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Don't just take our word for it. Here's what the Professionals say about sE? |
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SNOOP DOGG AND WILLIE NELSON DISCOVER THE TWIN DELIGHTS OF THE sE GEMINI
Engineer Sven Lens reveals how Snoop and Nelson’s latest collaboration highlighted just how great the sE Gemini mic sounds compared to much more expensive competition. The studio had other mics available for the session, but Sven believes that the Gemini easily had the best sound. sE Gemini
"I actually bought the Gemini I used with Snoop and Willie right after the session, since it sounded so good. Its my first choice mic for vocals now" |
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PRODIGY'S FOH ENGINEER JON BURTON
When it comes to loud stages very few can compete with the sheer blistering volume of The Prodigy. With an on stage monitor system of epic proportions sound spillage is a major problem. So Jon turned to sE and purchased some Instrument Reflexion Filters. The spill was dramatically reduced and the sound more focused. They exceeded my expectations". The reflection Filters have been on tour with us now for two months doing major festivals around the world, and have become an essential part of the bands touring package.
sE Instrument Reflection Filter
Jon Burton has also mixed for Portishead, Bjork at Live8 in Japan. Katrina & the Waves, Radiohead, Suede, Cocteau Twins and many others. |
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TONY PLATT – PRODUCER/ENGINEER
Tony uses the sE GM10 and the sE Reflection Filter. Both these devices have been well thought out and beautifully constructed to address a simple problem with a simple solution that has enabled me to enhance the creative environment for these artists - many thanks SE!.
Bob Marley, AC/DC, Thin Lizzy, The Stranglers, Motorhead, Gary Moore, Buddy Guy.
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STEVIE WONDER
‘I love the warmth, fullness, presence and the fat sound of the sE Gemini, and every studio should have an sE Reflection Filter.
It's great for isolating sound and it's perfect for on the road.'
'The Reflection Filter is exactly what I've been waiting for.’
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GIL NORTON
‘Since I first used sE microphones about 2 years ago, they have become staple tools in my recording arsenal. I especially like the Titan, which I’ve
found great for LOUD vocals and instruments with a high output like kicks and
cabs.
The sE3 Stereo Pair are particularly suited as drum overheads and on acoustic instruments including strings. They command a very real and pure sound and come provided with a useful stereo mount.
The Gemini II is a versatile vocal/room/general purpose mic which is never left in the box on a session.
Recently I’ve been using the R1 Ribbon which I Iove on guitar cabinets.
I think sE microphones are of the highest quality and fantastic
value for anyone’s money.’
Find out more about Gil at www.gilnorton.com
Foo Fighters, Pixies, Gomez, Feeder, Counting Crows,
Maximo Park
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TOP DANCE PRODUCER STUART CRICHTON AND sE IN DANCE FLOOR HEAVEN
“I’m using a few sE mics in the studio right now,” Stuart reports from his Hastings-based studio. “I particularly like the Z5600aII [multi-pattern tube condenser], the SE1a [small diaphragm condenser] stereo pair, and the new GM10 [guitar mic]. The Z5600aII I use on every vocal production I do. …and having just got the GM10, well, I’m using that absolutely every time I record acoustic guitar... it’s just amazing!”
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BRENDON BENSON
Brendan has been giving sE mics a good run and says 'I used the SE mics on my latest record and had really great results. I especially liked the R1 ribbon mic. Very smooth and realistic. Great as drum overheads or on a guitar amp. The Titan is another one of my favorites.
It's a great mic for a bass amp or kick drum, but to my amazement, it also sounded really great on vocals!
RACONTEURS, BRENDON BENSON
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DOM MORLEY - AMY WINEHOUSE, MARK RONSON, GRINDERMAN (Nick Cave) THE FEELING, MORRISEY & LEMONJELLY.
Reflexion Filter 'I recently used the RF while recording vocals at an artists house and it was the ideal solution. It's like you don't need a studio anymore. If I'm ever recording in a less-than-ideal acoustic I can just throw the RF up and all the problems are gone - I've got a clean and clear sound as if I was recording somewhere considerably more expensive.
