LixiSoft
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$40 MIC That Kicks A$$
OK, I didn't discover this mic, I first read about it in a gear review in TAPE OP. I figured at this price I had to try them, at worst I would throw them away. Well I bought two, they knocked me out. I bought two more, and plan on buying another two. They are cheap CHINESE mics...BUT...without that "ICE PICK IN YOUR EAR" high end peak boost most Chinese mics have, (think Ocktava Mics smooth high end sound, the real Russian Ocktava's not the GC KNOCK OFF Chinese FAKES they sold for years). Anyway I just recorded an acoustic Folk Band from Greece, and used these on all the instruments.....they just sounded great, 2 Lutes, 2 Lyres, and a set of Bag Pipes. These mics also sound great on Drum OH's, Toms, and Guitar cabs, that's all I've tried them on so far, besides the Greek band last week. But anyway they ROCK for the money. Just thought I would let you guys know Check out this LINK
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j boy
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/22 13:27:58
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I can't say as I would trust most Chinese mic's to do the job. As far as relatively-inexpensive mic's go, I would suggest you look into Kel, as they get good reviews: http://www.kelaudio.com/hm1.html
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bitflipper
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/22 14:12:00
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Incredible as it seems, no one has ever posted a question regarding mic recommendations for bagpipes! Now we have a testimonial. The collective wisdom of this forum continues to grow.
Seriously, though, acoustic instruments are the most demanding test of a microphone, IMO. The fact that you got good results on lutes is an impressive testimonial. I hope all those cash-strapped folks who've inquired here about good cheap mics find your post.
 All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. My Stuff
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LixiSoft
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/22 14:18:36
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post edited by LixiSoft - 2008/01/11 14:23:08
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LixiSoft
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/22 14:28:16
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Seriously, though, acoustic instruments are the most demanding test of a microphone, IMO. The fact that you got good results on lutes is an impressive testimonial. So true, I tried all the usual suspects and was not very happy. So I said feck it and threw up the cheap mics.....every one at the session said "that's it, thats the sound". I trust the players more than anyone else, they KNOW their sound. I was unsure at first, but the mixes tell the true story. I can tell you, a set of bagpipes has a sound that is beyond words, even my ribbon mics sounded HARSH, LoL.
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joshhunsaker
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/22 14:40:54
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wow. that's something else....$40 huh? I suppose if you really own all those mics (and you're not kidding about owning a mic that costs more than your car) then it seems like a valid review. dang. i'll have to get a pair of these suckers for my mic locker (however, my mic locker does not contain any mics costing over $300... but I like to still call it a "mic locker")
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LixiSoft
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/22 15:04:35
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post edited by LixiSoft - 2008/01/11 14:24:03
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Clydewinder
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/22 15:19:14
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i have a pair of those from a diff. manufacturer but yes they are pretty good, smooth and not harsh like a lot of other cheap LDCs are. on my last project i used them for backing vocals and for micing tom-toms.
post edited by Clydewinder - 2007/12/22 15:33:16
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Lanceindastudio
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/23 07:28:08
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Asus P8Z77-V LE PLUS Motherboard i7 3770k CPU 32 gigs RAM Presonus AudioBox iTwo Windows 10 64 bit, SONAR PLATINUM 64 bit Lots of plugins and softsynths and one shot samples, loops Gauge ECM-87, MCA SP-1, Alesis AM51 Presonus Eureka Mackie HR824's and matching subwoofer
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CJaysMusic
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/23 08:00:20
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LOL, I have one and ive been using it on my last 3 songs for vocals. I bought it about 5 months ago and i love it actually. I also used it to record my acoustic guitars in my song called Alone. Im glad you found it
Cj
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krizrox
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/23 10:15:47
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ORIGINAL: bitflipper
Incredible as it seems, no one has ever posted a question regarding mic recommendations for bagpipes! Now we have a testimonial. The collective wisdom of this forum continues to grow.
Seriously, though, acoustic instruments are the most demanding test of a microphone, IMO. The fact that you got good results on lutes is an impressive testimonial. I hope all those cash-strapped folks who've inquired here about good cheap mics find your post.
Ha! I actually had a bagpipe player in my studio a couple of months ago. He was the bass player in a local cover band and also dabbled in bagpipes. In fact, he plays them for one or two songs on stage when they perform (they recorded an AC/DC song that featured bagpipes). I had never actually seen a set up close like that. I don't remember what we used but I think we might have used an SM57 to record them. The amazing part was it took him like an hour to set these things up. This poor guy literally blew into this bag for almost an hour while he tried to tune them. I would have passed out long before but he managed to keep blowing and blowing. First there was a problem with the reeds, then trying to tune the pipes. I didn't realize how involved those things were. What a nightmare. I think it actually took two sessions to get a useable track. I'm sure a guy who knows what he's doing can set them up in minutes. The reeds for those things are freaking expensive.
Larry Kriz www.LnLRecording.com www.myspace.com/lnlrecording Sonar PE 8.5, Samplitude Pro 11, Sonic Core Scope Professional/XTC, A16 Ultra AD/DA, Intel DG965RY MOBO, Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 2.4GHz processor, XFX GeForce 7300 GT PCIe video card, Barracuda 750 & 320GB SATA drives, 4GB DDR Ram, Plextor DVD/CD-R burner.
