Looking forward to checking this one out. What I would really wish for (for the anthem as well) is a stereo output jack. Some Fishman PUs have that as an option. It gives the ability to process (eq) mic and bridge-pickup signals individually. So in feedback sensitive environment one could only send the bridge pickup signal to the monitor but both signals to the front.
Hmmm... I need a stereo output jack going to an external two-channel preamp like the SunnAudio MS-2. I'm curious about this new Baggs system, but might stick with a The2Mic:Deluxe coupled with a Barbera Soloist going out through a single TRS jack.
I have a HiFi in a very nice Collings D1 Traditional and it's been ok but when I play my guitars with Anthems, I always prefer the Anthem. So this Duet is VERY appealing to me. My Collings has the long glued-in saddle so you can't just 'drop in' an Anthem. The Duet mic sounds very musical, clean and pristine. How will it perform in louder environments? Will it sound too lean? But if it is paired with the HiFi which is rather punchy, it could be excellent!!
Finally I agree with you! I always thought fingerpicking on a test whether it's a guitar test or a mic-pickup test doesn't show the attributes of the quality of sound. Strumming is the best test.
This is the system I've been asking for for a while now.... It takes very little mic to give bridge plate transducers the detail to make a good impersonation of an acoustic guitar unplugged...
Hi Aaron, Great video as usual very informative. Can wait for this to come out. Here is a question for LR Baggs for NAMM. I already have the HiFi installed in my Gibson Advanced Jumbo which i really like however will LR Baggs offer an upgrade to adding the mic to the current system I have or will i have to remove the HIFI system and purchase the Duet and reinstalled everything again. It would be nice if that offered an addon to current Hifi pickups that are installed. Love LR Baggs Products they are innovating everyday. I have an Anthem in my J200 which I love but looking for something with a SBT with a mic as its less intrusive on guitars.
This is exciting and look forward to your review of the HiFi Duet. Still haven't purchased the HiFi but I may breakdown for the Duet after your review :) Only problem other than the big control on the Duet for me is the battery. Which is why I'm currently using the K&K Trinity. I was wondering if you have ever posted a review of the Amulet from Maury's? If so, do they ever foresee a mic on that pickup? So far, the K&K Trinity is the best sounding pickup with little feedback I've used that is not under saddle and no battery.
I did review the Trance. It’s good but I don’t think it’s worth it compared to the HiFi. I understand about the mic. I found the Trinity to be way too unstable without using IEM’s. It does sound amazing though (which makes sense as it’s a big condenser mic in the Soundhole). I hope that the HiFi Duet will be the best of both worlds.
@@aaronshortmusic Thank you so much for responding and ALL your great reviews, very much appreciated! Yes, I agree with you about the Trinity, I use an IEM in one ear so I can hear if someone has a request but seems people are always trying to talk into that plugged ear, LOL! I don't need an amp or monitor so it works for me but I do like to keep up on the newest pickup. One day they'll hit the nail on the head, hopefully the Duet will be it! Thanks again!
Can you imagine this pickup plugged into a Session DI and the Baggs Reverb pedal? I’m thinking that might give professional studio recording without having to use an exterior mic.
I don’t know without trying it. It will certainly sound better direct than many systems based on the video. Nothing beats an external mic though as it hears the external sound and the string noise etc.
@@Celticsaint777 I'm loving the Cloudburst. I tested it against the BlueSky and much preferred it. I know that the Big Sky has more options.... But I think I really just need one best option which the Cloudburst provides. It sounds amazing. The source guitar is a D-45 too. I've had a sound engineer who hosted major artists say it was the best acoustic signal he's ever had.
As a guy with 5 guitars all with full anthems systems, I gotta say, this got my attention. It's really about whatever system makes my guitar sound like my guitar and doesn't freak out on stage. I do play mostly with in ear monitors though. If this is better I would lay the cash down to swap them all. But Aaron you are 100% right. The proof is in the strumming and how it sounds in the mids at the crossover point in the pickup.
Excellent to hear this long-awaited pickup is going to materialize, albeit not before summer. But I‘ll patiently wait for it and see if feedback is not a thing with it, and then replace my trusty-but-crusty AER pickup in my vintage Martin D-35. I‘ve been waiting for a good enough reason to jump ship on the AER, which is very reliable and has lots of output and tonal range, but is and remains a piezo thing despite the mic (which can only be used sparingly in live situations). Could have gone with an Anthem SL, but chose not to for various reasons. The new Baggs systems looks highly promising. Will stay tuned to catch your ongoing thoughts on it at and after Namm.
