32 bit is about capturing/catering for a wider dynamic range (without distortion), rather than a broader audio spectrum (which sounds more like frequencies, to me). 🙂
Your comment on the importance of speed and simplicity in recording equipment is the true heart of the matter. We creatives chase "The Muses." The terror of "Red Button Syndrome" paralyses me and the Muses are gone. My equipment is different. I've yet to use it. It mirrors the choices in the studio where I am engaged in lessons. Thanks for sharing. I am the same. It must be quick and have capacity. Why? So I can forget the red light is on and record what is in my heart.
If you want to use the Microcosm live, I highly suggest getting a midi controller for your pedal board. In tandem, it kinda tames the microcosm for live use. So many controllable features.
Sounds great to me. Cats have found our garden. Not sure I can let our 7-month old granddaughter crawl around the garden until I spend a tidy sum on deterrent spikes, tiger-poo granules, plants they hate
Actually, there is also a 'dead kitten' for a smaller version for i.e. video mics or lav. mics and also a 'dead wombat' which is version of dead cat but with less hair. Both are than put on so called 'zeppelin' which is kind of a basket protector of your 'shotgun' mic :)
That turnip greens video was how I found the channel back when I was first starting to research pedals. Seeing that was nostalgic, but also made me feel old realizing how long ago that was!!
32 bit (if I’m remembering right myself) means you don’t have to as concerned about levels. Looks like you’ve chosen well, listening carefully and arriving at your goal. It’s what I tell folks who ask, ‘You’ve got to be happy regardless of specs or other technical stuff. If you’re getting what’s in your head down/recorded, no reason to go elsewhere.’ You’ve learned a bunch and will keep learning I would suspect. Thanks for sharing what you know!
My fav acoustic guitar preamp pedal is Grace Designs Alix, a studio grade box featuring the amazing Grace Designs preamp, plentiful EQ, EFX loop and DI output. First learned of it from Molly tuttle and Billy Strings videos. Blows evertyhing esle out of the water (including Baggs Venue DI). Not cheap stuff by any stretch, but rather an investment in your live sound rig. Worth checking it out. Lower priced model is called Grace Designs BIX pedal- same great preamp and DI but in smaller footprint and simple bass/treble eq.
I just bought a used H6 that I thought I’d use here and there to capture some riff building. But while testing it with just the “x mics” and sloppily placed, it recorded my acoustic with clarity and fidelity I was unprepared for. Testing with my other mics after, it continued to blow my doors off. This thing is wayyyy better than I could have hoped for, and I’m smitten! ✌️😃🎸 Thanks for all you do, Mary!
I learned to play my uncles old Gibson that looked like Willie Nelson's trigger. Never knew about gear and stuff until recently when I started trying to play again. Your gear vids are the least confusing I've seen. Thank you.
A buddy at our church band hooked me up with with the Ultimate Ears guy and got 50% off. Perfect ears. Got mine custom molded and the entire process only took 2 weeks. Very impressed.
I gotta say, the Ox Box is the sort of thing that I feel you don't really "get" until you use it. I recently tracked guitars for my band's next EP in my buddy's home studio and we used his Victory head ran through the ox box absolutely dimed. That sort of sound would normally be impossible to work with in the studio space we had, the guitar was literally spitting and seething, but NOTHING sounds like it. It still blows my mind today.
There’s a lot of knowledge and experience learning how all these devices work independently and together. The joy is in the journey because you will find 5 new things you didn’t set out to learn for the one thing you did.
I like the fact that you are simple. It's also a very smart way of being. I'm a gear junkie. I just can't help myself, lol. But I wish I wasn't. You just end up with half your gear just hangin' around. I appreciate your honesty, dedication, and self-belief. Liked and subscribed!
When you sell so many copies that you feel rich, consider a ribbon microphone for your voice. I think one would work well with your voice. The AEA R84 is very nice, I have a matched stereo pair of them. Royer also makes great ribbon mics. They are more fragile than things like an SM7, so they are not great for touring, think studio only.
Simply put. I love your videos Mary (and your voice)! Loving the new album (Super Sexy Heartbreak), excited to get my pre-ordered album. Will become a patron in two months after payoff a few debts. I have the UA X4 as well and love it, super easy to use and great quality preamps and plugins.
I have a budding musician. He's picking up bass, and a little bit of guitar (both Squier for now). Using a Focusrite input device. I replaced my Tama acoustic drums with an Alesis Strike set. I welcome your gear recommendations, particularly that guitar pedal. It sounds very interesting. Thanks for the tips and cool channel!
I could listen to you talk all day. If you ever do Podcasts (like I’ve been requesting for a million times in the past), count me in as a forever subscriber.
