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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2019 10:53:31 GMT -6
so how is this little 500 RND 551? i have a stam pre on order. i was wondering, if it would be good to stick with a 1073EQ? from ams,AML, Heritage etc to follow after PRE or would 551 would be a better alternative, for the simple fact its more recent ruperts work using more modern techniques.. i wonder how this combination would pair up vs the vintage clone topology.
i dont care really care if its sound close to original. but on a flip side, vintage designs like neves are time proven to be one of the best. any opinions?
but i do wonder sometimes if rupert even work/design these products, hes in his elderly age, or is the rupert neve maschine (employees) are just milking his name.
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Post by notneeson on Sept 13, 2019 11:18:03 GMT -6
so how is this little 500 RND 551? i have a stam pre on order. i was wondering, if it would be good to stick with a 1073EQ? from ams,AML, Heritage etc to follow after PRE or would 551 would be a better alternative, for the simple fact its more recent ruperts work using more modern techniques.. i wonder how this combination would pair up vs the vintage clone topology. i dont care really care if its sound close to original. but on a flip side, vintage designs like neves are time proven to be one of the best. any opinions? but i do wonder sometimes if rupert even work/design these products, hes in his elderly age, or is the rupert neve maschine (employees) are just milking his name. I suspect he's quite involved. If nothing else, I'm sure he was part of the team that wooed the head designer from Manley over to RND a few years ago. At a certain point, when your name's on the door, you have to be able to hire people who can work at the level you require. That's how you maintain the integrity of the product, not by doing everything yourself— he didn't do that when he was at Neve either. That said, I have no experience with RND gear, I just know it by rep.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2019 11:22:03 GMT -6
so how is this little 500 RND 551? i have a stam pre on order. i was wondering, if it would be good to stick with a 1073EQ? from ams,AML, Heritage etc to follow after PRE or would 551 would be a better alternative, for the simple fact its more recent ruperts work using more modern techniques.. i wonder how this combination would pair up vs the vintage clone topology. i dont care really care if its sound close to original. but on a flip side, vintage designs like neves are time proven to be one of the best. any opinions? but i do wonder sometimes if rupert even work/design these products, hes in his elderly age, or is the rupert neve maschine (employees) are just milking his name. That said, I have no experience with RND gear, I just know it by rep. good answer, why not no RND Gear? what do you prefer instead?
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Post by Tbone81 on Sept 13, 2019 11:36:14 GMT -6
I’ve never used the RND 551 but I wouldn’t hesitate to try 1073 EQ alternatives. I might get roasted for this but I don’t think the 1073 eq is the end all be all eq.
That being said, all clones are not created equal. The EQ on my Chameleon Labs 7602 (with Carnhill mod) was amazing and IMHO better than the eq in my aml1073. If I was in your shoes I’d look at API’s (maybe 560’s or CAPI’s), Harrison or even the new chameleon lans 560 eq. I mean there are sooo many great options that I wouldn’t limit it to just a 1073 style eq.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2019 11:39:18 GMT -6
I’ve never used the RND 551 but I wouldn’t hesitate to try 1073 EQ alternatives. I might get roasted for this but I don’t think the 1073 eq is the end all be all eq. That being said, all clones are not created equal. The EQ on my Chameleon Labs 7602 (with Carnhill mod) was amazing and IMHO better than the eq in my aml1073. If I was in your shoes I’d look at API’s (maybe 560’s or CAPI’s), Harrison or even the new chameleon lans 560 eq. I mean there are sooo many great options that I wouldn’t limit it to just a 1073 style eq. yea no doubt. im pretty open to pairing it with something new to experiment. right now 551, shelford, electrodyne 511 and phoenix audio are on my radar. im just waiting on stam to bring a 1081 or 1084 so i dont have to get the 1073.