This pickup is exciting news to me! While I’ve loooved the Anthem’s sound, with my percussive fingerstyle interests, I’ve been hoping a system like this would come along that sounds appealing while picking up a balance of strings and body, without being magnetic. I know that’s a lot to ask! I searched yet couldn’t find the demo video or information on LR Baggs website about the HiFi Duet. I’m hoping this one will have a stereo output option, so that those who wish to can process the two signals independently (or combined together in mono). Way to go LR Baggs, and thank you Aaron for your work, extensive testing, and for sharing with us!
My problem exactly. I've settled on Wavelength Duo cause I needed the stereo output for the mic to pick the body percussion but also to not have it in the monitors, since I don't use IEM's. From what I know only Fishman implements the mono mix/stereo split function in the endpin. If only Cole Clarks had this I would be a total convert.
Thanks for sharing all that great information, Michael, with your experiences in pickup-world. Boy, we could spend a lifetime digging into this topic, it would seem! I’ve tried quite a variety of pickups and brands over the years as well. Mercy! 😂 Like you, I am currently using the Wavelength Duo and really love the clarity and quality of the dual sources. I’m suuuper grateful to have the ability to process them independently. For my needs, I end up boosting about 6dB at 60 Hz on the mic channel, to counter the high pass filtering they’ve done, to add some low sub-like body percussion. I also carve out some 2-3Khz mid-range on both sources. With gain staging, EQ, compression, IR, panning, and effects, that all happens inside the Axe FX 3. I pan the mic source a touch to the left, and the piezo source slightly to the right , to taste, and it really opens up some nice stereo width. Gosh, just adding a solid impulse response helps smooth out my piezo pickup. I’m very curious to ask, have you ever tried swapping out the under saddle transducer for a bridge plate pick up, like the Pure Mini, JourneyTec, or Black Angel DP235 Piezo? I may experiment with that down the road, though I haven’t found any good documentation on modding the Duo. Here’s hoping the HiFi Duet takes our ears to a delightful galaxy far far away! I can’t wait to give it a shot when it comes out later this year. Blessings, and happy playing, Michael!
@@TroyRickertsen No unfortunately, haven't tried it. But probably won't anyway. I mostly play modern fingerstyle pieces and over the years I have come to the conclusion that I need a multisource system composed of a string sensor and of something microphonic. Every SBT I have tried is neither one nor the other and does not provide enough power/attack/articulation. The sound is very pretty in the studio but as soon as it reaches stage volumes it is a feedback nightmare - and it's mostly the pickup not the mic. I have a K&K Trinity in another guitar and I cannot stress how disappointed I was the first time I plugged it in on stage after I had switched from the LR Baggs Anthem which has its own limits. All of it could be solved if Seymour Duncan or Cole Clark/Baton Rouge would update its pickups with the mono mix/stereo split function. I am sticking with SD for now and will probably try the Hifi Duet alone OR combined with the Wavelength on the second jack - but that would cause the problem of two types of batteries. Ugh.... 😮💨
I saw Aaron posted this and went to watched the original first so I could have my own opinion first before hearing his. I 100% agree that the external mic could have been better, either a different mic or better placement, but Aaron’s comment about a mic not necessarily being voiced for guitar and needing EQ in post made sense. I appreciate hearing the raw sounds of each and thought the Baggs sounded much better in this case, but would also like to hear clip of each EQ to sound as close to the acoustic room sound as well. I also agree that it’s not a thorough review if you don’t include various playing styles. Looking forward to hearing more from this PUP.
Nice job Aaron. It's funny how not a few folks here and at AGF don't think the Neumann mic is doing all that great with the natural sound of the guitar, for whatever reason. I agree that this video may have been rushed, otherwise you'd think someone there would have pointed that out. Thought the ending was a little awkward "great-job-boss" too. But props to Baggs for the new pickups!
I don’t see it as rushed at all but like all these things everyone’s guitars and mic placement etc will affect the outcome. I look forward to trying it.
I recently pulled the LR Baggs Element out of my guitar and was considering replacing with the HIFI. I might hold off and get this one when it’s available.
Do you know a good saturation plugin? Lloyd Baggs said one thing that pro studio recorded acoustic guitar tracks have is saturation so he added that on the Session DI and Session pedal. Do you know a good plug-in that does this? Are the tape machine plugins adding saturation??
I know the virtual preamps in my Apollo Twin can do it. Tape machine plugins will do it. I’m sure there’s a standalone plugin but I haven’t used one as I have the Apollo. Let us know if you find one!
I didn’t think the HiFi sounded thin. An undersaddle could certainly add more punch and resist feedback better but I think their aim is to move away from undersaddle pickups as so many acoustic players want a ‘pure saddle’.
