To CLASP or to ANAMOD ATS-1 ?

[krheatman]

I just picked up an ATS-1 and all I can say is wow!It is all that and a bag of chips.With it and my Thermionic Phoenix on the 2 buss-shazam!Get the 351 card though.
I will be offing some other gear to try their Fairchild mod next.
Have to add that the UAD Fatso rocks also.

[flute player]

I recently have let a song mastered at Inline studio ( a GS member as well )
He used a ATS-1 with the A80 card and the song sounds realy great.
But what would be an intersting thing is to compare a recording using the CLASP system connected to a real A80 and than doing the same thing by getting through an ATS-1 with the A80 card.
Does someone have done this allready ?

greetz,

Paul

[RoundBadge]

The card is modeled after an a800
Not a80
Different machines

[Fleaman]

Originally Posted by flute player

But what would be an intersting thing is to compare a recording using the CLASP system connected to a real A80 and than doing the same thing by getting through an ATS-1 with the A80 card.
Does someone have done this allready ?

greetz,

Paul

You just need to compare the tape machine of choice against the Anamod, no need for the CLASP as it doesn't have any affect on the 'sound', it's just system of recording if you will (CLASP allows you to work 'faster' than manually aligning tape tracks within your DAW, as it does it automatically).

[flute player]

Originally Posted by RoundBadge

The card is modeled after an a800
Not a80
Different machines

of course, thanks

[flute player]

Originally Posted by Fleaman

You just need to compare the tape machine of choice against the Anamod, no need for the CLASP as it doesn't have any affect on the 'sound', it's just system of recording if you will (CLASP allows you to work 'faster' than manually aligning tape tracks within your DAW, as it does it automatically).

OK that's another good thing I didn't knew yet.

thanks,

Paul

[Fleaman]

There's some vids on this link Endless Analog Clasp Closed Loop Analog Signal Processor | VintageKing.com that explains it better than me.

Bottom line: With the CLASP at about $7500 + you'll need a 16-24 trk tape machine (and align it, maintain it, buy tape, etc.), it only starts to make sense if you are tracking 10-24 trks at a time on a daily/weekly basis (full band recordings). You can buy 3-4 Anamod's (so 6 to 8 channels worth) for the cost of a CLASP + a 'Good' 2". If you only max out at 6/8 channels at a time, you'll have less operating costs with the Anamod (no tape machine maintenance, tape costs, etc.) + no tape hiss (if you don't want it) and the choice of multiple tape machine cards (studer, 3M, ampex 351 tube tape machine!, etc.), while with the CLASP you're limited to the tape machine you own. Plus with CLASP you have all the other non-desirable effects of tape; wow/flutter, hiss, dropouts/bleed through, etc.

CLASP is a good solution for a studio that already has a well maintained 2" and just wants to seamlessly integrate it better into their protools set up.

[EndlessAnalog]

Originally Posted by Fleaman

There's some vids on this link Endless Analog Clasp Closed Loop Analog Signal Processor | VintageKing.com that explains it better than me.

Bottom line: With the CLASP at about $7500 + you'll need a 16-24 trk tape machine (and align it, maintain it, buy tape, etc.), it only starts to make sense if you are tracking 10-24 trks at a time on a daily/weekly basis (full band recordings). You can buy 3-4 Anamod's (so 6 to 8 channels worth) for the cost of a CLASP + a 'Good' 2". If you only max out at 6/8 channels at a time, you'll have less operating costs with the Anamod (no tape machine maintenance, tape costs, etc.) + no tape hiss (if you don't want it) and the choice of multiple tape machine cards (studer, 3M, ampex 351 tube tape machine!, etc.), while with the CLASP you're limited to the tape machine you own. Plus with CLASP you have all the other non-desirable effects of tape; wow/flutter, hiss, dropouts/bleed through, etc.

CLASP is a good solution for a studio that already has a well maintained 2" and just wants to seamlessly integrate it better into their protools set up.

Actually the CLASP works with mono block and 2 track machines as well. It stores up to three analog machines so you can switch machines on the fly. So track with your 16 or 24 track then overdub with your half inch or even 1 inch two track without tape hiss. With really wide tape tracks tape hiss is not ever an issue. Use the DAW to remove silent sections of audio clips to further reduce any tape noise.

With the CLASP there is no print through because the analog tape is transferred into digital before it can even wrap around the take up reel and have any print through effects.

Wow and flutter are virtually removed because the audio is sample accurately captured instantly in real time. For those who question this. Ask Mike Spitz.