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Post by brenta on Sept 13, 2019 11:59:25 GMT -6
I had one for a while. It has pretty much all the features that I like to see in an EQ: HPF, high Q option on the mid band, peak/shelf options on high and low band. But the sound didn’t blow me away so ultimately I sold it. Tons of other people seem to love it though and the price is reasonable.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2019 12:08:36 GMT -6
I had one for a while. It has pretty much all the features that I like to see in an EQ: HPF, high Q option on the mid band, peak/shelf options on high and low band. But the sound didn’t blow me away so ultimately I sold it. Tons of other people seem to love it though and the price is reasonable. Which one is this? The 551? What is it that you didnt like. I read that these mayne different from EQs in shelford channel
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Post by notneeson on Sept 13, 2019 12:27:42 GMT -6
That said, I have no experience with RND gear, I just know it by rep. good answer, why not no RND Gear? what do you prefer instead? If I were buying a new preamp today I'd be looking at a TG2, Vintech X73i, Great River NV2, CAPI, or maybe the Warm Audio 4 channel API thing. Maybe the Pacifica as I like my vintage Quad Eights a lot. The reason I'd favor those is that I have sessions under my belt with them and I know how great they sound. The other one is the Silver Bullet, but I've only heard that when I interviewed Brad. Edit: Oh, right EQ. I really don't know the RND product line, obviously. I just love plain ol' API 550As myself. I also like the vintage SSL EQs I've used and ordered the Stam version. I imagine the 500 series SSL does the same thing.
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Post by brenta on Sept 13, 2019 14:28:07 GMT -6
I had one for a while. It has pretty much all the features that I like to see in an EQ: HPF, high Q option on the mid band, peak/shelf options on high and low band. But the sound didn’t blow me away so ultimately I sold it. Tons of other people seem to love it though and the price is reasonable. Which one is this? The 551? What is it that you didnt like. I read that these mayne different from EQs in shelford channel Yes, the 551. I thought it sounded good and was plenty usable, features were great, but the sound just didn't give me the "wow" factor. To me it sounds good, not great. But there are lots of testimonials from other people who think it sounds great, so maybe I'm the weird one. This is just my opinion according to my tastes and experiences. To name a few 500 EQ's that I like the sound of better: API 550B's, CAPI BT50, A Designs EM-PEQ. But I like the features on the 551 better than any of these. The high Q option on the mid band is really handy for cutting, and I often prefer bells/peaks over shelves, and I like HPF's when tracking.
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Post by wiz on Sept 13, 2019 14:44:29 GMT -6
I owned one, didn’t really like it...didn’t like the sound of the high eq..... I also owned a AML 1073 and it sounded much better.
I sold both eventually.
Cheers
Wiz
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2019 14:48:34 GMT -6
Which one is this? The 551? What is it that you didnt like. I read that these mayne different from EQs in shelford channel Yes, the 551. I thought it sounded good and was plenty usable, features were great, but the sound just didn't give me the "wow" factor. To me it sounds good, not great. But there are lots of testimonials from other people who think it sounds great, so maybe I'm the weird one. This is just my opinion according to my tastes and experiences. To name a few 500 EQ's that I like the sound of better: API 550B's, CAPI BT50, A Designs EM-PEQ. But I like the features on the 551 better than any of these. The high Q option on the mid band is really handy for cutting, and I often prefer bells/peaks over shelves, and I like HPF's when tracking. Thanks for sharing your opinion. I mean You gota go with whatever tickles your fancy. Did you find the sound bigger or more colorful running the signal through them? Going through inductor and circuitry.. Read opinions on gearslutz that it's makes it more smoother and thrr is some nice sheen
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Post by nudwig on Sept 13, 2019 17:14:29 GMT -6
I’ve never used the RND 551 but I wouldn’t hesitate to try 1073 EQ alternatives. I might get roasted for this but I don’t think the 1073 eq is the end all be all eq. That being said, all clones are not created equal. The EQ on my Chameleon Labs 7602 (with Carnhill mod) was amazing and IMHO better than the eq in my aml1073. If I was in your shoes I’d look at API’s (maybe 560’s or CAPI’s), Harrison or even the new chameleon lans 560 eq. I mean there are sooo many great options that I wouldn’t limit it to just a 1073 style eq. yea no doubt. im pretty open to pairing it with something new to experiment. right now 551, shelford, electrodyne 511 and phoenix audio are on my radar. im just waiting on stam to bring a 1081 or 1084 so i dont have to get the 1073. I second the 1081. Rented a vintage pair and have been figuring out what I can sell to get my own pair.
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Post by Blackdawg on Sept 13, 2019 19:18:25 GMT -6
RND stuff is good. But not nearly as vibey as other circuits.