This looks (and from the demo also sounds) awesome! The first time I heard a demo of the HiFi, my comment was that I'd love to see a version that incorporates a mic like the Anthem. This is exactly what I was hoping for! The big advantage to me is that, in a situation where you might need to use only a pickup, the element under-saddle pickup sounds terrible, whereas the HiFi sounds very usable. It sounds like a pickup, but also captures the voice of the actual guitar pretty well. So having the worst part of the pickup system actually be something decent is a big deal!
I wish they could develop something that was powered by phantom power, maybe a preamp pedal that could be battery or phantom powered. I hate having a 9v battery in my guitar
That could be cool. Some have done it with phantom power but it is another ‘thing’ to have with you. It’s why I don’t love the passive pickups as I always need to have a preamp with me.
@aaronshortmusic I perform in church. And I am standing right beside the PA speakers. I don't want any feedback. I do a lot of strumming. Which would you recommend?
I still seem to think that the sound coming externally from an accoustic guitar is it's true sound. So instead of all those various internal pickup systems, rather use a very high end external microphone on a stand. Theroretically I feel I'm right.
Why is it that you can see this on the Baggs site but it’s not visible to me? Why can’t we see their video except on your channel? Do you think this system bc will be good enough for studio recording??
The links are not yet active on the site but they are searchable on Google. I added a link in the description. Studio recording? For demos yes but I wouldn’t record an album with any pickup.
The moment you switch from pic to mic , the mic sounds honky but after you pause it and then continue listening, I like that mid warmth that acoustic guitar has and pickup is lacking. On the other hand, mic is missing that brilliance in the trebles. The feedback is also a big concern for me. If you have to notch everything and put soundhole cover, it is useless for live (talking about my live performances). Keep us updated
Agree with all of your assessments, especially the observation about the poor honky mic quality of the Neumann U67 here (which we all know is an outstanding industry standard mic). I can only assume the placement of the mic and sound result was deliberate to specifically show just how much better to the ears the Hi Fi Duet is, so deliberate favoritism when trying to hype a new product? (I personally would have used something like a Neumann KM184 at the 12th fret). It will be interesting to hear a head to head vs the new higher output Anthem.
Who knows. Once I have it here I will record it myself. I agree that it would be good if Baggs installed every current system into one guitar and posted samples.
If the new mic is as feedback resistant as the Lyric than this is a win. I loved the Lyric but it lacked low end. If it's possible to blend in mostly mic and then add in the HiFi for that crossover low end, it will be awesome.
Always with the scoop! I otherwise agree that this system is going to be a good choice. I'll be installing this in my HD-28. I like the HiFi, but prefer the trumic sound for the highs and mids. This is a good marriage.
@@aaronshortmusic I agree. I think weight of the components is always a concern on a lightweight guitar. Otherwise, a purpose built acoustic electric is usually a better solution. Viva la choice!
@@dcallan1 I don’t think it really makes a difference and I don’t think many systems are particularly heavy but I don’t know what the weight of the HiFi Duet is yet.
I was so excited to see if this system would convince me to replace my Rare Earth Blend, which I use "in-and-out", only as I need it. I was hoping this dual source HiFi would convince me to finally drill a hole in my guitar and have the convenience of a permanent solution. But I will say, it better sound REALLY good and not feed back AT ALL, or it's a big NOPE for me. I can't believe they used that big honkin' control module right in the sound hole blocking a feedback buster. That's probably going to kill it for me.
From this video by Aaron this system looks very promising and checks most boxes for me playing at solo gigs. I always am after clarity, great highs, strong lows for my style and ears. I hope this does it and I will be a fan.
i commented too early. i was at the beginning of the video when i commented. hopefully the mix blend can get the full mic or at least have a switch or something to engage or disengage the crossover. I have the Lyric in 4 of my martins and while i do really like the Anthem, i wish i could just get the mic. that’s why i ended up going with the lyric and not the anthem.
The HiFi was the first LR Baggs pickup that I actually liked. To me, the Lyric and Anthem don't sound very natural at all to me. This doesn't sound too bad, but I'm leaning towards the HiFi, it sounds more natural to me.
@@aaronshortmusic I will, im looking for something to record acoustic but i dont want to use a mic in front of me.. I want to record videos of me playing and singing at the same time but having 2 mics recording messes my playing. If this new hi fi sounds good, ill get it. (Ive tried many pickups and i still cant find anything that sounds decent.)
I think the distance of the mic is the main cuprit. The closer you get the more bass you get and it also looks like it is pointing away from the soundhole. I don’t think it’s a bad thing but I do think that it’s why the pickup sounds so much fuller in comparison.
@@aaronshortmusic I agree. The mic placement looks to be far and also more toward the soundhole/bridge. I usually place a mic closer and pointed at the 12th fret, angled toward the body. What kind of guitar was that?
