as someone who is learning how to produce music and as a composer myself i found your videos very useful and well made. i know you are presenting us products but there is more going on here. as always thank you, see you soon
I own a pair of 8801 with ADC's. I understand the gripes someone might have with the busy front panel, but (and this is a big one) like any hardware, once the user has spent enough time with the units, navigating is pretty easy. This trade off in exchange for a linkable pair of 88R channels is negligible in return for the sound produced. It is the quintessential channel strip, peerless in tonality and options. There is nothing this box cannot do better than any other strip on the market. I highly recommend having a light source over the top of it when starting out as the font on panel is small and you haven't gotten to the point where you use your ears to make any and all adjustments. It's perfect for adding texture and weight to soft synths by grinding the input hard and riding the output control for levels back into the computer via the awe inspiring ADC converters that will definitely be a unique additive to a mix over many channels processed as such. Using the 8801 to its full potential will make even digital productions indistinguishable from a mix done on a full console. It is a better tool than words can fully translate and it's reliability and build quality means decades of reliable use. The ADC cards are also pure magic and worth every pence extra. It's a $6000 channel strip with ADC'S and it sounds every bit like it. Steep learning curve for an inexperienced user but for the seasoned professional it is a gateway to a signature sound worth any time invested to master its potency.
Alec, another great video. Love that you demonstrate, discuss pros and cons, and all without subtly pushing sales. Your communication style and teaching are really refreshing. Blessings Bro!
As always, your stuff goes extremely hard. I'd love to see your vocal production process! The tones you get are the exactly the kinda stuff I'm looking have in my own records.
Indeed it seems to sound fantastic. Its odd cause everybody talks of this unit as a transparent unit but i find it to sound very smooth and warm in you demo.
It’s a great and flexible unit, I think a lot of emphasis is always put in the pre, but most of the time the microphone chosen has a larger effect than the pre itself. :) what I will say is the EQ and compression on this device definitely have a tone. The 88RLB feels more open, but I think that’s only because I’m using the EQ and compression to tame the tones being captured. :)
My god man show some enthusiasm when recording that hi hat! Just kidding, really excellent demo of this channel strip. It's so nice to hear that this product is amazing, but it does have some flaws which is great to consider when purchasing a device of this caliber. Thank you for not acting like a paid spokesman. I am a brand new subscriber because of this video. Please do more.
@@mixedbyv I laid out all my issues in the video review. :) most of them revolve around workflow and built quality. I love the mic pre in this unit a lot, but I think a pair of 88RLB’s would suit my workflow better.
Man, this looks and sounds wonderful. The only problem is that this is now another temptation for me to destroy my bank balance! Great video. I have the RND Shelford Channel, which I absolutely love, but I'd love to get one of these too in the future.
Ahh! Story of our lives. I cannot wait to try the Shelford! Absolutely fantastic unit. Let me know if you get one of these units, would be interesting to hear what an owner thinks of both. :)
I own a Shelford channel. It’s soo fine. The compressor always makes me feel like, “yep I’ve heard this sound before”. So very familiar. The unit brings things forward so beautifully and effortlessly. Then there are all the silk options for texture and the side chain HPF for the compressor. THEN, the compressor has a blend knob. It’s killer
Wonderful vídeo,Mr.Alec. I Will buy Mic preamp Ams Neve for podcast. Big Thanks for greatest advices ,patient with me and my questione in my journey for Rádio Mr.Alec. Merry Christmas and happy New years. Felipe
First off, I love your studio, your music and your musicianship. 2nd thing, your audio reviews are very helpful and honest. Thank you so much for that. I have a Rupert Neve Portico pre's and their 5043 compressor. I have the UAD 88RS and Brainworx Console N plug ins that model this channel strip. I am very curious how close or different they are to a real AMS Neve 8801, so I just ordered one to be sent to my project studio. I will report back here with my opinion after doing some tests. I agree with what others have said, when you get to know where the knobs are, it should not be bad in working on getting the sound you want with closed back headphones and moving the compressor and EQ settings. But I agree with your statement, they should have made this in a 2 U size unit instead of one. With that being said, what is bad is trying to get a good compressor setting when tracking with something like a UA 1176 that has no bypass button.
