500 Lunchbox

[G-Sun]

Hi!

Can anyone explain to me a little about lunchboxes/500.
Is it one or different standards/systems?
Does everything fit into everything?

Thanks!

[dannycurtean@yah]

Originally Posted by G-Sun

Hi!

Can anyone explain to me a little about lunchboxes/500.
Is it one or different standards/systems?
Does everything fit into everything?

Thanks!

The 500 series format is probably one of the best things in high end audio. Its the most amazing piece of gear, because YOU get to design it.

Basically, its just like everything else, but smaller. No disadvantages, all the tone and sound of any other Class A piece of gear.

Yes, if its 500 series, its 500 series. Now there have been very FEW design flaws on the part of the designers of 3rd party 500 series equipment (like the Chandler Germ Pre, it needs more power) but as far as design and size, they all work.

I personally have chosen the BAE 11 space rack because its probably the best 500 series rack out there, plus it gives you 11 spaces as opposed to 10 for that one last piece.

If I could have ONE piece of gear, it would by my carefully chosen 500 series rack.

Here is my configuration. Its designed to be THE one piece that I can take anywhere and have MY sound.

[Tony Shepperd]

You should ask the Guru of the 500 series... Pan 60.

[G-Sun]

Thanks!

Are all the connectors normally at the rear (minus DI)?

[mattg082]

i think it's pretty cool. i just picked one up with a great river and api. you can customize with some of the finest pres out there! great thing about it is that you pay for the power supply once so you can pick up a new pre for around 700-800 new or like 600 used on ebay instead of buying the rack version for 1,200+ everytime also it's very portable and you can have many with 500 series eq, compressors, limiters you name it. you could have one that has just a chain for a vocalist, one for a guitar player ect. or just get a 6 slot and fill it up with api 512c for drums. or just have one like me with a mixed box!

it's at a price range that even the home studio can afford and it's really like candy to me and looks awesome. it tempts you though having those extra spaces because now i want more even though i already broke bank!

there are connectors for all on the back in and out and most pres have a hi z input on the front and mic input. some just have a hi-z input but you can plug the mic into the back. so there are all kinds of ways you can route one.

[Magic Alex]

Originally Posted by dannycurtean@yah

Here is my configuration. Its designed to be THE one piece that I can take anywhere and have MY sound.

Now wait just a cotton pickin' minute, that's just a Photoshopped configuration Danny!

But to answer the question, the 500 series format is great. I'm glad to see that it still caters to high end, and we're not seeing Berringer, Mackie, Alesis etc. Jumping into the forum.

There are some units that get marketed as being just like an older, bigger, in-demand item...but don't get fooled by the claim. For example, the Anamod AM660 claims to replicate the Fairchild 660, or the A-Designs EM-PEQ claims to replicate the Pultec EQP-1A. They don't.

But that doesn't mean that they're bad, just remember that the 500 series has a small footprint, so huge claims are just hype. The 500 series stuff sometimes appears larger than life.

[Dave_Amels]

Originally Posted by Magic Alex

Now wait just a cotton pickin' minute, that's just a Photoshopped configuration Danny!

But to answer the question, the 500 series format is great. I'm glad to see that it still caters to high end, and we're not seeing Berringer, Mackie, Alesis etc. Jumping into the forum.

There are some units that get marketed as being just like an older, bigger, in-demand item...but don't get fooled by the claim. For example, the Anamod AM660 claims to replicate the Fairchild 660, or the A-Designs EM-PEQ claims to replicate the Pultec EQP-1A. They don't.

But that doesn't mean that they're bad, just remember that the 500 series has a small footprint, so huge claims are just hype. The 500 series stuff sometimes appears larger than life.

WHAT?

[tapehiss]

is that really photo shopped???????

thats hilarious if it is!!!!!!!!!

also, i'm pretty sure Anamod/A-designs don't claim to replicate 660/70 and Pultecs
.....given that the AM660 more captures the sound than cloning guts, and i've heard many great reports on how close they sound....

but.....
everyone knows you can't fit 16 tubes/8 transformers (or however many) into a 500 module.....they do analogue modeling.....hence.........AnaMod.

[Magic Alex]

Originally Posted by Dave_Amels

WHAT?

Hmmm, am I the only one who thinks that? I'm not saying that they're bad, just don't expect a solid state module to sound 'just like' a vintage rack unit that has numerous tubes in its sound.

[pan60]

Originally Posted by Dave_Amels

WHAT?

ditto!
i can not yet speak for Dave product, but i do not think A-Design claimed the EM-PEQ to be a cloned Pultec EQP-1A.

and from what i have been told the and the files i have heard it sure seems to me the Anamod AM660 hits the Fairchild sound pretty straight on!


the 500 format is awesome in my view as most know.
i do not feel it is a replacement for every piece of 19'' rack mounted gear, nor do i feel everything belongs in the 500 format.

the format consist of a lunchbox, rack or console.
you can buy different cards, these can be pre's, EQ's, comp's, D.I.'s and others items as well.

the will plug into the lunchbox, rack, or console, and allow a great deal of flexibility, minimal space being used, and a very very large bass of items to choose from.

i look mostly at the VPR Alliance to new tracking and mix engineers to get a handle on what's compatible with what.