The one piece I want from RND is the MBP II.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2019 19:28:22 GMT -6
RND stuff is good. But not nearly as vibey as other circuits. The one piece I want from RND is the MBP II. I didn't like the portico preamps,. It's a bit too clean for my taste. Shelford channel I dig but very pricey for what they do. 2k range I would of gotten it. But still you can get more bang for your buck with other alternatives.
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Post by Blackdawg on Sept 13, 2019 19:43:50 GMT -6
RND stuff is good. But not nearly as vibey as other circuits. The one piece I want from RND is the MBP II. I didn't like the portico preamps,. It's a bit too clean for my taste. Shelford channel I dig but very pricey for what they do. 2k range I would of gotten it. But still you can get more bang for your buck with other alternatives. Definitely. Like I said, not as vibey as other things out there.
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Post by Chad on Sept 14, 2019 12:36:16 GMT -6
I have a pair of RND 551s. They are gorgeous and extremely useful EQs for me. Just running a signal through them does something beautiful.
I also own:
- Great River EQ-2NV (fantastic curves, but does not impart the magic like the 551s) - Pair of Heritage Audio ‘73EQjr (imparts some fairy dust, but more vintage sounding) - Pair of Pultec EQP-500s - Pair of Chandler TG 12345 MKiv - Pair of Pultec MEQ-500 (just bought... on the way)
If I had the rack space, the 551s are the only EQs I own which I can imagine having a few more around.
Chad
PS: One thing I discovered about the RNDs versus the heritage audio 1073 inductor EQs... The RND doesn’t have any bypass on the individual bands. The whole thing is either on or off. This means that signal is running through the low/mid/high bands whether or not theyre being boosted. I found that when that mid range setting is at 3K or 6K, there is a little too much harmonic content happening up in the upper mids, and it can come off harsh/scratchy. If I place that knob in the 200Hz zone, it’s more warm. ( I don’t think this is placebo, and I really do believe that’s what I’m hearing.)
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Post by wiz on Sept 14, 2019 16:20:05 GMT -6
I have a pair of RND 551s. They are gorgeous and extremely useful EQs for me. Just running a signal through them does something beautiful. I also own: - Great River EQ-2NV (fantastic curves, but does not impart the magic like the 551s) - Pair of Heritage Audio ‘73EQjr (imparts some fairy dust, but more vintage sounding) - Pair of Pultec EQP-500s - Pair of Chandler TG 12345 MKii - Pair of Pultec MEQ-500 (just bought... on the way) If I had the rack space, the 551s are the only EQs I own which I can imagine having a few more around. Chad PS: One thing I discovered about the RNDs versus the heritage audio 1073 inductor EQs... The RND doesn’t have any bypass on the individual bands. The whole thing is either on or off. This means that signal is running through the low/mid/high bands whether or not theyre being boosted. I found that when that mid range setting is at 3K or 6K, there is a little too much harmonic content happening up in the upper mids, and it can come off harsh/scratchy. If I place that knob in the 200Hz zone, it’s more warm. ( I don’t think this is placebo, and I really do believe that’s what I’m hearing.) I ran sweeps on my 551 when when I had it those “flat” bands were +-1dB which actually meant a 2 dB swing. I contacted RND and was told that’s normal. cheers Wiz
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Post by m03 on Sept 14, 2019 16:44:32 GMT -6
- Pair of Pultec MEQ-500 (just bought... on the way) Curious to hear what you think of these after they arrive.
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Post by hadaja on Sept 14, 2019 17:54:45 GMT -6
At one stage i had 3 x Portico II channel strips. I thought they were wonderful. I was first put onto RND when we did a local shootout of 10 x Neve 1073 clones with one being an original vintage unit. The RND did not quite sound like a vintage1073 but it had a wonderful sound that always stuck with me. I was also surprised how close some of the clones did sound. And in a reasonably busy mix i doubt people could tell what was real and what was not a genuine 1073 sound source with some of those units. The Great River which I also owned was another great Neve sounding clone. Not too authentic to the original but it had a nice more modern Neve ish sound to it. I quite enjoyed that one as well. Smooth sounding .