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IzovAge
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/23 10:21:28
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I have got 2 of these also. Used them as OH's, kick, vocals and acoustic, all with very good results. These suckers are great for the $. Anyone looking for a cheap LDC should pick 1 up. Heck even if you don't need 1 you should pick 1 up. I forgot that I used the pair to record a live band in a bar type situation and was very surprised at how accurate the representation was.
post edited by IzovAge - 2007/12/23 10:24:09
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larrymcg
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/23 13:43:32
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Anyone used these mics for brass instruments, like a solo trumpet (mostly with a cup or harmon mute) or flugelhorn?
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Rbh
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/23 15:41:31
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I had to sell a pair of AKG 414's a few years back. To this day it was one of the most regretful things I ever had to do. I still can't afford higher end stuff but I have about a half dozen mediocre pairs of mics. These will help fill in a few gaps I hope, Thanks for the heads up and review.
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albert_kawmi
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/23 18:44:26
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erm... can you get these in the UK?
I've only done a quick google search but it revealed no hits... (I entered MXL Sp-1)
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maikii
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/25 16:55:58
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Is SP-1 the actual MXL Model #, or just the catalog number for this vendor? (I never heard of a MXL SP-1 before.)
The photo on the linked site says MCA SP-1, the MXL name isn't there at all. Is it really an MXL mic?
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maikii
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/25 17:11:41
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Lanceindastudio
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/26 01:43:00
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So true Maiki. Ive caught them on ebay overpricing things many times, but I sho smart, always compare.
I gotta get one of these mics. $0 bux, sheesh man!
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lazarous
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/26 10:38:46
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ORIGINAL: Lanceindastudio
So true Maiki. Ive caught them on ebay overpricing things many times, but I sho smart, always compare.
I gotta get one of these mics. $0 bux, sheesh man!
At this price, and if they're as good as the OP suggests, wouldn't it make sense to buy TWO, instead of just one? Always nice to have a "matched" set when recording something in stereo (not that a $40 mic is going to be perfectly "matched," but...). Rec.Audio.Pro also raves about these mics, by the way. I understand there's a minimal expense mod for them that makes them unbelievably cool. Corey
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Lanceindastudio
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/26 15:22:19
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I dont record anything in stereo. Later I may do that, but at this point, drums are always programmed and guitars go direct and use amplitube 2. Vocals always recorded in mono. I only need 1 of each mic. Im not on the whole 2 mic stereo thing like some people.
Asus P8Z77-V LE PLUS Motherboard i7 3770k CPU 32 gigs RAM Presonus AudioBox iTwo Windows 10 64 bit, SONAR PLATINUM 64 bit Lots of plugins and softsynths and one shot samples, loops Gauge ECM-87, MCA SP-1, Alesis AM51 Presonus Eureka Mackie HR824's and matching subwoofer
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lazarous
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/26 15:44:13
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ORIGINAL: Lanceindastudio
Im not on the whole 2 mic stereo thing like some people.
What 2-mic stereo "thing" do you mean, and who are these "peaple?"  In my world (live audio, not programmed synths and such) stereo mic'ing provides a level of flexibility, depth and control that mono-mic'ing just can't provide. Just because I RECORD two tracks doesn't mean I have to USE both of them!  Plus, at this price, it seems almost silly to completely ignore the chance that you might someday be "on the whole 2 mic stereo thing like some people" and I've seen too many instances when a manufacturer has a good thing, and goes ahead and screws it up, and then, since you didn't buy two, you're out of luck. Everyone works differently, and that's cool... I just don't understand where you're coming from on this one. Trying to understand, is all... Corey
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jacktheexcynic
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/26 21:58:48
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did some googling on this mic, it appears that MCA is a part of MXL or something... anyway this mic is an SDC although at first i thought it was an LDC based on the photo. since i already have a decent SDC (mxl 603s) i'll pass on this one for now i suppose. might sound strange to some but i'm a minimalist - i've got 3 mics, sm57, sm58 and the 603s, and i regret the purchase of the 58 now as i don't use it anymore - should have gotten a 57 in the first place but live and learn... gonna look at the studio projects b1 for an LDC i think, when i get tired of my current 3 mics...
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Lanceindastudio
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/27 06:02:09
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My projects have 10-12 or more vocals. I record left and right of the same parts on all backgrounds and the lead sometimes for the chorus.
This is lot of stereo. I like to do each take separate and try to mimic the take before. It adds human feel to it as the takes arent exact. Ill take this over a two mic recorded stereo take any day. Give me some character.
Correct, everybody works different.
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lazarous
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/27 10:56:31
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ORIGINAL: Lanceindastudio
My projects have 10-12 or more vocals. I record left and right of the same parts on all backgrounds and the lead sometimes for the chorus.
