Topic: Soundfield ST350

[F0CKER]

Is anybody on here running the ST-350?  I was interested in hearing some recordings.  My search didn't come up with too much.

[baustin]

jimmyrow has the st250 which jow_w has run quite a bit.

i believe he looked into the st350, but it was ALOT more and the new features didn't outway the cost.

[dennisrtyler]

jimmyrow has the st250 which jow_w has run quite a bit.

i believe he looked into the st350, but it was ALOT more and the new features didn't outway the cost.

cue the Jimbo and his seeding practices comments in...3...2...1 

[Nick's Picks]

no kidding...i've been waiting for copies from that rig for ...months?
nothing surfaces.

as for the 350.  I plan to get one before the year is out. 
buy some cables people.  help me out w/this.

fwiw...its worth the $1200 increase in price from the cost of a new 250.
the control unit is a soundfield designed preamp, and outputs true line level signals.  Plus, it can output B format as well as stereo simultaneously.  the 250 couldn't do that.
plus...its smaller.  much smaller.
Oh..and it can now handle 135db before clipping where as the 250 was 119db and required you to run the -20db pad on it at all times...which sucked.

[F0CKER]

Couple questions from for anyone that knows more about the product, I can't seem to find any answers.

The 350 package only inlcudes the mic, pre/processor.   Mic cable is extra depending on length?  B format breakout cable is extra, software is extra (and requires Protools, etc for useability?)  So for $6000 for the mic and pre, you still need to shell out another $1k for the cables, and accessories to use the mic in B Format?

[wboswell]

Couple questions from for anyone that knows more about the product, I can't seem to find any answers.

The 350 package only inlcudes the mic, pre/processor.   Mic cable is extra depending on length?  B format breakout cable is extra, software is extra (and requires Protools, etc for useability?)  So for $6000 for the mic and pre, you still need to shell out another $1k for the cables, and accessories to use the mic in B Format?

That pretty much sums it up..  leave your budget at the door. 

[Nick's Picks]

the mic cable (20' I believe) comes w/it.
no shock mount.
b format is extra, but they supply a "recipe" to make one if your so inclined.
software is extra for B format processing.  not sure what you need with it.
no shock mount.
all that...and a bag of chips...for 6k.

[jimmyrow]

cue the Jimbo and his seeding practices comments in...3...2...1 

No cue needed, you took care of it.  Thanks.

For those of you concerned, I'm going to be unemployed in another 5 weeks and will have all the time in the world to start processing the ST-250 pulls.   Until then, keep on piling on...I'm used to it by now.   

[jimmyrow]

no kidding...i've been waiting for copies from that rig for ...months?
nothing surfaces.

as for the 350.  I plan to get one before the year is out. 
buy some cables people.  help me out w/this.

fwiw...its worth the $1200 increase in price from the cost of a new 250.
the control unit is a soundfield designed preamp, and outputs true line level signals.  Plus, it can output B format as well as stereo simultaneously.  the 250 couldn't do that.
plus...its smaller.  much smaller.
Oh..and it can now handle 135db before clipping where as the 250 was 119db and required you to run the -20db pad on it at all times...which sucked.

All QFT with regards to the upgrades in the 350.   I hate that the 250 doesn't have a good line out.  You really need to run mic level in order to be able to get good levels for channels 3/4 on the 744t.   Of course, having a custom cable to run into the Lemosax woud take care of that (cough cough cough Nick).

[jimmyrow]

software is extra for B format processing.  not sure what you need with it.

There are three different versions: one for Protools, one which is a VST plugin for Nuendo/Cubase, one which is for Sadie.  The VST plugin ran about $750 I believe and was the cheapest of the three versions.  You will need this software for either the 250 or the 350, although I imagine there are some plugins out there that can do the same thing for a lot less (or no) money.

I purchased the VST plugin and the new version of Cubase.   And yes, the plastic is still wrapped on all of it 

[dennisrtyler]

cue the Jimbo and his seeding practices comments in...3...2...1 

No cue needed, you took care of it.  Thanks.

