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Post by Martin John Butler on Dec 16, 2018 19:08:05 GMT -6
Good to know John, thanks.
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Post by Drew @ UA on Dec 17, 2018 7:46:24 GMT -6
John, It is in fact the conversion and clocking that you're hearing.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Dec 17, 2018 9:21:48 GMT -6
Cool. So this should solve my issues with Apollos. I don't expect the converters to outgun a stand alone converter that costs $2,500, but as long as what I hear doesn't bug me, I'm fine. I've been comfortable with the Apollo ecosystem otherwise, with the exception of not being able to sell or trade plug-ins.
I'd gladly take a 50% credit if UAD would allow me to switch. For instance, I bought the API 2500 because of the reputation it had. I did demo it, but only had a little time with it. I needed something and made a rushed choice. If I could change that to the CL1B or the Distressor, I'd be mighty happy, UAD would make more money, even with a 50% discount, and I'd have plug-in I'd use.
Too many plug-ins end up gathering digital dust, so I'm less and less inclined to buy them because of the no sell/no trade policies.
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Post by viciousbliss on Dec 17, 2018 15:52:17 GMT -6
My latest stuff translated real well in the car. Rarely do I get the chance to test there. It's actually more forgiving than those Bose companion speakers in the living room. So far I've gone with the Neve DFC, 480, AMS 16, Helios, and Ocean Way. Seeing if I can get the 1176 collection and 224. There's others I want, but, unless I get a big uptick in funding, I won't be getting another satellite anytime soon. One day I hope to own an Apollo so I can do zero latency unison with the Helios and 610. The UAD SSL Bus really is leaps and bounds better than the others. Tried it against the IK one last night and it's just not even close. The others all sound a bit thin and shrill compared to the UAD. That Neve DFC really is a sleeper. Excellent workflow and gets quick results. Really reminds me of the Softube Weiss type of digital sound and quality. Does a great job organizing and balancing. The only trade off is that it's not as exciting as the SSL. The 224 is getting along better for me. It's the only thing that has the quickness to hang with the Metallica vocals I've recorded to test with the Rock Band tracks. Everything else just gets bowled over. The 480, RC24, Tsar-1, SP2016, AMS 16, you really need a 224 for the Metal stuff from that period. I'm using it on other stuff too to save on DSP. The Helios can really work some magic once you get a feel for the controls. It's smoother than the 610-b. The 610 is much more aggressive and less bassy. Sorta like comparing an SSL to a Neve. For the 1176, I'm using the Rev A more. It's a bit smoother than the AE. Precision HZ works real well at adding bass without making mud.
The free Brigade is actually very high quality, like the Precision Delay. MXR was cool too. I think one of the reviews said it was the Judas Priest Turbo Lover guitar effect. I'd probably go as far as to rank UAD the #1 brand for me. Then Softube and Brainworx/Plugin Alliance a sort of close 2nd and 3rd. Once I get the 1176 Collection and the 224, that's probably everything I'd consider to be really essential to get what I want. I'll probably get more UAD stuff when the funding and price is right. There's a few native plugins I'd end up selling. I'm not using a large variety of them with the UAD. Mainly Cranesong Phoenix, Weiss, BX SSL E, EC-300, NR-800, Punish, Dopamine, a few Sonnox, Autotune 5, Satin, and Trident A Range.
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Post by hio on Dec 17, 2018 17:06:32 GMT -6
As someone who owns almost all of the UA plugs and several UA interfaces and who is currently on this side of the fence with the X series Apollos, I find it kind of strange that no one *anywhere* on this planet ever mentions what sample rate they are using when they discuss the sound of these new converters. Hint, hint!
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Post by Guitar on Dec 17, 2018 17:21:46 GMT -6
As someone who owns almost all of the UA plugs and several UA interfaces and who is currently on this side of the fence with the X series Apollos, I find it kind of strange that no one *anywhere* on this planet ever mentions what sample rate they are using when they discuss the sound of these new converters. Hint, hint! I wanted to ask, but I guess a more specific question is do the higher rates sound better or worse on the new apollos?
