Universal Audio 4-710d Four-Channel Tone-Blending - Manual (Page 26)

Insider’s Secrets
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complementing it with the 4-710d’s solid-state preamp (or use the Blend control to dial in a
combination of the two that favors the contribution of the TRANS side).
Electric Guitar and Bass
There’s something very special about the mix of tube preamplification and electric guitar and bass,
which is why tube amps are so prevalent in that world. Cranking up the 4-710d's Gain control will
impart anything from a slight bark to total grunge. Set the Blend control all the way to TRANS for that
overloaded console effect, or all the way to TUBE to emulate the grittiness and bite of an overdriven
guitar amp... or anywhere in-between for a custom guitar sound perfectly crafted to the context of the
song.
Electric bass players may want to set the Blend control so that the solid-state amp is slightly favored
(try a 10 o’clock position to start), allowing you to take advantage of the precision of the
transimpedance preamp stage, combined with just a touch of tube warmth. For acoustic bass, try
dialing in just a touch more tube preamp.
Acoustic Guitar
The 4-710d is also a powerful tool for the recording of acoustic guitar. Try pairing it with a small-
diaphragm omnidirectional mic and then set the Blend to about the 2 o’clock position (thus slightly
favoring the tube preamp) for a sound that is both pristine and warm.
Horns and Reeds
The incredible detail provided by the 4-710d’s solid-state transimpedance preamp make it a perfect
match for horn and reed instruments. Dial in just a touch of the tube preamp (set the Blend control to
approximately 9 o’clock) to add a touch of tube warmth, and you’ve got a sound that will work in just
about any musical context.
Drums
The huge range of sonic possibilities offered by the 4-710d make it an invaluable companion for any
kind of drum miking. The excellent transient response of its solid-state transimpedance preamp serves
to enhance overhead and ambient mics picking up the crispness of cymbals, while the roundness of its
tube preamp adds fullness to snare and tom mics. Again, the best solution is usually a blend of the
two, depending upon the specific mics being used and the mic positioning. Be sure also to experiment
with the 4-710d polarity control whenever multiple mics are being used!
Improving the Sound of Your Microphone
Incredible but true: in some cases, the 4-710d can make an inexpensive microphone sound like an
expensive one. Even an inexpensive stage dynamic microphone can come to life when routed through
one or both 4-710d preamps, adding richness and airiness to the sound without adding undesirable
graininess or coloration.
Live Applications
Although the 4-710d was designed primarily for use in recording, it can also serve as a powerful
addition to a live sound rig, especially in FOH (Front Of House) applications. Because its tube preamp
section is based on vintage guitar amp design, it can even be used as an onstage preamp; just plug
your instrument directly into its Hi-Z input and then route the 4-710d output to a power amp and/or
FOH console input.