Topic: I really need this!

[Nick's Picks]

and wont be happy until I have it.

http://www.dv247.com/assets/products/33794_l.jpg

who needs cables?
skm140 kit?
LSD2 w/silver cables?
MiniMP?
671?
first born?

i'm thinking that this w/one of those korg DSD recorders could arguably be "as good as it gets" for stereo concert recording.

[kskreider]

droool...



SoundField Portable ST350 System Now Shipping


Innovative British microphone manufacturer SoundField have begun shipping their compact, portable microphone system, the ST350, which was announced last year. Like all SoundField microphone systems, the ST350 consists of a multi-pattern microphone and an associated decoder/processor unit with built-in mic preamplification. However, in the case of the ST350 system, the mic is a newly designed model about half the size and weight of the mic in the older ST250 system, and the new decoder/processor can be run from the mains or 9-18V DC power cells. Even when using batteries, the design of the new lightweight microphone allows it to operate with lengthy cable runs where required, permitting it to be used reliably at distances in excess of 100 metres from the processor. In short, the system provides an affordable, portable, single-mic solution for broadcasters who require a surround compatible output for HD broadcasting.

Just as with SoundField’s other microphone products, the ST350 system produces a four channel signal in the company’s proprietary B-Format. The ST350 processor has built-in decoding to convert the B-Format signal to a Stereo or Stereo M/S output, which can be routed to the dual rear-panel XLR connectors. Alternatively, the B-Format signal may be output via the rear-panel multi-pin Lemo connector. Other decoders in the SoundField range, such as the hardware SP451 or the Surround Zone software (now compatible with Pro Tools, Nuendo and SADiE DAW systems) can then be used to decode the signal to create a variety of surround-sound formats — and all from the one multi capsule ST350 mic.

Also built into the ST350 control unit are various B-Format processing options, unique to SoundField microphones, that allow users to continuously vary the apparent orientation and stereo pickup pattern of the microphone, but without touching the mic itself. An overall Gain control, stereo headphone jack, high-pass wind-noise reduction filter, and five-segment LED metering are also built in for recording convenience.

[rowjimmy]

[Nick Graham]

...all that, and it's got a HPF!

[Nick's Picks]

the big deal for me w/this is the addition of a "real" preamp. 
the st-250s box had no gain controll, and sent a hybrid signal.  It was too low for line level, yet so freakin' hot as a mic signal.
Plus, you had to engage the -20db pad for everything that included recording a PA.

[terrapinj]

whats that mamma-jamma cost?

hows that gain structure work? 1-6?

[Shawn]

whats that mamma-jamma cost?

hows that gain structure work? 1-6?

I think they go for ~5K

[WiFiJeff]

whats that mamma-jamma cost?

The list is $6700 but I see LasVegasProAudio quoting $5400.  A bargain  

Jeff

[RebelRebel]

Meh. Id rather use stereo pairs with my own preamps. Dont like or see the point in surround either, but I do hope you get one, Nick! I know you love that thing@

[Nick's Picks]

did you get my PM about finding a 250 from your european connections Teddy?

[RebelRebel]

did you get my PM about finding a 250 from your european connections Teddy?

man, noone uses those thangs here...surround micing isnt so big, more of an american thing. bigger/better/faster/more

ive got feelers out though. if there is one, Teddy'll find it. 

[Nick's Picks]

I can get "the last new one" for about 500 less than they were before the 350 came out.
but..been there, done that.  i want the new gun!

surround shmurround.
this thing is sick for two channel.

[BobW]

skm140 kit?

PM me.
Let's face it, you've been messing around enough, it's time for that Soundfield   

[poorlyconditioned]

did you get my PM about finding a 250 from your european connections Teddy?

man, noone uses those thangs here...surround micing isnt so big, more of an american thing. bigger/better/faster/more

ive got feelers out though. if there is one, Teddy'll find it. 

I think this thing would really shine for studio recording.  Put it in the center of the room and then "tune" the sound/pattern/direction in post.  Isn't that what Cowboy Junkies did on Trinity Sessions?

It seems like overkill for concert recording though.

  Richard

[Nick's Picks]

yup, that is how the CJs did it.

overkill?  I think me and 1/2 of the gear bags on this list had a good laugh over that.
why is this any different then a pair of 4011s?  or a full schoeps rig w/several cap options.
same price range.


its only overkill if you are listening to your recordings over a mid fi / crap-fi stereo.
that would be me, circa 2003.
I was running ST-250>V3 and had about $7k in my field rig.
I listened to it over a 10 year old Sony STR911 receiver and a pair of low end B&W monitors (floor standing, dm6xx).  Sounded great...until I heard my first real high end system and what these soundfield recordings *could* sound like.  Thats when I sold it to invest into some real stereo gear (symphones>DNA1>MartinLogan SL3s).
well, that and I had the nerve to tape Phish w/it.  so it *had* to go.
 

Now that the playback side of my life is in better order, I could see myself in one of these big rigs again.
ST2/350 > Korg DSD recorder = perpetual boner