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Post by Johnkenn on Dec 17, 2018 17:22:32 GMT -6
As someone who owns almost all of the UA plugs and several UA interfaces and who is currently on this side of the fence with the X series Apollos, I find it kind of strange that no one *anywhere* on this planet ever mentions what sample rate they are using when they discuss the sound of these new converters. Hint, hint! It must be a conspiracy. Mostly 44.1 and 48 for me. And if I can tell a difference there, it’s going to be even better with higher sample rates.
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Post by hio on Dec 17, 2018 18:01:13 GMT -6
As someone who owns almost all of the UA plugs and several UA interfaces and who is currently on this side of the fence with the X series Apollos, I find it kind of strange that no one *anywhere* on this planet ever mentions what sample rate they are using when they discuss the sound of these new converters. Hint, hint! It must be a conspiracy. Mostly 44.1 and 48 for me. And if I can tell a difference there, it’s going to be even better with higher sample rates. Thank you!
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Post by viciousbliss on Dec 19, 2018 17:26:32 GMT -6
Anyone else a fan of the 224? The more I learn how to use it, the more impressive it is. I don't remember any other reverb sticking to a source so well. And it does this while also allowing me to create big tails that fit neatly into a mix. It's also possible to make it pretty clear, sorta like the 480. And like I was saying before, it's so quick and never feels like it's getting left behind by the source. Great for slow, laid back stuff too. The dsp usage being so low is kind of like the cherry on top.
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Post by mamm7215 on Dec 19, 2018 21:22:13 GMT -6
Big fan of the 224 here. I was hot for the 480L but ended up getting the vsm-3 because the emt140 and 224 check all my boxes.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Dec 19, 2018 22:51:03 GMT -6
I wanted one main reverb years ago.I had the chance to get the 224 for $133. I chose the Relab XL480 instead that cost $400 at the time. There was no comparison in my mind. I thought the 224 had no special qualities. It's been 5 years since then, so I might hear it differently now.
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Post by bigbone on Dec 24, 2018 10:17:36 GMT -6
Love the sound that they got from that interface, the band got a lot to do with it but still love it. !!!!
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Post by theshea on Dec 26, 2018 2:36:59 GMT -6
I am a bit tempted to order a apollo for trying out. My macbook pro i7 late 2011 has the grafic chip defect for the second time now ... really frustating because i love this model: it has all the connectivity in the world the newer ones miss. And its a powermachine! It never let me down: rock solid with my rme fireface 400 and logic pro x. Now what? I really would want to continue working with this macbook and my ff400. Buying a new one would be cheap, but how long til the next grafic chip error?! So maybe its about time to re-do my setup and make it fit for the next years. I will stay with a macbook, i have a second monitor and need the portability. I was alway happy with rme, but maybe its the time to try out the apollo ... i record drums, so i need at like 12inputs, i have outboard preamps. I am planning on adding a patchbay for my compressors to use in mixing.
don‘t know ... what would you do? ... and happy xmas to all!
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Post by kcatthedog on Dec 26, 2018 4:13:22 GMT -6
You can’t build your system around an old computer so time to move on. If your current interface has adat out you could send that to apollo for extra channels, if not, then you either need 2 apollos 6 + 8 or the 16. If you will never use unison pres or need on board ic pres, the X16 gives you more converters than 12, the best ua conversion, but no monitor controller so you need one. Currently, x16 also offers 4 very very good plug ins so saves you like $1200. it also plays nice with a patchbay but you need 2 db25 cables. If you do want on board pres, then check out the i/o on the back of the x6 and X8(x8p) and their types of inputs: figure out what works. If you buy any two you get 12 on board sharc chips vs the 6 in the 16. So, any 2 non 16 apollos may save you from needing to buy a satalite for not dsp or like $1,000. With that $1k savings you can pretty well buy the 10 plug deal in which you pick your plug ins and save 66% off retail so like over 2 grand. UA has added in 3 or 4 more plugs of your choice free, so a screaming deal that saved you well over 3 grand. You get free plug ins with the apollos two but you’d have to check with CS if you buy 2 apollos can you substitute? UA normally gives you a $100 voucher when purchasing an apollo church also with CS what happens with 2 apollos or 1 x16. Finally, when you register an apollo you used to get a surprise pop up for the bundle deal I referenced above 3/399, 6/799, 10/1099(?), I think, check with CD if they are still doing this and plan your plug in buying plan as this offer is limited. You get 14 day demo periods for each plug in, so you might want to register the 2, if you buy 2, staggered in time to delay the 2nd registration deal so you have demoed more plug ins so know what you want. If you do the math, factor in on board chip savings, meaning you may not need to buy a satalite and add in the cumulative possible plug in savings buying 2 6 and or 8 apollos is arguably your better all in deal: go big or go home !
