Obviously, that means Dylan Ray (one of our engineers) assembled it. The Harmonica Mini in front of a little Danelectro or Kalamazoo can help get you a track that almost mixes itself come solo time. But most people considering this mic are not going to treat it as a one-instrument device anyway.I’m sure there are skeptics who scoff at the idea of a mic that purposefully sounds, well, limited — specifically when the manufacturer states a frequency response of 200 Hz to 1.4 kHz. The ModFX were flimsy DSP desktop units with goofy names and lousy switches, but a few of... Is it an amp or a pedal... or a DI... or outboard gear?!? Power is provided by a “line lump” power supply/cable.I tried the STS on a variety of mixes across many genres. So, trust your ears and the LED meters to see how far into the orange and red you choose to venture before committing your processing. If the tracking guys in my studio want it, they’ll need to build another one. There is some high-end reduction, but it is very slight. The latest outboard device to be added to this growing list is Sound Skulptor's STS (Stereo Tape Simulator), and its approach is very much along the lines of the Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5042, reviewed back in SOS July 2007. Stereo Tape Simulator, Other Studio Effect from Sound Skulptor. (He was used to a bullet-style mic that has small metal guides that hold the harmonica from shifting up and down.) These naysayers refuse to pay for a mic when they can slap an EQ plug-in on a track and mangle it to similar effect. Thin mixes or all-ITB mixes can be thickened this way without undue low-mid mud. Images courtesy of Sound Skulptor . The TS500 Tape Simulator is the successor or the Stereo Tape Simulator. Tape Simulator is a sampled vintage reel to reel tape machine. And there was a lot of metal on metal sliding and noise at first. © 2018 - by Sound Skulptor - All Rights Reserved. Year 1975. Tape Op has some of the most creative readers on the planet. No moving parts, no hiss, no tape wear, no maintenance. One of my clients, Preslav Lefterov, who owns a Pittsburgh studio called Machine Age, loved the STS at 15 ips on the last two projects he brought in for mastering. ... ( Stereo Tape Simulator ) kit that also looks very promising. Sound Skulptor tell us that their Stereo Tape Simulator is an analog processor that recreates the sonic imprint of vintage tape recorders. Like a real tape machine, the unit saturates differently depending on how much input gain you provide. ON: The effect is on. Notable Features: 7.5, 15 and 30ips tape … Rotosphere Q3 is easily controllable with the optional IRC-6 remote and th ROLAND REVO-30.S STEREO LESLIE SIMULATOR SPEAKERS PAIR GOOD CONDITION RARE . Compared to other tape saturators, I like to bring in the preference argument. Fortunately, we've been working with Sound Skulptor and are presently calibrating a test unit. The effect provides the roundness, the punch, the compression and the saturation of magnetic tape. Price engine. First, my test player wanted to use the mic out of the mount. Although I did not always choose it for the final masters, I was always able to find a usable setting. Using the Harmonica Mini was exactly what the track needed.We also tried, or wanted to try, the mic in the following situations. Can be used in post processing too, but I try to get the sound in the ballpark on the front end. It was also cool as a drum room mic, but even more fun as a snare bottom mic. Like most of their products (including the STS Stereo Tape Simulator, which we reported on back in February), the MP573 is available either as a DIY kit or in completed form, where the fully assembled version is ready to use straight away, and the kit version comes with all the … The lower registers were simply fantastic through the Harmonica Mini. I didn’t find any times when I felt comfortable using it across a two-track mix, but I could imagine it being used on individual tracks without a problem. The stock unit comes with a black faceplate, but the design of the 19” panel was silver. Sound Skulptor MP73. The TS500 Tape Simulator is the successor or the Stereo Tape Simulator. The effect provides the roundness, the punch, the compression and the saturation of magnetic tape. OFF: the effect is disconnected. It has been adapted to the API* 500 format with a number of enhancements. The gain responses are different depending on which ips setting you choose; consequently, it can be difficult to make fast comparisons between settings. Note, I say “similar”, because a plug-in is simply not the same. Their mic preamps, summing amps, and control room... Jim Williams: Behind the Gear with Audio Upgrades, Restoring the "Holy Grail of Compressors": Behind the Scenes at the Vintage King Tech Shop, From WWII Planes to Stax Consoles: Behind the Gear with Bill Cheney & the History of Spectra Sonics, Rich Williams: Behind the Gear with Burl Audio. 