Mary, I enjoyed watching the rundown of current gear you’ve been using. Also loved seeing you pull out your Turnip Greens that I remember watching your video of years back when you first got it 😀 some things just stand the test of time. Great video as always!
Thank a lot! Love when you explain things you’ve lived as a musician! …56 year old self made musician from a small town called Texcoco. And also love the way you sing with your guitar! Thanks again!!
Thanks Mary , absolutely Simplicity is best , I still use an old line 6 kidney bean + a couple of foot pedals while my other equipment sits on the Shelf ... my zoom recorders actually do well when I run it through the mixer, but I hear you talk about the your zoom & audio face. Thanks Mary you are a real person .
I watched your turnip greens vid to decide if i would buy one. I bought it, still use it. The liop to put effect between the drive and verb has been great. I never stopped watching from there. Greatly enjoy your channel and all of its avenues.
I have been playing professionally since 1979, that is when I got my first paying gig. I also do a solo act with guitar a harmonica in a harp holder and vocals. You have to have really good musical instruments and you have to have really good amps, mics, speakers etc. I rieciently have been doing solo work and I bought a BOSS RC-500 loop station. It has sent my imagination into the cosmos. I use a Roland 5 watt Cube Street, a Roland 50 watt Cube Stree EX (Which is loud enough to play with a loud rock band, both are battery powered, and they both sound great. You cannot go wrong with Roland. When I have power I use a 400 watt Quilter micro pro with an 8' speaker and a 12 inch speaker. I play flute and harmonica and guitar and sing. I use Sure microphones and a BOSS GT-100 effects pedal.
I think you would enjoy a rotary pedal. I use a Neo Instruments Ventilator II Rotary Speaker Simulator Pedal with a slow and fast speed and can ramp between settings. I think the guitar through one would sound divine with your singing and playing style.
Your setup is perfect! It should never be about the gear, but about the music and art you create with it! I sometimes "triple" on upright bass, bass guitar and synth bass, and I have almost-exclusively affordably-priced instruments (setup well, though! and several of them quite modified), going into an HX Stomp XL, then into a Markbass amp I bought second-hand, and then finally into a pair of (now discontinued) Peavey 1x12 bass cabs. And I couldn't be happier with the tone and sound I get!
I love it! So many nuances with every thing we can geek out on. Very much enjoyed. I'm a electrical engineer that used to work in RADAR and with my childhood days in the 60's and 70's I have such an appreciation for sound and signal processing. Add to that you put together such great, personal videos that are so very entertaining. Thank you. Aloha.
When I booked tickets to see Mary in Bristol later this year I hadn't heard her sing a single note. I've commented before about the beautiful sound of her speaking voice. If your gear doesn't turn up at St. George's Mary - Just bring the phone book.
Thanks for sharing. 2020 saw me getting back into music production due to COVID lockdown in Melbourne, Australia (7 months worth) and the Sony MDR-7506 really helped so I understand the value of dependable headphones. Thanks for sharing hat you have found usable. And that the in ear option helps with noise bleed.
I would not dream of criticizing your gear! It is what makes you happy, it is what make you sound good. I have been a big fan of the Universal Audio line of UAD interfaces since I was using their PCI cards through the Firewire days. The Apollo is amazing and their plugins are delicious! I am a big fan of their guitar pedals. The Ruby 63 is so useful for my rig.
The ATH M50s are great. I do think there are some that might be more comfortable for long mixing sessions spedifically, maybe some higher-end Beyerdynamic semi-open headphones, but these are perfectly respectable.
Those Zoom handheld recorders are never a bad investment. The quality and practicality for the price is impossible to beat. It's pretty much a must-have for singer songwriters since it can live in a guitar case or backpack and be up and running in 2 minutes if inspiration hits.
Mary, all your gear choices were perfect and spot on. I picked most of the gear you have for my own use, and the UA gear is unmatched by anything else I’ve used in the last 10 years, and like you said, it’s just works flawlessly with a Mac. Great support as well, and their UAD system is amazing and the best investment in plug ins anyone could make. 🤘🤘🤘
@MarySpender My go to compressor pedal is an EHX Tone Corset, but aside from a couple Boss pedals, I generally use mini pedals(my gain section is an Ibanez TS Mini, a TC Spark Mini, and and either a ProCo Rat 2 or Lil Rat) plus my IK iRig Stomp I/O, into a direct box. Keeps me mobile. The microcosm you have, you could setup a few presets through IK’s ToneX Capture plus one of the ToneX pedals for live use. Just a thought.
I'm saving for an Ox Box. I keep hearing they're a major game changer for home studio musicians because they let you do things you couldn't otherwise do. I just have to get a Cranborne Audio 500R8 first.