After recording with the 8801, I found the results similar to Alex's tests on the 500 AMS Neve mic comparisons. The 8801 compared to my Rupert Neve Portioc pre's are a little cleaner with faster dynamics on acoustic guitar and electric guitar. The top end is more open and it has a pleasant crisp top end. The compressor is very useful. I used the fast attack on electric and bass guitar, while standard attack on the acoustic guitar. Though the unit is tight with many buttons, I was able to work with them with no issue. I don't have concerns with saving settings as with tracking, you usually have to adjust them each time with so many factors including position of mic, how close the source is to the mic, volume etc. You can also save any settings in your Notes section of your DAW (Cubase) if you have it. I like this channel strip better than the API channel strip which has limited EQ, and no high and low bypass filters. All in all, I am really liking this unit a lot. I compared it to the UAD 88RS plug in. The hardware has a fuller sound and becomes part of the signal vs the plug in which sounds on top of the signal. I liked the hardware much better
Thank you! :) I use the Sennheiser MKH416 into my Audient 4816 console. I use the RX mouth de-clip, then compress with the UAD 1176 and use fab filter Pro Q3 to deal with boxyness and rumble. Finally have soothe to deal with harshness and honk. :)
Could you tell me, when you record kick, snare, high hat, etc. on different passes, in what order you record them? Not being a drummer I want to try this myself.
Hey Mark! :) always start with the Kick, then snare and hats. Usually have a loop going on in the back round so that things feel a little more fleshed out while tracking. Once I’m done tracking all the individual components, I take away the loop. The groove rarely feels as good as it does when I just play the full kit. :)
Awesome video! I have been looking at this item for a while. Thank you for the video! Did you use the audio router and route other hardware? To me this feature makes this kinda like an Swiss Army knife!
@@alecbrits so let me ask you this? Because personally there is no other preamp in the game because of the audio routing feature. This hands down allows you to context to external pieces of gear like 1176,la2a( I have). So this is more versatile than an Avalon voxbox ! Thoughts?
Man, I wish there was a video comparing this to a 1073 channel strip like you did for 500 series, as I understand there is no output tranformer in this channel strip, as opposed to the 1073 one which I find interesting.
The 8801 has faster transients, making the tracks pop more like SSL. However, the AMS Neve 8801 still has some character vs the super clean SSL. So the 8801 is in-between thr 1073 and SSL. To me it offers the plus factor of SSL and Neve in one package.
@@revelationsoundstudioI find the mic pre on 8801 to be more smooth sounding - less spiky than the line input, which may as well just be what you were referring to. It does sound more pleasing to me on some sources, which is why I guess re-preamping by using a di box may actually be a way to go for some line level stuff, for getting more of that smoother Neve kind of sound if you will, although I may be completely wrong.
I think having the DPX and the 8801 would be the best option. One has more color and the other a mote open top end with fast transients. They compliment each other well.
Hey Axay, I found it pretty flexible, but not the kind of compressor I’m used to hearing on vocals, I lean towards 1176’s combined with LA2A’s or a distressor. :) it’s useful, but not my go to kind of compression.
@@alecbrits I was hoping to ask this. Isn't the 3-band EQ on the shelford channel strip a bit limiting? Curious as to why you'd go with that one as this 8801 channel strip feels more complete. Is the sound that much better on the shelford, in your opinion?
Tough choice, I found this unit to be more flexible in tone, but harder to use. I have the DPX and use it daily. If you need compression included in your channel strip, then this is the better option. :)
I look for a unit for mixes purposes mostly.. My usual workflow is to record everything flat with no eq and compression or smth, and after I do reamping. I demoed the 1073dpx for a week. Great unit, eq is superb . Neve 8801 currently abailable for 2000 pounds.. so i guess.. can you please send me rough sounds from both units? is it possible to ask?
Do you quite understand how side chain works with this device? Let's say you have a frequency in the vocals you'd like to compress but leave the rest alone, can it do that?
You can use the side chain in 3 ways on this unit from what I understand. From the filters, from the eq and an external side chain. It’s does not have a de-esser but if you were to place the eq pre compressor with the frequency you want to control boosted, then it will react more to that. By putting the eq into the side chain it will allow more control of the frequency again, because you can really highlight what the compressor is listening to. By putting the filter into the side chain, it allows you to avoids pumping in the bottom end, or allows you to focus on a boxy area of the source material. The side chain options are pretty relentless on the unit. :)
I thought it is great to have all those parameter on a single unit, the more the better. Maybe you need time to get used to a piece of gear like this. Ofcourse you can alway record first and then route the track back to the unit later on, this way you can focus on playing you instruments, thus leaving the tracking stage intact. After all you can't be engineer and musician at the same time.
