maintains a smooth frequency response at a distance of 30 to 40 cm, the figure-8 characteristic even at a distance of 15 to 20 cm.

Neumann U 87 Ai Features:
Variable large diaphragm microphone
Pressure-gradient transducer with double membrane capsule
The studio microphone classic
Three directional characteristics: omni, cardioid, figure-8
Switchable low frequency roll-off
Switchable 10dB pre-attenuation
Ideal as main and as support microphone in practiacally all recording situations
Requires +48V phantom power
Neumann U 87

 Woodpecker  Blue Microphones




The newest addition to the Blue family of microphones, the Woodpecker is an active ribbon microphone with a stunning exotic wood finish. The low noise and superb detail of Blue's renowned Class-A discrete handmade electronics combines with the bold sound of a handmade aluminum ribbon pressure-gradient transducer. The Woodpecker was designed to provide the smooth, intimate sound associated with the most sought-after (and expensive) vintage ribbon microphones. With its focused midrange and outstanding bass response, the Woodpecker captures the essence of any recorded sound. It also excels at ambient recording, capturing room tone with the most intimate detail - whether for rock drums, guitars, or vocals - any application where some natural space in the recording is desired.

Blue Woodpecker Features:

Active ribbon microphone
Figure 8, bidirectional polar pattern
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz
Noise level A-weighted (IEC 651): not more than 22dB
Max SPL (0.5% THD into 2.5k ohm): 136dB
Includes custom made, solid brass shockmount and wood storage box
Requires +48V phantom power