API Audio Products

now just because something is not on the list dose not mean their will be a issue, it means it is not approved.
if you are looking at items not on the list feel free to ask some questions. i have a very large number of 500 format products luchboxs, racks, and other, and although not everything is on the VPR Alliance list i have units that i would gladly recommend. some guys just have not taken the time to apply.

[pan60]

P.S.
the A-Designs EM-PEQ will damn sure put some big big buttt in the bottom!
it dose deliver some big time MOJO, i i find it very useful in not just the bottom, but the bottom, mid's, and top: )~

[Guitar Zero]

Nice rack!

Originally Posted by dannycurtean@yah

The 500 series format is probably one of the best things in high end audio. Its the most amazing piece of gear, because YOU get to design it.

Basically, its just like everything else, but smaller. No disadvantages, all the tone and sound of any other Class A piece of gear.

Yes, if its 500 series, its 500 series. Now there have been very FEW design flaws on the part of the designers of 3rd party 500 series equipment (like the Chandler Germ Pre, it needs more power) but as far as design and size, they all work.

I personally have chosen the BAE 11 space rack because its probably the best 500 series rack out there, plus it gives you 11 spaces as opposed to 10 for that one last piece.

If I could have ONE piece of gear, it would by my carefully chosen 500 series rack.

Here is my configuration. Its designed to be THE one piece that I can take anywhere and have MY sound.

[Magic Alex]

Originally Posted by tapehiss

is that really photo shopped???????

thats hilarious if it is!!!!!!!!!

At first, two things were suspect:
a wide angle was used to not give depth distortion, giving it an almost 2D appearance. Usually only pro photographers shoot products this way.
Second, the duplicated modules are set identically. But hey, some people may do that when showing off their racks.

But then, the lighting and reflections on the duplicated modules are all identical.

And the proof....the screws that hold the modules in place are horizontally uneven! Of course, they line up perfectly for the duplicated ones, like all the MA5's are perfect, but the 2 Avedis screw sets sit lower. then the ones after that are all slightly uneven.

Originally Posted by tapehiss

also, i'm pretty sure Anamod/A-designs don't claim to replicate 660/70 and Pultecs

Below are the product descriptions for these 2 products. Again, I'm not saying that they're bad. As Pan 60 said, the A-Designs gives a unique, bottom end flavour. But if you expect them to be like something else, you'll be disappointed.
A-Designs EM-PEQ


The EM-PEQ The classic all-tube Pultec EQP-1A goes down on the record books as one of the most venerated equalizers of all time, cherished by recording and mastering engineers for its almost mythical ability to improve the sound of just about anything running through it. Finally, after much research and development, A-Designs Audio announces that it has managed to capture much of the essence of the famed EQ in a new product ? and one that fits in a compact 500 Series module frame size, no less!


AnaMod AM660


The Fairchild 660 limiter is arguably one of the most famous and sought-after compressors ever made. The magical way it adds density and dimension to a track or a mix has been demonstrated on many of the best-sounding records made in the last 50 years.
The AM660 is a faithful recreation of the classic sound and compression profile of the 660, using the AnaMod process to model the complex tube circuitry of the 660 and implement it entirely in the analog domain. Unlike a digital plug-in or processor based outboard gear, there is no latency, and no A/D or D/A conversions to compromise the sound.

[Dave_Amels]

Originally Posted by Magic Alex

AnaMod AM660


The Fairchild 660 limiter is arguably one of the most famous and sought-after compressors ever made. The magical way it adds density and dimension to a track or a mix has been demonstrated on many of the best-sounding records made in the last 50 years.
The AM660 is a faithful recreation of the classic sound and compression profile of the 660, using the AnaMod process to model the complex tube circuitry of the 660 and implement it entirely in the analog domain. Unlike a digital plug-in or processor based outboard gear, there is no latency, and no A/D or D/A conversions to compromise the sound.

Yep... That's right... Anamod660 / Fairchild 670 test

[Magic Alex]

Originally Posted by Dave_Amels

Yep... That's right... Anamod660 / Fairchild 670 test

Holy schmidt. I'm impressed. Special thanks to RoundBadge for that bit of proof.

[Peter Montessi]

[QUOTE=Magic Alex;5074590]

Below are the product descriptions for these 2 products. Again, I'm not saying that they're bad. As Pan 60 said, the A-Designs gives a unique, bottom end flavour. But if you expect them to be like something else, you'll be disappointed.
A-Designs EM-PEQ


The EM-PEQ The classic all-tube Pultec EQP-1A goes down on the record books as one of the most venerated equalizers of all time, cherished by recording and mastering engineers for its almost mythical ability to improve the sound of just about anything running through it. Finally, after much research and development, A-Designs Audio announces that it has managed to capture much of the essence of the famed EQ in a new product ? and one that fits in a compact 500 Series module frame size, no less!


