This time, we’ll be reviewing the Monheim Channel Strip, a brand new product from Hollywood-based model MONHEIM MICROPHONES. This model has already launched a product line centered on a number of sorts of microphones, nevertheless it additionally appears to supply companies resembling restore and customization of different firms’ gear, and mainly all work is finished in-house in LA. , the corporate’s founder, Andrew Monheim, personally checks each product. These firms are acquainted with the construction and historical past of varied gear, and have a picture of being reliable.
Outfitted with a vacuum tube sort mic preamp and EQ, EQ2 may also be used as an air band.
There are numerous sorts of channel strips, however the Monheim Channel Strip is a product that integrates a tube-type mic preamp and EQ, in addition to in/out transformers and different features, and doesn’t embrace a compressor. First, let’s take a fast have a look at the performance.
On the left facet of the entrance panel is the enter part (XLR in/out is on the rear panel) with transformer acquire and saturation controls, bypassable tube preamp, phantom energy and line enter jacks (telephones). On the suitable is a stepped low-cut part from 16 to 200Hz. Lined up within the middle are the 2 EQ sections which might be the promoting level of this gear. EQ1 is a 3-band EQ impressed by the Motown EQ, with variable frequency boosts and cuts. EQ2 is a PULTEC type 1-band EQ with solely mids. Enhance/reduce can be doable. The frequency is 90Hz to 1.7kHz, however there’s an X10 swap that multiplies the frequency by 10, and by turning it on, you should use it as an air band EQ. To the suitable of the EQ part is an output acquire knob with minimal coloration, an output part with a part swap and an output transformer ratio swap (1:1 and a couple of:1); There are VU meters that may be switched into levels.
Clean excessive vary and excessive decision permits energetic sound creation with enter
There are numerous different sorts of channel strip gear in the marketplace, however the deciding consider selecting one might be the sound high quality itself. So, I really recorded a number of sources, primarily vocals, to see the way it felt and the way it sounded.
First, bypass the EQ part and use solely the mic pre. The enter part means that you can get hold of a wide range of sound patterns by controlling the transformer saturation and the tube mic preamp sound. First, I attempted setting it to what I assumed was a comparatively clear setting, and located that it had a easy excessive vary, excessive decision, and a fairly dense sound, which is mainly typical of a vacuum tube sort. I get the impression that the mids are stable and have a contemporary vary really feel.
As you improve the acquire of the transformer, mic preamp, and every, you’ll discover a substantial quantity of distortion and overtones. Naturally, the acquire is elevated, however since there’s an output quantity on the latter stage with little coloring, it may also be used to create tones that drive the enter strongly. Sadly, I wasn’t in a position to check the DI enter this time, however judging from the reason, it appears very promising. Since it is a vacuum tube, I feel it is price a attempt, particularly for bass.
Subsequent, let’s attempt utilizing the EQ part. Let’s begin with the low-cut part. It’s extremely easy, and I really feel like there’s little part distortion. Personally, I really feel that low-cut sound high quality is an space the place the precise gadget is usually a lot superior to the software program, however since there are numerous fashions that solely enable tough settings, it’s best to make use of step sort units that enable detailed numerical settings. I felt very grateful.
Subsequent is the EQ1 part. This can be a vacuum tube EQ, and is billed as a “passive huge bell sort impressed by Motown EQ.” That is simply an “inspiration”, so I do not actually go into particulars in regards to the mechanism or frequency factors, however as somebody who makes use of the unique Motown EQ each day, there’s one factor that I really feel they’ve in widespread. Which means that once you flip a knob, there’s little change within the sound, as if you happen to had been making use of EQ, and it feels just like the timbre itself is altering. I feel the Q width adjustments relying on the quantity of enhance/reduce, however this naturalness makes Motown EQ simple to use to a wide range of devices, and makes you assume that you could apply it when recording. I feel it is a half. Though it’s referred to as a channel strip, there are literally many circumstances during which solely mic preamps are used, however the EQ part of this unit is simple to make use of actively throughout recording, and there are few disadvantages to recording instantly. I felt that.
Additionally check out the EQ2 part. This additionally has a large bell and has a pure impact, so it is rather simple to make use of. As talked about within the clarification, I feel it’s just like the sensation of utilizing PULTEC’s EQ. Once I turned on the X10 swap, I had the impression that the air went up somewhat thicker, and I did not assume it was that sharp of an air.
The output quantity is the alternative of the enter, giving a really clear impression. This can be a nice assist when actively shaping the sound within the enter part. By setting the transformer ratio to 2:1, I felt that the excessive frequencies had been calmer and a barely matte texture was obtained. It’s best to pick this every time relying on the sound you’re aiming for.
As I briefly launched, the Monheim Channel Strip is mainly designed to have the ability to deal with a wide range of circumstances with one unit. For individuals who solely want one channel and need to help numerous sorts of sound creation, this appears to be an excellent possibility. As well as, the model’s deep understanding of apparatus design may be seen in the truth that it doesn’t merely copy the traits of well-known machines, however understands its essence and faithfully reproduces its scrumptious options. The corporate appears to offer good upkeep help, so I felt it was a bit of apparatus price utilizing.
Shunroku Hitani
[Profile]Recording/mixing engineer working as a freelancer after working at prime sound studio type and studio MSR. He is named a grasp of acoustic recording, primarily jazz.
MONHEIM MICROPHONES Monheim Channel Strip
429,000 yen
SPECIFICATIONS
▪Exterior dimensions: 447 (W) x 80 (H) x 280 (D) mm *W is 483 together with rack ears, D is 300 together with protrusions ▪Weight: 5.6 kg