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Post by bigbone on Dec 26, 2018 7:16:26 GMT -6
You could get a MOTU 16A as you got outboard pre's .Save tons of $$$$.Work great with MAC OS and .in my opinion sound better than the Apollo.
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Post by Guitar on Dec 26, 2018 8:27:43 GMT -6
I am a bit tempted to order a apollo for trying out. My macbook pro i7 late 2011 has the grafic chip defect for the second time now ... really frustating because i love this model: it has all the connectivity in the world the newer ones miss. And its a powermachine! It never let me down: rock solid with my rme fireface 400 and logic pro x. Now what? I really would want to continue working with this macbook and my ff400. Buying a new one would be cheap, but how long til the next grafic chip error?! So maybe its about time to re-do my setup and make it fit for the next years. I will stay with a macbook, i have a second monitor and need the portability. I was alway happy with rme, but maybe its the time to try out the apollo ... i record drums, so i need at like 12inputs, i have outboard preamps. I am planning on adding a patchbay for my compressors to use in mixing. don‘t know ... what would you do? ... and happy xmas to all! I've always thought Apollos are good for tracking drums with the Unison preamp options. If you already have external preamps I'm not sure. Everyone seems to love the new Apollos I haven't tried one.
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Post by keymod on Dec 26, 2018 8:53:33 GMT -6
Anyone else a fan of the 224? The more I learn how to use it, the more impressive it is. I don't remember any other reverb sticking to a source so well. And it does this while also allowing me to create big tails that fit neatly into a mix. It's also possible to make it pretty clear, sorta like the 480. And like I was saying before, it's so quick and never feels like it's getting left behind by the source. Great for slow, laid back stuff too. The dsp usage being so low is kind of like the cherry on top. ewbr] I just threw one on a drum bus in mixbus , chose the drum room preset, and instantly smiled at what I heard
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Post by theshea on Dec 26, 2018 13:51:29 GMT -6
You could get a MOTU 16A as you got outboard pre's .Save tons of $$$$.Work great with MAC OS and .in my opinion sound better than the Apollo. seemed very interesting until i read the 16a has no headphone out. so it would need a headphone amö.
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Post by guitfiddler on Dec 26, 2018 14:32:38 GMT -6
You could get a MOTU 16A as you got outboard pre's .Save tons of $$$$.Work great with MAC OS and .in my opinion sound better than the Apollo. Better than the new Apollo X?
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Post by Johnkenn on Dec 26, 2018 15:07:32 GMT -6
I didn't think so. Not a huge difference, but I thought the X sounded better.
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Post by kcatthedog on Dec 26, 2018 15:10:31 GMT -6
@. Bigbone, just curious if you have used the new X16 apollo ?
I wonder if the older motu would sound better?
The x series were completely redesigned, new psu, new clock (2) for very very low jitter, upgraded converters and I think top of the line DA.
No offense, but isn’t the motu actually using sabres from 2 or 3 generations ago ?
I certainly agree the motu is very good and good value, but I wonder if it would smoke a X16, plus the 16 comes with 6 sharc chips and all the savings on ua plugs.
One could buy a motu but if you were also starting to use UA plugs: yours also need to but likely an Octo at around a grand and you’d be in the hole about $1200 not getting the free plug ins etc.