I think if your workflow allows for that process then I absolutely agree. My business does not allow me to separate being a musician and an engineer, so I need something that is well laid out, and sounds solid right from the start. :)
U think 88rlb come close to this channel for strip due to different power supply 500 rails? They need to do 1081 channel strip in same price range, it would be dope
I have a couple of questions! What's the best preamp you have tested in studio ? Also, what did you think of the Cranborne Audio R8 conversion ? I want to get a natural sound. Have tried an apolli x6 and I have to admit it didn't sound as natural as your music sounds! (X16 other converters?)
Hi Antonio! :) That’s a hard question. I think mic pre’s have different colours that work in different situations. So I don’t have a certain favourite really. I loved the Cranborne Mic pre’s for their flexibility and well approached designs. But at the same time the API 512 keeps drawing me back to the sound I have in my head. The conversion on the R8 was awesome. Really played well at 96khz and was rock solid. Check out the video I did and it shows exactly how I felt. I use X16’s in the studio currently, they run at 96KHZ for all the recordings I do for CZcams and for clients. I find them open and comfy for tracking, but when I’m monitoring off the console and then bringing in the mix back into the session, they do feel a little congested. So I’m looking for a master AD for that part of the process, but that will be a while I’m sure.
@@alecbrits hi Alec , thank you so much for taking the time to give me such a detailed answer. I have asked about the conversion because I have noticed that through your (amazing) reviews there s always this overall specific sound even when you go through very different preamps. Can it be the Audient desk or do you just mix this reviews in the box ? I personally have a selection of Api and Neve clones but I still don't manage to get close to this sound. It starts to make wonder if I should start recording at 96 and if the clones really do their job... I agree that there s a preamp for every situation, I love having many mics and colors but ye maybe everyone of us have a specific sound we ve drawn to. I personally just fell in love with the sound of the Studer 169. It would be amazing if you could review the Hacienda Labs 169 clones or if there s any other studer modern version. Again , thank you so much for incredible content. It's also your fault I started looking for an Aea Ku5 haha Cheers !!
The videos are all mixed in the box. With no eq, only limiting, reverb and tuning. There is a lot that can change the openness of a recorded source. The instruments, how they are played, the room they are recorded in and which microphone you use. Those elements play a much larger role than the mic pre/conversion. I’ve found that investing in some solid mics and working on my techniques on the instruments as well as the acoustics in my room have really helped in creating a better over all tone in the recordings. I’ve used the same converters for a 3 years and the recordings have gotten more open and closer to the tone I hear through the steps I have spoken about above. :) I think it’s important to try a bunch of different tools to see which of them work for your taste. Ahh!! I miss having that mic around here!
I’m sure they would sound similar if they had the same functionality. I would happily let go of my apollos if I was not as invested in UAD plugins. I think there are far more interesting products out there to try, but unfortunately over the years the UAD software has become a part of my workflow. I’ll be working over the next year to get out of that and be able to travel and work easily without UAD in my sessions. :)
I have tested them both, I don’t there is to much of a difference in the pre’s but of course the flexibility of having the EQ/Comp on hand will allow you to shape the tone you are looking for much easier and quicker with the 19” version. :)
Hey V, I had the unit for around a month before sending it back. It’s a review unit, not a purchase. :) my opinions on it have not changed very much, even after a few weeks.
I've had one for a few years now and it sounds BEAUTIFUL! I have fairly small fingers so the layout being cramped doesn't really bother me too much. The LED brightness could do with being dim-able though as in a darker room it's impossible to read the legends on the relevant pot.
@@alecbrits Unfortunately it's not possible to dim the LEDs, even via firmware update. I was at The Neve factory in Burnley yesterday and spoke about it at some length with their Marketing Director whilst listening to a 7.1 mix of Duran Duran's 'Girls on film' in their main listening room.... crazy! 😎😎
You're such an insane songwriter. My fave part of these vids are your songs.