Couldn't quite read the headstock make of the guitar. It did sound very nice, clean and warm. I would like verification on the brand of guitar. @@aaronshortmusic
It's a shame this won't be available sooner....please compare this side by side with the K&K Trinity and original Anthem and if possible the Fishman Rare Earth....so you can see how it fares against the best condenser mic hybrid systems.
I won’t compare them side by side but you will be able to play back the recordings from the reviews of those other systems. I have a very good idea of the differences already but I will wait for them to finish it as they said they are still tweaking the voicing.
PS: Will this make the Anthem obsolete? Time will tell. It's a less intrusive way of doing the same sort of thing the Anthem offers. It may offer more percussive players a better option than the Anthem since the HiFi (for me) picks up more body resonance. The Anthem is weak in that regard (for me).
Some people do not want the body resonance! (I do). The Anthem will not go anywhere as it is one of their best selling systems and the Element will still give more feedback rejection than the HiFi in my experience. I have some news on the Anthem coming soon.
I think it can but in a different way. The CC and Maton systems are very dynamic and resist feedback but they still don’t sound completely natural with IEM’s. I think the HiFi Duet has the potential to sound more natural direct.
I understand 'reacting' to the video. But as a listener I want to hear the differences in the pickups, as well as your comments. I want to be able to make an informed decision for myself and the way I play. Not complaining about your comments, just that you chopped up the experience of hearing the guitar.@@aaronshortmusic
I, for one, highly value Aaron‘s thoughts on this - more so than the gushy marketing platitudes or even the fancy playing. His channel offers a wealth of valuable insight and info. But to each his own…
Looking forward to checking this one out. What I would really wish for (for the anthem as well) is a stereo output jack. Some Fishman PUs have that as an option. It gives the ability to process (eq) mic and bridge-pickup signals individually. So in feedback sensitive environment one could only send the bridge pickup signal to the monitor but both signals to the front.
I do agree that it would be useful and more versatile. I get the feeling that many end up not using it. I will ask about it at the NAMM show.
Good report on this upcoming pickup. I appreciate the detailed analysis you accomplish. Your efforts are tremendous.
Hmmm... I need a stereo output jack going to an external two-channel preamp like the SunnAudio MS-2. I'm curious about this new Baggs system, but might stick with a The2Mic:Deluxe coupled with a Barbera Soloist going out through a single TRS jack.
Now I’m wanting this on my Sables.
I have a HiFi in a very nice Collings D1 Traditional and it's been ok but when I play my guitars with Anthems, I always prefer the Anthem. So this Duet is VERY appealing to me. My Collings has the long glued-in saddle so you can't just 'drop in' an Anthem. The Duet mic sounds very musical, clean and pristine. How will it perform in louder environments? Will it sound too lean? But if it is paired with the HiFi which is rather punchy, it could be excellent!!
Finally I agree with you! I always thought fingerpicking on a test whether it's a guitar test or a mic-pickup test doesn't show the attributes of the quality of sound. Strumming is the best test.
I agree!
I also agree, strum the damn thing!
@@endoffate5475 I have recordings of heavy strumming. I’ll post them this week.
Yes please. Single string playing always sounds OK, even on the worst puck ups.
This is the system I've been asking for for a while now.... It takes very little mic to give bridge plate transducers the detail to make a good impersonation of an acoustic guitar unplugged...
I agree, having a little microphone on the high end really sweetens things up nicely.
Hi Aaron, Great video as usual very informative. Can wait for this to come out. Here is a question for LR Baggs for NAMM. I already have the HiFi installed in my Gibson Advanced Jumbo which i really like however will LR Baggs offer an upgrade to adding the mic to the current system I have or will i have to remove the HIFI system and purchase the Duet and reinstalled everything again. It would be nice if that offered an addon to current Hifi pickups that are installed. Love LR Baggs Products they are innovating everyday. I have an Anthem in my J200 which I love but looking for something with a SBT with a mic as its less intrusive on guitars.
Great question. I will ask them and let you know when I return!
@@aaronshortmusic Thanks very much.
This is exciting and look forward to your review of the HiFi Duet. Still haven't purchased the HiFi but I may breakdown for the Duet after your review :) Only problem other than the big control on the Duet for me is the battery. Which is why I'm currently using the K&K Trinity. I was wondering if you have ever posted a review of the Amulet from Maury's? If so, do they ever foresee a mic on that pickup? So far, the K&K Trinity is the best sounding pickup with little feedback I've used that is not under saddle and no battery.
I did review the Trance. It’s good but I don’t think it’s worth it compared to the HiFi. I understand about the mic. I found the Trinity to be way too unstable without using IEM’s. It does sound amazing though (which makes sense as it’s a big condenser mic in the Soundhole). I hope that the HiFi Duet will be the best of both worlds.
