SSL Module Advice Needed!

[oceantracks]

Thinking of getting a Mynx.

I already know I want the SA mic module. And I thought the second module should be EQ, but I started thinking tonight...well...I have the Sonnox EQ and Waves SSL EQ, so it might be smarter to get a mic module and a compressor.

I am recording at home dealing with guitars (acoustic and electric), bass, and some vocal work. Mainly pop/rock.

Would you guys suggest the EQ or compressor module right off the bat to go with the mic pre? And if it's the comp, which of the two comps...the SA or the 4000 series would be best for what I do?

Thanks for any advice..

Tom

[travelboy]

I'd say that the difference in quality between hardware and software is less for EQ than it is for dynamic processors. Therefore it's a good idea to get an analog compressor and stick to software EQs.

Not sure which one. I'm thinking about getting an X-Rack myself (waiting for MusikMesse though). I have a 4000E channel strip and I like its compressor a lot. But many people prefer the 9000 dynamics over the 4000.

[Coyoteous]

- haven't had my hands on the 4K X-Rack modules, but I can say I'm really liking the 9K Mic Amp and 9K Dynamics combo.

[epp]

Hands down the eq and dynamics. This is what you want.

contrary to what another poster said, I would say that both are lighyears away from the embarassing ssl emulation plug-ins.

Preamp...? - Is ok, perfectly useable and nice, but not the strongest in the lineup.

[oceantracks]

Originally Posted by epp

Hands down the eq and dynamics. This is what you want.

contrary to what another poster said, I would say that both are lighyears away from the embarassing ssl emulation plug-ins.

Preamp...? - Is ok, perfectly useable and nice, but not the strongest in the lineup.

Have to disagree. The SA Mic amp is the best pre I've used, just killer, unless you are looking for heavy color, which I'm not. It's open and fast which I love.

The Oxford EQ sounds as good to me as I need...so for me I've come to the conclusion that the pre and SA dynamics will be the way to go...

Thanks guys
Tom

[TonyBelmont]

I would go with the 4000 E compressor.

[bforest4]

For guitar and bass tracking, and vocals, I would stick with API(cheaper, great on guitar, bass, and drums, clear and punchy) or Neve/BAE/Avedis/Aurora(great on everything, best on vocals, more money). For the comp, the most versatile and relatively cheap solution is a distressor.

As for SSL, I prefer to use while mixing. I would get the Mynx with stereo buss compressor to run your mixes through, or use on the drum buss. You could also get a mynx with one channel of comp and one EQ. You could mix with the SSL plugin, and then replace each track by inserting and printing the Mynx one track at a time(tedious, but the analog stuff does sound better, I own 2 filled Xracks and the Waves plugin.) As for which modules, Black or SA, I usually like the SA Comp on Kik, Ac Gtrs, and Vocals - the Black Comp on Bass, Snare, El. Guitars. I only have black EQ's which sound great, haven't heard the SA Eq's.

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by bforest4

For guitar and bass tracking, and vocals, I would stick with API(cheaper, great on guitar, bass, and drums, clear and punchy) or Neve/BAE/Avedis/Aurora(great on everything, best on vocals, more money). For the comp, the most versatile and relatively cheap solution is a distressor.

Solid advice.

[Coyoteous]

As I've spammed in other X-Rack threads, I bought both of the recent Mynx bundle specials with an additional 10% discount from a holiday sale.

I finally broke down the cost rounded to the nearest $5 by percentage based on the current US MAP prices:

$540 SA Mic Amp
$540 SA Dynamics
$270 Mynx #1
$535 Eight Channel Input
$700 Master Bus
$250 Mynx #2

- conclusions other than purchase justification: the Mynx at these prices are within the range of a really good deal on a 2 slot 500 series rack.

Mic Amp - killer deal! This is more than just a mic pre when you consider the filters, etc. and at this price, in line with the lowest cost 500 pres... even better deal on the comp compared to 500's.

On to the Summing Bundle... compares very favorably the Dangerous D-Box features, less the DAC, etc. - plus a couple features and scalable.

I even think the current reduced prices are pretty good, but these bundle prices were really, really nice!

I know this doesn't relate directly to this thread, but for me it balances against some of the other opinions here, particularly on the Mic Amp.

And of course, high end for lower prices is always a good thing!

[oceantracks]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

Solid advice.

The API stuff is great of course, but I much prefer the SA Mic pre to the API...

TH

[toasteh]

Software EQ for accuracy.
Hardware compression for sound.
The 9k SSL Modules are amazing.