For those of you concerned, I'm going to be unemployed in another 5 weeks and will have all the time in the world to start processing the ST-250 pulls.   Until then, keep on piling on...I'm used to it by now.   

sorry to hear about your employment situation Jimbo. i hope that turns around for you real quick. just joshing you about seeding. don't take it personal

[Nick's Picks]

yea, just bustin' balls.
as for your lemo's.  next weeks project.  I promise.
I just have to get everyone else's stuff out the door. I have a HUGE pile of finished orders that I need to dig up addies / reciepts / and then package..etc.
freakin' admin work. 

[jimmyrow]

sorry to hear about your employment situation Jimbo. i hope that turns around for you real quick. just joshing you about seeding. don't take it personal

It's all good Dennis.....I've been miserable at my job for a few years now so it'll be nice to get finished, take some time off, and find something that I love doing for a living rather than a job.

+T for the good vibes my brother!!!

[SonicSound]

Come on FOCKER - Just buy one 

Is anybody on here running the ST-350?  I was interested in hearing some recordings.  My search didn't come up with too much.

[jkbyram]

there was a north mississippi allstars set from one eyed jacks in new orleans during jazzfest that went around. i recorded the night before in the same room, same band and same setup spot but did not listen to the soundfield compared to my akg's. the spot we had to run from less than ideal against the left wall.  he got there too late to run with me the night before. that thing was cool to check out, sure was pretty. he also recorded the allstars on 6.30 with us but i have yet to see that source come out yet.

[Nick's Picks]

was it a 350?

[F0CKER]

Come on FOCKER - Just buy one 

I'm definitely considering it

[SonicSound]

Sweeeeet!
When do I get to barrow

Tubes + Soundfield = 

Come on FOCKER - Just buy one 

I'm definitely considering it

[carlbeck]

Honestly for me it is the only mic I would give my C34 up for, I never got a chance to run Nick's ST-250 when he had it but it sure was purty  Now that they "improved" it with a pre & better SPL handling it is sure to be a winner.

[Shawn]

Come on FOCKER - Just buy one 

I'm definitely considering it

damn if it's that easy...

come on focker - just sell me your 21s for $400.


edit: have you seen soundfield's new mic the sps200. I don't believe it's available yet, but should be soon. You might want to at least check it out.

http://www.soundfield.com/downloads/sps200.pdf

[F0CKER]

$400?  deal...

fax me a check and I'll fax you the caps.

I did see the other mic as well and it has piqued my curiosity. Anybody have a sense for a release date on that?

[jimmyrow]

I did see the other mic as well and it has piqued my curiosity. Anybody have a sense for a release date on that?

I had heard end of this year, but it's been a while since I looked into it any further.....

[wbrisette]

The Zaxcom Deva has an option to allow you to record direct to the Deva from the Soundfield. Not having used the Mic, nor having the option installed, I have no idea how it works.

Wayne

[mmedley.]

The Zaxcom Deva has an option to allow you to record direct to the Deva from the Soundfield. Not having used the Mic, nor having the option installed, I have no idea how it works.

Wayne

Yeah, I remember reading that. The 744 will also record in B format natively as well. My other dream rig. 

[carlbeck]

Nick & I have talked about this already, he says if he sells everything he is close to getting one, if I heard his I might do the same thing but would we really need two Soundfields in New England?

[Nick's Picks]

I still think about this daily (a bad sign, from my past experience), but I have resolved to not use any credit towards my rigs from now on out.
Having just re-fi'd, eliminated all debt, and still maintaining a healthy dose of equity..., no way is a $6k mic hitting my books.
But, as carl mentioned..i'm 1/2 way there, and saving FURIOUSLY.
no cambridge 740c for me right now.
no squeezebox

[carlbeck]

Fine then I will do it, jeez do I have to do everything cool?

[F0CKER]

I think I'm close to getting the 350 myself.  I might not be able to record B Format right away, but will settle for using the stereo output in the interim.  Really all depends on a couple pieces comign together.  If they do, there will be a schoeps / oade sale in the YS shortly.

[timP]

GO for it focker!

i wanna see this mic flyn high at the B-more DBT gig in October

[janka]

Fine then I will do it, jeez do I have to do everything cool?

Hey at least it'll save you the frustration of searching out the elusive psp-2

[carlbeck]

True but I will probably just but a portico instead.

