Folcrom & 500 series pre's VS. Shadow Hills Equinox

[Captain Crunch]

I'm not a mixer, but its something I'd like to get in to. I've spent many years working with some of the A-list mixers, and have learned a lot from them. As of now, my own mixes sound good to me, but they lack width. They aren't 3D, which is what I'm going for.

Toward this end, I've been thinking about getting a summing box to use with my Protools HD rig. Now, I know some of you have a strong opinion about summing boxes being snake oil, but lets avoid that on this thread please. If you don't accept the idea that they can make a difference, OK. For me, it seems to be the missing piece.

SO

I have a Shadow Hills Equinox on order, but there's a big damn wait. So, spinning my wheels, I'm thinking about other permutations that could be created. I have $5000 (USD). The Equinox is $4000, which leaves enough to buy a few other goodies. like maybe some Avantone monitors, plus the Cranesong Phoenix plugin.

OR

For roughly the same money, I could get a Folcrom ($1000), and a 4 500 series pre's (about $750 each) to go with it, including a pair of Shadow Hills Gama's, which presumably would do what the Equinox does, but without the awesome simplicity of that box. I'm thinking 2 Gama's, and maybe 2 Buzz Elixir's. Or 2 512's. This would also leave 2 slots open in a 6 slot API lunchbox for future stuff, like some compressors, or maybe a pair of pre's I haven't gotten all worked up about yet.

This removes the tight package that is the Equinox, but offers a few extra bits of flexibility.

For me the other thing to consider is, I almost never actually record anything at all, since I am a track tweaker full time. I'm interested in mixing because its fun and I think I could do it well.....(I think).

waddaya think?


(forgive the double post, I made an earlier thread with a misleading name)

[GrooveMerchant]

You could start with the Folcrom since it's a cheap passive summing mixer. Those who mention the snake oil may not be considering the total workflow situation. Imagine gate/exp and comp/lim plus EQ while you're mixing on each channel. Hardware inserts may handle it, but OTB seems like a better concept. Plus you pick your gain makeup with the Folcrom (one of the paths I'll take after instrument purchases). Hit 16 to 2 on the Folcrom then send it to two Chandler Germaniums, 2 Tonelux MP-1As, 2 Neve, 2 API, etc. Check out Paul Wolffs Tonelux modules and concepts. Sounds like with the $ you have you can implement 2 techniques. I'd go Folcrom and later build up a V8 or VRack from Paul Wolff at Tonelux (using FX2 / FX2+) and have a dual solution you can continue to build on. I'm thinking of a Purple Sweet 10 and some Tonelux for more outboard soon to insert with Folcrom use. And a nifty patchbay.

[hakanai]

i have the equinox and love it. one thing that you seem to have left out though, do need the monitor control section? because if you do than you'll also have another box to buy (not a huge deal but something to keep in mind) also, i know the wait is tough but it really is a great unit and being able to call the company and talk to the owner/designer is pretty nice. oh, and i've only called for an explanation of the half dozen or so features that aren't mentioned anywhere

[IntenseJim]

on a similar fence for summing and the Equinox vs Folcrom into mic pres @ Chandler TG2 or if possible a compressor circuit such as an ELOP w/ or w/o comression or......

.....so bump

[Kenny M]

I had the same thoughts and ended up with the Folcrom and Shadow Hills pre's. I tried the Equinox and I think you're pretty well there with the mentioned combo.

Here's a link to some mixes I did a while back with the various combos for anyone that's interested. Try to listen to the files before skipping to the last reply where I said what was what.

Folcrom -Shadow Hills, Etc- Yes More Summing Tests

[IntenseJim]

Since I have a monitor controller and mic pres, I think all I need (could use) is a summing box. The Folcrom is about 1/4 the price and allows for different mic pres or compressors or XXX to add spice and depth.

[Captain Crunch]

ha ha,
Well, after spending a ridiculous amount of money and time buying and trying all this stuff out, I too have joined the "it's snake oil" crew (now months later). For me, analog summing just didn't make enough of a difference--that is, the same money could go elsewhere and have way more impact.

That said, the Shadow Hills pre's are great as pre's.

I've been swamped with work for the last 4 months, and so trying out different solutions to the width and impact issues is on the back burner. But in the 10 spare minutes a day I have to think about stuff like this, I'm thinking ITB mixing, with a few hardware inserts: stereo compressor for the drums, a killer comp for the vocals, and possibly an external reverb. {Specifically, an API 2500, a Retro 176, and the Bricasti.)

On the other hand, with GD2 looming (that's the Great Depression 2), maybe its time to just hang in there with plugins!

[IntenseJim]

Originally Posted by Captain Crunch

with GD2 looming (that's the Great Depression 2), maybe its time to just hang in there with plugins!

We can enjoy the plugins while we bend over for the GD2 buttplug.