I totaly agree. When we play acoustic without further treatment that should be enough. I also do some musical vídeos but there's often a sort of temptation to add things I imagine on that song or tune and I can't resist.😅
I haven't tried those headphones, but my go to for total comfort is the DT 770 Pro and DT 770 Studio headphones. Sound great and the ear coverings are a cloth-like material that is very cushiony and feels great for long periods of time... :-)
Since you mentioned, I'm loving your album as a whole (got the CD of course); Honestly, I was unsure I'd appreciate the songs just for the fact I'd be already too familiar with them - but was actually stunned by the new arrangements and, in particular, One To The West Coast and I Blame Myself ARE. JUST. INSANE.
I’ve been on the whole grail for improving my tone for acoustic playing. Started off with Fishmen ToneDeq & I moved on to Grace Design Felix2 with DPA mic. It sounds great but it’s pricey & as someone who likes to use a couple of guitars in a set. Im not sure it’s the most practical setup…
Great Video Mary. I think if you get Acquainted with the MercuryX and LVX from Meris you would fall in love, and potentially replicate the TG Reverb setting.
Mary, I love your music and your videos. I found you through Leo from frog leap. And I have been following you since! I wish I had 10% of your talent. If you come to the United States during your tour, I would love to see your show. I live in Atlanta, GA USA. You are awesome 👍
The microcosm is a lot of fun. Harp lady brought it to my attention. A handheld recorder is really handy. Haven't tried a Zoom. Looks interesting. The gear videos are always fun to see.
Hi Mary - you are the greatest! Thank you for what you do. I am a 61 year old retired man getting back to my love of music. I went to Berklee right out of high school and found myself overwhelmed and out of my league. So, I left and went to work for the family business. I really stopped playing piano, guitar and writing songs. I would pick my guitar up from time to time but it wasn’t until January that I committed myself back to this musical journey. I have just begun playing electric guitar and am blown away by all the options available. Like you I am simple by nature and wondering which direction to go with gear. If you were starting over today would you go old school pedals and amps or the more modern digital approach? Any thoughts would be appreciated. I know you get a sea of comments and may not even see this post - but I love what you are doing! Best to you!
32 bits is the bit depth of your recorder , the higher the bit depth the bigger dynamic range you can capture, that is basically difference between the quietest signal and the loudest signal you can record, also worth mentioning higher bit depth equals lower noise floor.
Thank you, @MarySpender. I already have most of the stuff you discussed. I'm fully onboard with your recommendations, except a bit on the AT headphones. I have that set and whenever I wear them I feel like I want something else- most headphones make me feel that way, though. Probably my favorites to use are the very old Sennheiser HD 265s, which have had a long and happy life but are nearing the end. I also have a pair of the Focal Elegias that sound amazing, but I can't wear them for a very long time. I will probably follow your lead on the in-ears, though.
Hi Mary from Brisbane Australia! Since you obviously like the UA way of doing things I'd really recommend trying the Dream 65 Pedal for direct recording guitar - I'm very fortunate to play some remote sessions and using this with my normal pedal's direct and it's simple and not a compromise sonically. Power to you.
I have been eye-balling a Zoom H6 for recording spoken word events I go to, that sometimes have bands providing music for the readers. I think I will also need a directional mic so I am not picking up the entire room (people like to talk at quiet events, yo), but I will play with the Zoom first and figure that out. Also thank you for the tout on the headphones, I need to replace my old set that I take to my radio station (small college community DJ), so I will definitely look at Audio Technica. This vid and some of the comments made, have definitely made a couple of "I don't know" thoughts into "I gotta get it" decisions. Thank you, all.
We learn all the life . My recommandation for the audio device Universal Audio Volt 276 . For the DAW : Logic Pro on mac . Zoom recorders are very good indeed you are right . I keep the headphones too Audiotechnica because my Beyer Dynamic are too big .My favorite delay pedal : Carbon Copy MXR. Et voilà les amis ;). Congrats @MarySpender for the single "I blame myself"
I don't have IEMs, don't have a use for them, but they make So Much Sense that I would get them as soon as possible if I was going to do serious recording.
Hi Mary! Thank you for the rundown of your gear list! But seriously, even if you were just using the cheapest Focusrite or Arturia interface and an SM57, I'm sure your music would still be amazing and awesome. And that's because you are doing it. You're making it happen day in and day out. It's you + persistence + consistency + willingness to try new things. You are the magic sauce and that is the magic equation. When you get to a point that you can even AFFORD any UAD equipment, then you're doing pretty well and your sound will definitely benefit. As it should be! Now, I'm curious what software you're using, and since you're using the UAD modeling microphone and the Twin X4, I'd also be curious what plugins you have found especially motivating and moving. Thanks again! Now I'm off to go add a Zoom recorder to my budget, lol!
