Focusrite sounds very flat and unprocessed (which may be perceived as thin and sterile), while RMP seems to bring up the quiet parts of the signal a bit as if compressing the signal slightly out of the box. I don't think this effect is something that couldn't easily be achieved with compressor and perhaps some EQ plugins after recording straight into 2i2 without RMP. That said, in some workflows it might be justified to have a hardware unit like RMP you know how to set up well and to save time by getting the right recording on "tape" right away.
The RNP sounds really nice and I can hear the color its adding. The Focusrite sounds thinner and uninteresting when compared to but definitely does not sound terrible
My RNP was sitting in a drawer for years, I got it out today since I got a new mic Warm Audio WA-8000. Running through an SSL usb audio interface with legacy 4K. I wasn’t even in my booth and could tell the signal was a lot thicker than the SSL built in preamp. Definitely need to isolate the sound recording in an acoustically treated environment. And turn up the gain will really be able to tell the difference then. The built in preamp on the usb audio interface was clean but sounded thin. Definitely some warmth going through it. I’d keep it. Next level preamps cost much much more.
If you have the RNC however, you might keep the RNP to run with it and help keep a balanced input section. RNC is still a pretty impressive tracking unit compared to plug-ins.
just bumbling around...I've got crazy focusrite gear...like a couple of mixmasters and compounders etc.... and the fmr in your video...really tickles my ears better...thanks!
I have the RNP. I’ve run it through a Focusrite Scarlett, and I’ve run it through an Apogee Mini Me. What I learned is that the RNP won’t overcome mediocre A/D conversion. Through the Scarlett, the RNP sounded okay. Through the Mini Me, the RNP sounded great. So converter quality matters. Upgrade that, and you’ll hear what the RNP can do.
@@JoelK Yes. By the way, A/D conversion is a big sticking point for budget priced mic preamps. The RNP retails for less than $500. But just try to find an A/D converter in that price range. (You won’t.) So the only low price option is to run the RNP through a preamp/converter audio interface, bypassing the interface preamps. Seems a Rube Goldberg approach to me. But then a lot of things about audio recording are beyond my understanding.
Yep. When I looked for interfaces to bypass the interface preamps, there weren't many. Apogee Duet can, but the pres are good enough to not bypass, and I'd be looking at $700+AUD for a used unit. I had a look - only 1 Mini Me on the market, and that doesn't have USB
Hi, what was your final decision? Did you keep the FMR RNP? I'm going to buy this preamp to improve the quality of my voice, is it worth it? Thank you.
I hear an enormous difference, and the RNP is clearly much better. It has a depth of field (my term for the feeling of 3-dimensionality like the sound comes out at you) and subtlety lacking in the 2i2 raw. EQ would NOT compensate for this. Things that would help anyone hear the difference: years of practice listening, good sound interface to listen on (like an Audioquest DragonFly), good headphones.
Thanks for your thoughts! I agree - having listened back to this video a few times, and recording with it regularly, I really enjoy the clarity that the RNP gives.
I dunno, I thought I heard a huge difference when playing through my cell phone, but now listening to studio monitors and studio grade headphone monitors... I'm not hearing much of a difference... Hmmm...
I think it’s because the RNP has more top end then the Scarlett you thought the Scarlett has more bottom end. RNP rules. Definitely getting it when I have the budget.
The RNP was WAY better. The scarlet reminded me of a cell phone recording whereas the RNP sounded like music. I know that sounds dumb as hell but just what came to mind.
I don't think the difference was subtle at all. The RNP had a much wider response and was more detailed.
1:22 vs 1:52, 2:21 vs 2:40, 2:59 vs 3:33 You're welcome
thanks
I definitely prefer the sound of the RNP.
Focusrite sounds very flat and unprocessed (which may be perceived as thin and sterile), while RMP seems to bring up the quiet parts of the signal a bit as if compressing the signal slightly out of the box. I don't think this effect is something that couldn't easily be achieved with compressor and perhaps some EQ plugins after recording straight into 2i2 without RMP. That said, in some workflows it might be justified to have a hardware unit like RMP you know how to set up well and to save time by getting the right recording on "tape" right away.
I thought that was a great demo, nice one bud. Thanks.
