Call for Pro Audio information

RBFC · Sep 15, 2010

WBF members,

We are interested in creating a topic regarding professional audio gear and recommendations for systems at various price points. Any members with experience in the pro audio arena who could help us out would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Lee

Ethan Winer · Sep 15, 2010

I think this is a great idea but I see a few problems. There are so many brands and models these days, nobody can possibly be intimately familiar with even 10 percent of them. By intimate I mean have worked with something for a while and, better, owns several of the same item to be able to report reliability.

So what ends up happening is you get cheerleaders for stuff they own, and maybe a few complaints, rather than true comparative opinions. Not that there's anything wrong with people posting their experiences. But that's less reliable and less useful than a Consumer Reports type comparison, which is what I'd rather see.

I'm not opposed to what you propose! Just trying be realistic about how useful it could be.

--Ethan

DWR · Sep 15, 2010

Hi Lee, I profess to be no real expert on pro systems, but I do use pro gear to power and manage the crossover and EQ of multiple subs. I would be glad to help out any way I can in that aspect of the pro gear.

DWR · Sep 15, 2010

I agree with most of what Ethan said there, but come on Ethan aren't we all cheerleaders for whatever gear we own, be it speakers, amps, cables or fill in the blank. I think that is just human nature. Another possible problem I see is the completely different views or opinions that the pro audio camp and audiophile camp have.

Ethan Winer · Sep 15, 2010

Yes, I'm a cheerleader too for whatever I own! I agree, was just playing the Devil's PITA Advocate.

DWR · Sep 15, 2010

HAHAHAHA!!!!! If we weren't cheerleaders for the gear we own, I'd say we bought the wrong gear.

Dan

RBFC · Sep 15, 2010

Thanks for the offers of help! Perhaps those who post about gear could simply include links to sites, reviews, etc. of competing gear so that any interested reader could "research" things at a given price point. No, we would probably not be able to include every offering of pro gear in each category, but this could be a starting point to get folks into it somewhat.

Lee

Bruce B · Sep 15, 2010

I think a few of us know enough about Pro gear to be objective and at least be able to point people in the right direction to at least get more information for a knowledgable purchase.

DonH50 · Sep 15, 2010

Count me in, not that I can contribute much. What the heck, there have not been nearly enough controversial threads lately...

Are you going to start a Pro Audio Forum here?

Steve Williams · Sep 15, 2010

DonH50 said:
Count me in, not that I can contribute much. What the heck, there have not been nearly enough controversial threads lately... Are you going to start a Pro Audio Forum here?

That's an interesting thought and I would like to see how busy this thread gets

DonH50 · Sep 15, 2010

I guess I just assumed that's the direction this was headed... Here's a (ok, my) thought: There are several pro audio forums around, but they target, well, pros! There are plenty of audiophiles who do pro work, and probably many more that do a little sound reinforcement and/or recording on the side (church, school band, etc.) You could provide a venue for the latter, a place to get advice from pros about pro-level equipment and the things used in that setting, in a forum targeting those talented amateur and semi-pros (I fall into that category now, except for the "talented" part

) wanting to go to the next level and needing advice from "friends".

How many people know every option in ProTools or Finale anyway?

Let alone the best preamp for a ribbon mic recording brass or vocals (it ain't the same preamp, naturally.

) We could have sub-fora on mics, preamps, processors, amps, mixers, field recorders, studio, live sound, etc.

Besides, c'mon, you have forums for everything else! Vacuum sweepers, for heaven's sake...

My 0.000001 cent (microcent) - Don

Bruce B · Sep 15, 2010

DonH50 said:
How many people know every option in ProTools or Finale anyway? Don

Actually I do. I went through the Digidesign Certification course all the way to the Expert level. We had the final test called the "Gauntlet" where you needed to know 99 commands 3 ways on MAC and PC. I have to admit, I've probably forgotten 1/3 of them!

RBFC · Sep 15, 2010

Guys,

We simply want to be able to hold a semi-informed roundtable that will elevate everyone's knowledge of what the pro audio sector has to offer the "audiophile". Inquiries regarding various products almost always seem to draw out somebody (lurking reader or word-of-mouth visitor) who is a specialist in that particular item. Even my question about built-in wine coolers attracted an agent from one of the net's largest supply houses. Please notice that our Panel of Experts is continually growing. WBF is still in its infancy, and we anticipate contribution from more qualified individuals as topics continue to be presented.

To start off, we'll just need to set a few price points and give some examples of gear at those costs. A quick Google or two should turn up some positive or negative reviews to set the tone.

Thanks,

Lee

Bruce B · Sep 15, 2010

RBFC said:
To start off, we'll just need to set a few price points and give some examples of gear at those costs. A quick Google or two should turn up some positive or negative reviews to set the tone.
Lee

Here are some links where I do some of my research with prices and the latest gear availability.

Mercenary Audio

Sweetwater

Musicians Friend/Guitar Center

Pacific Pro Audio

Vintage King Audio

DonH50 · Sep 16, 2010

Bruce B said:
Actually I do. I went through the Digidesign Certification course all the way to the Expert level. We had the final test called the "Gauntlet" where you needed to know 99 commands 3 ways on MAC and PC. I have to admit, I've probably forgotten 1/3 of them!

Somehow, I knew you and a few others would likely pipe up...

Lee -- Got it, wasn't sure the intent. I'll shut up for now! - Don

Phelonious Ponk · Sep 16, 2010

I'm really looking forward to this. My studio experience is from the other side of the desk as a musician and commercial audio/video producer, but it was enough to develop a great admiration for what I was hearing, and and an interest in exploring the pro gear as an alternative to high end. But the feedback I've gotten from pros was one-sided; these weren't people who even had much of an interest in the audiophile high end. It should be really interesting to hear from those who see both worlds.

P

FrantzM · Sep 16, 2010

Hi

I am also interested on the subject. I am looking forward to Bruce B observations. he is one of the few here who have their feet in both world. I would like his thoughts about how do some Pro components compare to some of their audiophile counterparts... Prejudices are strong against Pro gear but they are better than I personally thought.. I am very pleased by the Perfromanceof the KRK Rokit 5 and the Dynaudio BM25A Both are well above average .. presently a more than decent DAC fromthe Pros (Benchmark) with good results...

Bruce B · Sep 16, 2010

devert said:
Anyone that's interested in Pro Audio Gear should visit:

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/

The one with the better S/N ratio is PSW Recording forum.

c1ferrari · Nov 1, 2010

Bruce B said:
The one with the better S/N ratio is PSW Recording forum.

I have both bookmarked. Either is worth reading for networking and acquiring a sense of what's "out there" - LOL

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