Which first high end stereo channel strip?

[hemmick reef]

I am thinking of venturing into the high end market.....but cautiously!

I am interested in getting a two channel preamp, eq and compressor that would cover most duties in my home studio. I don't have the budget to buy loads of different compressors or mic pres, so this will be my only buy for quite a while and needs to be as versitile as possible.

I am after something in the lower price bracket but still classed as high end, and something to keep, as most of the cheaper gear I've bought, I end up selling!
I would also like it to have a little colour rather than transparent - I'm a 70's fan.

I don't know if there are many units that would cover this but I have had a look at the tfpro P10, which seems to fit the requirements. I have also had a look at the Toft ATC-2 but I am not sure if this would be seen as high end quality?

Thanks for any help.

[RMJAZZ]

You should check out a pair of the E-Channel units from Empirical Labs. I personally have also had tremendous results with the Presonus ADL600.

In my opinion, you might want to look at a pair of used Distressors, and a pair of nice pre's. There aren't a ton of great options when you want a stereo pre to include pre, eq, and compressor in one unit.

Not so high end, but the Toft ATC-2 is decent. But I would get individual units first. Maybe someone else has more thoughts on the matter?????

[TapeOpAl]

A friend of mine asked me this question a while ago and the only reasonable piece I could find was the Langevin Dual Vocal Combo - stereo mic pre, two limiters and two 2 frequency high and low shelf eqs.

[hemmick reef]

Thanks for the suggestions....

any other users of these type of units...

[dhiltonlittle]

aurora audio gtq2

aurora audio gtc2

=

excellent choice

[Baz]

Originally Posted by hemmick reef

I would also like it to have a little colour rather than transparent - I'm a 70's fan.

For colourful 70's sound? That's easy: Great River MP-2NV + EQ-2NV

It's going to be spendy but worth it. I was also told awhile back by someone @ GR to expect a Great River Compressor in the near future, and I would lay odds that it'll also be available in a 2ch model. We're currently holding out on a 2 ch compressor for this reason.

The EQ is exceptional to say the least. Bold to surgical and why I picked this one - well that and I just liked the thought of having two complete GR channels

an API 3124 + their 5500 would be very cool two. Then you have 2 extra pre's available.

[Aaron Miller]

aurora audio gtq2

aurora audio gtc2

=

excellent choice

Or, if you only need 1 channel, get the GTQC. Pre, EQ, and comp for an incredible price considering the quality and versatility. I have not used the comp--because I only have a GTQ2--but I'm sure it sounds awesome too. I can say that the preamp and EQ sections are FANTASTIC.

[SRS]

As previously mentioned... After seeing and hearing (and being Demoed by Dave) the Mike-e at the last NAMM show, I would hesitate not for one second to get a pair of these. I think they are one of the most versatile and solidly built channel strip units available today. Fresh outta the box.

That being said, I also have a coupla lunchboxes with Great River and API and several other pres. The 500 series format is VERY versatile, and uncompromising IMO. I have full units too (API 3124, Great River MP-2NV, etc.), and the 500-series is on par, just like the big boy units, just sharing the power. *** There are separate threads that state both sides of this fact *** You can build 2 separate rock-solid channel strips in one single 6-space box. And if for some reason it does not suit you well, swap out a module, or two till you get what you want.

Your key word is "cautiously"... The 500-series format is one of the most cautious ways I can possibly think of. And you can keep on chasing the dragon with low-end gear and selling it off in hopes of the better sound, so get a solid piece(s) and build upon them. Get high-end and be done with it!

[2Loud]

if I had start from beginning Id go for lunchbox too good recommendation..+ menu is wide!

[hemmick reef]

Thanks for the replies - I'm checking the websites now.

As another thought, I am waiting the arrival of a new Steinberg MR816 X which apparently has great preamps. I wonder if it would be better to make use of them and just add in a good compressor when tracking?

[bewareofdogs]

70's try BAE 1073

[2Loud]

depends what you search for, and whats your aesthetics, thats really subjective, but can bet myself you will hear the difference between Aurora, Phoenix, Great River and Steini´s preamps which can be quite good..I was happy with my older pres, but since I got my first hi end stuff I knew...and never turned back..

on the other hand, I heard great music done with average stuff and pretty bad sounding music with hi end...

would be slightly carefull of compressing anything without a real reason on its way in..for me it always starts with a pre, none of compressors will save it up in my opinion...

enjoy

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by dhiltonlittle

aurora audio gtq2

aurora audio gtc2

=

excellent choice

Originally Posted by Aaron Miller

Or, if you only need 1 channel, get the GTQC. Pre, EQ, and comp for an incredible price considering the quality and versatility. I have not used the comp--because I only have a GTQ2--but I'm sure it sounds awesome too. I can say that the preamp and EQ sections are FANTASTIC.

I agree with the above.