I think it should be done wherever Steve and Don are most comfortable. It can be tough to be on the spot answering questions in front of a camera to begin with.

Production value should be a secondary concern.

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I've been catching up on this thread and so late to add based on my experience... JUST DO IT!

I've been focused on getting this old house renovated and in November I get my sound room.  The plan is to get the Wathen Dipole speakers and with that I have this nagging debate in the back of my "unique" mind... should I get a second UFO25 or get the SARAH????????????????????????????????? (right now I'm leaning to the second UFO25 option)

Based on my discussions with Don a single UFO25 will run the Dipoles no problem.  Lately I've been spending a lot of time and money on my digital front end with results that are nothing short of stunning.  The thought started to percolate that adding another UFO25 or the SARAH might be the "cherry on the whipped cream".

If I decide to opt for either of those options what I can state for certainty is that either will be going straight to Wathen from Decware for processing.  (Love to be at Decfest this year with Don and the goodies he's bringing😢)

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?!?!?!?!?

Don't want to hijack this thread, but this is an interesting development indeed.

Guys, I haven’t received a single question for Steve and Don yet.  I know you have questions, so let’s help a brother out.  Otherwise, I’ll just have to come up with all the questions myself.  I’ve already started a list but haven’t made much progress as I am distracted with my home renovation project.

I am going to investigate getting the full version of Zoom so we can attempt at a livestream using my iPad—no guarantees, but will give it my best shot.

Excellent question Tony – for additional questions feel free to PM me and I can give you my email address. Steve prefers this unscripted, so I rather not publish the questions publicly on the thread. I’ll be sure to give you credit when I ask.

Ok good news and bad news.  Good news is that I received a bunch of great questions in one fell swoop by a member (who shall by his request, will go unnamed).  Combined with my several questions and the one sent over by Tony, I now have about 17 really good questions.  That doesn’t mean there is no room for additional questions, so if your’s still sitting on the sidelines, get Jiggy with it!

Bad news: I tested the iPad and iPhone in low light questions and it left a lot to be desired in terms of both audio and video.  I’m abandoning the idea of a live stream, which would involve both expense (subscribing to Zoom’s paid tier) and gear (mic and tripod) in less than ideal conditions.  That said, members are encouraged to record choice clips from their phones.  In fact, I’d like someone to record me asking a question or two for my own viewing pleasure later down the road.  We can send these clips to Steve and let him gauge whether they are good enough for sharing on his YT channel.   This will allow me to just focus on moderating the chat.

I do plan to take a lot more pics this time around to have a pictorial summary of the event.  Let’s put that iPhone 15 Pro to good use…

Looking forward!

Kamran,

While the newer cell phones out there do a good job of recording audio, you can do a lot better with a minimal investment.  Look into a battery powered Lavalier mic that you can plug into your cell phone.  The quality of your audio will sound considerably better.  You just have to decide if you want a mic that is directional or omni directional.  

Don’t you live in NJ?  Shoot me a PM. If you want I could send you mine to try out…and if you like it, you could buy one for yourself.  If there is not enough time before you leave…you could use mine at Decfest.  

Mine is a Aputure A. Lav Omni directional mic.  Not sure if mine is available anymore, but you can do a search for lavalier mics…word of advice just get one that is hard wired to you phone vs a Bluetooth version.  I think that you will get better results.  The company Shure, Sennheiser, Rode, and Diety are very popular companies…so maybe take a look there.  The Sweetwater website is a good place to start.    Mine is tailored for cell phones…so just make sure that it’s specified for that purpose.  The battery powered ones are nice since it doesn’t consume any power from your cell phones battery.  

When I attended Decfest like 4 years ago…I took a bunch of video clips that I had posted on YouTube.  I wish I would have had that lavalier mic for those recordings.  So when you are sitting in the Decware main room and listening to music…make some video recordings with the Lavalier mic attached….they will come out great.  

here is a link to my microphone…

I found my mic online at this website if you are so inclined to buy it…

https://avlgear.com/product/aputure-a-lav-trrs-connector-compatible-omnidirectio...
nal-lavalier-microphone/

Do your due diligence and read up these mics…they can get quite technical.  You may need an adapter cable to go from the mic into your cell phone depending on what brand cell phone you have,  and what accessory cables the mic comes with in its package.  My apologies in advance if I am taking down a rabbit hole.

Dom

Kamran,

I would be totally up for an audio listening session. After December 13th I will be free from taking all of my tests for my upcoming promotional exam, so we can table that for a later date for sure.  

