A+ vocal chain, need some advice/opinions please

[rickrock305]

Ok, I need some help deciding so i need to hear your opinions. I'm putting together an A+ vocal chain for doing mostly hip hop and RnB vocals. I need it to be pretty versatile, but I'm not at all opposed to "color" or whatever.

I already have a Neve 1073 DPD, and I've been running it through a *borrowed* Distressor, which i recently gave back. I'm really thinking about the distressor as it is so versatile. I also have a dbx 160A...its ok but nothing like the distressor. I've also been checking out the API 525. I'd really like to get a lunchbox with a couple 512's, couple 525's, and some of their EQs. Or maybe any of the other API form factor stuff that has come out recently. But i just need one good compressor and one good EQ for now. So any thoughts on distressor vs. API stuff? I don't know anyone with a lunchbox so i can't really get one to borrow for a little while.


As for EQs, I'm pretty much up in the air on that one. I'm really liking the looks of the Lil Freq...anyone tried it out yet? It seems to be everything i need and a little more. How are the APIs (and which one) for vocals? I've had the pleasure of mixing some vocals with the API EQs, 550's i believe they were. But that was only once and it was a while ago.


I guess I'm just looking for some opinions. I'm seriously considering 1073 > Distressor > Lil Freq. I'm not worried about mics as i have access to a nice collection (67, 87, c800, u47, fet 47, etc.) and that will change anyway depending on the source.


So what do you all have to say...any thoughts??

[thethrillfactor]

Vocal compressor:

Tubetech CL1B change the tubes.

Its the most versatile vocal tracking compressor you can buy.

1073 is fine.

Whatever EQ you add after is gravy.

(Though i am not the biggest fan of API's on vocals).

You could use the EQ on the Neve by the way.

[GMR]

The 1073 DPD doesn't have an EQ!

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by GMR

The 1073 DPD doesn't have an EQ!

My bad i thought it did.

Carry on.

[gainreduction]

Lately I've been using the Buzz Audio SOC 1.1 a lot as a vocal tracking comp. It's very clean and gives you a natural sounding vocal even with loads of compression.

Also, I second the TubeTech, very nice for vocals.

The dbx160A is a little too harsh and agressive for vocal tracking IMO.

As for Eq, if money is not an issue, you can't go wrong with GML. But considering you have access to a lot of nice mics, do you really need to eq a lot when tracking vocals ?? I also record vox with a 1073 and vintage tube Neumanns and all I usually do is HP at 80hz to get rid of the AC/ventilation hum. It's also convenient if you have to redo some vocalparts at a later point knowing that you didn't eq. Easier to recall the sound. But maybe that's just me.

[rickrock305]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

My bad i thought it did.

Carry on.

nah, unfortunately I opted for the cheaper version as i wanted two channels for keys and such. Couldn't afford the heavy pricetag of two channels of real deal 1073. I gotta get ahold of one of those Tubetechs to try. They seem to be hard to find used...i think its gonna be a little above my budget to buy new + better tubes. Know where to find a used one?

[rickrock305]

judging from your guys helpful replies, i think i need to get a distressor and a Tube Tech and see which one is gonna suit me best. Guess I'll have to probably rent the Tube Tech, i don't know anyone who has one. And maybe just hold off on the EQ for now.


Thrill factor, I'll take your word on it for now that the Tubetech is the most versatile vocal tracking compressor, even over the Distressor. I need to hear it for myself to believe it! A shootout is in order!

That Tubetech sure is expensive new though, especially compared to some prices i've seen for them used. Anyone know somebody getting rid of a used one?

[rickrock305]

Originally Posted by gainreduction

The dbx160A is a little too harsh and agressive for vocal tracking IMO.

As for Eq, if money is not an issue, you can't go wrong with GML. But considering you have access to a lot of nice mics, do you really need to eq a lot when tracking vocals ?? I also record vox with a 1073 and vintage tube Neumanns and all I usually do is HP at 80hz to get rid of the AC/ventilation hum. It's also convenient if you have to redo some vocalparts at a later point knowing that you didn't eq. Easier to recall the sound. But maybe that's just me.

I thought the same thing about the 160, but it does work well sometimes. Not a great choice for a tracking comp though IMO. But then again, its also $2000 less than a Tube Tech, lol.



I think I'm just gonna hold off on EQ for now actually.



Thanks for your all your help fellas.

[TonyBelmont]

Summit TLA-100A!!!!!

[TonyBelmont]

In regards to the API question... What about getting an API 7600?

That would give you mic pre/ EQ(550A ) and compressor...

[rickrock305]

if i was gonna go API, I'd have to go ahead and get a lunchbox though, for future purchses

[markk]

LA2A gets my vote for smooth comp for vocals.

[airmate]

another vote for the la-2a!
1073 -> la-2a is my most favourite chain for soul vocals...

[chuckj]

I recently purchased a used CL1B. It has the original tubes and sounds unbelievably good. It makes my TLA-100 sound slightly wooly in comparison. The TLA was my go to comp for tracking vox. It has been replaced by the CL1B. It has sounded great on everything I put through it. No regrets here.

[rickrock305]

Originally Posted by chuckj

I recently purchased a used CL1B. It has the original tubes and sounds unbelievably good. It makes my TLA-100 sound slightly wooly in comparison. The TLA was my go to comp for tracking vox. It has been replaced by the CL1B. It has sounded great on everything I put through it. No regrets here.

now i just have to find one at the right price.