By now, weāre all familiar with the many options out there for amp modeling. Mic modelers are another reliable asset to digital recording tech, and can rapidly grow your inventory with just a few clicks.
As guitarists, weāre very aware of amp-modeling and profiling technologies, such as the Line 6 Helix, Fractal Axe-Fx, Neural DSP Quad Cortex, and Kemper Profiler. While our bases are covered for these (with modelers available for every āholy grailā amp under the sun), we are still missing another vital area of the recording processāmicrophonesāfor the acoustic instruments and vocals we might want to capture.
What if we could record them using holy-grail-modeled microphones? This month, letās evaluate microphone modeling to help you make better-sounding recordings. Tighten up, the Dojo is now open.
The Sincerest Form of Flattery
Microphone modeling is an intriguing advancement in recording technology, offering great flexibility and possibilities for musicians, producers, and engineers. Makers like Slate Digital, Antelope, and Antares make many offerings, from hardware to software.
Universal Audioās Sphere DLX ($1299 Street), LX ($799), and their six new Standard Mic series have impeccably modeled classic mics, and when coupled with their classic mic pre and compressor plugins, you can enjoy the same highly coveted mic chains appreciated the world over.
How It Works
The technology behind microphone-modeling systems relies heavily on convolution and impulse response techniques. These techniques involve capturing the unique sonic fingerprint of a microphone by recording its response to a wide range of frequencies and sound pressure levels. The immediate benefit is that this means you can grow your mic locker exponentially and gain access to a wide range of legendary microphone tones and textures all from a single mic! Most modeling microphones are usually either small- or large-diaphragm, multi-pattern, condenser microphones that are capable of capturing a wide frequency range and dynamic response. By adding other modeling mics, you can record in stereo or surround, and/or record multiple instruments at a fraction of the cost of owning multiples of the modeled mics themselves.
A Wealth of Options
One significant advantage of mic-modeling systems is their ability to offer a vast array of microphone options within a single session instead of having the time-consuming duty of swapping them out to achieve different sounds. With a modeling system, you can switch between different mic models instantly and audition various mics to find the perfect tone for the recording.
āThe same vintage microphone can sound different on different days depending on temperature, humidity, and the voltage from the wall.ā
Another lovely bonus is that microphone-modeling systems also offer the ability to swap microphone characteristics after the recording has been made! Want to swap your AKG C12 for a Neumann U 47 long after the recording session is over? No problem! This is especially useful when the initial microphone choice may not have been ideal or when the production requires a different tonal character than originally intended.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Some audio purists argue digital emulation canāt truly replicate the sound of a physical microphone, especially when it comes to vintage models that have unique characteristics developed over decades of use. The subtleties of these microphones and their aging components shape the way they interact with different preamps and compressors.
After making over a hundred records at Blackbird over the last eight years, Iāve grown quite familiar with a good portion of our 1,800-plus vintage mics, like Telefunken 251s, AKG C12s, Neumann U 47s and KM 84s, Shure SM7s and SM57s, RCA 44s and 77s, and Royer R-121s. These are the very same mic models that most modeling mics are trying to capture. But experience has taught me that not all microphones sound identical even if they are the same make and model (and year). Also, the same vintage microphone can sound different on different days depending on temperature, humidity, and the voltage from the wall (thatās why Blackbird has its own regulated power and all the studios strive for consistent temperature and humidity year-round).
For home studios and smaller production environments, microphone-modeling systems can be a game changer. Youāll get a wide range of high-end microphone sounds without the need for a large microphone collection, and the ability to change microphone models after the fact gives budding producers and engineers greater confidence and flexibility in their work.
In reality, most users find that the convenience, cost savings, and versatility offered by modeling systems far outweigh any potential shortcomings. Finally, keep in mind that even though the mic āprofileā you choose (U 47, U 67, SM7, etc.) will be consistent day in and day out, the modeling mic itself is also still a mic and will require you to be mindful of these same issues I mentioned above in order for your mic āprofileā to be as accurate as possible.
Until next time, namaste.
A smooth user experience and standout high-gain sounds distinguish this powerful modeler.
Easy to create new rigs. Bluetooth, amp cloner, and cloud features are very useful. Solid high-gain tones.
Some clean, breakup, and fuzz tones can sound thin and a bit stiff.
$1,299
Headrush Prime
headrushfx.com
The Headrush Prime is an extremely deep all-in-one floor modeler that brings a few distinctive features to a very competitive space. With just seven knobs and a full-color touchscreen, navigating through the various menus and options is relatively easyāa big plus for those hesitant to take the digital plunge. The array of included effects, amps, and cabs is impressive and the main food groups are all represented. One of the most intriguing features is the Amp Cloner, which āclonesā any amp, preamp, overdrive, distortion, or fuzz pedal. I tested it out with a homemade clone of a Zendrive and the process was very easy. The Prime captured the essence of the pedal without much digital stiffness.
This space doesnāt permit an exhaustive look at every feature on the Prime. But I was very impressed with the graphics on the touchscreen. Pedals and amps look much like their real-world counterparts and, thanks to a few routing templates, creating nearly any imaginable rig is a relatively smooth process, though the manual remains essential. High-gain sounds are among the strongest here, and models of Soldano and Mesa/Boogie amps are standouts. At $1,299, the Prime holds its own against other floor modelers in its class, and itās a worthy option for players who want authentic tones without navigating endless screens of menus.
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Hotone Ampero Mini
Ampero Mini is the smallest guy in our Ampero family so far, offering you uncompromised Ampero sound in an ultra compact aluminum case.
āŖ Ultra compact amp modeler & effects processor
āŖ Powerful dual-core DSP platform ensure Ampero-grade tone quality
āŖ CDCM & F.I.R.E. modeling system ensures high end tonal expressiveness and realistic playing experience
āŖ 24-bit signal processing, 112dB S/N ratio
āŖ Iconic touch screen operation and straight-forward UI for intuitive control
āŖ Editable effect chain
āŖ USB-C port for firmware upgrading, loading/editing/managing effects/IRs via free Mac/PC software or for use as an USB audio interface
āŖ Up to 9 simultaneous effect modules
āŖ Selected effects from stunning Ampero effects library including: -100+ CDCM HD & F.I.R.E. based amp, cab, legendary pedal models -Next-gen mic position and microphone type simulations -Selected Hotone original effects (drive/dynamic/filter/mod/delay/reverb models and more)
āŖ User custom IR loader with 3rd party IR support
āŖ Specially designed input jack for both electric and acoustic instruments
āŖ 198 presets
āŖ Ampero-style acoustic effects and patches
āŖ Built-in drum machine with 100 patterns
āŖ Built-in looper with max. 100 seconds recording time āŖ Authentic stereo output processing āŖ External controller jack for connecting external footswitches/pedals āŖ Customizable main display modes and theme colors and UI language
āŖ Road-ready, light-weight aluminum casing
āŖ 9V DC power supply
Dimensions:134mm (W) Ć 120mm (D) Ć 49mm (H)
Weight: 529g