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Post by Chad on Sept 14, 2019 19:04:47 GMT -6
I have a pair of RND 551s. They are gorgeous and extremely useful EQs for me. Just running a signal through them does something beautiful. I also own: - Great River EQ-2NV (fantastic curves, but does not impart the magic like the 551s) - Pair of Heritage Audio ‘73EQjr (imparts some fairy dust, but more vintage sounding) - Pair of Pultec EQP-500s - Pair of Chandler TG 12345 MKii - Pair of Pultec MEQ-500 (just bought... on the way) If I had the rack space, the 551s are the only EQs I own which I can imagine having a few more around. Chad PS: One thing I discovered about the RNDs versus the heritage audio 1073 inductor EQs... The RND doesn’t have any bypass on the individual bands. The whole thing is either on or off. This means that signal is running through the low/mid/high bands whether or not theyre being boosted. I found that when that mid range setting is at 3K or 6K, there is a little too much harmonic content happening up in the upper mids, and it can come off harsh/scratchy. If I place that knob in the 200Hz zone, it’s more warm. ( I don’t think this is placebo, and I really do believe that’s what I’m hearing.) I ran sweeps on my 551 when when I had it those “flat” bands were +-1dB which actually meant a 2 dB swing. I contacted RND and was told that’s normal. cheers Wiz That’s wild, Wiz. Thanks for sharing that! Chad
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Post by Vincent R. on Sept 15, 2019 7:16:23 GMT -6
It’s funny, I’ve been having this same debate as I have this gorgeous sounding Dan Alexander 1272 with original Neve transformers. I’d love a pair of EQs to work with it. My big issue is there really aren’t complete 1073 or traditional Neve EQs outside of full channel strips. The AMS-Neve 500 series EQ doesn’t have a transformer. The Heritage has a single position high pass filter on the preamp not the EQ, which means you’d need both, and the Chameleon Labs admittedly does its own thing, has a transformer, but there isn’t really much about it in terms of reviews. The Golden Age desktop EQs are also missing the high pass. In 500 series i’ve Been debating looking at Great River’s Harrison EQ, not a neve, but Vibey with some solid user feedback around, or going for something completely different like Neve’s 8803 dual channel EQ, which will be clean, or even just an SSL channel strip. SSL is another one where you have to buy the preamp to get the high pass...
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Post by matt@IAA on Sept 15, 2019 7:47:10 GMT -6
It’s funny, I’ve been having this same debate as I have this gorgeous sounding Dan Alexander 1272 with original Neve transformers. I’d love a pair of EQs to work with it. My big issue is there really aren’t complete 1073 or traditional Neve EQs outside of full channel strips. The AMS-Neve 500 series EQ doesn’t have a transformer. The Heritage has a single position high pass filter on the preamp not the EQ, which means you’d need both, and the Chameleon Labs admittedly does its own thing, has a transformer, but there isn’t really much about it in terms of reviews. The Golden Age desktop EQs are also missing the high pass. In 500 series i’ve Been debating looking at Great River’s Harrison EQ, not a neve, but Vibey with some solid user feedback around, or going for something completely different like Neve’s 8803 dual channel EQ, which will be clean, or even just an SSL channel strip. SSL is another one where you have to buy the preamp to get the high pass... isnt this what your looking for? Sorry earlier when you said AMS my brain read AML. www.audiomaintenance.com/acatalog/aml-17-042_extended_info.html
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Post by drbill on Sept 15, 2019 10:37:13 GMT -6
I’d love a pair of EQs to work with it. My big issue is there really aren’t complete 1073 or traditional Neve EQs outside of full channel strips. There are some. I've been dying to try these. Too good to be true, but you never know.... reverb.com/item/18070049-n-sonic-n73eq-500-series-1073-equalizer-eqThen as mentioned the AML;s. I know those would be good, although the EQ in the AML1073 doesn't kill me. I think I'm just not really a NEVE EQ kinda guy. I prefer the API's.
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Post by m03 on Sept 15, 2019 10:59:08 GMT -6
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Post by drbill on Sept 15, 2019 11:04:41 GMT -6
I know. $159 for an EQ AND a HPF.... Crazy. I'm waiting for someone else to try them first. LOL I'm pretty sure Alctron made the group buy 1073 / 1084's and those are better than decent.
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