Gemini II 'The Gemini II kind of gives you the best of both worlds - it's got all the presence and mid-range clarity you'd expect from a valve mic, but with a really open and clear top end that you wouldn't expect. I'd normally be adding a bit of top when recording vocals but have found it's not necessary with the Gemini II as it's already there.' |
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JACKNIFE LEE ON sE – REM, U2, GREEN DAY, SNOW PATROL, BLOC PARTY, THE HIVES, VEGA4, THE EDITORS
I've been using the R1 Ribbons on guitar and for drum ambience with great results. They sound (and look) pretty sweet. Warm, deep and detailed. The R1's are getting a lot of use at the moment.
I've not used the Reflexion Filter for it's primary purpose, vocals (I like to see the singer) but have used it on guitar mics to get some separation when the band are all in the room. Very useful and smart. |
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TROY VAN LEEUWEN - QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE
‘Yet another mic from sE that is a must have for multiple applications, the
sE Titan handles everything thrown at it.
From the punch of drums and bass, to the delicate touch of any acoustic instrument, every frequency is captured with ease.’
‘The Z5600a is a mic that you could just leave up in your tracking room and record with any instrument in combination
with a close up mic. The switching in between the three patterns of the capsule is a great way to dial in the depth of a your room.
Another workhorse in my mic collection.’
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ENDA WALSH, U2, SHANE MACGOWAN, ANDREA CORR AND THE CREAM OF THE IRISH MUSIC SCENE SALUTE THE LEGENDARY RONNIE DREW WITH A LIVING TRIBUTE
They were using sE’s award-winning Reflexion Filter and Gemini II microphone during the recording of the song. Assistant engineer Enda Walsh – a big fan of sE products – was in on the session along with engineer Alastair MacMillan.
Gemini II “I love the natural sound of the Gemini II,” continues Walsh. “Not only is it my default vocal microphone, it is also my preferred acoustic guitar mic. I haven't tried it on piano or drum overheads yet but I have no doubt that it will deliver.”
Reflexion Filter“It is just the best thing ever. I can't imagine why someone didn't do it years ago!” FULL STORY >>>
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PRODUCER, FILM AND TV COMPOSER MATT ROBERTSON CHOOSES "PERFORMANCE" PRODUCTS FROM sE
Matt Robertson has worked with the UK’s biggest producers, on films like Hot Fuzz and The Other Boleyn Girl, as well as producing the music for over 100 TV ads including campaigns for Mercedes, Pepsi, HP and Land Rover. With such a myriad of different musical projects, Matt demands the best gear and says of his sE purchases: “price v performance really is that good.”
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PAUL HERMAN
‘“Why do we have a cupboard full of sE gear? Well, the results speak for themselves! The Reflexion Filter is just a great asset for any vocal performance – even when recorded in a vocal booth. “But for recording acoustic guitars – or in fact any instrumentation – we reach for the stereo pair of sE3 mics. The reason we bought into sE in the first place was purely because we were hearing so many producers and engineers tell us just how good they were.’
Dido, Natasha Bedingfield, Corinne Bailey Ray, Faithless
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DON WAS
‘I am incredibly impressed by the seemingly contradictory combination of warmth, crispness and definition that was captured in the tracks by the
sE Gemini and sE Reflection Filter....the songs we were working on had dense arrangements yet the sax cut through without ever sounding abrasive or
disconnected from the rest of the track.....it was a beautiful, natural sound we didn't even use any EQ !’
Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, The Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson
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JOHN MERCHANT – BEE GEES, BARBRA STREISAND, MICHAEL JACKSON, CELINE DION, MIKA
If you're recording in a space with challenging acoustics, you owe it
to yourself to try the Reflexion Filter. In both good sounding rooms
and bad, I've found this simple device can dramatically improve the
quality of your tracks. I prefer intimate sounding vocal tracks. If you're recording in a studio with lots of reflections, even if the room sounds great, you may not want all that ambience on the tracks. In three minutes, the Reflexion Filter can totally change your vocal from spacious and diffuse to detailed and clear.
BEE GEES, BARBRA STREISAND, MICHAEL JACKSON, CELINE DION, MIKA
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PAUL MERTENS
‘The Z5600II is a great addition to my studio. I'm impressed with how well built the mic and shock mount are, and the features; bass roll-off, pad and the switchable pattern. It's incredibly good value.