Thank you so much for that Ryan! :)
as someone who is learning how to produce music and as a composer myself i found your videos very useful and well made. i know you are presenting us products but there is more going on here. as always thank you, see you soon
Thank you very much Sailor Saturn! :)
Had this channel strip at SAE London! Used it over the SSL duality for guitar it is dope! Excited to see your video now 🎞
It’s a fantastic sounding unit! :)
What a nice tune, Alec. The separate sounds are insane too. To my ear there's so much presence and dynamic range.
Thank you Roberto! :) it’s a wicked sounding unit for sure!
Absolutely wonderful dynamic on the acoustic guitar, i never manage to get this unfortunately !!!
what a fantastic sounding channel strip. Sounds like a record
It’s a solid piece of kit for sure. Sounds wicked!
He’s back!
Ahh yeah!! :D
Another fantastic video. Love your transparency and the way that you convey so much valuable information in one go!
The unit sounds amazing !
Thanks Bob!! It’s a beastly!! :)
Very useful demo.
I own a pair of 8801 with ADC's. I understand the gripes someone might have with the busy front panel, but (and this is a big one) like any hardware, once the user has spent enough time with the units, navigating is pretty easy. This trade off in exchange for a linkable pair of 88R channels is negligible in return for the sound produced. It is the quintessential channel strip, peerless in tonality and options. There is nothing this box cannot do better than any other strip on the market. I highly recommend having a light source over the top of it when starting out as the font on panel is small and you haven't gotten to the point where you use your ears to make any and all adjustments. It's perfect for adding texture and weight to soft synths by grinding the input hard and riding the output control for levels back into the computer via the awe inspiring ADC converters that will definitely be a unique additive to a mix over many channels processed as such. Using the 8801 to its full potential will make even digital productions indistinguishable from a mix done on a full console. It is a better tool than words can fully translate and it's reliability and build quality means decades of reliable use. The ADC cards are also pure magic and worth every pence extra. It's a $6000 channel strip with ADC'S and it sounds every bit like it. Steep learning curve for an inexperienced user but for the seasoned professional it is a gateway to a signature sound worth any time invested to master its potency.
It’s a great unit. :) love the way it sounds.
Alec, another great video. Love that you demonstrate, discuss pros and cons, and all without subtly pushing sales. Your communication style and teaching are really refreshing. Blessings Bro!
Thanks so much Geoffrey! :)
As always, your stuff goes extremely hard. I'd love to see your vocal production process! The tones you get are the exactly the kinda stuff I'm looking have in my own records.
Thank you so much Nkozi! :) sure thing, that sounds like a great video idea.
Sounds vintage. Great song!
Thanks for the demo.
Thank you E V! :)
Indeed it seems to sound fantastic. Its odd cause everybody talks of this unit as a transparent unit but i find it to sound very smooth and warm in you demo.
It’s a great and flexible unit, I think a lot of emphasis is always put in the pre, but most of the time the microphone chosen has a larger effect than the pre itself. :) what I will say is the EQ and compression on this device definitely have a tone. The 88RLB feels more open, but I think that’s only because I’m using the EQ and compression to tame the tones being captured. :)
My god man show some enthusiasm when recording that hi hat! Just kidding, really excellent demo of this channel strip. It's so nice to hear that this product is amazing, but it does have some flaws which is great to consider when purchasing a device of this caliber. Thank you for not acting like a paid spokesman. I am a brand new subscriber because of this video. Please do more.
Hahaha! 😂 thanks Ben! It’s a wicked sounding unit! :)
What flaws do you see in this unit? I’m curious because it’s my next purchase
@@mixedbyv I laid out all my issues in the video review. :) most of them revolve around workflow and built quality. I love the mic pre in this unit a lot, but I think a pair of 88RLB’s would suit my workflow better.
@@alecbrits I’ll have to watch again! Thx!
@@mixedbyv I believe I was referring to Alec’s comments on the build quality with the knobs. Other than that this unit sounded great. I want one too!
Clicked for the gear, stayed for the music.
Thanks so much! :)
You can use the insert to have 2 separate sources. Line in, insert send (source 1) Insert ret , line out (source 2)
Thanks! :)
Amazing bit of music you wrote for this video, and great review too, thank you!!
Thank you so much Theo! Had a lot of fun writing this one! :)
Keep going man. Great videos. Told you a year ago, still true!