As far as the interviews… I think that’s a great idea on using this year as a test run to work out the kinks.  I came really close on getting an audio channel mixer for trying explore podcast and social media work, so maybe by next year I’ll have that covered.  I love the interview idea… so hopefully by next year all of the prep work and testing will pay off.  

I was supposed to this year, but this promotional exam has sidelined me from going. But I will take some time to enjoy the livestream.   I can still remember my first Decfest…it was truly a phenomenal experience that I’ll never forget.

Enjoy,
Dom

I will not be able to make it this year because of a car accident today. It is basically a super fender bender that makes the car unusable at night and during rain. No injuries.
Have a zen time.
John

John, I’m sorry to hear that but glad you are OK. Thx for the heads up. I’m going to post pics in this thread from the fest, so you can still feel connected.

If I may....This will be my first time at a DECFEST.  With regards to logistics, will there be parking be available for us coming with a car? Any other logistical information would be appreciated!
John, sorry that you wont be able to come but glad everything is ok.  But looking forward to meeting everyone and I hope to learn more from you all.  
Bob

Hi Bob, there is plenty of parking around Steve’s property so shouldn’t be a problem. I parked there last year without any issues. Looking forward to connecting soon!

When you get there, first stop should be to go into the main building and grab a name badge in the little alcove.  People either put their first name and/or the screen name.  From there you will just go through the next door and you’ll see the listening room to the right.  To get in to that room, you keep going and take a right through shop and you’ll see the entrance.  Generally people stand in the rear of the listening room and often people will give up seats in the sweet spot.  Often Steve or one of the fest Veterens will be “running the room.”  You can make requests to hear different gear configurations.   Almost always they will eventually get to your request.

Outside of the main building you’ll see smaller shed.  That is typically where Randy of Caintuck Audio is set up demoing his open baffle speakers.  There is another building behind the main building that is Steve’s wood shop.  Sometimes he converts this into a listening space.

Restroom is in the back of the main building.  They have had porta potty’s on the side of the main building.  

You’ll note there are coolers with various beverages outside the main building.   Devon usually has a tent set up outside where food is served.

For those going. If you happen to listen to the HR-2’s, if available, and through a Torii MKV (even better) and would like to spend time posting your thoughts it would be greatly appreciated. Really thinking the HR-2’s are where I want to go.

My word I’m going to miss seeing all of you this year. It’ll be the first fest I’ve missed in a decade. So sad I’ll miss the Deckert family and all the great smiles of all you guys.

Darn it-going to miss you Dan!

Major FOMO going on right now. Have a great time everyone! Perhaps next year I will attend my first DecFest.

Will miss you Donnie.  I’ll be the guy hogging the sweet spot on the live feed.

For those at home looking to enjoy Decfest…here is the link to the livestream.

https://www.decwareproducts.com/livestream

I am currently watching this on my big screen TV with the sound going from the optical out of my TV into my Schiit Bifrost 2 DAC, and then into my reference system.  The sound is pretty good, just a little bass heavy on my end (probably from the overhead mic’s sensitivity),  and I have to crank up the sound on my preamp a bit higher than normal due to the TV optical connection.    

It’s great to see that the house cat is out and about, and guys are enjoying the main room. Brings back memories!

For all those in attendance, have a great time!

Dom

In case there is anyone attending the Decfest that might wish to purchase a SE84UFO amp and take it home with you, I just listed one of mine here on the forum.

I live within driving distance and could deliver it to the fest Saturday or Sunday.

I think we could work out the PayPal business.

Fantastic amplifier and NO waiting or shipping cost.

pic map

Ditto what Geno said. Seeing a lot of familiar faces. Temped to jump in the rental and join you all. The better half did not like the idea of it. Almost 70 and still seem to find a way to the dog house.

Next year.

Enjoy!

John

Just like Same Old DD, I too have a question about the room.

Please give us details about the amount of room treatment in the main room, and the shed (I know the shed is treated with just the bare insulation, apparently to great effect).

In the main room, is just about every inch of wall treated?

Thanks.

Dan

Great shots Kamran!!  Love the fireside pictures!!  Sounds like you had a great time…. as anticipated.  I watched some of the video footage and I really wish Imcluld have attended this year.  I remember back 10 years ago when Steve used to leave the life feed on continuously for the entire weekend.  That’s what I miss as opposed to watching the video clips.  

When you get some time….please compose a write up of your experience.

Dom