[Fleaman]

Originally Posted by EndlessAnalog

Actually the CLASP works with mono block and 2 track machines as well.

Point is, no one is gonna get a CLASP system to only sync 1 or 2 tracks.

Though I do understand what you're saying regardless.

And I wasn't talking about 'print' through, I was talking about bleed, as in, adjacent track bleed. Meaning, you have to practice the same common sense when choosing what tracks lay adjacent to each other as you would with any tape machine, as it is a tape machine being synced. Don't put a snare track next to a whisper vocal track, etc.

This was most noticable with smpte tracks which was normally put on trk 24 (edge track) with trk 23 being used for distorted gtr or left blank if possible. A heavy transient track next to a smpte track can cause dropouts, depending on the machine. Of course with CLASP, there would be no need for smpte, but adjacent track bleed can still be an issue.

[EndlessAnalog]

Originally Posted by Fleaman

Point is, no one is gonna get a CLASP system to only sync 1 or 2 tracks.

Though I do understand what you're saying regardless.

And I wasn't talking about 'print' through, I was talking about bleed, as in, adjacent track bleed. Meaning, you have to practice the same common sense when choosing what tracks lay adjacent to each other as you would with any tape machine, as it is a tape machine being synced. Don't put a snare track next to a whisper vocal track, etc.

This was most noticable with smpte tracks which was normally put on trk 24 (edge track) with trk 23 being used for distorted gtr or left blank if possible. A heavy transient track next to a smpte track can cause dropouts, depending on the machine. Of course with CLASP, there would be no need for smpte, but adjacent track bleed can still be an issue.

Actually we have customers who bought the CLASP specifically for use with one inch/half inch 4 track and two track and even 1 inch mono configurations.

None of our users have reported any issues with bleed. Ask around.

[Greg Wells]

just use your ears and listen to a mix through the anamod unit, especially with the 351 card.

i
sold
my
827
because
of
it.

[Fleaman]

Originally Posted by EndlessAnalog

None of our users have reported any issues with bleed. Ask around.

Bleed won't be an issue with the actual CLASP unit of course, but it can be an issue with multitrack tape, which the CLASP of course is hooked up to.

I don't doubt you haven't had reports of issues with bleed, 'cos for one, it's not a CLASP issue and for two, I'm sure your users take care with track assignments to the tape machine.

[krheatman]

I really see the dollars being the same btwn Clasp with a 2 or 4 track tape machine,as if you bought 2 Anamods, other than the cost of your tape machine.Which may make sense if you already have one.And the Clasp is perfect for anyone running a 2" 24-16 track,as a lot of higher end clients demand recording to tape.So both have their place.Now if Anamod comes out with a 8-16 track,then that boat will be rocked.

But for the majority of us little guy's out here the Anamod is a perfect solution.Thank you Dave Amels and Greg Gualtieri.

I have only had the machine a short while,but I would be willing to guess that I would not have to track anything to tape or thru the Anamod.I would think I could selectively hit certain stems with the Anamod,if needed,with different amounts of processing and mix the stems ITB after and achieve the same results.And then hit the whole thing on the 2 buss if i need to,although that adds a 2nd conversion.
The stuff I am running thru it on the 2 buss is night and day different already.
I really see the Anamod as a perfect solution for my hybrid approach.

I cant wait to try their Fairchild Anamod.Greg knows compressors like no other as we know with his Pendulum stuff.Nice guy too.I talked with him when I bought the ATS-1 recently.His approach is to make his products in house for quality reasons as he would not feel comfortable farming it out.

That reason alone is why the cost is probably higher than what others may think the unit is worth.

Compared to buying a tape machine,tape and keeping it running not to mention aligned etc.,the Anamod is staying in my rack.

[dry]

Is there a studio in town with this anamod ats-1 (all carded up)? I'd like to hear one of these?

[krheatman]

Call Greg at Anamod he would know.

Originally Posted by dry

Is there a studio in town with this anamod ats-1 (all carded up)? I'd like to hear one of these?

[Fleaman]

Originally Posted by dry

Is there a studio in town with this anamod ats-1 (all carded up)? I'd like to hear one of these?

If you're serious, you can order one as I still think they do the 10 day guarantee on them. If it doesn't satisfy, you can return it within 10 days and you'll only be out the ship charges.

Then you can try it in your studio, mix, record, etc.

[Shaman]

To Clasp or to Anamod ?

To wait for the Waves Tape bundle.

To finally be done with tape

[krheatman]

I think it will be just another plug in. Sorry for being pessimistic.

