Recording April 2022 - 55

implementation means you get two stereo
streams for loopback audio, in addition to
the mic stream-a nice touch, considering
that most loopback-equipped USB mics typically
offer only one mono or stereo stream.
There are Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
versions of Universal Control.
The Revelator package also includes
Studio One Artist, the middle child in
the Studio One DAW family. PreSonus
also throws in its Studio Magic bundle,
a collection of tutorials, sound libraries,
virtual instruments, and plugins, all with
a retail value of over $1000.
Revelator revelations
The Revelator is a solid performer. The
specs show a frequency response of 20
Hz to 20 kHz, a sensitivity of 1 mV/Pa,
and a max SPL of 110dB <3% THD.
With all processing bypassed, it delivers
a neutral sound with no significant boosts
or dips. The cardioid pattern is relatively
tight with a good degree of attenuation
at 90%. Overall, it compares favorably
with other mics in its price class. It distinguishes
itself by providing multiple pattern
options: Cardioid, Omnidirectional and
Figure-8. When you consider the target
market for Revelator, these patterns add
considerable value-you can effectively
conduct multiple-person interviews / performances
with just this one mic.
Software revelations
The bundled software is both solid and
deep. I've reviewed Studio One many
times over the years, consistently giving it
high marks. The Studio Magic package is
off the hook in terms of goodies and value.
There are sound sample packs from Christopher
Ghosthack and Soundsnap, virtual
instruments from industry heavyweights
such as Arturia, Cherry Audio, and UJAM,
and a host of really great plugins from the
likes of Mäag, SPL, Brainworx, and Lexicon,
just to name a few. It's a very complete
package that touches on just about
every aspect of modern music, broadcast,
streaming and sound design production.
Zooming in
Like everyone else, I'm spending lots of
time on video conference calls these days.
I, and some of my colleagues have noted
a step up in audio quality from my end
since I've been using Revelator. I've also
found it effective for simple one-mic voice
and acoustic guitar performances. There's
enough gain in the headphone output to
monitor properly while physically moving
the mic or performer to balance the
sound. The included EQ and dynamics
processing effectively adds intelligibility
and consistency. There's plenty of processing
variety as well. The Fat Channel
provides Opto and FET-type compressors
and passive and vintage-type EQ options.
Zoning out (of the studio)
As great as it is for streaming and podcast
production, I see it having a ton of
potential as an on-the-go music production
companion. I do a lot of travel and often
work on productions and write while on
the road. I'm taken by the idea of having
a studio in a mic tucked into my luggage
alongside my laptop, mini keyboard and
travel guitar. I could even use the Omni
mic pattern to capture some evocative local
ambience! I'm thinking the sound of
waves lapping on a warm beach would
be a nice touch on this tune that I'm all of
a sudden thinking about writing...
Price: $179
More from: presonus.com
http://www.presonus.com http://www.usefulartsaudio.com
Recording April 2022

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