This is lot of stereo. I like to do each take separate and try to mimic the take before. It adds human feel to it as the takes arent exact. Ill take this over a two mic recorded stereo take any day. Give me some character. Oh, THAT type of stereo mic'ing! Got it. My projects often have 10-20 guitar tracks, 8-16 drum dracks, and 3-16 vocal tracks, 2-4 bass guitar tracks (DI, Amp, Distorted) plus incidentals. I generally record 3-6 piece bands. I use stereo Overhead mic's on drums. I stereo mic guitars (but often only use one of the tracks, or combine them to one mono signal). I stereo mic groups of people singing (sometimes/rarely). I stereo mic live performances. I rarely stereo mic a single vocalist. I have, it just doesn't happen that often.
Correct, everybody works different.
And isn't that just the most wonderful thing? Corey
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jacktheexcynic
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/27 12:30:20
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i stereo mic my own vocals (i don't record anyone else, obviously, with my monster studio ) but only out of necessity. i use an x-y configuration with the MXL 603s and the sm57. the SDC gives me detailed highs and the 57 gives me some body and warmth. overall i'm satisfied with the sound, plus i can ditch one track or the other if i feel like it, or put a crossing delay on one and center the other, etc. since the mics sound different, i can get away with more in terms of doubling without introducing as many phase/mono issues. of course, if i had a locker of mics i probably would have never bothered with that approach, and probably wouldn't have had to.
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Lanceindastudio
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/27 13:33:34
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ORIGINAL: lazarous
ORIGINAL: Lanceindastudio
My projects have 10-12 or more vocals. I record left and right of the same parts on all backgrounds and the lead sometimes for the chorus.
This is lot of stereo. I like to do each take separate and try to mimic the take before. It adds human feel to it as the takes arent exact. Ill take this over a two mic recorded stereo take any day. Give me some character.
Oh, THAT type of stereo mic'ing! Got it.
My projects often have 10-20 guitar tracks, 8-16 drum dracks, and 3-16 vocal tracks, 2-4 bass guitar tracks (DI, Amp, Distorted) plus incidentals. I generally record 3-6 piece bands.
I use stereo Overhead mic's on drums. I stereo mic guitars (but often only use one of the tracks, or combine them to one mono signal). I stereo mic groups of people singing (sometimes/rarely). I stereo mic live performances.
I rarely stereo mic a single vocalist. I have, it just doesn't happen that often.
Correct, everybody works different.
And isn't that just the most wonderful thing?
Corey
Oh, THAT type of stereo mic'ing! Got it.
My projects often have 10-20 guitar tracks, 8-16 drum dracks, and 3-16 vocal tracks, 2-4 bass guitar tracks (DI, Amp, Distorted) plus incidentals. I generally record 3-6 piece bands.
I use stereo Overhead mic's on drums. I stereo mic guitars (but often only use one of the tracks, or combine them to one mono signal). I stereo mic groups of people singing (sometimes/rarely). I stereo mic live performances.
I rarely stereo mic a single vocalist. I have, it just doesn't happen that often. Yeah, if I was recording bands, I would probably venture into stereo mic'ing. May end up doing that stuff in the future, but at this point, I go direct in with all guitar work. I have a guy that comes in and uses his pod a lot, which we plug in stereo, but when we do his acoustic, I use the same method as the vocals, each take separate. I can definitely see stereo mic'ing live shows and groups of people to catch it all right there in two or more different angles. Just at this point, I really have no use for stereo mic'ing and when I do, Ill get stereo mics then. not really worried about it now, but do understand where youre coming from. A really cool thing about working our own way is thta sonar makes it so possible to do so. So many ways to go about things, of course there are fundamentals, but we dont even have to follow those lol.
Asus P8Z77-V LE PLUS Motherboard i7 3770k CPU 32 gigs RAM Presonus AudioBox iTwo Windows 10 64 bit, SONAR PLATINUM 64 bit Lots of plugins and softsynths and one shot samples, loops Gauge ECM-87, MCA SP-1, Alesis AM51 Presonus Eureka Mackie HR824's and matching subwoofer
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newfuturevintage
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/27 16:37:59
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My inner child is an angry drunk.
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cityrat
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/27 20:22:55
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Thanks for the tip LixiSoft - I just bought 2 of em. Hard to make a mistake at that price - and it's nice to have a recommendation from someone who knows mics (as I see you have quite the collection!!) BTW - these sound like they are easy to mod too - here are some pics of the internal electronics: http://www.prodigy-pro.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=303592&sid=084158ce13896dd6731432876e81bf32 Now if you could just turn me on to some $39 KickASS preamps.........
post edited by cityrat - 2007/12/27 20:41:03
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Lanceindastudio
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/27 22:54:37
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Interesting, but reading the posts, it seems like it isnt really even necessary lol
Asus P8Z77-V LE PLUS Motherboard i7 3770k CPU 32 gigs RAM Presonus AudioBox iTwo Windows 10 64 bit, SONAR PLATINUM 64 bit Lots of plugins and softsynths and one shot samples, loops Gauge ECM-87, MCA SP-1, Alesis AM51 Presonus Eureka Mackie HR824's and matching subwoofer
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deleter47
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RE: $40 MIC That Kicks A$$
2007/12/28 21:57:07
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I've got two of these, and I've modded them. They are awesome. I let a buddy hear them and he bought 6 of them.
" For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
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