Thank you so much!! :)
You look like you can do my taxes not make awesome music… yet you do!!! Great stuff man! And great review
Thanks I guess! :)
Super review and great track from a talented guy on several levels, thanks!
Thank you so much! :)
Man, this looks and sounds wonderful. The only problem is that this is now another temptation for me to destroy my bank balance! Great video. I have the RND Shelford Channel, which I absolutely love, but I'd love to get one of these too in the future.
Ahh! Story of our lives. I cannot wait to try the Shelford! Absolutely fantastic unit. Let me know if you get one of these units, would be interesting to hear what an owner thinks of both. :)
I own a Shelford channel. It’s soo fine. The compressor always makes me feel like, “yep I’ve heard this sound before”. So very familiar. The unit brings things forward so beautifully and effortlessly. Then there are all the silk options for texture and the side chain HPF for the compressor. THEN, the compressor has a blend knob. It’s killer
I cannot wait to get my hands on it!
Wonderful vídeo,Mr.Alec.
I Will buy Mic preamp Ams Neve for podcast.
Big Thanks for greatest advices ,patient with me and my questione in my journey for Rádio Mr.Alec.
Merry Christmas and happy New years.
Felipe
Thank you Felipe! :) you finally found the one that is best! Merry Christmas to you, may you have a happy new year too!
The UAD Neve 88RS plugin is a great software emulation for this channel strip.
Agreed! :) big fan of of that channel strip.
First off, I love your studio, your music and your musicianship. 2nd thing, your audio reviews are very helpful and honest. Thank you so much for that.
I have a Rupert Neve Portico pre's and their 5043 compressor. I have the UAD 88RS and Brainworx Console N plug ins that model this channel strip. I am very curious how close or different they are to a real AMS Neve 8801, so I just ordered one to be sent to my project studio. I will report back here with my opinion after doing some tests.
I agree with what others have said, when you get to know where the knobs are, it should not be bad in working on getting the sound you want with closed back headphones and moving the compressor and EQ settings. But I agree with your statement, they should have made this in a 2 U size unit instead of one. With that being said, what is bad is trying to get a good compressor setting when tracking with something like a UA 1176 that has no bypass button.
After recording with the 8801, I found the results similar to Alex's tests on the 500 AMS Neve mic comparisons. The 8801 compared to my Rupert Neve Portioc pre's are a little cleaner with faster dynamics on acoustic guitar and electric guitar. The top end is more open and it has a pleasant crisp top end. The compressor is very useful. I used the fast attack on electric and bass guitar, while standard attack on the acoustic guitar. Though the unit is tight with many buttons, I was able to work with them with no issue. I don't have concerns with saving settings as with tracking, you usually have to adjust them each time with so many factors including position of mic, how close the source is to the mic, volume etc. You can also save any settings in your Notes section of your DAW (Cubase) if you have it. I like this channel strip better than the API channel strip which has limited EQ, and no high and low bypass filters. All in all, I am really liking this unit a lot.
I compared it to the UAD 88RS plug in. The hardware has a fuller sound and becomes part of the signal vs the plug in which sounds on top of the signal. I liked the hardware much better
Thanks for your insights! :)
This was great! Thank you!
My pleasure! :) thank you for watching.
This preamp is nice too.. I like that youre demo sounds different from ur other work. Most people have one sound. We have to collaborate one day 👌
Thanks for the kind words Zane! :)
Man I really want one.
Agreed! :)
Great vid, would have loved to get a closer look of ur actual settings when recording,,
I’ll get better with that kind of info in the future. Thanks for the feedback. :)
Great JOB!!!!!
Thank you! :)
Oh for god's sake, more gear I want!!!
😂😂😂 honestly!
Another great video! What vocal mic and pre, are you using for all the CZcams videos?
Thank you! :) I use the Sennheiser MKH416 into my Audient 4816 console. I use the RX mouth de-clip, then compress with the UAD 1176 and use fab filter Pro Q3 to deal with boxyness and rumble. Finally have soothe to deal with harshness and honk. :)
What converters do you use? Great video and song btw!
Thank you Bharath J! :) I use Universal Audio Apollo X16’s.
Could you tell me, when you record kick, snare, high hat, etc. on different passes, in what order you record them? Not being a drummer I want to try this myself.
