Asked by the import agent, I tried Grace Design's new "REX" & "ROXi". Flat and decent sounding micpres for both recording and live performance.
At Video 1, saxophone & effects pedals improvisation, inspired by Guillaume du Fay(1397 - 1474)'s "Faux-Bourdon" with "X-TIME" harmonizer (IK Multimedia).
When hearing "parallel fifth", it may remind most guitarists of "power chords", but, for me, capability of electric interpretation of medieval Organum or Faux-Bourdon in Renaissance.
Video 2 is a shootout including ART Tube MP and GML 8302. Both Grace REX and ROXi, XLR outputs go through transformers (OEP, UK) and TS outputs work as transformerless micpres.
I like transformer output for recording of unplugged instruments (video2) and transformerless for live performance with effects pedals (video1). Even if "true bypass", it has to go through a lot of terminals of effects pedals dulling the sound. Therefor I felt the slender sounding of transformerless was more suitable for effects pedals.
Everyone who tries REX or ROXi will find both micpres having send & return terminals like mixing consoles. At video 1, I connected effects pedals at send & return.
You will find very flat sounding of REX or ROXi at the videos above because they are without any EQs. It is easy to make narrower and/or fatter sounding that may be more suitable for some live performances with EQs at REX and ROXi micpreamps.
Recently, I got some chances to play flute more. I play flute / alto flute as a member of woodwinds and strings section on Mami Oonishi’s recording and concert.
Playing with great woodwinds & strings musicians without saxophone at all—That is a supreme work as a sax-based doubler;)
Happy practice days because of beautiful compositions and arrangements by Mami. I wish audiences enjoy my flute as a culmination of practice in these corona years. Thanks Mami-san for such a beautiful album and wonderful chance.
8th Apr.2023 Claps Roppongi, Tokyo
Pf 大西まみ Vn 江藤有希 Vc 橋本歩 Ob 大隈淳幾 Fl 荒木真 Wb デジ Dr 只熊良介 Gt 米田雄一 Per 塩のやもとひろ
"Sound design" by ARAKI Shin. The first half is modal and the latter is tonal with 7/8 beat. We mixed overdub and live-performance (flute by ARAKI and voice by Ray Akaike). Great pleasure to be a part of such beautiful moment.