T8s Reverb issues - T8s Vocal quality

I bought the T8s new tonematch in October last year and even after applying the latest update am totally disapointed in the REVERB quality against the original T1 Tonematch. The version that I have on the T8s is v1.1.4.

I have compared the Reverb on both the original T1 and the T8s using Plate - Medium set at 30% and 50% using Neuman KMS105 microphone. The Reverb quality is still not the same as the original T1 even after applying the update V1.1.4.

The vocals quality is also much smoother on the T1 then the T8s

Second Issue - I have a Taylor acoustic and applied the T5 setting. The original T1 feels tight and clean.. the T8s seems to be very bright and loss of volume both at the same setting.

I have 6 Bose Model 2 systems with B2 subs which have been performing exceptionally well for the last 5-6years (3 bought new within the last 2 years) with individual T1 Tonematch mixer. The T8s mixer would bought due to additional channels and so far has not proved itself. I would appreciate if your Technical department take a closer look and apply a new update as soon as possible.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Maximilan de Souza

Hi Maximilan,

Let's start with the microphone with reverb question first.

I did a recording with a Neumann KMS 105 the T1 and T8S.

The recording is in stereo with the T1 on one side and the T8S on the other. Please listen to the recording and we'll talk about which is which later.

I mixed the same recording down to mono for the third listening test below.

Playback

  1. Mono - T1 to L1 Model II
    • Use this file: T8S and T1 Reverb - Stereo
    • Connect your computer to the T8S using USB from PC set to the default setting - Left: Master, Right Master. This will bypass any processing in the T8S.
    • You should hear exactly what I hear when I play the file here through a single L1.
  2. Stereo - T8S to two L1 Model II
    • Use this file: T8S and T1 Reverb - Stereo
      Connect your computer to the T8S using USB B from PC set to the default setting - Left: Master, Right Master. This will bypass any processing in the T8S.
    • You should hear exactly what I hear when I play the file here except now you will hear the Left side out of one L1 and the Right side out of the other L1
  3. Mono - T8S to two L1 Model II
    • Use this file: T8S and T1 Reverb - Mono
    • Connect your computer to the T8S using USB B from PC set to the default setting - Left: Master, Right Master. This will bypass any processing in the T8S.
    • You should hear exactly what I hear when I play the file here except now you will hear both the left and right tracks mixed to mono out of both L1s at the same time
    • Does the tone change when you use this file?



Details:

Microphone: Neumann KMS 105 using close microphone technique

Preset: Neuman KMS 105

EQ: None

Using only Reverb with these settings:
T1 
Global Reverb
Type: Plate
Time: 1.20s
Bal: 50%
Channel Reverb
Mix: 30%
Bright: 50%

T8S
Global Reverb
Type: Plate
Time: 25% (this is 25% of 4.6 sec = approx 1.20s)
Bal: 50%
Channel Reverb
Mix: 30%
Bright: 65%

The T1 is running the latest firmware version 1.8.
The T8S is running the latest firmware version 1.1.4.

Listen to the files through one or two L1s as I described above. Listening through headphones won't be helpful because we are talking about what you hear in a live setting.

Two questions for listening test 1 and 2

  1. Can you hear the difference between the left and right sides?
  2. Do you have a preference: left or right?



One question for listening test 3

  1. Is the tone different when you listen in mono through two L1s?



What do you hear Max?

ST

Hi Maximilian,

I listened to the tracks above and thought you might find them too dry. So I did this again with the time settings

T1 Time: 2.43 seconds

T8 Time: 50%

Please repeat the listening tests above. Which sound do you prefer; 1 or 2?

ST

Hi ST,

The second one is the best setting. How do I change it on the T8s? Thanks

Hi Maxmilan,

These are the settings on the T8S

T8S
Global Reverb
Type: Plate
Time: 50% (this is 50% of 4.6 sec = approx 2.30s)
Bal: 50%
Channel Reverb
Mix: 30%
Bright: 65%

ST

I have set the T8s based on your configuration above and sounds hollow and reverb not as good as the T1 still.

Can you not get the same setting T1 Time 1.75 Bal 50 -- Mix 30 Bright 50? this would make life a lot easier.  The mic sound is much smoother. I want to use the T8s instead of the T1. Thanks

Hi Maxmilan,

These are the settings on the T8S I used in the second recording. The ones you asked for.

T8S - in the recording
Global Reverb
Type: Plate
Time: 50% (this is 50% of 4.6 sec = approx 2.30s)
Bal: 50%
Channel Reverb
Mix: 30%
Bright: 65%

T8S - new settings to try
Global Reverb
Type: Plate
Time: 38% (this is 38% of 4.6 sec = approx 1.75s)
Bal: 50%
Channel Reverb
Mix: 30%
Bright: 65%  <-- You can try turning this down to make things warmer



Important Question

Are you running the T8S in stereo to two L1s?

Diagnostic test: If you are running two L1s, try disconnecting one of the L1s and see if that sounds better.

ST

Hi Maximilan,

Steinberger posted:
? - ? - ? - ? - ? - ? - ? - ? - ?

Second Issue - I have a Taylor acoustic and applied the T5 setting. The original T1 feels tight and clean.. the T8s seems to be very bright and loss of volume both at the same setting.

? - ? - ? - ? - ? - ? - ? - ? - ?

Maximilan de Souza



I started a new discussion about the Taylor T5 Preset. Please follow the link.

T8S and T1 with Taylor T5 Preset

Thanks,

ST

Hey Everybody,

Do you hear a difference between one and two in the recordings above?

Do you have a preference?

If you have a T4S or T8S and you are running two L1 Model II or L1 Model 1S systems - do you notice a difference playing these tracks through one or both L1 systems?

ST

Hi ST,

Perfect I used the following settings and very happy with the results.

 

T8S - new settings to try
Global Reverb

Reverb - Medium
Type: Plate
Time: 38% (this is 38% of 4.6 sec = approx 1.75s)
Bal: 50%
Channel Reverb
Mix: 30%
Bright: 50% 

Thank you again for the prompt support and look forward now using teh Bose T8s. Happy Bose customer.

Kind Regards

Max

Hi Max,

Thanks for coming back to tell us this is working for you.

ST

The second one sounds considerably better to me.