So, I think the X16 could surprisingly actually be the better all in deal and the motu lower price a bit of a mirage, unless you didn’t want to use ua plugs at all ?
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Post by bigbone on Dec 26, 2018 15:48:16 GMT -6
I A\B the MOTU 16A Vs the Apollo 16 BF to track Drums.I found the low end was more present in the 16A in a nice way.As i don't use the UA plugins.i won't put them in the equation. Didn't try the new Apollo X but personally i'm not sure there is a huge difference sound wise.Could be more power with the Shark with the X.But i could be wrong.!!!!
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Post by kcatthedog on Dec 26, 2018 15:55:26 GMT -6
Ya the x has 2 more sharc chips and should sound cleaner than the bf but I don’t think night and day?
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Post by viciousbliss on Jan 5, 2019 15:18:11 GMT -6
Just to update after a lot more testing. The UAD Distressor is in a class above Sknote Disto-S. Just bigger, smoother, wider, you name it. You can really do a lot with it. Took me til about the last day of the sale to test it because there were a lot of claims out there about how Disto-S was top notch. I'm using the Lex 224 for most everything instead of the AMS and 480. The 224 can always seem to get me what I want and its speed continues to be a real asset. But I'm still using the 480 In The Past preset for reverse fx. Everywhere I read, people say don't use the Distressor for buss compression, especially not master buss. To me, it sounds better than any of the other UAD bus comps be it the 2500, Shadow Hills, SSL, etc. Also tried using the API Vision instead of the Neve DFC and it's just insane how much better the DFC sounds. That may be about the best thing UAD ever released. I'm only using it on the master fader though. If I owned several Octos, I'd probably use it more. Tried the new SSL E and thought it was not really up to par with the Brainworx. I've been trying to get into the Ampex, but Satin just does so many things better. The Ampex does have more punch though. Cambridge is a good eq, I'll probably pick it up eventually. I like the LA2A collection, particularly the grey, but I have no idea how I would fit these in without more dsp. Can't say I really feel I need them considering what I already have. The only UAD track compressor I'm using is the 1176 A. Just not enough dsp to go around. Ocean Way seems to be best when close to its default settings. I tried moving the mics around and it just doesn't work well as a room for an entire mix to be run through, at least not yet. With more dsp, I might try separate rooms for things. The Helios may be about the best saturation plug out there, but it can be tricky to dial everything else in to work with it when I've got it on a pre-master aux. It's not as fast and exciting as the 610-B, but it has a lot else going for it that the 610 doesn't have.
After the included plugs and the AMS, 480, DFC, Helios, Ocean Way, 1176, 224, and Distressor, I feel like that's the best lineup for me. It would be rare that I'd take one of these out of a session and use another UAD plug in its place. Brigade was also useful even on vocals. One day I'll probably snag the Cooper, MXR, Cambridge, Harrison, and the other real efficient stuff that can be had at a low price. It might be rare that I use it, but it's such a small expense that it'd be worth having around in case I do find a need for them. Other big hitters like the Zener, Curve Bender, 33609, and Vari Mu were great quality, I just didn't prefer them to other stuff. The Shadow Hills could be worth it for the lower dsp, but I could also use a lot of native options instead too if I couldn't use the Distressor due to running out of dsp. The UAD SH sounds smoother than the Sknote SDC, but not as wide or clear. People have said these Shadow Hills comps are best closest to the default settings and I'd tend to agree. Though I did get some interesting results using the Heavy Opto preset. All in all, there's some irreplaceable gems on the platform and UAD just seems to get better and better.
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Post by Johnkenn on Jan 5, 2019 19:27:05 GMT -6
I A\B the MOTU 16A Vs the Apollo 16 BF to track Drums.I found the low end was more present in the 16A in a nice way.As i don't use the UA plugins.i won't put them in the equation. Didn't try the new Apollo X but personally i'm not sure there is a huge difference sound wise.Could be more power with the Shark with the X.But i could be wrong.!!!! You’re wrong. Big difference. Don’t know why people are thinking there’s not much change. It’s an entirely new clock and new ADDA.
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