[rokpunk]

GO for it focker!

i wanna see this mic flyn high at the B-more DBT gig in October

There are a couple of the 250's floating around town, Tim. Ronnie still has his....but the problem with that mic is it HAS to be in the sweet spot or it's pretty much useless.

[Nick's Picks]

sort of true..
it can be forgiving too...you just have to compromise on width and polar pattern.  i've made some damn fine recordings from the back of bars w/the 250 in "hyper card" mode on the dial.

[rokpunk]

sort of true..
it can be forgiving too...you just have to compromise on width and polar pattern.  i've made some damn fine recordings from the back of bars w/the 250 in "hyper card" mode on the dial.

that's cool....
all i know is that i have heard some SWEET recordings with the 250, and i have heard some that could have passed for Radio Shack mic recordings.

[Nick's Picks]

show me any stereo mic, or pair of mics...that doesn't require some time to figure out how to use in all the average joe taper situations.

the Soundfield shines when in the spot, that much is true.  IMO, it can't be surpassed.
but if your not in the spot..., yea, it can suck.  just like any stereo mic. 
I made more shitty recording w/my c422 than I did w/my 250.  that much I know.

the key to using a soundfield ...and getting the stereo output right on the first try, is in ear monitors (etys..etc).

[rowjimmy]

that's cool....
all i know is that i have heard some SWEET recordings with the 250, and i have heard some that could have passed for Radio Shack mic recordings.

QFT

Of course the good ones are the reason I never hesitate to try the 250 sources when available...

[timP]

Alright now Focker.... that is one bad ass mic... I gotta hear a sample or two..

it is much much smaller then i expected....


What you mentioned about the possibilities of the B-format (right,?) recording is amazing too....

[F0CKER]

Alright now Focker.... that is one bad ass mic... I gotta hear a sample or two..

it is much much smaller then i expected....


What you mentioned about the possibilities of the B-format (right,?) recording is amazing too....

I finished tracking out the 24 bit DBT from Sunday.  Gonna post it shortly.  I'm holding back my judgment on the mic until I get out to a few more shows/rooms.  Taping Lucero tomorrow and Heavy Pets Friday.  It'll give me a better idea of what it sounds like.  I never taped the Rams Head before.  Overall I like it, but still wondering how it compares next to the usual suspects.  The only drawback right now is I don't think the preamp/control box packs the same punch as a standalone box.  I'll post the link here when the DBT show is ready. 

I also want to get the B format up and running which I haven't done yet, still don't have the decoding software.  Soon though

EDIT for 24 Bit BT: http://www.bittorrentmusic.com/torrenttracker/torrents-details.php?id=217
16 Bit BT: http://www.bittorrentmusic.com/torrenttracker/torrents-details.php?id=218

[bugg100]

Talk to Roy, the drummer for Lucero, about taping.  he has a Zoom h4.

Joe

[F0CKER]

Talk to Roy, the drummer for Lucero, about taping.  he has a Zoom h4.

Joe

I thought they had an open taping policy? Should I expect problems at the door?

+T for the heads up though

[bugg100]

Yes,  they do.  Roy has a personal interest in taping Lucero and other bands as well.  He has an H4 to tape with. 

 I just meant you could share a beer and talk with a budding taper....

Joe

[F0CKER]

Yes,  they do.  Roy has a personal interest in taping Lucero and other bands as well.  He has an H4 to tape with. 

 I just meant you could share a beer and talk with a budding taper....

Joe

ahh gotcha!  I thought you were implying I'd have troubles at the door and would need to drop his name.

[timP]

thanks for the sample... I'll PM you a few clips of mine and maybe you have heard lynzzzs' 4011s i was clamped too (very very nice IMHO)

[F0CKER]

thanks for the sample... I'll PM you a few clips of mine and maybe you have heard lynzzzs' 4011s i was clamped too (very very nice IMHO)

I diddd d/l lynzzz's to do a comppp.  He did a great jobbb!

[datbrad]

Focker, This is your next step: From the Sound Devices website.......

Recording B-Format
Sound Devices 744T is a great companion to a SoundField ST350 microphone. The outputs from the ST350 preamplifier/control unit can interface directly to the line-level inputs on the 744T. The W, X, Y, and Z signals from the SoundField mic are connected to inputs 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively of the 744T.