@@aaronshortmusic Thank you so much for responding and ALL your great reviews, very much appreciated! Yes, I agree with you about the Trinity, I use an IEM in one ear so I can hear if someone has a request but seems people are always trying to talk into that plugged ear, LOL! I don't need an amp or monitor so it works for me but I do like to keep up on the newest pickup. One day they'll hit the nail on the head, hopefully the Duet will be it! Thanks again!
Can you imagine this pickup plugged into a Session DI and the Baggs Reverb pedal? I’m thinking that might give professional studio recording without having to use an exterior mic.
I don’t know without trying it. It will certainly sound better direct than many systems based on the video. Nothing beats an external mic though as it hears the external sound and the string noise etc.
My thoughts exactly - I have the original Anthem going through Session DI and Strymon Cloudburst for verb.
@@adamstewart247 I’m thinking of getting the strymon reverb plug-in for all my acoustic guitars and vocals etc.
@@adamstewart247 I bet that sounds awesome.
@@Celticsaint777 I'm loving the Cloudburst. I tested it against the BlueSky and much preferred it. I know that the Big Sky has more options.... But I think I really just need one best option which the Cloudburst provides. It sounds amazing. The source guitar is a D-45 too. I've had a sound engineer who hosted major artists say it was the best acoustic signal he's ever had.
As a guy with 5 guitars all with full anthems systems, I gotta say, this got my attention. It's really about whatever system makes my guitar sound like my guitar and doesn't freak out on stage. I do play mostly with in ear monitors though. If this is better I would lay the cash down to swap them all. But Aaron you are 100% right. The proof is in the strumming and how it sounds in the mids at the crossover point in the pickup.
Excellent to hear this long-awaited pickup is going to materialize, albeit not before summer. But I‘ll patiently wait for it and see if feedback is not a thing with it, and then replace my trusty-but-crusty AER pickup in my vintage Martin D-35. I‘ve been waiting for a good enough reason to jump ship on the AER, which is very reliable and has lots of output and tonal range, but is and remains a piezo thing despite the mic (which can only be used sparingly in live situations). Could have gone with an Anthem SL, but chose not to for various reasons. The new Baggs systems looks highly promising. Will stay tuned to catch your ongoing thoughts on it at and after Namm.
Thanks Scott!
This pickup is exciting news to me! While I’ve loooved the Anthem’s sound, with my percussive fingerstyle interests, I’ve been hoping a system like this would come along that sounds appealing while picking up a balance of strings and body, without being magnetic. I know that’s a lot to ask!
I searched yet couldn’t find the demo video or information on LR Baggs website about the HiFi Duet. I’m hoping this one will have a stereo output option, so that those who wish to can process the two signals independently (or combined together in mono). Way to go LR Baggs, and thank you Aaron for your work, extensive testing, and for sharing with us!
I should be able to get all of the info next week when I try it out at NAMM! LR Baggs have a booth. I can’t wait!
My problem exactly. I've settled on Wavelength Duo cause I needed the stereo output for the mic to pick the body percussion but also to not have it in the monitors, since I don't use IEM's. From what I know only Fishman implements the mono mix/stereo split function in the endpin. If only Cole Clarks had this I would be a total convert.
If you google Lr Baggs HiFi duet the link on their site comes up. I couldn’t find it directly on their site but googling it worked.
Thanks for sharing all that great information, Michael, with your experiences in pickup-world. Boy, we could spend a lifetime digging into this topic, it would seem! I’ve tried quite a variety of pickups and brands over the years as well. Mercy! 😂
Like you, I am currently using the Wavelength Duo and really love the clarity and quality of the dual sources. I’m suuuper grateful to have the ability to process them independently. For my needs, I end up boosting about 6dB at 60 Hz on the mic channel, to counter the high pass filtering they’ve done, to add some low sub-like body percussion. I also carve out some 2-3Khz mid-range on both sources. With gain staging, EQ, compression, IR, panning, and effects, that all happens inside the Axe FX 3. I pan the mic source a touch to the left, and the piezo source slightly to the right , to taste, and it really opens up some nice stereo width. Gosh, just adding a solid impulse response helps smooth out my piezo pickup.
I’m very curious to ask, have you ever tried swapping out the under saddle transducer for a bridge plate pick up, like the Pure Mini, JourneyTec, or Black Angel DP235 Piezo? I may experiment with that down the road, though I haven’t found any good documentation on modding the Duo.
Here’s hoping the HiFi Duet takes our ears to a delightful galaxy far far away! I can’t wait to give it a shot when it comes out later this year.
Blessings, and happy playing, Michael!