I especially like the Z5600a II on vocals, acoustic guitar and woodwinds which is what I record a lot of here. I've been looking for a tube mic that sounds thick in the midrange but still has clear, present high end and this one does it at an amazing price. Can't wait to hear your ribbon mics!’
Beach Boys, Brian Wilson's Pet Sounds, Stereolab
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CHRIS PORTER
‘I use the sE Relexion Filter in my vocal booth. Generally so you can see the vocalist you have them standing not very far from a glass window and,
of course, you are getting bouncing sibilance back from the window into the mic and it can give you really blurry s’s and t’s. The Reflexion Filter
cleans those up nicely and I find it also helps control the bottom end; you get a really good bottom end on the vocal. It really does make it sound
like you have a very expensive booth. And I love the sE Gemini on vocals and guitars.’
George Michael, Sir Cliff Richard, Pet Shop Boys, Tina Turner
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PRODUCER GARETH JOHNSEN RELIES ON sE IN THE STUDIO.
“Ultimately sE gear is stress free. There’s enough to worry about when you’re in session, but I know that sE gear will give me the results I want without having to work really hard to get the best out of it. And if I’m worrying less about results I can relax more in the studio.” Gareth uses sE Gemini II Reflexion Filter and a GM10
Natalie Imbruglia and Goldfrapp, recording the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and writing theme tunes for Norwich-based anti-hero Alan Partridge.
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AL MACHERA - WESTLAKE STUDIOS, LA
"The sE Mics have been doing great for us. We lined up an AKG C12, a 414 with a C12 capsule, a Neumann U87, a Sony C800G, a Shure SM7,
the sE Z5600a, the sE Titan and the sE ICIS. The results were surprising.
Hands down the sE mics stole the show."
"I've been using the Titan on a new artist, and it sounds incredible. The vocal is just incredible."
"I lent the ICIS to a friend who's putting together an album with a female vocalist. He set up the ICIS with an AKG C12
for the lead vocal but went with the ICIS."
"I love these mics. I'm using sE with with all my artists. And I'm spreading the word." |
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BT
‘I am using sE Electronics microphones all over my new album. They sound absolutely unreal! I love the Z5600a, it reminds me of the character of a
Nuemann U47 but with 1/10th of the noise. If you’re looking for an expensive sounding mic at a reasonable price . . . look no further.’
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ERIC VALENTINE - BAREFOOT STUDIOS, LA
'I've been trying the sE Titan in all the places I would normally use my Neumann fet47 (Bass and Kick).
I was surprised when I started picking the Titan over my favorite 47Fet in those spots'
SmashMouth, Third Eye Blind, QOTSA, Good Charlotte, Nickel Creek
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ALAN JOHANNES
'I've been loving the Z5600a! It's got amazing detail and warmth and an
incredibly musical character. As a room mic for drums it allows me to
start with a solid balanced kit sound. Love it on vocals because of
it's ability to capture the character and detail as well as claiming
it's own space alongside heavy guitars. Well done!'
Eleven, QOTSA, Spinnerette, Hilary Duff
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JAMES MURPHY - LCD SOUND SYSTEM
‘The sE Z3300a's were absolutely mindlessly lovely on the toms - I just stuck them there and plugged them in and they sounded great.
The sE3 did a great job on the hat and bottom snare, and the Titan worked nicely as a mono overhead.’
‘All in all, I'm very happy with these guys’
‘Yesterday I spent the day recording drums with a 100% sE setup, which would be the first time I haven't used either my 193/re2000 rig or
my other standard (just an old EV omni dynamic just above the kick) in YEARS, so it's a big step for me.’
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PAUL BARRETT
'I set up the sE2200a alongside the ubiquitous U87 to see which one the singer built up a liking for. I believe this friendship/relationship can make or
break a recording session. The performer must trust his microphone, and never more so than with a singer.'
'The sE2200a fought neck and neck with the Neumann. The performer was happiest with the sE2200a.'
'I believe it out-performs any Rode microphone I have tried.'
'Try them, but be warned that you will not want to give them back.'
