Has anyone used this for referencing?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-u_7DWP8Ng&feature=uploademail

First I'm hearing about this. Sounds interesting ! Curious about the hook-up and compatibility with various interfaces etc.

Another review / demo of the VRM:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSXImtMhIWY


...for those looking for price, Amazon has it for 82.98:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/cart/view-upsel...43SQXEUU9FA%2C1

That really looks interesting. Thanks for the heads-up.



Bob

What the heck...for a guy who mixes exclusively with phones, for $83 and free returns, I'm in ! Thanks for pointing out this unit !

I have it. It does work as advertised; there is a considerable difference in the various models provided. For someone who must mix using headphones, this would be very helpful.

Good to know Matt. Thanks for the confirmation !

So where does it hook up ? I have a Tascam US-144mkII (has S/PDIF in/out). Would I go spdif out of the Tascam to the in of the VRM ? Does the VRM also need power from a USB port.. Headphones into the VRM... can still use rca outs of the Tascam to my Logitech speaker system ?

I'll find out soon enough but would be good to know I'll be able to use it with my current set-up.

Please.

Your actual environment is going to color your sound even if you are listening through this box. The dude in the video even admits that your mileage may vary depending on the quality of phones you use.

This is just eq folks. Speaker modeling is not exactly new tech.

There is no way your 500$ laptop and an 60$ pair of phones is going to sound like a professional studio.... even if you add an 80$ box to the mix.

Noted. But please... I'll trust Matt's opinion on this if you don't mind.

Sony MDR-7520's here BTW.

It looks interesting. But it doesn't simulate the most critical listening environment: my car.

I don't know that I would necessarily mix with it...but to reference the mix under different simulated conditions, things might "pop out" that needed to be fixed. (Rather than making a CD, going to my car, then to my home stereo etc.)

PReardon is correct about the hookup.

Mick has the right idea about using this. I would never recommend someone use only headphones for mixing. However, for checking a mix, headphones are a necessity (particularly for the stereo imaging) and one of the benefits of this equipment is the ability to try different approximations of monitors. Of course it isn't going to replace the real thing, but that doesn't mean it can't be useful. And we are talking about a comparison to Logitech computer speakers, not studio monitors, unless I missed some detail.

I like David's point, since one must always test a mix in the car, too. Listen to a bass solo disappear, for example. No monitor or headphone can simulate that.

The knock on some Tascam equipment may be justified, and I'm no fan of their customer service, but there is nothing low end about my Tascam FW-1884.

I look at this piece of gear like any other... it's just a tool. It has a certain function that in my environment will be a plus. Different speaker models to run a mix through. Some models will reveal what other's don't. An advantage I don't currently have.

Gave up my prized Dynaudio speakers when I dissolved the home studio, so now it's more a 'serious enthusiast' approach vs pro quality production gear.

As for interfaces, I had the M-Audio Fast Track, FT Pro and both, while OK, caused more than enough crashes, access violations etc with BIAB / RealBand. While on a support call with PG Music, they mentioned having great results with the Tascam. Got the US-144mkII and it's been stable as a rock, and the sound quality is very nice. Also have the Focusrite Saffire 6 which has fairly good mic pres for a low cost unit, and overall good quality.

Had to get a USB Hub though as I'm all filled up.

Looking forward to getting the VRM. Will report on it when it arrives and I've had time to play with it awhile.

My US-144mkII has no buzz whatsoever. And the ASIO drivers allow BIAB / RealBand, Windows Media Player all open at the same time...and no crashes ! Unlike any other low cost interface I've owned.