Whoopee!
__________________
DN



I believe DONNX has already answered that one.

Originally Posted by Shaman

To Clasp or to Anamod ?

To wait for the Waves Tape bundle.

To finally be done with tape

[krheatman]

I would think there would be a flurry of tape machines on the market soon.Especially once more people hear these.No brainer.When they grow in status and develop a multi unit,actually,I am sure they could sell them right now.There are work arounds using the unit as it is,but for those doing sessions in multi I am sure there would be a demand,and if they had a 16 track unit to run stems to for mixing and mastering I would by it if it was under $15,000.00.it would be cool if you could apply different tape and machines to individual stems.

Originally Posted by Greg Wells

just use your ears and listen to a mix through the anamod unit, especially with the 351 card.

i
sold
my
827
because
of
it.

[RoundBadge]

as of this week the old Studer , M79 & 102 are in storage.
the ATS-1 stays in the rack.

[krheatman]

And so it begins,or carry's on or whatever!
I guess it is on par with other technologies and their progression.You have to give them credit for thinking outside the box and reverse engineering machines like this.I want to hear the Fairchild now and what about their 500 units?Anybody got a testimony?

Originally Posted by RoundBadge

as of this week the old Studer , M79 & 102 are in storage.
the ATS-1 stays in the rack.

[Fleaman]

Originally Posted by krheatman

And so it begins,or carry's on or whatever!
I guess it is on par with other technologies and their progression.You have to give them credit for thinking outside the box and reverse engineering machines like this.I want to hear the Fairchild now and what about their 500 units?Anybody got a testimony?

Starting around page 8 here: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/new-p...d-am660-8.html

Anamod660 / Fairchild 670 test

.

[RoundBadge]

Originally Posted by krheatman

I want to hear the Fairchild now and what about their 500 units?Anybody got a testimony?

I've been using the 500/660 ever since I did an a.b with the real thing.never looked back
see above post for links to my test.

[Fleaman]

Yeah, got a pair of Anamod AM660's here too

It's no secret I've been sold on Anamod products. They've been working on a Anamod Pultec EQ in a 500 series format, so it will be interesting if that ever makes it to production
Otherwise I've got my eye on the Retro 2A3 which has a pretty good per channel price....

[krheatman]

They are changing the audio world in a good way.Its a pain to keep the old stuff functioning.I am curious about how good the tube emulation is.They got the tape right so I will just have to bite the bullet then.The pultec Anamod would be sweet!

Originally Posted by Fleaman

Yeah, got a pair of Anamod AM660's here too

It's no secret I've been sold on Anamod products. They've been working on a Anamod Pultec EQ in a 500 series format, so it will be interesting if that ever makes it to production
Otherwise I've got my eye on the Retro 2A3 which has a pretty good per channel price....

[Fleaman]

Originally Posted by krheatman

They are changing the audio world in a good way.Its a pain to keep the old stuff functioning.I am curious about how good the tube emulation is.They got the tape right so I will just have to bite the bullet then.The pultec Anamod would be sweet!

Well, the 351 card for the ATS-1 is modeled on the 351/350 Ampex tube tape machine, and I can certainly hear the tube vibe/mojo going on there.

Same with the AM660.

[krheatman]

When you crank up the bias and drive the inputs on that thing,maybe add a little hiss swweeeet!!!
I am feeling like I need an API 2500 or the like again though,just for getting the material pounding behind it if I want it.
On the mellower stuff my Thermionic Phoenix is great and the SSL does its thing on things,but I just might want that tight 2500 option back.
Are you using the AM660 as a buss compressor mainly?Or for mastering too?
Anybody using distressors anymore I ditched mine.

Originally Posted by Fleaman

Well, the 351 card for the ATS-1 is modeled on the 351/350 Ampex tube tape machine, and I can certainly hear the tube vibe/mojo going on there.

Same with the AM660.

[Fleaman]

It's really OT on this thread, lol. But as my last comment: The AM660's are not a punch comp like the API, it's a more smooth, cushy, creamy like---compared to API. And like the original Fairchild, they are not as versatile as the 2500, or the distressor....

[natpub]

Originally Posted by Fleaman

They've been working on a Anamod Pultec EQ in a 500 series format, so it will be interesting if that ever makes it to production ...

I think the AMEQP has been out for a while, goes for $1250 or so:
Anamod Audio

[Dave_Amels]

Originally Posted by natpub

I think the AMEQP has been out for a while, goes for $1250 or so:
Anamod Audio

It's not shipping.

/Dave