@@TroyRickertsen No unfortunately, haven't tried it. But probably won't anyway. I mostly play modern fingerstyle pieces and over the years I have come to the conclusion that I need a multisource system composed of a string sensor and of something microphonic. Every SBT I have tried is neither one nor the other and does not provide enough power/attack/articulation. The sound is very pretty in the studio but as soon as it reaches stage volumes it is a feedback nightmare - and it's mostly the pickup not the mic. I have a K&K Trinity in another guitar and I cannot stress how disappointed I was the first time I plugged it in on stage after I had switched from the LR Baggs Anthem which has its own limits.
All of it could be solved if Seymour Duncan or Cole Clark/Baton Rouge would update its pickups with the mono mix/stereo split function. I am sticking with SD for now and will probably try the Hifi Duet alone OR combined with the Wavelength on the second jack - but that would cause the problem of two types of batteries. Ugh.... 😮💨
I saw Aaron posted this and went to watched the original first so I could have my own opinion first before hearing his. I 100% agree that the external mic could have been better, either a different mic or better placement, but Aaron’s comment about a mic not necessarily being voiced for guitar and needing EQ in post made sense. I appreciate hearing the raw sounds of each and thought the Baggs sounded much better in this case, but would also like to hear clip of each EQ to sound as close to the acoustic room sound as well. I also agree that it’s not a thorough review if you don’t include various playing styles. Looking forward to hearing more from this PUP.
Nice job Aaron. It's funny how not a few folks here and at AGF don't think the Neumann mic is doing all that great with the natural sound of the guitar, for whatever reason.
I agree that this video may have been rushed, otherwise you'd think someone there would have pointed that out. Thought the ending was a little awkward "great-job-boss" too. But props to Baggs for the new pickups!
I don’t see it as rushed at all but like all these things everyone’s guitars and mic placement etc will affect the outcome. I look forward to trying it.
Got Stagepro Anthems in my Rainsongs. Set at 50-50% Element - TruMic. Don’t do sound checks anymore… only volume checks. Sounds perfect every time!
I have the same. I usually use 75-100% blend.
@@aaronshortmusic I am rarely on stage alone, and often have a sax, lead guitar,(Tele), and full drum kit…. I need the 50-50 to be heard!
I recently pulled the LR Baggs Element out of my guitar and was considering replacing with the HIFI. I might hold off and get this one when it’s available.
I would wait if you can.
Do you know a good saturation plugin? Lloyd Baggs said one thing that pro studio recorded acoustic guitar tracks have is saturation so he added that on the Session DI and Session pedal. Do you know a good plug-in that does this? Are the tape machine plugins adding saturation??
I know the virtual preamps in my Apollo Twin can do it. Tape machine plugins will do it. I’m sure there’s a standalone plugin but I haven’t used one as I have the Apollo. Let us know if you find one!
@@aaronshortmusic thank you. I have slate digital tape machine plugin. I’ll try it with that.
I think the hifi would pair better with an undersaddle rather than mic. It sounds thin just now and the mic won't help that
I didn’t think the HiFi sounded thin. An undersaddle could certainly add more punch and resist feedback better but I think their aim is to move away from undersaddle pickups as so many acoustic players want a ‘pure saddle’.
This looks (and from the demo also sounds) awesome! The first time I heard a demo of the HiFi, my comment was that I'd love to see a version that incorporates a mic like the Anthem. This is exactly what I was hoping for!
The big advantage to me is that, in a situation where you might need to use only a pickup, the element under-saddle pickup sounds terrible, whereas the HiFi sounds very usable. It sounds like a pickup, but also captures the voice of the actual guitar pretty well. So having the worst part of the pickup system actually be something decent is a big deal!
I agree and I am pretty sure this is why Baggs developed the system.
I like it as I hear it. I have waiting...and I look forward to your additional input. I do value your opinion!
Thanks John!
I wish they could develop something that was powered by phantom power, maybe a preamp pedal that could be battery or phantom powered. I hate having a 9v battery in my guitar
That could be cool. Some have done it with phantom power but it is another ‘thing’ to have with you. It’s why I don’t love the passive pickups as I always need to have a preamp with me.
Got the Anthem. Looking forward to this. Less ping.
Hopefully you get your hands off the Hifi duet soon.
I am contemplating between the Anthem and the Hifi Duet.
I think they will both be good options depending on how you want to use them and where you perform.
@aaronshortmusic I perform in church.
And I am standing right beside the PA speakers.
I don't want any feedback. I do a lot of strumming.
Which would you recommend?
@@ricmel8008 You can’t go wrong with the Anthem right now. I would install the SL version.
@aaronshortmusic ty
I just bought a 20th anniversary, Martin X.
