Holger Lagerfeldt Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 (edited) Hey guys I've finally made what a lot of people have been asking me to do: a YouTube channel about music production, mixing, mastering and audio engineering in general. The first video is up, it's a review of the Black Box Analog Design HG-2 tube mix bus enhancer, and an introduction to harmonic overtones and the potential benefits of adding harmonic distortion to a mix. Since I write, film and edit everything myself I'm not sure how regular an occurance it will be, but there'll be more videos in the future for sure. Subscribe to make sure you get the future updates: http://www.youtube.com/user/thegeargrotto Edited February 24, 2016 by lagerfeldt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darude Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 I liked it, the editing, the knowledge, the personal touch, the works. Keep it up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holger Lagerfeldt Posted February 23, 2016 Author Share Posted February 23, 2016 Thanks, I've begun writing the next video! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Nahmani Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 Congrats Holger! As with anything you do, it's quality work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holger Lagerfeldt Posted February 25, 2016 Author Share Posted February 25, 2016 Thanks, David! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holger Lagerfeldt Posted December 30, 2017 Author Share Posted December 30, 2017 Happy New Year! There's a new video out today: Gear Grotto - 2400 Audio Imperium Monitor Controller It's a in-depth review of the Imperium monitor controller and an interesting look at passive versus active monitor controllers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stardustmedia Posted January 8, 2018 Share Posted January 8, 2018 Thanks for the great videos. Subscirbed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holger Lagerfeldt Posted January 8, 2018 Author Share Posted January 8, 2018 Great, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deckard1 Posted January 14, 2018 Share Posted January 14, 2018 Excellent! Really well done! Not sure I understood all the technicalities as described in the video, but, that's my lack of knowledge and understanding of the subject(s). Just curious, why not name the three 'suspects' (i.e. controllers) you are comparing the Imperium to in your excellent video? Would one get into legal trouble? Or, is it just 'bad taste' to mention their respective names? I honestly don't know and only curious. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holger Lagerfeldt Posted January 14, 2018 Author Share Posted January 14, 2018 Thanks! That's a good question. By keeping these brands undisclosed I avoid making people who own them sad or perhaps pissing off people who've bought the expensive models The first one should be easy to guess, though. There's nothing legal that keeps me from mentioning exactly what those controllers are, but my goal in this video was not to make any particular brands or models look bad. The shop that gave me the units on loan didn't stipulate such a demand, it was simply a case of me saying "the names have been removed to protect the innocent". I could have chosen three other active brands in the same price ranges and the results would have been very identical. My aim was to show that all active monitor controllers exhibit some unavoidable problems regardless of price, especially when they use a potentiometer instead of precision matched switches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deckard1 Posted January 14, 2018 Share Posted January 14, 2018 Makes perfect sense not to mention the third party names! Thanks for explaining. But, are the differences between active and passive monitors when they use potentiometers versus precision matched switches perceptible to the human ear? I think that’s the ultimate question. I know there are differences using precision instruments, but, what about someone trying to actually hear the differences between the two. If the differences are not perceptible to the human ear, then the differences, in essence, don’t exist. Correct? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holger Lagerfeldt Posted January 15, 2018 Author Share Posted January 15, 2018 But, are the differences between active and passive monitors when they use potentiometers versus precision matched switches perceptible to the human ear? This difference is clearly audible to you and me and probably anyone on the street, but it depends on the output level. The stereo tracking is the most audible problem as we're dealing with several dBs of offset at lower levels which severely skews the stereo balance. With some controllers there are problems all the way up, not just at lower levels (as shown in one of the active controllers in the test). A trained person with a good setup can often discern fractions of a dB in an AB test, i.e. a 0.3 dB difference in EQ or balance with statistical significance (95% certainty or above), especially if you know what to listen for. In an ABX test and when you're not told in advance what to listen for, it's more difficult, but what often amounts to several dB of balance offset is easy for anyone to tell. The noise/hiss/hum is a potential problem in the first/cheapest of the controllers in the test because it's relatively loud and it could mask very low level information (reverb tails, some depth information), but it depends on how loud