Another great video! I want to comment on your headphones: because I mix with headphones on at various times, I use Neumann NDH 20. The are closed back and neutral (flat) to get a true sound. The ATH-M50x sound great BUT they don’t aim for the balanced sound you which you would expect from a pair of headphones that they claim to be “professional studio monitors”. They sound more exciting, but they're not neutral-sounding, so you don't want to do mixing on them.
Great run downs and a welcome reminder to what your using. Definitely need to check out that UA mic the appeal of no cloudlifter is a selling good selling. The turnip greens still looks like worth checking out, lovely pedal. Been getting a Zoom Q2n for spur of the moment recording that seems to be working well. The Zoom stuff really does have great audio recording this little camera held its own at a show positioned right under the house PA with no audio clipping.
Interesting, the Audio Technica ATH M50X actually wore quite hot for me ears, and I also found them quite bass heavy. I discovered Yaxi Stpad2 earpads for replacing the stock ones (yeah Japanese brand with weird name), now they wear cooler and sound more balanced (and real leather!). Only downside now is the new cups are roomier, unless you have big ears then all good
I remember your videos from Andertons, it's been some time xD I think you talked about the Turnip Greens there. My fav price of gear right now is the Keeley Caverns 2, sounds amazing and looks gorgeous. I got it used for a very nice price. I am also very in love with my Sigma 000MC-15E.
I only play acoustic guitar, and I have almost no interest in gear of this nature for recording. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this video. A testament to the many ways you can appeal to your audience, Mary. Thanks for all you share!
I just read your letter about the worry you have for concert ticket sales. There is one simple solution to help all of us musicians. We must come to realize that people, fans etc., have already heard or purchased our music on line for a cheap monthly price so why should they buy us again somewhere else? They watch our concerts for literally no charge! We, as musicians, need to boycott the current media from selling our music while giving us a fraction of what we deserve. I for one am going to make my music only available at my concerts, record stores or radio,... like it used to be : ) This puts control back into my own hands and many more dollars in my pocket for all the hard work I have put in. I hope this resonates with you and maybe us musicians can have a solidarity movement of our own : ).
1:03 Funny you're talking about ZOOM and just a couple of days ago I pugged in my oooold ZOOM G5 multi effect that I had sleeping in a corner lol, has a tube on pre, it's pretty cool still to this day. Built like a tank too! I have some pretty wacky presets on it. Funny. They make good stuff those people. Anyways, back to the video. lol
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32 bit is about capturing/catering for a wider dynamic range (without distortion), rather than a broader audio spectrum (which sounds more like frequencies, to me). 🙂
Your comment on the importance of speed and simplicity in recording equipment is the true heart of the matter. We creatives chase "The Muses."
The terror of "Red Button Syndrome" paralyses me and the Muses are gone. My equipment is different. I've yet to use it. It mirrors the choices in the studio where I am engaged in lessons. Thanks for sharing. I am the same. It must be quick and have capacity. Why? So I can forget the red light is on and record what is in my heart.
*Schrödinger’s wife:* _“You had to look, didn’t you? Now what are you going to do?”_
*Schrödinger:* _“Hmm… hand me that mic… I’ve got an idea…”_
The audio quality sitting by the lake totally blew me away!
The Microcosm. I have one. It's bonkers in all the best ways.
If you want to use the Microcosm live, I highly suggest getting a midi controller for your pedal board. In tandem, it kinda tames the microcosm for live use. So many controllable features.
The name ‘dead cat’ for a mic protector is quiet funny to me. But a bit morbid
oh, that one's been around for decades! (and yeah, still a bit morbid).
Sounds great to me. Cats have found our garden. Not sure I can let our 7-month old granddaughter crawl around the garden until I spend a tidy sum on deterrent spikes, tiger-poo granules, plants they hate
Actually, there is also a 'dead kitten' for a smaller version for i.e. video mics or lav. mics and also a 'dead wombat' which is version of dead cat but with less hair. Both are than put on so called 'zeppelin' which is kind of a basket protector of your 'shotgun' mic :)
'Quiet funny' shhhhhhh. Thank you dead kitty.
Tell that to Deadmau5
That turnip greens video was how I found the channel back when I was first starting to research pedals. Seeing that was nostalgic, but also made me feel old realizing how long ago that was!!
Same.
32 bit (if I’m remembering right myself) means you don’t have to as concerned about levels. Looks like you’ve chosen well, listening carefully and arriving at your goal. It’s what I tell folks who ask, ‘You’ve got to be happy regardless of specs or other technical stuff. If you’re getting what’s in your head down/recorded, no reason to go elsewhere.’ You’ve learned a bunch and will keep learning I would suspect. Thanks for sharing what you know!