Hi Magic Alex,

First, I know you mean no harm but I would ask you to re-read your post.
Does it state we CLONED the Pultec?

The other thing that I have found when doing this project with Jon was the fact that a year later I had compared the EM-PEQ to 5 other Pultec units and much to my surprise none of the 5 Pultec units sounded the same
Granted they looked like they had been worked on and they have been around the block a few times. And in some cases the EM-PEQ sounded better! Go figure!

I think we did our best to bring the ESSENCE of Pultec to the 500 Series.

Thanks for the thoughts and understanding.

Peter

[Magic Alex]

Very true, Peter, no two Pultec clones sound the same. But in that same breath, couldn't ANY new eq make that same claim? That their eq attempts to capture the essence of a Pultec?

If it doesn't use tubes in its design, and it doesn't sound like a Pultec, then what essence are you referring to?

If a eq uses the same schematic as a Pultec, it may be compared to a Pultec, even though the sound is different.

If a eq sounds like a Pultec, but the schematic is dramatically different, it can be compared to a Pultec.

I apologize, I've never used an EQP-1A. So perhaps it does capture the essence. After hearing the Anamod/Fairchild shootout, I was quite surprised at the similarities. The schematic is vastly different, but the essence is there.

I don't have any intention of slagging A-Designs, I'm just very cautious when products claim to be similar to others. I think that a comparison test is in order...

[Peter Montessi]

Yes and no on the essence.
We do not claim our Hammer EQ captures any other EQs essence.

Mojo, Vibe, whatever you wish to call it.

I think you have a great idea!
Go rent about 5 Pultecs and a EM-PEQ and let me know what your findings are

But you miss-read my post.............I wasn't talking about Pultec clones I was talking about Pultecs.

Have fun,

[pan60]

the A-Designs EM-PEQ very much ( though not a clone ), captures the vibe of a Pultec IMHO.
it delivers the MOJO, ESSENCES, the SOUND, FEEL, the VIBE, what have you. the EM-PEQ dose deliver.
i'll take a rack full and be one Damn happy camper!
is it a clone? no, but no one said it was.

[Tony Shepperd]

Originally Posted by Magic Alex

I apologize, I've never used an EQP-1A. So perhaps it does capture the essence. After hearing the Anamod/Fairchild shootout, I was quite surprised at the similarities. The schematic is vastly different, but the essence is there.

I don't have any intention of slagging A-Designs, I'm just very cautious when products claim to be similar to others. I think that a comparison test is in order...

Interesting that you would comment on something you've not heard or used.

[sevendaysoff]

Originally Posted by dannycurtean@yah

The 500 series format is probably one of the best things in high end audio. Its the most amazing piece of gear, because YOU get to design it.

Basically, its just like everything else, but smaller. No disadvantages, all the tone and sound of any other Class A piece of gear.

Yes, if its 500 series, its 500 series. Now there have been very FEW design flaws on the part of the designers of 3rd party 500 series equipment (like the Chandler Germ Pre, it needs more power) but as far as design and size, they all work.

I personally have chosen the BAE 11 space rack because its probably the best 500 series rack out there, plus it gives you 11 spaces as opposed to 10 for that one last piece.

If I could have ONE piece of gear, it would by my carefully chosen 500 series rack.

Here is my configuration. Its designed to be THE one piece that I can take anywhere and have MY sound.

danny,
what kind of music are you primarily recording/mixing, and what are you finding the chandler and inward connection comps best uses for?

I'm looking for a good upfront vocal comp. I really like the shadow hills unit but its hit or miss with pop/hiphop/rock. works great for classic vocalists every time, but im looking for something more akin to my 1176ln. tried the purple action, worked great SOMETIMES, but controls too finicky for my taste.

thanks.

[sevendaysoff]

wait just read the photoshopped post. please only give me your advice if you actually own the modules, lol.

[energizer bunny]

Originally Posted by Magic Alex

Now wait just a cotton pickin' minute, that's just a Photoshopped configuration Danny!

But to answer the question, the 500 series format is great. I'm glad to see that it still caters to high end, and we're not seeing Berringer, Mackie, Alesis etc. Jumping into the forum.

There are some units that get marketed as being just like an older, bigger, in-demand item...but don't get fooled by the claim. For example, the Anamod AM660 claims to replicate the Fairchild 660, or the A-Designs EM-PEQ claims to replicate the Pultec EQP-1A. They don't.

But that doesn't mean that they're bad, just remember that the 500 series has a small footprint, so huge claims are just hype. The 500 series stuff sometimes appears larger than life.

I'm bustin to get an Aurora GTQC, I wonder could I get the name of that Photoshop program. The cotton pickin things gonna cost me nearly 3 grand after p&p maybe I can save a few quid. Will it sound good in cardboard, lol just kidding. Hey you didnt have a camera around at the time to take a photo of your gear, no worries .