I still seem to think that the sound coming externally from an accoustic guitar is it's true sound. So instead of all those various internal pickup systems, rather use a very high end external microphone on a stand. Theroretically I feel I'm right.
If it can handle medium size gigs with in ears and have a K&K Trinity kind of sound I don't doubt it will be very popular.
Agreed!
Why is it that you can see this on the Baggs site but it’s not visible to me? Why can’t we see their video except on your channel? Do you think this system bc will be good enough for studio recording??
The links are not yet active on the site but they are searchable on Google. I added a link in the description. Studio recording? For demos yes but I wouldn’t record an album with any pickup.
Wow!
The moment you switch from pic to mic , the mic sounds honky but after you pause it and then continue listening, I like that mid warmth that acoustic guitar has and pickup is lacking. On the other hand, mic is missing that brilliance in the trebles. The feedback is also a big concern for me. If you have to notch everything and put soundhole cover, it is useless for live (talking about my live performances). Keep us updated
I agree. I will see how it is at NAMM.
Excited to see your namm take sir
Can’t wait!
Agree with all of your assessments, especially the observation about the poor honky mic quality of the Neumann U67 here (which we all know is an outstanding industry standard mic). I can only assume the placement of the mic and sound result was deliberate to specifically show just how much better to the ears the Hi Fi Duet is, so deliberate favoritism when trying to hype a new product? (I personally would have used something like a Neumann KM184 at the 12th fret). It will be interesting to hear a head to head vs the new higher output Anthem.
Who knows. Once I have it here I will record it myself. I agree that it would be good if Baggs installed every current system into one guitar and posted samples.
I’m worried that without an undersaddle piece, there won’t be enough low end. Does the HiFi by itself provide enough lows?
I felt that it did.
This is super exciting.
I agree!
If the new mic is as feedback resistant as the Lyric than this is a win. I loved the Lyric but it lacked low end. If it's possible to blend in mostly mic and then add in the HiFi for that crossover low end, it will be awesome.
I agree and I hope it will be more so as I did get feedback with the Lyric in some environments.
Always with the scoop! I otherwise agree that this system is going to be a good choice. I'll be installing this in my HD-28. I like the HiFi, but prefer the trumic sound for the highs and mids. This is a good marriage.
I think you will prefer it. I hope to find out the weight and price differences at NAMM.
@@aaronshortmusic I agree. I think weight of the components is always a concern on a lightweight guitar. Otherwise, a purpose built acoustic electric is usually a better solution. Viva la choice!
@@dcallan1 I don’t think it really makes a difference and I don’t think many systems are particularly heavy but I don’t know what the weight of the HiFi Duet is yet.
Do you believe that the HiFi Duet will work with classical/nylon string guitars?
No. The HiFi and HiFi Duet are only for steel string at this time.
I was so excited to see if this system would convince me to replace my Rare Earth Blend, which I use "in-and-out", only as I need it. I was hoping this dual source HiFi would convince me to finally drill a hole in my guitar and have the convenience of a permanent solution. But I will say, it better sound REALLY good and not feed back AT ALL, or it's a big NOPE for me. I can't believe they used that big honkin' control module right in the sound hole blocking a feedback buster. That's probably going to kill it for me.
Feedback resistance is important but any pickup can feedback without a feedback buster.
From this video by Aaron this system looks very promising and checks most boxes for me playing at solo gigs. I always am after clarity, great highs, strong lows for my style and ears. I hope this does it and I will be a fan.
Fingers crossed! Which system do you use now?
So. Did you have luck to try this system on NAMM? This can be real deal for us. Thank you!
Briefly and in one guitar yes. I have some recordings that I will post soon.
@@aaronshortmusic That’s awesome. I think on lrbaggs hifi the middle button between volume and mix is “phase”. Or battery check?
@@lukassobota6796 Battery check with a single LED.
Great review!
Can you ask them maybe offer it earlier lol? 🙂
Absolutely! LOL!
hopefully the mix knob will give you 100% the new silo mic and not the crossover blend at 150hz like the Anthem’s mix knob.
i commented too early. i was at the beginning of the video when i commented. hopefully the mix blend can get the full mic or at least have a switch or something to engage or disengage the crossover. I have the Lyric in 4 of my martins and while i do really like the Anthem, i wish i could just get the mic. that’s why i ended up going with the lyric and not the anthem.
The HiFi will always handle the low end.
The HiFi was the first LR Baggs pickup that I actually liked. To me, the Lyric and Anthem don't sound very natural at all to me. This doesn't sound too bad, but I'm leaning towards the HiFi, it sounds more natural to me.
I would wait until it’s finished. It sounds like they are going to be working on it between now and Summer.
@@aaronshortmusicit's not even available until summer I'll be sure to revisit before I buy.