My fav acoustic guitar preamp pedal is Grace Designs Alix, a studio grade box featuring the amazing Grace Designs preamp, plentiful EQ, EFX loop and DI output. First learned of it from Molly tuttle and Billy Strings videos. Blows evertyhing esle out of the water (including Baggs Venue DI). Not cheap stuff by any stretch, but rather an investment in your live sound rig. Worth checking it out. Lower priced model is called Grace Designs BIX pedal- same great preamp and DI but in smaller footprint and simple bass/treble eq.
I just bought a used H6 that I thought I’d use here and there to capture some riff building. But while testing it with just the “x mics” and sloppily placed, it recorded my acoustic with clarity and fidelity I was unprepared for. Testing with my other mics after, it continued to blow my doors off. This thing is wayyyy better than I could have hoped for, and I’m smitten! ✌️😃🎸
Thanks for all you do, Mary!
all of Zoom's portable recorders are amazing. I just got an old H2 and the build in mics sound incredible
I learned to play my uncles old Gibson that looked like Willie Nelson's trigger. Never knew about gear and stuff until recently when I started trying to play again. Your gear vids are the least confusing I've seen. Thank you.
A buddy at our church band hooked me up with with the Ultimate Ears guy and got 50% off. Perfect ears. Got mine custom molded and the entire process only took 2 weeks. Very impressed.
I gotta say, the Ox Box is the sort of thing that I feel you don't really "get" until you use it. I recently tracked guitars for my band's next EP in my buddy's home studio and we used his Victory head ran through the ox box absolutely dimed. That sort of sound would normally be impossible to work with in the studio space we had, the guitar was literally spitting and seething, but NOTHING sounds like it. It still blows my mind today.
There’s a lot of knowledge and experience learning how all these devices work independently and together.
The joy is in the journey because you will find 5 new things you didn’t set out to learn for the one thing you did.
I like the fact that you are simple. It's also a very smart way of being. I'm a gear junkie. I just can't help myself, lol. But I wish I wasn't. You just end up with half your gear just hangin' around. I appreciate your honesty, dedication, and self-belief. Liked and subscribed!
When you sell so many copies that you feel rich, consider a ribbon microphone for your voice. I think one would work well with your voice. The AEA R84 is very nice, I have a matched stereo pair of them. Royer also makes great ribbon mics. They are more fragile than things like an SM7, so they are not great for touring, think studio only.
Simply put. I love your videos Mary (and your voice)! Loving the new album (Super Sexy Heartbreak), excited to get my pre-ordered album. Will become a patron in two months after payoff a few debts. I have the UA X4 as well and love it, super easy to use and great quality preamps and plugins.
The Empress Zoia. The pedal that does....everything. Put in the middle of the chain for Nice results.
All hail the Turnip Greens! I remember when you got that pedal… how time flies!
Same here. Can't believe it was that long ago! I still have and use mine, too.
I have a budding musician. He's picking up bass, and a little bit of guitar (both Squier for now). Using a Focusrite input device. I replaced my Tama acoustic drums with an Alesis Strike set. I welcome your gear recommendations, particularly that guitar pedal. It sounds very interesting. Thanks for the tips and cool channel!
I could listen to you talk all day.
If you ever do Podcasts (like I’ve been requesting for a million times in the past), count me in as a forever subscriber.
Mary, I enjoyed watching the rundown of current gear you’ve been using. Also loved seeing you pull out your Turnip Greens that I remember watching your video of years back when you first got it 😀 some things just stand the test of time. Great video as always!
Thank a lot! Love when you explain things you’ve lived as a musician! …56 year old self made musician from a small town called Texcoco. And also love the way you sing with your guitar! Thanks again!!
Thanks Mary , absolutely Simplicity is best , I still use an old line 6 kidney bean + a couple of foot pedals while my other equipment sits on the Shelf ... my zoom recorders actually do well when I run it through the mixer, but I hear you talk about the your zoom & audio face. Thanks Mary you are a real person .
I watched your turnip greens vid to decide if i would buy one.
I bought it, still use it. The liop to put effect between the drive and verb has been great.
I never stopped watching from there. Greatly enjoy your channel and all of its avenues.