The RNP sounds really nice and I can hear the color its adding. The Focusrite sounds thinner and uninteresting when compared to but definitely does not sound terrible
My RNP was sitting in a drawer for years, I got it out today since I got a new mic Warm Audio WA-8000. Running through an SSL usb audio interface with legacy 4K. I wasn’t even in my booth and could tell the signal was a lot thicker than the SSL built in preamp. Definitely need to isolate the sound recording in an acoustically treated environment. And turn up the gain will really be able to tell the difference then. The built in preamp on the usb audio interface was clean but sounded thin. Definitely some warmth going through it. I’d keep it. Next level preamps cost much much more.
Filtaah 3:42 lol
Thanks for the video, great comparison!
RNP all the way WOW!!! That thing is nice! Sounds full and rich. So much Character.
If you have the RNC however, you might keep the RNP to run with it and help keep a balanced input section. RNC is still a pretty impressive tracking unit compared to plug-ins.
Agreed. FYI - I've kept it. Makes everything sound better
just bumbling around...I've got crazy focusrite gear...like a couple of mixmasters and compounders etc....
and the fmr in your video...really tickles my ears better...thanks!
Hi.
I'm a experience audio engineer and what I'm listening is that the 2 devices are doing the job well!
Thanks for the feedback mate.
Any advice on whether I should keep the RNP?
I have the RNP. I’ve run it through a Focusrite Scarlett, and I’ve run it through an Apogee Mini Me. What I learned is that the RNP won’t overcome mediocre A/D conversion. Through the Scarlett, the RNP sounded okay. Through the Mini Me, the RNP sounded great. So converter quality matters. Upgrade that, and you’ll hear what the RNP can do.
Thanks for the info!
Tom - Does your Mini Me have USB connection?
@@JoelK Yes. By the way, A/D conversion is a big sticking point for budget priced mic preamps. The RNP retails for less than $500. But just try to find an A/D converter in that price range. (You won’t.) So the only low price option is to run the RNP through a preamp/converter audio interface, bypassing the interface preamps. Seems a Rube Goldberg approach to me. But then a lot of things about audio recording are beyond my understanding.
Yep. When I looked for interfaces to bypass the interface preamps, there weren't many. Apogee Duet can, but the pres are good enough to not bypass, and I'd be looking at $700+AUD for a used unit.
I had a look - only 1 Mini Me on the market, and that doesn't have USB
Hey Tom
What are you recording with - Mac?
Any issues with drivers for the Mini me?
Hi, what was your final decision? Did you keep the FMR RNP? I'm going to buy this preamp to improve the quality of my voice, is it worth it? Thank you.
Hey mate
I’ve kept it, as it helps give more gain to dynamic mics and makes the sound a little nicer (only 5%).
I hear an enormous difference, and the RNP is clearly much better. It has a depth of field (my term for the feeling of 3-dimensionality like the sound comes out at you) and subtlety lacking in the 2i2 raw. EQ would NOT compensate for this. Things that would help anyone hear the difference: years of practice listening, good sound interface to listen on (like an Audioquest DragonFly), good headphones.
Thanks for your thoughts!
I agree - having listened back to this video a few times, and recording with it regularly, I really enjoy the clarity that the RNP gives.
Joel K Awesome, sounds like you're on a journey of fruitful growth in this :).
Kind of strange that's the only video on UA-cam available for that preamp.
Yep.
Pretty quiet across the board.
Sell everything, but keep the 4033 and the RNP.
P.S. The RNP was a fair bit cleaner as far as signal integrity....nothing too game changing though....
Agreed. I've kept it for that reason
I dunno, I thought I heard a huge difference when playing through my cell phone, but now listening to studio monitors and studio grade headphone monitors... I'm not hearing much of a difference... Hmmm...
What did you hear differently through your phone?
Seems most noticeable on the vocals that the RNP sounds better
I think it’s because the RNP has more top end then the Scarlett you thought the Scarlett has more bottom end. RNP rules. Definitely getting it when I have the budget.
I agree - RNP rules
RNP 🔥🔥🔥🔥🎶
Art tubeMP/C
Night and day…RNP is so much better !
1:22 1:52
Yep. I'm with the RNP. But I am being pedantic.
That's the idea.
I've been carting it around with me on holiday - so easy to keep it and make everything sound good.
The RNP was WAY better. The scarlet reminded me of a cell phone recording whereas the RNP sounded like music. I know that sounds dumb as hell but just what came to mind.
Good analysis!