your source signal is and how loud you've turned up the controller output. I also measured an unexpected (to me at least) phase correlation problem with the active controllers, but only when feeding them rather punishing signals. It looks like random distortion of the components. Audible under normal circumstances? Probably not. I think that’s the ultimate question. I know there are differences using precision instruments, but, what about someone trying to actually hear the differences between the two. If the differences are not perceptible to the human ear, then the differences, in essence, don’t exist. Correct? Yes, I agree. Sort of. My general attitude is that if you can't hear the problem then it's not a problem. That being said, problems can accumulate, i.e. a bit of virtually inaudible distortion early in the chain suddenly becomes audible when it's turned up later in the mix, mastering and broadcast chain, or when multiple tracks have a bit of distortion that adds up. Just an example, but you get my point I trust. For that reason you have "best practices" in audio engineering which means that by following some rules about gain staging, dithering, SRC, monitoring, acoustics, etc. you can keep potential problems to a minimum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loopsinner Posted January 15, 2018 Share Posted January 15, 2018 I'm in love with your Black Box HG-2 tube processor. Ever since i watched your video about a week ago, i've been trying to find similar plugins that could either emulate tube saturation well, or at least has a pleasant saturation that i could use in a soft, piano driven ballad music. I think i've found 2, but they are over USD 200 for each plugin. Anyways, can you lend me some money to buy the plugin or you know, just donate your used Black Box HG-2 to me, and ill do the same for someone else in the future. After all it's kind of your fault i lust after it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holger Lagerfeldt Posted January 16, 2018 Author Share Posted January 16, 2018 Fat chance my friend Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deckard1 Posted January 16, 2018 Share Posted January 16, 2018 But, are the differences between active and passive monitors when they use potentiometers versus precision matched switches perceptible to the human ear? This difference is clearly audible to you and me and probably anyone on the street, but it depends on the output level. The stereo tracking is the most audible problem as we're dealing with several dBs of offset at lower levels which severely skews the stereo balance. With some controllers there are problems all the way up, not just at lower levels (as shown in one of the active controllers in the test). A trained person with a good setup can often discern fractions of a dB in an AB test, i.e. a 0.3 dB difference in EQ or balance with statistical significance (95% certainty or above), especially if you know what to listen for. In an ABX test and when you're not told in advance what to listen for, it's more difficult, but what often amounts to several dB of balance offset is easy for anyone to tell. The noise/hiss/hum is a potential problem in the first/cheapest of the controllers in the test because it's relatively loud and it could mask very low level information (reverb tails, some depth information), but it depends on how loud your source signal is and how loud you've turned up the controller output. I also measured an unexpected (to me at least) phase correlation problem with the active controllers, but only when feeding them rather punishing signals. It looks like random distortion of the components. Audible under normal circumstances? Probably not. I think that’s the ultimate question. I know there are differences using precision instruments, but, what about someone trying to actually hear the differences between the two. If the differences are not perceptible to the human ear, then the differences, in essence, don’t exist. Correct? Yes, I agree. Sort of. My general attitude is that if you can't hear the problem then it's not a problem. That being said, problems can accumulate, i.e. a bit of virtually inaudible distortion early in the chain suddenly becomes audible when it's turned up later in the mix, mastering and broadcast chain, or when multiple tracks have a bit of distortion that adds up. Just an example, but you get my point I trust. For that reason you have "best practices" in audio engineering which means that by following some rules about gain staging, dithering, SRC, monitoring, acoustics, etc. you can keep potential problems to a minimum. Thanks, Lagerfeldt. Excellent explanation...as always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basils Posted January 16, 2018 Share Posted January 16, 2018 Having always paid attention to the knowledge you have shared here, I'm really looking forward to an insight into your world. Thanks for the time and effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holger Lagerfeldt Posted January 16, 2018 Author Share Posted January 16, 2018 Thanks! I don't know what the third video will be about, but probably not another review for the time being since I've already done two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplets Posted January 16, 2018 Share Posted January 16, 2018 I don't know what the third video will be about, but probably not another review for the time being since I've already done two. If you can do a video about your mastering approach, that would be killer! Like a short example of how you had to deal with a not-ideal mix. Things like that since mastering can be very subjective. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deckard1 Posted February 10, 2018 Share Posted February 10, 2018 Hi Lagerfeldt, Have you had a chance to compare the hardware vs. the software version for the HG-2? The software version is reasonably affordable for us mortals. https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/black_box_analog_design_hg-2.html Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holger Lagerfeldt Posted December 31, 2018 Author Share Posted December 31, 2018 Yes and it's actually quite good. Not as smooth in the high end, but I can recommend it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holger Lagerfeldt Posted December 31, 2018 Author Share Posted December 31, 2018 (edited) Teaser out today for Gear Grotto Episode III: video is out now, see below Edited January 28, 2019 by lagerfeldt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deckard1 Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 Yes and it's actually quite good. Not as smooth in the high end, but I can recommend it On sale now until Jan 6th for $69...usually $249! https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/black_box_analog_design_hg-2.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deckard1 Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 Teaser out today for Gear Grotto Episode III: How to make great coffee? I saw that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holger Lagerfeldt Posted January 4, 2019 Author Share Posted January 4, 2019 Clickbait! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Nahmani Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 Great teaser! So it's not just about gear, you're going to explain all those techniques? Fascinating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holger Lagerfeldt Posted January 4, 2019 Author Share Posted January 4, 2019 It's an 18 minutes video, but yes I'll actually go through a lot of things. Including what seems to be one of the biggest myths of compressors: that the attack & time parameters are time periods, which they aren't. As the title indicates it's more of a "functions" than "technique" video (The Mastering Compressor: Advanced Functions - Kotelnikov GE Review [Teaser]) But I was thinking of going into details with something like fake upward compression in a separate video. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holger Lagerfeldt Posted January 28, 2019 Author Share Posted January 28, 2019 ...and it's out. The Mastering Compressor - Advanced Functions TDR Kotelnikov Gentleman's Edition Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... 1 month later... mkruse Posted March 17, 2019 Share Posted March 17, 2019 ...and it's out. The Mastering Compressor - Advanced Functions TDR Kotelnikov Gentleman's Edition Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Holger Lagerfeldt Posted March 18, 2019 Author Share Posted March 18, 2019 Yes, I think it's safe to say that the flexibilty of the Gentleman's Edition really won me over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... 3 months later... Darude Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 Holger, what a wonderful video. Very gentlemanly! And... WTF is wrong with ppl, I don't find ANYTHING wrong with the sound mixing nor the accent. "Please use de-esser..." (roll eyes) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Restore formatting Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply Share More sharing options... Followers 0 Go to topic listing All Activity Home Forums Music Production Music Production Techniques and Gear Gear Grotto [YouTube channel] × Existing user? Sign In Sign Up Home Forums Back Forums Unanswered Topics All Activity Leaderboard Search Our Picks Articles Logic Pro Class Back Logic Pro Class Student Testimonials FAQ Book Back Book in English Livre en Français About Back About Privacy Policy Terms of Service × Create New...
mkruse Posted March 17, 2019 Share Posted March 17, 2019 ...and it's out. The Mastering Compressor - Advanced Functions TDR Kotelnikov Gentleman's Edition Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Holger Lagerfeldt Posted March 18, 2019 Author Share Posted March 18, 2019 Yes, I think it's safe to say that the flexibilty of the Gentleman's Edition really won me over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... 3 months later... Darude Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 Holger, what a wonderful video. Very gentlemanly! And... WTF is wrong with ppl, I don't find ANYTHING wrong with the sound mixing nor the accent. "Please use de-esser..." (roll eyes) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Restore formatting Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply Share More sharing options... Followers 0 Go to topic listing All Activity Home Forums Music Production Music Production Techniques and Gear Gear Grotto [YouTube channel]
Holger Lagerfeldt Posted March 18, 2019 Author Share Posted March 18, 2019 Yes, I think it's safe to say that the flexibilty of the Gentleman's Edition really won me over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darude Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 Holger, what a wonderful video. Very gentlemanly! And... WTF is wrong with ppl, I don't find ANYTHING wrong with the sound mixing nor the accent. "Please use de-esser..." (roll eyes) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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