I have been playing professionally since 1979, that is when I got my first paying gig. I also do a solo act with guitar a harmonica in a harp holder and vocals. You have to have really good musical instruments and you have to have really good amps, mics, speakers etc. I rieciently have been doing solo work and I bought a BOSS RC-500 loop station. It has sent my imagination into the cosmos. I use a Roland 5 watt Cube Street, a Roland 50 watt Cube Stree EX (Which is loud enough to play with a loud rock band, both are battery powered, and they both sound great. You cannot go wrong with Roland. When I have power I use a 400 watt Quilter micro pro with an 8' speaker and a 12 inch speaker. I play flute and harmonica and guitar and sing. I use Sure microphones and a BOSS GT-100 effects pedal.
A Zoom 2020 rack was my favorite of the 90's. Lot's of presets. Your lighting is very nice.
I think you would enjoy a rotary pedal. I use a Neo Instruments Ventilator II Rotary Speaker Simulator Pedal with a slow and fast speed and can ramp between settings. I think the guitar through one would sound divine with your singing and playing style.
Your setup is perfect! It should never be about the gear, but about the music and art you create with it! I sometimes "triple" on upright bass, bass guitar and synth bass, and I have almost-exclusively affordably-priced instruments (setup well, though! and several of them quite modified), going into an HX Stomp XL, then into a Markbass amp I bought second-hand, and then finally into a pair of (now discontinued) Peavey 1x12 bass cabs.
And I couldn't be happier with the tone and sound I get!
I love it! So many nuances with every thing we can geek out on. Very much enjoyed. I'm a electrical engineer that used to work in RADAR and with my childhood days in the 60's and 70's I have such an appreciation for sound and signal processing. Add to that you put together such great, personal videos that are so very entertaining. Thank you. Aloha.
Your voice is so soothing, I could listen to you reading the phone book.
Tá de sacanagem, né?
When I booked tickets to see Mary in Bristol later this year I hadn't heard her sing a single note. I've commented before about the beautiful sound of her speaking voice. If your gear doesn't turn up at St. George's Mary - Just bring the phone book.
Thanks for sharing. 2020 saw me getting back into music production due to COVID lockdown in Melbourne, Australia (7 months worth) and the Sony MDR-7506 really helped so I understand the value of dependable headphones. Thanks for sharing hat you have found usable. And that the in ear option helps with noise bleed.
Great video! Pro tip, you can run the ox box over spdif into yoru apollo, so you don't have to use up the two other preamps on your interface.
I would not dream of criticizing your gear! It is what makes you happy, it is what make you sound good. I have been a big fan of the Universal Audio line of UAD interfaces since I was using their PCI cards through the Firewire days. The Apollo is amazing and their plugins are delicious! I am a big fan of their guitar pedals. The Ruby 63 is so useful for my rig.
The ATH M50s are great. I do think there are some that might be more comfortable for long mixing sessions spedifically, maybe some higher-end Beyerdynamic semi-open headphones, but these are perfectly respectable.
The portion about in-ear monitors is very helpful- I'm finding that it's becoming more essential to have them. Great video!
Thanks for sharing. You clearly have a love of Universal Audio gear!
Those Zoom handheld recorders are never a bad investment. The quality and practicality for the price is impossible to beat. It's pretty much a must-have for singer songwriters since it can live in a guitar case or backpack and be up and running in 2 minutes if inspiration hits.
Mary may your journey continue in wonderful and unexpected ways. 😍
Mary, all your gear choices were perfect and spot on. I picked most of the gear you have for my own use, and the UA gear is unmatched by anything else I’ve used in the last 10 years, and like you said, it’s just works flawlessly with a Mac. Great support as well, and their UAD system is amazing and the best investment in plug ins anyone could make. 🤘🤘🤘
@MarySpender My go to compressor pedal is an EHX Tone Corset, but aside from a couple Boss pedals, I generally use mini pedals(my gain section is an Ibanez TS Mini, a TC Spark Mini, and and either a ProCo Rat 2 or Lil Rat) plus my IK iRig Stomp I/O, into a direct box. Keeps me mobile. The microcosm you have, you could setup a few presets through IK’s ToneX Capture plus one of the ToneX pedals for live use. Just a thought.
Imagining myself at 1:44 with my OM-28 in a boat just totally flipping over 😂
God. That would suck! HAhah
I'm saving for an Ox Box. I keep hearing they're a major game changer for home studio musicians because they let you do things you couldn't otherwise do. I just have to get a Cranborne Audio 500R8 first.
I totaly agree. When we play acoustic without further treatment that should be enough. I also do some musical vídeos but there's often a sort of temptation to add things I imagine on that song or tune and I can't resist.😅
great choices mary.
I saw your tour dates. We are waiting you in Spain. Regards and congratulations for your videos and your music.❤
I am not a musician, and I don't know anything about gear. Yet, I enjoyed this. I like how you explain things and your process for liking things. :)
I use similar headphones but always do a double check with monitors speakers. Chinese mic clones have sparked a mic war. Great deals out there.