U2, Carole King, Quincy Jones, Hothouse Flowers, Frank Sinatra
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ROB HARRIS
'The Reflexion Filter is a great idea, so simple but so useful. I use it on vocals, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, percussion, hi-hat overdubs….'
Jamiroquai, Kylie Minogue, Beverley Knight
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NICK FRANGLEN
‘If I could only use one mic it would be Gemini, no contest. It captures the natural essence of the instrument without colouring
the sound in a way that made my other mics seem muddy and indistinct.'
'For vocals, lead instruments and those intimate sounds like acoustic guitars where you need to hear the pure qualities of the
instrument and performance I really couldn't imagine using a different microphone.’
LemonJelly, Primal Scream, John Cale
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GUY CHAMBERS - PRODUCER/SONGWRITER
'We've been using the sE Gemini and Z5600a for various applications, from vocals, guitar and piano to live drums and
we've had fantastic results. These mics are great. We're using them all the time.'
Robbie Williams, Diana Ross, Tom Jones, Kylie Minogue, James Blunt
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JAMIE CULLUM
'I love sE Mics. I use them in the studio because they give me a sound I
can't get from anything else. I've recently been using the sE Gemini on
vocals and acoustic guitar, and I love the sE3 Pair over my piano. I
can't wait to check out the sE Ribbon.'
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MATT DEIGHTON
‘I was looking for a mic set up that would capture the warm and dust between the vocals and acoustic guitar when putting down a live studio
take and after some soul searching came across the perfect solution PLUS!.’
'What the valve sE Z5600a mic achieved sonically blew me away; it seemed to enhance the overall sound straight away showing detail in the
vocals or guitar playing. I combined the set up with an sE3 condenser mic positioned just off of the sound hole of the Martin acoustic
and have been recording live in the studio in this way ever since.’
‘The sE3 with it's high and low Db cut switch opened up many subtle possibilities, especially when using say a parlour size acoustic guitar
or a Dobro resonator where the guitar sound was more 'boxy' with less bass end than my Martin Jumbo.’
‘These mics definitely capture the most important thing in music feel.’
Mother Earth, The Bench Connection, Paul Weller Band, Oasis
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ROB KELLY - STRONGROOM STUDIOS
'We have used the sE Gemini on various sessions at Strongroom Studios, and they stand up to the best
valve mics in our collection. They are clear, full and detailed sounding. We bought two for Strongroom, and
several of our clients who got to use them have put orders in for their own mics without hesitation.'
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COURTNEY PINE - JAZZ PERFORMER and PRODUCER
sE Gemini - 'Wow. That mic is dangerous! Real quality.'
sE Z5600a - 'Great mic. I know it's a great vocal mic, but the Z5600A is fantastic on piano as well. Beautifully clean.'
sE3 Stereo Pair - 'These are fantastic. Real class sound. I use these on all my overheads.'
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GEOFF DUGMORE
'I love sE mics - they quite simply record what I play - nothing added, nothing taken away. Superb. I would happily recommend sE. Great mics.'
Robbie Williams, Tina Turner, Dido, Bruce Springsteen,
Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart
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LYNNE FIDDMONT
‘I love my sE Z5600a. It's warm and full but what I love most about it is that nice air at the top. It makes my voice sound like I like to
hear it and I feel like it actually makes me sing easier and better. Thanks sE.’
Stevie Wonder, Phil Collins, Madonna, Barbara Streisand, Johnny Mathis
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DARRYL LAVICTOIRE
‘I’m amazed by the clarity and the top end of the Gemini mic and very impressed with the sound directly from it. It actually sounds like it’s
already been treated, that’s how good it is. I think: ‘hang on, this is like I’ve put it through my tube tech compressor and Avalon EQ’,
but it’s straight from the mic! The Gemini is very special.’
Sugababes, Blue, Mis-teeq, Big Brovaz, Liberty X,
Beverley Knight,Atomic Kitten/p>
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JS CLAYDEN - PITCHSHIFTER
‘I have been using the Se Electronics Z5600A for vocals in my own studio. I can honestly say the results are better than more expensive models by
other companies. It just has a natural tone and clarity that’s great for capturing the true essence of any vocal performance.
