ISOLO PRIME tone test and effects demo

Good sound quality is an essential factor that everyone considers when choosing microphone equipment. Since sound quality is a subjective experience and can be challenging to describe in words, the best way to make a judgment is to listen directly. We are honored to have had the guidance of renowned saxophonist Dong Shun-Wen during the product development phase, who assisted in adjusting the sound quality and provided related audio demonstrations for comparison.

In the sound demonstration, Mr. used the DPA 4099 microphone, which is commonly used by concert musicians. As a comparison, he connected both the 4099 and ISOLO PRIME to the audio interface and recorded simultaneously. One thing to be noted is that the signal from the microphone can be affected significantly by the preamp gain. During the recording, Mr. Dong specifically lowered the preamp gain for the wired DPA 4099 and ISOLO PRIME. We suggest to put on your headphones for the better results.

In the video, Mr. Dong’s setup demonstrates the key to using ISOLO PRIME effectively for the best sound quality. Since ISOLO PRIME is designed with an integrated wireless microphone, preamp, and effects, it’s essential to adjust the preamp gain and master volume output properly when connecting to mixers or amplifiers. Particularly when connecting to gear that already has its own preamp, you need to balance the gain settings at each stage to avoid the compression or clipping that can result from too much gain.

For example, when using a recording interface or connecting to a mixer with a built-in preamp, we recommend lowering ISOLO PRIME’s wireless gain and increasing the master output. On the audio interface or mixer end, keep the preamp gain as low as possible while having a steady signal level. This approach preserves more headroom for adjustments and avoids compression that can occur due to excessive preamp gain.

8 Effects and how it sounds

If a musician’s technique is the main taste of their tone, effects are like the spice that can add the final touch on top of it. Since effects are like seasonings, how to and what to use is depending on personal preferences and aesthetics. Reverb, for example, can create an ambient feeling, giving it a fuller, more immersive feel, avoiding a “dry” or overly direct sound. On the other hand, delay effects can layer the sound, adding depth and emotion.

While there are no strict rules for using these effects, adjustments are often made based on the venue’s acoustics and the music genre being performed. For instance, in an echo-heavy space, it’s generally best to avoid using too much reverb or delay. However, if you’re aiming to create the iconic saxophone sound from “Careless Whisper”, adding a touch of both reverb and delay will help achieve that.

ISOLO PRIME comes with eight effects, including three types of reverb, two delays, and three pitch-shifters. You can check out the demo in the video for a better idea of how each effect sounds and find inspiration for your performances.