5 Bypass switch Projects > Sound Skulptor Tape Simulator STS. The LA502 kit is an easy kit. Simply slide the bar to the right to hide the analog slidebar and reveal a full featured digital … Readers who want to know more about these physical reconstructions of tape deck technology can check out my review of the Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5042 ( Tape Op #51). Inside the case are actual coupled coils that simulate head and tape behavior. Follow us. The TS500 Tape Simulator is an analog processor that recreates the sonic imprint of vintage tape recorders. And while it does have the limited-bandwidth sound of the original Copperphone, the Harmonica Mini uses a more modern transducer and lacks the resonant chamber found in its larger sibling. Stereo Tape Simulator, Other Studio Effect from Sound Skulptor. It has no effect on the simulation. But to my ears, virtual amps don’t sound as good as the real thing (yet). They offer a line of DIY audio kits. Chauvet Rotosphere Q3 LED Mirror Ball FX LightRotosphere Q3 is an easy to use mirror ball simulator with high-power, quad-color LEDs. 10 discrete Opamps in this rack. But either mic will give you a unique sound, impress clients, and might even inspire your creativity. if price is right, i'll certainly be on for two. We are offering the sale of brand new units hand built and calibrated by us from Sound Skulptor's TS500 kits.The Sound Skulptor TS500 is one of the best technological advances in tape simulation technology at a truly affordable price. Everything worked on the first try; the only tough part was calibrating the LED meters, but careful calibration is always needed for such meters.I was not satisfied with the desktop enclosure because I wanted to try it in my mastering rig. This unit is quite different than plugins because it is an actual hardware unit and has circuitry that the sound has to pass through. I’m sure the Placid Audio website will have even more stories in times to come.Ultimately, choosing the original Copperphone or the Copperphone Harmonica Mini will come to personal preference. Of course, if you are lacking construction skills or a minion, Sound Skulptor will ship you a completed and tested kit for an additional fee. )If you are handy with a soldering iron, or if you can convince/pay/coerce someone who is into building one of these for you, I sincerely recommend the STS. Follow us on... © 2018 - by Sound Skulptor - All Rights Reserved. It is an analog processor that recreates the sonic imprint of vintage tape recorders. Solid-State Pre-amp (2 user reviews) Sound Skulptor DI02. Flip the polarity of one channel, and listen to the results in mono. There aren't a lot of de-essers out there, probably because they're not very sexy and not at the top of many people's wishlists. Visit the Q+A now! The clip LED at the top indicates that the signal is clipping in the input stages. In this round-up, we look at 5 top quality tape simulation plugins that are guaranteed to bring the warmth. In common with some other devices I’ve used, notably Sound Skulptor’s STS and Rupert Neve Designs’ Portico 5042, the results are tape-like in many respects, but not all. no price yet. For example, the Neve 1710 tape saturation circuit in my Legendary Audio Masterpiece (Tape Op #67) has a more aggressive, almost “you are now mixing through an API console” sound. As a dynamic mic, it does not require phantom power, and it interfaces using a standard XLR connector.Oddly enough, I had mixed results with the Harmonica Mini on... harmonica. For the record, I had never soldered before I bought my first Sound Skulptor kit (CP5176). If you prefer not to DIY, choose an Assembled product.Assembled products are built on demand and therefore require an additional delay of 2 weeks approximately.It comes fully assembled, ready to use. The effect provides the roundness, the punch, the compression and the saturation of magnetic tape. The body of the mic is an eye-catching 1.75’’ x 2.25’’ pill-like capsule. I suppose the argument is no different than using an amplifier simulator plug-in instead of mic’ing up a real tube amp. If you plan to use the unit in stereo, be advised that the left and right controls track independently, and you will need to check your levels in order to ensure equal left and right gain. The tape can be chosen between 3 formulations giving 3 levels of saturation from light to heavy. Our Slidebar Radio offers classic car audio enthusiasts