I haven't tried those headphones, but my go to for total comfort is the DT 770 Pro and DT 770 Studio headphones. Sound great and the ear coverings are a cloth-like material that is very cushiony and feels great for long periods of time... :-)
The Turnip Greens video was the first one of yours that I watched - but 2016, OMG. You've come a long way, Well done Mary.
Oooh, pedals and cords and mics. Sweet.
Cool. I use a Zoom R8 and it works just fine. The more gear reviews I see, the more I'm just happy with what I have.
Every few months I relearn the Microcosm because the pedal's feature set is soooo deep. Such an amazing pedal
Since you mentioned, I'm loving your album as a whole (got the CD of course); Honestly, I was unsure I'd appreciate the songs just for the fact I'd be already too familiar with them - but was actually stunned by the new arrangements and, in particular, One To The West Coast and I Blame Myself ARE. JUST. INSANE.
I’ve been on the whole grail for improving my tone for acoustic playing. Started off with Fishmen ToneDeq & I moved on to Grace Design Felix2 with DPA mic. It sounds great but it’s pricey & as someone who likes to use a couple of guitars in a set. Im not sure it’s the most practical setup…
I miss these videos from Mary! I hope she’ll make another video update to her guitar/amp collection
Great Video Mary. I think if you get Acquainted with the MercuryX and LVX from Meris you would fall in love, and potentially replicate the TG Reverb setting.
Thank you for being geeked out on gear and product design. It's fun. 🌟
Mary, I love your music and your videos. I found you through Leo from frog leap. And I have been following you since! I wish I had 10% of your talent. If you come to the United States during your tour, I would love to see your show. I live in Atlanta, GA USA. You are awesome 👍
The microcosm is a lot of fun. Harp lady brought it to my attention. A handheld recorder is really handy. Haven't tried a Zoom. Looks interesting. The gear videos are always fun to see.
Hi Mary - you are the greatest! Thank you for what you do. I am a 61 year old retired man getting back to my love of music. I went to Berklee right out of high school and found myself overwhelmed and out of my league. So, I left and went to work for the family business. I really stopped playing piano, guitar and writing songs. I would pick my guitar up from time to time but it wasn’t until January that I committed myself back to this musical journey. I have just begun playing electric guitar and am blown away by all the options available. Like you I am simple by nature and wondering which direction to go with gear. If you were starting over today would you go old school pedals and amps or the more modern digital approach? Any thoughts would be appreciated. I know you get a sea of comments and may not even see this post - but I love what you are doing! Best to you!
Turnip Greens, Yes!!! I bought that pedal because of you. It's such a great pedal.
Thank you so much for sharing Mary.... it is very appreciated for me and maybe others for you to share your preferred gear...
I compose a lot of ambient music and Microcosm is probably one of my absolute favorite pedals ! Chase Bliss makes some incredible pedals too.
32 bits is the bit depth of your recorder , the higher the bit depth the bigger dynamic range you can capture, that is basically difference between the quietest signal and the loudest signal you can record, also worth mentioning higher bit depth equals lower noise floor.
Thank you, @MarySpender. I already have most of the stuff you discussed. I'm fully onboard with your recommendations, except a bit on the AT headphones. I have that set and whenever I wear them I feel like I want something else- most headphones make me feel that way, though. Probably my favorites to use are the very old Sennheiser HD 265s, which have had a long and happy life but are nearing the end. I also have a pair of the Focal Elegias that sound amazing, but I can't wear them for a very long time. I will probably follow your lead on the in-ears, though.
Hi Mary from Brisbane Australia! Since you obviously like the UA way of doing things I'd really recommend trying the Dream 65 Pedal for direct recording guitar - I'm very fortunate to play some remote sessions and using this with my normal pedal's direct and it's simple and not a compromise sonically. Power to you.
Been waiting for this !
I have been eye-balling a Zoom H6 for recording spoken word events I go to, that sometimes have bands providing music for the readers.
I think I will also need a directional mic so I am not picking up the entire room (people like to talk at quiet events, yo), but I will play with the Zoom first and figure that out.
Also thank you for the tout on the headphones, I need to replace my old set that I take to my radio station (small college community DJ), so I will definitely look at Audio Technica.
This vid and some of the comments made, have definitely made a couple of "I don't know" thoughts into "I gotta get it" decisions. Thank you, all.
We learn all the life . My recommandation for the audio device Universal Audio Volt 276 . For the DAW : Logic Pro on mac . Zoom recorders are very good indeed you are right . I keep the headphones too Audiotechnica because my Beyer Dynamic are too big .My favorite delay pedal : Carbon Copy MXR. Et voilà les amis ;). Congrats @MarySpender for the single "I blame myself"
I don't have IEMs, don't have a use for them, but they make So Much Sense
that I would get them as soon as possible if I was going to do serious recording.
