Outboard EQ's vs. outboard compressors ???

[Sugarman]

I'm about to buy the API 500 rack and fill it with 512C pres and.....???? 550 EQ's or 525 comps?
my question is: which is most important to have as a "real" hardware unit when tracking and mixing - eq's or compressors?
I've read different opinions about eq vs comp plug-ins. some claim that software eq's come closer to hardware eq's than software comps compared to hardware comps.... and therefore it's most important to get some hardware comps. but then others claim the opposite
since I can't afford both I will have to choose either eq's or comps to go with the 512C pres, so I don't need to hear a "go get both!"

I have the Waves SSL bundle which I am really happy about and use ALL the time - especially love the EQ and the Buss comp.
I just never got to work with a real hardware eq or comp - NOW IS THE TIME!!

so... what is best emulated in the digital world - eq's or compressors? (in general)
thanks in advance for your time!!

[Aearth]

I would say pres and comps are what you need when tracking, you can shape with EQ in the mix.

nIC

[GYang]

Originally Posted by Sugarman

I've read different opinions about eq vs comp plug-ins. some claim that software eq's come closer to hardware eq's than software comps compared to hardware comps.... and therefore it's most important to get some hardware comps.

You can really do great job with software EQs. there are many available and some of the best are exceptionally good. Saying that, I still very much like some of my hardware EQs (IBIS, SPL, LilFreq, A-Design PEQ, Great River and Thermionic EB+Pullet) as they interact with other hardware components in different way than SW EQs.

Emulations of pres, comps and various distortions in software are still far behind their analog counterparts.

[MIKEHARRIS]

I've been selling API for 30 years...depending on what youre doing...and your budget...its usually 2 512's...2 or 3 550's...1 or 2 560's.

Do not use all your slots on pres...you can always augment your lunchbox with a 3124

[bforest4]

I would get the API 3124 for your 4 micpres to save space in your rack and be more cost effective. Maybe get a Greatriver micpre or 2 for your 500 series rack for more of a Neve flavor for Vocals, or just get them standalone and forget the rack. Other flavors of micpres I would recommend are Manley TNT or Chandler. Then for compression, I would get either a Distressor(most versatile, nice on everything, cheaper) or a Tubetech CL1B(best for vocals) and the API 2500 buss compressor (which could serve double duty for tracking and mixing(put it on the stereo mix buss)). Unless you are doing alot of drum tracking, I would skip the Analog EQ and just do it with Plugins. If you are doing alot of drum tracking, Get some API 550A's for the fattest sound.

[Rednose]

"Do not use all your slots on pres...you can always augment your lunchbox with a 3124"
Good point!

[Sugarman]

thanks for your replies guys!
I thought about the 3124+ solution, but then I read somewhere that the 512C pre is a bit "better" than the 312 pre... correct...?

Apart from the preamps I think I will choose some comps to start with and then wait a little with the eq's.
I actually got an offer on two Neve 2254e comps. These look amazing!!
Anyone knows how these compare to the API 525 comp? (For both tracking and mixing)

[Chaellus]

i thought the Waves SSL Eq's cam real close to the the desk...ive tried an SSL one or twice and really thought it was right on par..not my favorite eq in the world though....cant really vouch for the bus comp...havent used it.....but the eq's are similar.....honestly id get a hardware Comp..

[chrisso]

I think the API 500 series pre's and eq's are a bit more magical than the compressors.

Also, when engineers track my drums, they are much more likely to use pre's and eq's than compressors.

There are apparently some great 500 series compressors by other manufacturers too.

If it were me, I would buy 512's, 550a's/550b's and 560's, THEN think about a compressor.

[Aearth]

There's nothing wrong with API compressors, they're just not great on drums. (that leaves you out in the cold Chris).
If you really want to hear some magical pres, EQ's and soon comps try the JLM gear. I've been spending a lot of time and money replacing 500 series modules with JLM lately. Also some big profile Aussie acts and recording engineers are taking notice of Joe's gear as well.

nIC

[Fabio]

I would get hardware in this order: mic/pre, comp, eq

Then you could buy a good stereo eq to pass through your mix not to use too much equalization for each track...ok then you should buy a good converter...it's an endless war!!

[Zuewi]

For filling the lunchbox i'd go with 512c first then the eq's. Comp some other thing or the 2500 if you want to go only with api

[chrisso]

Originally Posted by Aearth

There's nothing wrong with API compressors, they're just not great on drums. (that leaves you out in the cold Chris).
If you really want to hear some magical pres, EQ's and soon comps try the JLM gear. I've

LOL.
I used to use them on drums, bass, voice.
You are right, there is nothing wrong with the 525, but personally I'd rather use other compressors in both 500 format or regular 19" rack.
I sold my pair and haven't regretted it, especially given the amazing 500 format modules emerging (like the JLM you mention).

Actually, I always thought the Api 2500 comp would be a nice addition to my set up.