More LR Baggs HiFi Duet Recordings From NAMM

[rb1591]

[QUOTE=beatbird;7400972]I think the HiFi sounds very good on its own. My favorite tone was with the mic blend at 25%.

Agree with beatbird. Actually in this demo, I prefer with Hi-Fi over the external mic … less fret noise. I'm wondering why this Hi-Fi demo sounds so much better than previous ones I've heard. Maybe it's the guitar, since SBT's certain sound different in different guitars? Maybe this is just a particularly good combination of guitar and pickup. BTW, isn't this a Blueridge 000?

[Marshall]

Originally Posted by martingitdave

Very good sounding system in this recording Aaron. Really glad you were able to get a little time to record it at NAMM! I am curious how the controls were to use and how you felt the weight of the instrument felt?

How are you recording it, Aaron?
Running through and amp/PA with recorder/mic in front?
Direct pickup line into a recorder?

[martingitdave]

[QUOTE=rb1591;7401306]

Originally Posted by beatbird

I think the HiFi sounds very good on its own. My favorite tone was with the mic blend at 25%.

Agree with beatbird. Actually in this demo, I prefer with Hi-Fi over the external mic … less fret noise. I'm wondering why this Hi-Fi demo sounds so much better than previous ones I've heard. Maybe it's the guitar, since SBT's certain sound different in different guitars? Maybe this is just a particularly good combination of guitar and pickup. BTW, isn't this a Blueridge 000?

My suspicion is the guitar. Of all the choices in the world for LR Baggs to show off their new product, they chose an $700 Chinese made OM. Less natural resonance and bass would make the pickup sound more even. Because of the compression the preamp does for the low end.

I loved my HiFi at home through my small amp systems. I don’t have a large PA anymore. But at venue with built in house sound, or impressive PA systems my HD-28 or D-28 Marquis compressed the low end and left the highs “uncovered”. It sounded thin- with flat EQ. Even with the tone tolled off. Through a small speaker like the Bose S1, it sounded terrific.

[Groberts]

[QUOTE=martingitdave;7401316]

Originally Posted by rb1591

My suspicion is the guitar. Of all the choices in the world for LR Baggs to show off their new product, they chose an $700 Chinese made OM. Less natural resonance and bass would make the pickup sound more even. Because of the compression the preamp does for the low end.

I loved my HiFi at home through my small amp systems. I don’t have a large PA anymore. But at venue with built in house sound, or impressive PA systems my HD-28 or D-28 Marquis compressed the low end and left the highs “uncovered”. It sounded thin- with flat EQ. Even with the tone tolled off through a small speaker like the Bose S1, it sounded terrific.

I was really surprised they showcased the new Baggs HiFi Duet pickup in a Blueridge guitar. What the heck were they thinking? I believe it is a rather lean and bright sounding guitar with somewhat brittle highs inherently.

I agree Aaron’s demo was better than the one done by the rep at the LR Baggs NAMM booth. I would like to hear the pickup presented in a better known excellent sounding guitar and played through a sound system EQ’d the way we would use it for an actual gig. That is the intended purpose of onboard acoustic guitar pickups. People don’t typically buy these pickups to record “Direct”. A directed recorded sound is never my favorite nor is it as telling as I want and need to make the most informed decision. Yes, it’s interesting to know what it sounds like “direct” and that minimizes other variables, but I want to hear how it sounds through a good acoustic amp or PA like most guitarists would actually use it. That is what matters to me the most.

[nostatic]

I'll agree with Gary above. This was not a flattering setup, though I will admit that I'm not a fan of more jangle and often will eq the upper mids and highs down depending on the setup. The mic brought out some brittle upper mids (to me) in this guitar.

fwiw the HiFi sounds quite good in my 000-28 CA 1937. With dual source systems, I usually find myself adding in just a small amount of the mic as I want some air but not a lot of shimmer. With the NC-2 (which I love in my Collings), I run about 10-20% mic. If I end up trying the Duet, I imagine I'd probably end up around the same but we'll have to see what the final product sounds like, and of course the guitar it is going in. I have a 002 being built that will need a pickup, was thinking probably NC-2 or HiFi but Duet is on the list.

[Chriscom]

Originally Posted by Groberts

I would also like to hear the pickup presented in an excellent guitar and played through a sound system eq’d as if it was for an actual gig. People don’t buy these pickups to record “direct”.... It’s interesting to know what it sounds like “direct” but I want to hear how it sounds through an amp or PA like I would actually use it. That is the where it matters to me the most.

Matters to me the most as well, but I think playing through a PA injects another layer of variables--that particular room size, how many people are there, what are the reflective surfaces like.... it's all a bit deceptive compared to when we have it through our own systems and venues.

That being said, I wouldn't object to anyone doing it!

[jennconducts]

All of them sound too bright for my purposes. Of course, this could be the instrument, recording artifacts, etc.

[beatbird]

[QUOTE=rb1591;7401306]

Originally Posted by beatbird

I think the HiFi sounds very good on its own. My favorite tone was with the mic blend at 25%.

Agree with beatbird. Actually in this demo, I prefer with Hi-Fi over the external mic … less fret noise. I'm wondering why this Hi-Fi demo sounds so much better than previous ones I've heard. Maybe it's the guitar, since SBT's certain sound different in different guitars? Maybe this is just a particularly good combination of guitar and pickup. BTW, isn't this a Blueridge 000?

I agree the HiFi alone sounded better than the external mic. Very promising system.

[Justbrandon]

Great demo. The silo mic certainly added more air to the tone, but as with others, I think the hifi on its on sounded great. Curious if those that already own the HiFi have been persuaded to upgrade to the new HiFi Duet upon its release?

[JackB1]

Anyone know exactly when this is supposed to be available?

[Petty1818]

Originally Posted by JackB1

Anyone know exactly when this is supposed to be available?

It says this summer on their website.

[Mbroady]

Originally Posted by JackB1

Anyone know exactly when this is supposed to be available?

If you go for we all anticipate a comprehensive review

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by Mbroady

If you go for we all anticipate a comprehensive review

I just bought a Martin 000-15M without any electronics and I am considering options. Not sure I want to wait until summer. Also not sure the HiFi WITH the mic is worth an extra $250 over the regular HiFi? From all the recordings I've heard the HiFi sounds pretty good by itself and with the mic doesn't sound THAT MUCH different or better.

[Groberts]

I just bought a Collings OM1 Cutaway and i will definitely wait for the Duet.

[Marshall]

Yes, that's a another great demo, Aaron. I thought the 50% mic sounded best.