Now that I have it I couldn’t live without it!’
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GRAHAM PATTISON
‘I was blown away by the Gemini and have used it on everything since.’
Kula Shaker, Gomez, Spiritualized
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ROGER LYONS
‘I’m getting another sE Gemini as I like it so much but also have a pair of sE3s (which you can use for pretty much anything) and Z5600a’s which I
use for ambient drum recording. They sound great really warm and crunchy. I’ve mainly been using the Gemini on vocals; it really does have a
fantastic sound.'
'I can sing but don’t particularly like to… I wouldn’t stand up on stage and do it, but I’ve done some vocals with this mic and all of a sudden I have
some confidence back in my own voice as it sounds so good!’
New Order
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JAVIER WEYLER - STEREOPHONICS
‘I have a couple of sE Z5600a‘s and a pair of sE3s. I use them for everything, especially the Z5600a‘s which I use for guitars, vocals,
overheads, drums and stuff like that. The Z5600a is a great all rounder.’
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CHRIS HARRISON - MORCHEEBA
‘We’ve got the whole sE range but I primarily use the Gemini. What I like about it is that it has a bump around 2k and another bump on the top end
so it has an immediate feel about it and you will know straight away whether it’s working. Some mics you will need to adjust this, that or the other.
The sE Gemini is a very characterful mic and generally sounds very good on most things.’
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STEVE LEVINE
'The sE Gemini studio tube microphone is a very unusual microphone as it combines both
the traditional warmth, expected of a high quality studio tube condenser microphone, along with an
exceptional transparent high end, normally only available with solid state designs.'
Culture Club, The Creatures, The Beach Boys, Honeyz, Westworld
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STEVE WILLIAMS - THE CHAPEL STUDIOS
‘The point about the sE3 is that, because it’s not hugely expensive, I can dedicate it to one job.
I find it really works on cymbals, not because it has a boosted high end but it takes the high end and gives
it some real clarity especially on my ride cymbal. It just stays there and does the job brilliantly!’
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THIRTEEN SENSES
‘We've been using the sE3 stereo pair, the Z5600a and the Z3300a extensively during the recording and pre-production of our latest album.
We've been very impressed with clarity and versatility of these mics, and have made some great sounds with them.’
‘The sE3's gave a beautiful, open sound to an acoustic guitar, and the Z5600a has given us some very unique ambient sounds
whilst we've been recording the drum kit.’
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TROY VAN LEEUWEN - QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE
'In this day and age of digital recording, anything that can add character to the signal path is worth
it's weight in gold. with a microphone like the Gemini you can really push the limits.'
'With multiple applications like mono drums, beautifully warm but clear vocals, bass, acoustic guitar and piano,
this mic could be the only one you need in a recording situation.'
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PAUL BORG
'The Z5600a is a great all rounder. I have found it to be a great work horse using it on vocals,
acoustic guitar and even bass amps. It has plenty of depth and handles low frequencies well whilst
delivering real clarity on the high end with vocals and acoustic instruments.'
Busted, MC Solaar, James Brown, Gangstar, Urban Species, Sugababes
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SIDH SOLANKI
' ... in the studio we usually have the pick of the crop when it comes to microphones but I keep coming back to
my sE Gemini - I use it for almost everything from recording bass cabs and kick drums to acoustic guitar and vocals -
knockout detail and luscious warmth - plus the two valves glowing in the back... simply beautiful.'
Outkast, Busted
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TIM LEVER and MIKE PERCY - STEELWORKS STUDIOS
'We were blown away when we tried sE mics. Now when we have a singer in they’re first out of the box in front of any of our other mics!'
Robbie Williams, S-Club 7, A1, Gareth Gates, Blue, Spice Girls
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ACE - SKUNK ANANSIE and ACESOUNDS
'I use the Gemini for clear and accurate vocal recordings, with a true presence that compliments rock recordings,
bringing a edgy but sonically correct result.'
'I use the Z5600a for recording Acoustic guitars that sound real and natural with bottom warmth but crisp top end clarity.
Quite simply it sounds the same from the guitar acoustically as on the recorded audio, and at the end of the day that's what I want .'
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