Hello Mr. Boyk,

Terrific site. I have ordered your book. I am looking for your CD's.

I am having a Revox G36 restored. I want to try a vintage analog recorder and compare it to the Digital Audio Labs 24/96 cards I currently use. I am also reconsidering my microphones. I have a Millenia preamp with Bruel and Kjager 4006's (omni's). I do home recordings (jazz pianist, Steinway B). The room sound is not good, so I use studio traps to scrub out the room acoustics. Its a dry, direct sound. Problem: I have never been able to get a satisfatory sound with the spaced omni's (imaging, tonal balance). I have also used a jecklin disk. The piano is a bit dark, and I am looking for a more lively sound. I don't have any technical training, so it has primarily been trial and error.

Question: What would be the best mike/preamp combo for a Revox G26 to get an all tube analog sound? I can record simutaeously with the B&K/Millenia/Digital Audio Labs system. Any suggestions on set up with this is appreciated. It should be an interesting contrast to use a vintage tube set up and a transitor/digital set up simultaneously. I'm getting really excited about this project.

Thx, Tom

-- Tom Spruill (trspl@concentric.net), May 19, 2002

Answers

Figure-8 mikes minimize pickup of room resonances. This is specially important in smaller rooms (smaller relative to concert halls or other performance venues). Figure-8's are good for other reasons, too; but the best way to get the advantage of them is to get a "ribbon" mike rather than a condenser. Try the Coles 4038 ribbon recommended in the book, for instance, and prepare to be startled.

-- James Boyk (boyk@caltech.edu), June 07, 2002.