Hey Mark! :) always start with the Kick, then snare and hats. Usually have a loop going on in the back round so that things feel a little more fleshed out while tracking. Once I’m done tracking all the individual components, I take away the loop. The groove rarely feels as good as it does when I just play the full kit. :)
Awesome video! I have been looking at this item for a while. Thank you for the video! Did you use the audio router and route other hardware? To me this feature makes this kinda like an Swiss Army knife!
I did try it out, made a lot of sense! Just wish I could get to each part of the unit from the back. That would really open up the possibilities. :)
@@alecbrits so let me ask you this? Because personally there is no other preamp in the game because of the audio routing feature. This hands down allows you to context to external pieces of gear like 1176,la2a( I have). So this is more versatile than an Avalon voxbox ! Thoughts?
Wait for full album of reviews song
Looking forward to doing that in the future! :)
Man, I wish there was a video comparing this to a 1073 channel strip like you did for 500 series, as I understand there is no output tranformer in this channel strip, as opposed to the 1073 one which I find interesting.
The 8801 has faster transients, making the tracks pop more like SSL. However, the AMS Neve 8801 still has some character vs the super clean SSL. So the 8801 is in-between thr 1073 and SSL. To me it offers the plus factor of SSL and Neve in one package.
@@revelationsoundstudioI find the mic pre on 8801 to be more smooth sounding - less spiky than the line input, which may as well just be what you were referring to. It does sound more pleasing to me on some sources, which is why I guess re-preamping by using a di box may actually be a way to go for some line level stuff, for getting more of that smoother Neve kind of sound if you will, although I may be completely wrong.
It’s tough! :) they are very different. My 88RLB vs 73LB video might help from a pre point of view.
I think having the DPX and the 8801 would be the best option. One has more color and the other a mote open top end with fast transients. They compliment each other well.
Hi Alec! Would love to hear your opinion on the compressor section of the 8801 especially on vocals, in case you had a chance to get a feel!
Hey Axay, I found it pretty flexible, but not the kind of compressor I’m used to hearing on vocals, I lean towards 1176’s combined with LA2A’s or a distressor. :) it’s useful, but not my go to kind of compression.
If you could choose would you get thus Neve 8801 or Shelford or API the channel strip or chandler TG cassette strip?
The API or the shelford. :)
@@alecbrits I was hoping to ask this. Isn't the 3-band EQ on the shelford channel strip a bit limiting? Curious as to why you'd go with that one as this 8801 channel strip feels more complete. Is the sound that much better on the shelford, in your opinion?
Hi Alec, if to compare the sound, your thought this one or 1073 dpx?
Tough choice, I found this unit to be more flexible in tone, but harder to use. I have the DPX and use it daily. If you need compression included in your channel strip, then this is the better option. :)
I look for a unit for mixes purposes mostly.. My usual workflow is to record everything flat with no eq and compression or smth, and after I do reamping. I demoed the 1073dpx for a week. Great unit, eq is superb .
Neve 8801 currently abailable for 2000 pounds.. so i guess..
can you please send me rough sounds from both units? is it possible to ask?
Do you quite understand how side chain works with this device? Let's say you have a frequency in the vocals you'd like to compress but leave the rest alone, can it do that?
You can use the side chain in 3 ways on this unit from what I understand. From the filters, from the eq and an external side chain. It’s does not have a de-esser but if you were to place the eq pre compressor with the frequency you want to control boosted, then it will react more to that. By putting the eq into the side chain it will allow more control of the frequency again, because you can really highlight what the compressor is listening to. By putting the filter into the side chain, it allows you to avoids pumping in the bottom end, or allows you to focus on a boxy area of the source material. The side chain options are pretty relentless on the unit. :)
I thought it is great to have all those parameter on a single unit, the more the better. Maybe you need time to get used to a piece of gear like this. Ofcourse you can alway record first and then route the track back to the unit later on, this way you can focus on playing you instruments, thus leaving the tracking stage intact. After all you can't be engineer and musician at the same time.
I think if your workflow allows for that process then I absolutely agree. My business does not allow me to separate being a musician and an engineer, so I need something that is well laid out, and sounds solid right from the start. :)
U think 88rlb come close to this channel for strip due to different power supply 500 rails? They need to do 1081 channel strip in same price range, it would be dope
I absolutely adore the 88RLB. :)
Hey Alec! Can you do a video of a Rupert Neve Designs Shelford?