Monitoring B-Format
Because the B-format signals recorded by the 744T need to be decoded to some other format to be meaningful, the 744T has a B-format monitoring mode. B-format monitoring is selected from the headphone output Setup Menu option. When listening to the SoundField microphone, the 744T’s B-format monitor builds a stereo mix using the W, X, and Y signals. For more control in monitoring the SoundField, the ST350 controller includes a more flexible headphone monitoring system.

While customers with earlier ST250 SoundField microphones can use the 744T for recording, the ST350 preamplifier outputs are a better match for the gain structure of the 744T.

So just let me know when you are going to sell me your 722 so I can raise funds. 

[F0CKER]

HA!  722 was sold long ago, I've got the 744T.  I've sent Nick's Picks my B Format cable to rewire the 3 & 4 channels with TA3F connectors for the 744T.  Next step is buying the software to decode the B Format to stereo.  Very close.

Knowing me, when it's all said and done, I'll sell and go back to schoeps

[Wiggler]

I did I went Gefells, Schoeps, St250, Tlm170s and back to schoeps again.
At times I do miss the soundfield.
Have fun with that 350 I'll bet it sounds sweet blumlein.

[F0CKER]

Yeah I'm sorta itching to run it Blumlein, might tonight.  I think they put us DFC/FOB at the place I'm taping.

[grayp]

So just let me know when you are going to sell me your 722 so I can raise funds. 

24 bit brad?   next thing i know you're gonna be running actives and george and i will be the only one left with full bodies

[datbrad]

So just let me know when you are going to sell me your 722 so I can raise funds. 

24 bit brad?   next thing i know you're gonna be running actives and george and i will be the only one left with full bodies

No, I was just kidding about wanting the 722. The MR1000 is what I am eyeing right now. That way, I can change my handle to DSDBRAD. 7XXBRAD just does not have the right ring to it. I still like my AKGs so don't worry, we can still pack together with George's MGs and your 480s to block some sight lines.

[grayp]

7XXBRAD just does not have the right ring to it. I still like my AKGs so don't worry, we can still pack together with George's MGs and your 480s to block some sight lines.

i was thinking HardDriveBrad
i remember being in awe of matt's casio dat the first time i saw it back in 91 or so    hard drives, seen plenty of them

[datbrad]

Yes, I recall that Casio was my inspiration for getting the Teac (same unit basically). Funny, I was just in awe of Matt's MiLab>V2>MR1000 setup when he was in town last month. Straight DSD really sounds great. I got to hear it played back over his Meyer home rig back in August and was blown away. If I ever put together a new rig, I will probably base it around the MR1000 or another similar DSD unit yet to be seen.

[F0CKER]

Link to a recent recording with the ST350..I know some were interested.  Came out quite nice I think.

http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=510836&uploaded=1

Moonalice
11/3/2007
Mexicali Blues Cafe
Teaneck, NJ

Source: Soundfield ST-350(Subcard@100/FOB/DFC)-> SD744T (24/96)-> CD Wave-> Wavelab (16/44)-> FLAC Frontend (Level 6)-> FLAC
Taper: Chris Imburgia

Moonalice:
G.E. Smith – bass, guitars, vocals
Barry Sless – bass, guitar, pedal steel, vocals
Pete Sears – bass, keyboards, accordion, vocals
Ann McNamee – bass, percussion, vocals
Roger McNamee – bass, guitar, vocals
Jimmy Sanchez – bass and drums
Jack Casady – bass


01. Distance
02. Crazy In Heaven
03. Fair to Even Odds
04. Eyesight to the Blind
05. Glad You Think So
06. I Ain't Ever Satisfied
07. Blink of an Eye
08. Nick of Time
09. Listen to Those Eyes
10. Road to Here->
11. Jumpin' Jack Flash
12. Kick It Open
13. Happy Endings
14. Barbary Ellen
15. Dance Inside the Lightning
16. Somebody to Love [1]
17. Constellation Rag [1]
18. Green Port [1]
19. Messin with the Kid [1]
20. Tell Me It's Okay [1]
21. Stella Blue [1]
22. Bleeding of Love [1]
23. Sugaree [1]
24. E: Like a Rolling Stone [1]

[1] With Barry Mitterhoff

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