The Recall was briefly popular for festivals and then kinda faded. I think eventually digi consoles will win over but it will be an uphill battle

and all that outboard gear needs to catch up. I think digi controlled analog is the best bet for now, but even that will take some time,

Pea Trombley: I've used the Audix OM-5's and -6's and prefer the 6's (smoother low end to my ear) but have never used the OM-7's. How would you compare the 7's to the 6's?

Dave Rat: Very similar, the 7 has a much lower output so your gain knobs will sit in a diferent spot. The OM7’s have just a bit more sparkle way up high. Other than that they are interchangable, but watch that gain! An OM6 plugged onto a preset for a 7 will bite you.

Trip: Have you ever entertained the thought of console design yourself ?

Dave Rat: Not really, I really love all the perception related variables of cabinet design. Lately I have been doing some work on stuff down the Rat Sniffer line of audio test tools. Closest I got to console design was taking two Soundcraft 400B’s and combining them into a 32x8x2 with an 8x2 matrix, that was kinda fun. We called it Frankenboard. I think it still lives.

Trip: What are your thoughts on the whole line array explosion? I’d like to know your take on this subject. It seems that everyone is trying to get around the V-DOSC waveguide patent, while trying to acchive the same results. I'd love to show you the DCX.

Dave Rat: I think it is wonderful that people are accepting "something new" and though it is a lot of follow the leader, the outcome is that compact high density non-conventional systems are gaining wide acceptance and opening the door for true innovation.

I can’t tell you how many times we heard the Rat rig was not "big" enough to cover - before we turned it on. That does not happen any more. The "let’s hear what it can do" attitude is growing and benefits everyone in the long run. Well, OK maybe not everyone.

When V-Dosc was gaining popularity, I saw people that knew nothing
about sound walking the rooms and listening. I think (hope) in the long run that systems will prevail on performance and the abilty of the provider to do a good job of covering the room. I do believe that more shows are sounding better and that is a good thing. And I would love to see/use the DCX.

Chris Kathman: Folks, as the live editor of Prosoundweb.com, I would like to thank all of you and Dave Rat for joining us tonight. Dave has given us two hours and the time has flown by.

Dave Rat: Thank you so much for inviting me

Chris Kathman: You are welcome, Dave!

Moderator: Thanks, Dave.

Dave Rat: OK, I am off to find some food, as Rats so often do.

Chris Kathman: There were a lot of great questions that we couldn't get to, I recommend checking out the Rat Sound website.

Dave Rat: Please do and feel free to email me or preferably, post questions on the Rat message board.

Chris Kathman: Be safe out there! Adios!