Gear / Technical Help > Battery Boxes, Preamps, Mixers, ADCs, and Processors
MiniMe Thoughts
rustoleum:
Hey All,
I've had a chance to play with my MiniMe 4 times now, and thought I'd send some thoughts. I've used it in the field 3 times (in the sweet spot, ORTF) and once in my home to transfer a cassette master into the 24-bit realm. First off, this unit absolutely smokes. I'm currently running 480s-> MME @16/48 -> d100 (Cassette -> MME -> zoltrix @ 24/48 in the transfer case) and the difference in quality vs my old rig (480s->ps2->inbox->d100) is very apparent.
With each bass note I can feel the note resonate off of the room walls...it's got that punch I've heard at the show but never quite been able to capture onto tape. The cymbals crash with incredible accuracy. The kickdrum... WOW! Sounds like it was mic'd in a studio. Every instrument is very clear and crisp and at any given time I can pick out an instrument to listen to. The funny thing is I thought I was making great tapes before. It really is true when someone says you don't really know what you are missing until you finally hear it. There's no turning back now.
The greatest satisfaction came when I gave Uncle Sammy (check these guys out if you have the chance) a copy of the 5/10/03 Living Room - Providence show.. my first outting with this toy. We were in Maine for the Peace Jam that they were headlining both nights of and they went for a drive and listened to part of the discs.
When they got out and told me what they thought they made some pretty convincing comments. The best was, "Is this a matrix?".... hehe... nope... just the magic of the 480s with a quality pre-amp/AD combo. One of the last times I used the ps2/inbox combo was at the Living Room for Uncle Sammy from the exact same spot, same cables, same mic config and the difference is there. They heard it, and I definately hear it. Anyone interested in some samples (or if you just want some shows from a great band) feel free to get in touch.
Lastly, I thought I'd share my gear bag with you. I hope to have some pictures to put in the rig section but for now this will have to do. I built a rack out of that wire shelving stuff. The MiniMe is mounted between two walls of the stuff with some padding to keep it safe and secure. I built the shelf a couple inches longer than the MME on both the front and back so the cables can all stay secure (and attached at all times) and the
gain knobs don't get moved if I close the bag. By having everything connected in the bag at all times I really have cut down on the amount of setup time for each gig. Something I value as that gives me more schwill time in the lots!
As I've only used this thing in small clubs and small out-door venues I'm definately looking forward to seeing how it fares in the various other venues I'll be heading to this summer. No doubt, there will be more to come...
Anyway, thanks for the space. I'd love to hear some other MineMe stories. Peace
Rusty
ps - looking forward to running the lappy in the field to be blown away by the difference between 16-bit and 24-bit.... I'll be there, soon
danmorgan:
I went from running 481/3>ps2>ad500e to 481/3>mme. The original setup with the ad500e was great, but no way to add any gain for larger venues. The apogee a/d complements the 480's very well IMO.
I'm awaiting a set of 140 actives right now...can't wait to hear this combo. I think I'll like this even better, even though I love the 480's and always will. I think the brightness of the 140's will produce even clearer highs with more solid mids and a lighter "punch".
I love my mme, it's only drawback IMO is the fact that the dimensions make it a bit cumbersome (being that it hasn't changed from the ad 500/1000). But I've been used to that for quite some time. ;D
The laptop, IMO, makes for too much gear to lug...I've run it a few times now. I love the 24/48 sound, but it makes it much easier now to just run into my D100 @ 16/44. Can't wait for the HD boxes to come out...the Sound Devices unit less the pre/ad would be ideal.
creekfreak:
The mini-me is a great unit with the right mics. It would make sense the 480's sound good with the mini-me. Ran the mini-me with the schoeps myself, low end way too bloated most of the time, switched over to the V3, couldn't be happier now
Jason B:
--- Quote from: rustoleum on June 03, 2003, 09:53:11 AM ---
With each bass note I can feel the note resonate off of the room walls...it's got that punch I've heard at the show but never quite been able to capture onto tape. The cymbals crash with incredible accuracy. The kickdrum... WOW! Sounds like it was mic'd in a studio. Every instrument is very clear and crisp and at any given time I can pick out an instrument to listen to.
--- End quote ---
I own, run and love the MMe as well, but keep in mind, these issues you described could very well be the result of a really well mix for that particular room, especially the the remarks regarding the "studio" kick drum and being able to pick out each instrument individually.
Not putting the MMe down at all, I love it. It's just that this could very well be the case. You may find your results vary in other situations.
Good luck in further testing!! :)
-JB
Mic D:
--- Quote from: Jason B on June 09, 2003, 04:01:58 PM ---....You may find your results vary in other situations.
--- End quote ---
Agreed. Do some testing in a few more different situations. You might be very surprised.
Kevin
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