Topic: How much "warmer" is a W-Mod UA-5?

[Unitmonster]

I've got a digimod UA-5 and want to add some warmth to my setup. How much will I notice the difference? I saw the samples on the Oade page, but none comparing an unmodded UA-5, which gives me no real point of comparison.  Any thoughts?

[Brian Skalinder]

Warmth is only part of the picture.  In addition to rounder and fuller bass, the W mod adds noticeable detail throughout the range.  I didn't run a digi v. W-mod comp directly, but even so the difference was readily apparent to me.

[pfife]

Warmth is only part of the picture.  In addition to rounder and fuller bass, the W mod adds noticeable detail throughout the range.  I didn't run a digi v. W-mod comp directly, but even so the difference was readily apparent to me.

Yup.

Oade's W-Mods rule, IMO.
 

[ehren]

I'll try to explain it as I hear it. The stock sounds a little steril to me, especially on say kick drums and low bass notes. The warm mod adds a little bit of roundness to the bottom end, the notes seem to have more depth and sustain. Then of course you get the oade sig. high end, very smooth and detailed on good systems. Realize that the modded units also require better playback gear to truly take advantage. I've heard the warm mod described as "muddy" by people who listen on car stereos and consumer grade playback gear, which is nonesense but I can see how they come to that conclusion.  I think all of Doug's mods offer a warmer sound from the stock, but the different flavors offer different emphasis with the coloration or lack there of with the Tmod.

Hope that helps a bit...

[Unitmonster]

thanks guys!  I wish there was one in the gear loaner program to try out. I find my mics a bit much in the highs and think this might tame them. I'm happy with the bottom end, but hell, if it improves the sound I'm not complaining!

+T to you all.

[ehren]

Ultimately mics have the most impact on your sound. I don't think that changing to a wmod is going to totally change a characteristic of your mics that you don't like. I'd upgrade to a warmer sounding mic and you'll get a much more dramatic change in sound.

[Chanher]

Ultimately mics have the most impact on your sound. I don't think that changing to a wmod is going to totally change a characteristic of your mics that you don't like. I'd upgrade to a warmer sounding mic and you'll get a much more dramatic change in sound.

good point about the mics, mics are the number one equipment factor.  However, IMHO the biggest factor is the actual sound venue/PA sound. If it sounds shitty in the room, it'll probably sound shitty on the recording.

[Unitmonster]

oh, I'm really happy with my mics.  i don't think I'd be able to find everything I enjoy about them now (value, size, switchable, etc.) plus warmth, without going for a MAJOR upgrade.  I'm just tweaking the system I guess.

[pfife]

thanks guys!  I wish there was one in the gear loaner program to try out. I find my mics a bit much in the highs and think this might tame them. I'm happy with the bottom end, but hell, if it improves the sound I'm not complaining!

+T to you all.

Actually, I've run AT853rx - W-mod... if you look on the llama for Magnolia Electric Company, there's a tape up there (Detroit) that you could sample.

I think the W-mod seems to add a bit of color to cover crappy acoustics too...

Good luck, and + backatcha

[ehren]

Ultimately mics have the most impact on your sound. I don't think that changing to a wmod is going to totally change a characteristic of your mics that you don't like. I'd upgrade to a warmer sounding mic and you'll get a much more dramatic change in sound.

good point about the mics, mics are the number one equipment factor.  However, IMHO the biggest factor is the actual sound venue/PA sound. If it sounds shitty in the room, it'll probably sound shitty on the recording.

...totally agree with the above statement. Can't trun crap into gold, no matter what you are running...Sometimes I will hear two totally different sources from the same stand and will marval at how similar they can sound.