Topic: sound terms/definitions

[willndmb]

ok this one i couldn't figure out how to search at all without getting tons of non matching posts
so hope this is new

can someone tell me the difference between warm, transparent, and the other terms used to describe the sound of mics/pres and such

clean, crisp, muddy are the only terms i really know and understand what it means
thanks

[adubphoto]

Are you refering to the different Mods that Oade does? Here are the different descriptions of Oade's Mods for the UA5. (Warm/Presence/Transparency/PLUS)

http://oade.com/digital_recorders/Digital_Converters/Edirol_UA5.html

The second series of MODs add an analog input rebuild. This replaces the input capacitors, which are SMD electrolytic ( higher distortion and noise) with SMD film caps ( lower distortion and noise) as well as the input Op Amps. We use very high grade, very low noise Op Amps for this, chosen by ear for a natural and pleasing sound.

Three versions are available to suit the tastes and needs of any recordist.

The first is the Warm MOD © which gives the UA5 a warmer sound, with better depth and high frequency character. Tube like in character with a huge soundstage that satisfies the tube lover !

The second "flavor" available is the Presence MOD©, chosen by ear for a maximum clarity and detail. This mod gives the UA5 a more "up front" sound, with better presence and high frequency detail.

The third version available is the Transparency MOD©, chosen by ear for a neutrality, speed and detail. This mod gives the UA5 a very fast and clean sound that accurately conveys the character of the source. All three MODs disable the 1/4" inputs on the front panel, leaving the front panel XLR's and rear panel RCA inputs intact. For computer only use, any of the three analog input MODs can be ordered without the digital output MOD.

We also offer a PLUS MOD that can be applied to any of the three analog input MODs. This further reduces noise and distortions in the UA5 by improving the DC supplies, phantom power and RCA inputs.

I hope that Helps!

[willndmb]

those were some, the presence and transparency were 2 i really had no clue about
thanks

[bhtoque]

those were some, the presence and transparency were 2 i really had no clue about
thanks

When gear is refered to as transparent, it does very little to change the sound. What you hear is very true to the original sound. Gear with a stronger presence is boosting things in the higher frequencies, so as to add a sharper image and sense of space and detail(as higher frequencies are more directional). Warmer grear. on the opposite side, adds to the bass response, providing a more relaxed sound.

If you can relate to why some people prefer vinyl, or tube amps and refer to digital sources as dry or sterile, you'll see same type of preference in warm or present gear.

JAson

Edit to add that those characteristics apply to all the gear we use for recording and playback, and that a balance of all three will give the best results(most of the time) Keep in mind that it depends on what you like to hear.

[willndmb]

well lets say i had a ua5 and had a mod option
what would give me the sound compaired to a v3?

just wondering because i love the sound eric naylor gets using akg481 > v3 > dap1
and if i get some akg 391 they would be a upgrade for me, just wondering what mod would give a better all around sound to what my ears like
thanks

[Brian Skalinder]

what would give me the sound compaired to a v3?

I think the warm mod sounds most like the V3, and I suspect the PLUS mod would take it substantially closer to the V3 than the regular warm mod.

The presence mod sounds more like the Apogee gear to me - more hyped, not as natural, but with a certain sound a lot of people really like.

The transparent PLUS mod...well, not sure what other gear that one sounds like!  But I can say I love it with my AKG C414s, and I plan on trying it out soon with my Schoeps caps.  I've not used or heard a pre commonly used by tapers that sounds as clean and transparent to my ears.

[Tim]

The transparent PLUS mod... I've not used or heard a pre commonly used by tapers that sounds as clean and transparent to my ears.

that's quite a statement! looking forward to hearing your Allison Krauss