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Post by copperx on Jan 19, 2023 23:27:25 GMT -6
For the longest time, I've had the illusion of having a one-stop-shop analog mixing strip so that I can shape any individual track with eq and compression, and finally I'm able to do it (to a reasonable degree). I have selected a few modules to build and/or buy. I have ordered an API 8-slot high current rack, and I want to limit myself to those 8 slots for eq, compression, and mix buss duties. All modules will be daisy-chained (except for the mix buss compressor), so I can use one module or a combination of them as needed on a single track. Later on, I will add a patchbay to easily change the order of the modules. If a track in the DAW requires shaping, I would send the track to this rack, so I can pick and choose the appropriate treatment. In other words, I'm not going to use the modules separately, but in series like a chain of plugins on one track. I'm trying to figure out how do I maximize my sonic shaping options with the least amount of money and modules. Here is my plan, but I'm not sure if I am maximizing my sonic palette, or if I have any redundant units. Or maybe there exists a module that can replace one or two that I'm not aware of? I will not be doing any tracking, just mixing, so there is no need for preamps.
PLANForm the D/A converter, the signal will go to a GAP 1173 Premier clone LINE input for color, with a FMR RNC on the insert for utilitarian compression needs, then it will go to the API rack planned below. API Rack slots: - 1: JLM EQP500A (For Pultec-style broad shaping)
- 2: SSL 4000 black eq clone (for precise shaping)
- 3: SSL E-channel dynamics clone (for gating drums and general compression duties)
- 4: Hairball 1176 Rev A (For vocals and anything requiring FET compression)
- 5: Audioscape V3A (Guitars and other OPTO duties)
- 6: CAPI 528 ML2 (for HP and LP filtering and coloration, and fader before A/D conversion)
- 7: SSL Bus Compressor (not daisy chained, this is just for the mix buss)
- 8: SSL Bus Compressor [2 slot unit]
What would you do? Would you get rid of the Pultec and replace it with a Neve 1073-style or API 550A eq? Does that broaden my palette? Or what about replacing both the Hairball and the V3A with a single Tonelux TX5C or a Great River PWM compressor? Those appear to be really flexible, and the Tonelux seems that it can do the 1176 thing convincingly. I wish I could also fit an AML diode bridge 52F50 compressor, but alas, the unit is two slots wide, and I'm not sure it brings anything too different to the party. I'm also thinking that I might be better served by replacing the SSL Bus Compressor with a pair of CAPI VP28s for coloring the mix buss. That might be more useful than the actual compressor. A poor-man's Silver Bullet. Argh! I'm sorry, it's a lot of questions. But any thoughts will be greatly appreciated. |
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Post by RealNoob on Jan 19, 2023 23:53:05 GMT -6
I am doing the same thing with a 10 space. My reasoning is that many times I begin from raw live tracks from a console or recorder - no real mic pre in the field. I also use it for master processing.
I needed help on a budget and got:
2ea Neve 542 -> SSL Ultraviolet EQ for correction -> Xpressor compressor (fairly clean) -> 2ea IAA LH95 EQs for sweetening.
