OT: FMR Audio RNP [message #69041] |
Wed, 07 June 2006 05:28 |
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Just thought I'd share my latest RNP experience. I've had it for a couple
of years, I guess... thought it sounded OK, but it was seldom my "Go To"
mic pre (I have a Demeter VTMP-2a, a Sytek and a Presonus M80. Oh yeah -
and a Mackie 1402, which is fine in a pinch). So I had a big session a month
or so ago and needed to use the RNP for a vocal track, and it was awful!
Square wave distortion, no gain. I called Mark McQuilken, and he spent
time on the phone troubleshooting. Popped it open, checked some voltages,
determined that the 18 volt regulator PCB was only cranking out 5 volts.
Packed it up, sent it back. About a week later UPS brings it back. Something's
new - the knobs! Cool new look... Installed it in the rack and checked
it out real quick w/ an AKG 414 on my voice. There was something new and
warm and silky about it (tech terms...). Didn't think much about it until
yesterday, when I used it on Mike Auldridge's dobro (any bluegrass fans out
there? Mike's a neighbor. He frequently brings projects here when people
call him for overdubs). Pointed Mike's funky old KM84 at the end of the
fingerboard and my U87 at the bridge. Straight thru the RNP, no compressor.
Now, I admit that with a world class dobro-ist and a great sounding dobro
you probably can't go wrong, but this thing sounded great! Jim Heffernan,
the producer (and also a first rate dobro dude!) is most likely gonna buy
an RNP based on his experience w/ it yesterday.
So anyway, I email Mark McQ to ask what he did. Turns out he replaced everything
but the case and the connectors! New PS boards, new mic pre board, new
knobs (the most important thing, right?). All updated to his latest design.
No charge. Not even for shipping.
I may buy a couple more of these guys.
By the way, has anyone tried the Really Nice Limiter?
Gantt
Gantt Kushner
Gizmo Recording Company
Silver Spring, MD
www.gizmorecording.com
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