@@shred5 Yes it’s not finished yet.
I wish Yamaha would sell their Atmosfeel pickup system outside of their guitars.
It’s a good system but it’s definitely proprietary.
Sounds like it will be very harsh with loud chords struming tho...
What makes you say that?
@@aaronshortmusic i dunno, it seems that when he digs in, it gets a lil ice picky but i could be wrong.
@@endoffate5475 Wait for more recordings. Also the audio is not processed. Most people will want to run the pickup into some kind of DI.
@@aaronshortmusic I will, im looking for something to record acoustic but i dont want to use a mic in front of me.. I want to record videos of me playing and singing at the same time but having 2 mics recording messes my playing.
If this new hi fi sounds good, ill get it. (Ive tried many pickups and i still cant find anything that sounds decent.)
@@endoffate5475 I have some recordings I’ll be posting.
Aaron the honkyness with the mic has a lot to do with the type of acoustic he's playing and how it projects as opposed to the unit within the guitar.
I think the distance of the mic is the main cuprit. The closer you get the more bass you get and it also looks like it is pointing away from the soundhole. I don’t think it’s a bad thing but I do think that it’s why the pickup sounds so much fuller in comparison.
@@aaronshortmusic I agree. The mic placement looks to be far and also more toward the soundhole/bridge. I usually place a mic closer and pointed at the 12th fret, angled toward the body. What kind of guitar was that?
@@gair1944 Looks like a Blueridge. It would be interesting to hear it in your D-18!
Couldn't quite read the headstock make of the guitar. It did sound very nice, clean and warm. I would like verification on the brand of guitar. @@aaronshortmusic
@@doug9263 It’s a Blueridge. I’m not a fan of the headstock but at least it’s easy to identify.
The clarity is going up, but the middle and low bands are gone, which seems to be an excessive V-shape.
It feels less firm. 😞
They said they are still tweaking it. It will not release until Summer 2024.
@@aaronshortmusic Really? I thought it would be on this namm show.
@@bung8791 It’s at NAMM but it’s a preview. It will ship in Summer 2024.
It's a shame this won't be available sooner....please compare this side by side with the K&K Trinity and original Anthem and if possible the Fishman Rare Earth....so you can see how it fares against the best condenser mic hybrid systems.
I won’t compare them side by side but you will be able to play back the recordings from the reviews of those other systems. I have a very good idea of the differences already but I will wait for them to finish it as they said they are still tweaking the voicing.
@@aaronshortmusic Appreciate the great work. You're channel is the GOAT for acoustic pickups
@@adamstewart247 Means a lot thank you.
Haha, this video was rather rushed by LR Baggs. I am going to wait for your review @Aaron.
I wouldn’t say it’s rushed. I think they did a great job but I am withholding judgement until I try it myself.
great product but Very Pricey
$100 more than Anthem. Good products are worth the extra money in my experience
@@aaronshortmusic Dose it work for classical guitar ?
That one seems like you’d probably want a straighter more accurate install, vs it being OK if the Anthem was a little cock eyed 😂
I don’t think so! The jig they provide makes it quite easy to install though.
PS: Will this make the Anthem obsolete? Time will tell. It's a less intrusive way of doing the same sort of thing the Anthem offers. It may offer more percussive players a better option than the Anthem since the HiFi (for me) picks up more body resonance. The Anthem is weak in that regard (for me).
Some people do not want the body resonance! (I do). The Anthem will not go anywhere as it is one of their best selling systems and the Element will still give more feedback rejection than the HiFi in my experience. I have some news on the Anthem coming soon.
@@aaronshortmusic 🤔🤔
It will never sound as Maton or Cole Clark pickups
I think it can but in a different way. The CC and Maton systems are very dynamic and resist feedback but they still don’t sound completely natural with IEM’s. I think the HiFi Duet has the potential to sound more natural direct.
I like the comparisons, but you talk too much. Let us hear the guitar, then make your comments - not over the guitar samples.
It’s a reaction. You clearly don’t understand.
I understand 'reacting' to the video. But as a listener I want to hear the differences in the pickups, as well as your comments. I want to be able to make an informed decision for myself and the way I play. Not complaining about your comments, just that you chopped up the experience of hearing the guitar.@@aaronshortmusic
@@edwardbrown4455 Fair enough. I can’t please everyone. I did add a link as well so you could watch the original video first.
Is it absolutely necessary to pause the video every 10 seconds so you can talk for 2 minutes??
I’m reacting to the video. If you don’t want to hear my thoughts then go watch the original video.
I, for one, highly value Aaron‘s thoughts on this - more so than the gushy marketing platitudes or even the fancy playing. His channel offers a wealth of valuable insight and info. But to each his own…