Hi Mary! Thank you for the rundown of your gear list! But seriously, even if you were just using the cheapest Focusrite or Arturia interface and an SM57, I'm sure your music would still be amazing and awesome. And that's because you are doing it. You're making it happen day in and day out. It's you + persistence + consistency + willingness to try new things. You are the magic sauce and that is the magic equation. When you get to a point that you can even AFFORD any UAD equipment, then you're doing pretty well and your sound will definitely benefit. As it should be! Now, I'm curious what software you're using, and since you're using the UAD modeling microphone and the Twin X4, I'd also be curious what plugins you have found especially motivating and moving. Thanks again! Now I'm off to go add a Zoom recorder to my budget, lol!
Loving UA, been digging into Luna, got a few UA plugins and now that OX is a must have from UA! Thanks for the video Mary. :)
I love this accent. And very informative content. Thank you
Thanks for sharing. I love what you do. We met at NAMM couple years ago.
2016!! You haven't aged a bit. I wish there was a way to see you play live here in Connecticut.
ok the audio is very clear on the dictaphone, and you should try the looper I think the pedals called if I am remembering correctly
Got to try them. Cheers!
Love this, as a guitar nerd. And I also like your top/shirt. Very nice.
Another great video! I want to comment on your headphones: because I mix with headphones on at various times, I use Neumann NDH 20. The are closed back and neutral (flat) to get a true sound. The ATH-M50x sound great BUT they don’t aim for the balanced sound you which you would expect from a pair of headphones that they claim to be “professional studio monitors”. They sound more exciting, but they're not neutral-sounding, so you don't want to do mixing on them.
I'm just here for the experience and to hear your personal take so thanks
Love your channel Mary, thank you for everything 🤙
The SD-1 comes with 5 mic models. I love my Sphere LX. Looking to buy a DLX down the road.
That Turnip Greens video was the first video of yours I watched! Very cool.
Great run downs and a welcome reminder to what your using. Definitely need to check out that UA mic the appeal of no cloudlifter is a selling good selling. The turnip greens still looks like worth checking out, lovely pedal. Been getting a Zoom Q2n for spur of the moment recording that seems to be working well. The Zoom stuff really does have great audio recording this little camera held its own at a show positioned right under the house PA with no audio clipping.
Loved the Church bell clip! Great discussion of gear!
Hi Mary - great job. Excellent explanation on the basics.
Would like to have had a better picture of the back side of the boxes you use along with links to webpage information. Great job as usual.
Take care Mary 🎉
Interesting, the Audio Technica ATH M50X actually wore quite hot for me ears, and I also found them quite bass heavy. I discovered Yaxi Stpad2 earpads for replacing the stock ones (yeah Japanese brand with weird name), now they wear cooler and sound more balanced (and real leather!). Only downside now is the new cups are roomier, unless you have big ears then all good
I remember your videos from Andertons, it's been some time xD I think you talked about the Turnip Greens there. My fav price of gear right now is the Keeley Caverns 2, sounds amazing and looks gorgeous. I got it used for a very nice price. I am also very in love with my Sigma 000MC-15E.
Another helpful, entertaining Video, thank you. Since I like recording directly on the iphone I use the shure MV88 a lot… but I‘m not a pro…😌
Take a look at the Neumann mt48 interface. Its amazing.
I only play acoustic guitar, and I have almost no interest in gear of this nature for recording. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this video. A testament to the many ways you can appeal to your audience, Mary. Thanks for all you share!
I just read your letter about the worry you have for concert ticket sales. There is one simple solution to help all of us musicians. We must come to realize that people, fans etc., have already heard or purchased our music on line for a cheap monthly price so why should they buy us again somewhere else? They watch our concerts for literally no charge! We, as musicians, need to boycott the current media from selling our music while giving us a fraction of what we deserve. I for one am going to make my music only available at my concerts, record stores or radio,... like it used to be : ) This puts control back into my own hands and many more dollars in my pocket for all the hard work I have put in. I hope this resonates with you and maybe us musicians can have a solidarity movement of our own : ).
Seriously interesting video Mary, The OX box really peked my interest!
1:03 Funny you're talking about ZOOM and just a couple of days ago I pugged in my oooold ZOOM G5 multi effect that I had sleeping in a corner lol, has a tube on pre, it's pretty cool still to this day. Built like a tank too! I have some pretty wacky presets on it. Funny. They make good stuff those people. Anyways, back to the video. lol
My first pedal bought 1979 Big Muff 39.95