the best of both worlds: a true, functional slidebar selector and a modern digital display in the same stereo. It is a mono unit, two are used for stereo. Front panel elements (switches, potentiometers, knobs). It seems like I'm always raving about Radial's product line. We jumped at the chance to review the Stereo Tape Simulator (STS). It only requires a decent quality AC/DC voltmeter. User reviews . The XT500 option is a cable extension that allows you to test and setup the module outside the lunchbox while connected. The effect provides the roundness, the punch, the compression and the saturation of magnetic tape. Better than every software simulation! these sound good for bookshelf speakers. Fine. With shipping, it was around $90. But I'm looking at getting the tape simulator kit from STS. The TS500 Tape Simulatoris the successor or the Stereo Tape Simulator. He's the owner of Audio Upgrades,... Vintage King co-founder Michael Nehra shares some of his love, knowledge, and practical advice for diving into the world of vintage audio gear, and then takes us behind the scenes for a walk through... Bill Cheney and Jim Romney are the men responsible for keeping the amazing legacy of Spectra Sonics, a legendary, if criminally unheralded, pro-audio company alive. Conversely, the emulation process in the Crane Song HEDD 192 (#26) is much more subtle than either. The 7.5 ips setting provides even more bass and more high-end roll-off. Perhaps it’s the harmonics or the way the diaphragm can or can’t deal with transients, but there is an undeniable dimension and presence with this mic. (If you don’t need to rack mount your STS, you won’t need to buy this extra faceplate.) We also keep a bunch of smaller amps for guitar solos and effects. Active components (diodes, transistors, LED's, IC's). 1 DRIVE potentiometer Adjusts the input gain of the TS500. So, like comparing an Otari to a Studer to an Ampex, they all sound different.The only concerns I have about the unit deal with the input and output potentiometers. Although they are a French company, the instructions are clearly translated. The TS500 Tape Simulator is the successor or the Stereo Tape Simulator. Two of these on a stereo bus would be heaven. The TS500 tape simulator is successor or stereo. 4 BIAS/EQDefines how the bias and EQ settings of the recorder will correct the frequency response defaults. On a small Hohner Blues Harp (in C), the Harmonica Mini was almost too bright, and from a recording engineer’s viewpoint, I would have preferred a ribbon mic at a distance. It has been adapted to the API* 500 format with a number of enhancements. 7 OUTPUT potentiometer Adjusts the output level and allow compensating the level changes induced by the DRIVE potentiometer. The TS500 includes the electronics of a vintage tape recorder with input transformer, variable gain input stage, pre-emphasis stage, recording amplifier, constant current driven tape head, playback amplifier, NAB de-emphasis stage and a pure class A output stage driving the output transformer. I could see this getting a lot of use during tracking and mixdown. Dylan thinks this kit takes about 30 hours of taking your time, double checking every resistor, and methodically building it. Sound Skulptor is a division of the Synchronia Company, which also runs a studio in southwest France. People have been asking about the Sound Skupltor Stereo Tape Simulator Project. 1 user review. So I disconnected the springs. My TS500 is a year old now, and still running strong! Re: Sound Skulptor professional audio kits, Coming soon : the STEREO TAPE SIMULATOR « Reply #15 on: February 07, 2010, 02:11:59 PM … Model Revo 30 Leslie Simulator speakers. There were times when harsh cymbals were better controlled by the STS than by a multi-band compressor or de-esser. (I totally felt like the ugly American who doesn’t speak other languages.) 5 Of The Best Tape Emulation VSTs In 2020 1. The Gas Cooker is a dual-channel, all-valve mic preamp and DI from Ridge Farm Industries in England (formerly of Ridge Farm Studios, the rather famous and beautiful countryside residential studio, now... A couple years ago, internet retailers were blowing out Alesis's ModFX effects boxes at absurdly low prices. Scientist”, Isaac wanted a nasal or telephone sound. Finish Brown. Images : Sound Skulptor TS500 Tape Simulator. It is an analog processor that recreates the sonic imprint of vintage tape recorders. By modifying the bandwidth and saturation of the magnetic core of each coil, the STS can simulate an analog tape recorder operating at 7.5, 15, and 30 ips.Regarding the build, the parts were clearly labeled, and the instructions were well documented and illustrated.