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Post by copperx on Jan 19, 2023 23:59:56 GMT -6
I am doing the same thing with a 10 space. My reasoning is that many times I begin from raw live tracks from a console or recorder - no real mic pre in the field. I also use it for master processing. I needed help on a budget and got: 2ea Neve 542 -> SSL Ultraviolet EQ for correction -> Xpressor compressor (fairly clean) -> 2ea IAA LH95 EQs for sweetening. That's cool, and how are you liking it? Any highlights? What's your favorite module? I see that you have pairs of everything; I'm planning a mono chain because I have a script that will split a stereo track and process the two channels individually through the outboard (a bit awkward and time consuming for stereo tracks, I monitor in mono, and then I render in stereo by doing two passes. Awkward but halves the amount of money I have to spend). |
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Post by bchurch on Jan 20, 2023 6:46:08 GMT -6
Here's a random thought. Why not invest in one or two of the small Switchcraft 1625 patchbays (the form factor is a little strange, admittedly) and dedicate that solely to your 500 rack? Reason being, you don't get a whole lot of routing flexibility with the rack itself - feeding channel 2 into 3 then 4, sure. But going from 1 to 5 to 3? Nope. And, if memory serves, you have to do this from the back of the enclosure anyways which may or may not be your definition of "easily accessible". That's going to let you make any one of several franken-strips, to say nothing of being able to switch an EQ pre/post compressor, etc. I love 500 series stuff, I've got 20 slots-worth for all kinds of fun and folly. The format's got some limitations to work around - being able to reroute series being a big one. |
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Post by gravesnumber9 on Jan 20, 2023 9:00:52 GMT -6
Here's a random thought. Why not invest in one or two of the small Switchcraft 1625 patchbays (the form factor is a little strange, admittedly) and dedicate that solely to your 500 rack? Reason being, you don't get a whole lot of routing flexibility with the rack itself - feeding channel 2 into 3 then 4, sure. But going from 1 to 5 to 3? Nope. And, if memory serves, you have to do this from the back of the enclosure anyways which may or may not be your definition of "easily accessible". That's going to let you make any one of several franken-strips, to say nothing of being able to switch an EQ pre/post compressor, etc. I love 500 series stuff, I've got 20 slots-worth for all kinds of fun and folly. The format's got some limitations to work around - being able to reroute series being a big one. This is one of the many reasons I love the Cranborne 500ADAT |
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Post by RealNoob on Jan 20, 2023 9:01:21 GMT -6
That's cool, and how are you liking it? Any highlights? What's your favorite module? I see that you have pairs of everything; I'm planning a mono chain because I have a script that will split a stereo track and process the two channels individually through the outboard (a bit awkward and time consuming for stereo tracks, I monitor in mono, and then I render in stereo by doing two passes. Awkward but halves the amount of money I have to spend). Between the 542's and LH95s, tracks really come forward with more definition. These are the stars. SSL is GREAT for fixing the mids and has a clean high boost. The lows suck, imho. It has filters too which is killer. The compressor works at taming peaks and does have some tricks/tone but isn't my fav. Wish I had something with more attitude, color. Will do that later this year. Also, I do have a patch bay. I'm not using it now but intend on setting the pieces up on the PB for flexibility. I originally opted for the bigger rack over a smaller rack with built in PB. So, I will have flexibility and benefit from the form factor price savings. |
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Post by eyebytwomuchgeer on Jan 20, 2023 10:01:20 GMT -6
Here's a random thought. Why not invest in one or two of the small Switchcraft 1625 patchbays (the form factor is a little strange, admittedly) and dedicate that solely to your 500 rack? Although I've never used these, another option could be the Black Lion Audio PBR8. Its a 500 rack with the patchbay built in. I had considered something like this and obviously the Cranborne, but ultimately went with the Neve R10s and Redco Patchbays |
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Post by copperx on Jan 20, 2023 10:19:39 GMT -6
Here's a random thought. Why not invest in one or two of the small Switchcraft 1625 patchbays (the form factor is a little strange, admittedly) and dedicate that solely to your 500 rack? Absolutely! Although I'm going with a larger patchbay so I can quickly switch I/O to/from my interface and other stuff such as my hardware reverb. DB25 patchbays are expensive, though! I plan to go with the Samson S-Patch patchbay. |
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Post by gravesnumber9 on Jan 20, 2023 11:38:31 GMT -6
Here's a random thought. Why not invest in one or two of the small Switchcraft 1625 patchbays (the form factor is a little strange, admittedly) and dedicate that solely to your 500 rack? Absolutely! Although I'm going with a larger patchbay so I can quickly switch I/O to/from my interface and other stuff such as my hardware reverb. DB25 patchbays are expensive, though! I plan to go with the Samson S-Patch patchbay. It's not sexy but I've used a pair of Samson S-Patch patchbays for a couple years with no issue. Does what it says it'll do. |
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