From benjamin.kuris@hp.com Wed Apr 28 14:41:14 2004
Subject:Gear rant... re:rigs

> you are missing the point of powered speakers ­ the majority of
them, if not
> all, are biamped, making them more highly efficient in terms of
clarity and
> loudness.

I agree in principle but I'm leary of what happens when the
manufacturers try to stretch their profit margin or convince
musicians that they *need* to upgrade to relatively new technology
like molded speakers.

Does efficiency buy me better sound, or just enable the mfg. to use a
cheaper integrated amplifier design and then charge more or go with a
less efficient speaker design? I would rather be in control then
pay for that type of value-add "service". For instance,
manufacturers claim that active speakers are lighter when they aren't
once you do an apples-to-apples comparison. Futhermore (excuse my
personal disdain), why do I care about the f0 point or peak biamp
power of say my barbetta when 1) it overheats during heavy organ
passages, 2) there are extreme cabinent resonances just above the f0
point that sound horrible, and 3) the "chuffing" noise out of the
tuned port is audible despite all that biamp-power. Maybe its "user
error" but then why not give the user an overload LED?

So as not to single out Barbetta, I'll also throw out some other top
offenders (moving beyond sound reinforcement):

- M-audio. Everything I've bought from them has broken or not
matched expectations. Period.
- Alesis. Horrible audible s/n noise and artifacts in products like
the MOD FX pedals or Ineko that I've used.
- SLM music (eg. crate). Need I say more? But I recently repaired
their Ampeg ReverbRocket reissue (fairly pricey). Tube sockets (of
course soldered to the PCB) caught on fire!
- Fatar. The infamous flexing midi controller problem...
(anyone want to add?)
- Electro Harmonix pedals. Designed to be a cumbersome as
possible. Graphic EQ / Bass Synth have slider pots that are too easy
to break off for stage gear.
- And the classic, scratchy Crybaby pot problem... I suppose $20/yr
is a good way to improve revenue.

I think the only laws of gear buying are:
1) using reliable/time tested used gear will save you money in the
long run
2) between crap and boutique, you get what you pay for from reputible
companies.
3) Yes, manufacturers will sell gear with bugs so you should try
(ideally for a few days) before you buy.

I wouldn't want to be the guitarist who decided to wait for the new
135W twin in the late 60's because it was louder and clearer. But
the situation is really worse with new gear as you really can't tweak
any of the circuitry. An amp tech can still make that twin sound as
good as it can for a particular player's style.

It is hard enough as a keyboardist solving the vintage/modern gear
puzzle but new gear is a bigger gamble since as vintage stuff only
appreciates slowly...

Sort of related is a personal decision to only buy vintage or
computer hosted sound sources from now on. I'm sick of dumping money
into overpriced/overintegrated gear but that could be another rant.
I personally feel better supporting companies dedicated to keeping
vintage gear working.

Anyway FWIW, at least when I get frustrated I can check for used
Leslies on Craigslist...

-Ben