I’ll do my best to get one in! :)
I have a couple of questions! What's the best preamp you have tested in studio ? Also, what did you think of the Cranborne Audio R8 conversion ? I want to get a natural sound. Have tried an apolli x6 and I have to admit it didn't sound as natural as your music sounds! (X16 other converters?)
Hi Antonio! :)
That’s a hard question. I think mic pre’s have different colours that work in different situations. So I don’t have a certain favourite really. I loved the Cranborne Mic pre’s for their flexibility and well approached designs. But at the same time the API 512 keeps drawing me back to the sound I have in my head.
The conversion on the R8 was awesome. Really played well at 96khz and was rock solid. Check out the video I did and it shows exactly how I felt.
I use X16’s in the studio currently, they run at 96KHZ for all the recordings I do for CZcams and for clients. I find them open and comfy for tracking, but when I’m monitoring off the console and then bringing in the mix back into the session, they do feel a little congested. So I’m looking for a master AD for that part of the process, but that will be a while I’m sure.
@@alecbrits hi Alec , thank you so much for taking the time to give me such a detailed answer.
I have asked about the conversion because I have noticed that through your (amazing) reviews there s always this overall specific sound even when you go through very different preamps. Can it be the Audient desk or do you just mix this reviews in the box ?
I personally have a selection of Api and Neve clones but I still don't manage to get close to this sound. It starts to make wonder if I should start recording at 96 and if the clones really do their job...
I agree that there s a preamp for every situation, I love having many mics and colors but ye maybe everyone of us have a specific sound we ve drawn to. I personally just fell in love with the sound of the Studer 169. It would be amazing if you could review the Hacienda Labs 169 clones or if there s any other studer modern version.
Again , thank you so much for incredible content. It's also your fault I started looking for an Aea Ku5 haha
Cheers !!
I will add another question anyway. Would you replace your Apollo x16 conversation with the Cranborne Audio R8 if they had exactly the same offering ?
The videos are all mixed in the box. With no eq, only limiting, reverb and tuning.
There is a lot that can change the openness of a recorded source. The instruments, how they are played, the room they are recorded in and which microphone you use. Those elements play a much larger role than the mic pre/conversion.
I’ve found that investing in some solid mics and working on my techniques on the instruments as well as the acoustics in my room have really helped in creating a better over all tone in the recordings. I’ve used the same converters for a 3 years and the recordings have gotten more open and closer to the tone I hear through the steps I have spoken about above. :)
I think it’s important to try a bunch of different tools to see which of them work for your taste.
Ahh!! I miss having that mic around here!
I’m sure they would sound similar if they had the same functionality. I would happily let go of my apollos if I was not as invested in UAD plugins. I think there are far more interesting products out there to try, but unfortunately over the years the UAD software has become a part of my workflow. I’ll be working over the next year to get out of that and be able to travel and work easily without UAD in my sessions. :)
what camera do you use to record your videos?
Hey Diego! :) Canon 5D MKiV.
any sonic difference between the 500 version with this?
I have tested them both, I don’t there is to much of a difference in the pre’s but of course the flexibility of having the EQ/Comp on hand will allow you to shape the tone you are looking for much easier and quicker with the 19” version. :)
Hi. Which monitors do You use?
Hey Stephen! :) I use ATC SCM45A Pro’s.
It’s been a month, how’s the 8801?
Hey V, I had the unit for around a month before sending it back. It’s a review unit, not a purchase. :) my opinions on it have not changed very much, even after a few weeks.
Are the knobs stepped?
Nope, some have a centre detention though.
I've had one for a few years now and it sounds BEAUTIFUL!
I have fairly small fingers so the layout being cramped doesn't really bother me too much.
The LED brightness could do with being dim-able though as in a darker room it's impossible to read the legends on the relevant pot.
That’s awesome! :) great suggestions for the improvements.
@@alecbrits Unfortunately it's not possible to dim the LEDs, even via firmware update.
I was at The Neve factory in Burnley yesterday and spoke about it at some length with their Marketing Director whilst listening to a 7.1 mix of Duran Duran's 'Girls on film' in their main listening room.... crazy! 😎😎