New vocal tracking channelstrip

[CAT5]

Hi guys,

I'm up for a new channel strip. It's first work will be in another studio than my own and the owner loves the Avalon 737. So that's on my list (but only because he asked me if I could bring one). However I am more a Focusrite 430 man ('ve been working with these for well over 10 years and still like them) so I will also put that on the list. Being on the 430 subject; who can tell me how big the differences are between the 220 and 430 and how good is the compression blend function. I love parallel comp, but having no mix knob makes me think it's not that versatile.

Now I have also heard very good stories about the Universal Audio 610.
My question is what other high end channelstrips you guys would advise me to listen to. Massenburg and Voxbox are out of my financial league I guess.

Also open for offers if somebody has a nice secondhand they want to sell....

Thanx....

[DarkSky Media]

Originally Posted by CAT5

...My question is what other high end channelstrips you guys would advise me to listen to...

Aurora Audio GTQC

[Red 7]

Originally Posted by DarkSky Media

Aurora Audio GTQC

+1 thumbsup

[AMIEL]

And a designs pacifica

[RonT]

Originally Posted by DarkSky Media

Aurora Audio GTQC

This is the one. Walks all over the 737.



Sent from my iPhone using Gearslutz

[seanmccoy]

Originally Posted by DarkSky Media

Aurora Audio GTQC

+2 thumbsup thumbsup

[Denny C]

+3 . I'd love to have one! Fet or opto comp choice, great sounding pre and eq. Wow.

[skip bitmin]

I have used the 430 (great eq) and own a 610, they are very different .
I like them both but prefer the 610 im not saying its better but if you
want something with more of a thicker sound I'd try the 610 for a week
or so if thats what your looking for . Never tried the GTQC unfortunately.

[hubertfoley]

The 610 is just the pre. If you want the channel strip then look at either the LA610 which has the LA2A type compressor or the 6176 which has the 1176.

[Slikjmuzik]

Originally Posted by CAT5

Being on the 430 subject; who can tell me how big the differences are between the 220 and 430 and how good is the compression blend function. I love parallel comp, but having no mix knob makes me think it's not that versatile.

I have a 220 and it works great over here. Many people say the compressor is finicky, but I don't find it that way. In fact, I really only mess with the threshold. Can't tell you the last time I adjusted attack, release or ration on it. I actually don't usually use the preamp on it other than for kick drum. I pretty much just use the line-input coming from a Manley pre for vocals or staright from my Lynx. I leave the EQ flat for vocals and only use the filtering which I do before compression which allows compression to be even smoother. If I were doing boosts on the EQ, I'd probably choose for the EQ to be after compression, which the unit does have that option. The EQ is very flexible and I use it all the time to run midi sounds through it and carve out space between those and guitars. Nothing better than a good flexible analog EQ to do that with. So to me, the main difference between the 430 and the ISA220 Session Pak lies in the preamp. To me, the 430 sounds sweeter and prettier and not as vanilla I would say. However, it's still a fine pre with a good VU meter, accurate input monitoring and plenty of headroom. The rest of the units functionality is awesome. It's the only reason I haven't bought an external compressor for vocal tracking.

[dhiltonlittle]

Originally Posted by DarkSky Media

Aurora Audio GTQC

thumbsup

[hernanperez2000]

Aurora audio gtqc is an amazing channel strip.

+4

[cheu78]

Originally Posted by hernanperez2000

Aurora audio gtqc is an mazing channel strip.

+4

thumbsup


And at a fair price everything considered.. (amazing pre, cool eq,fet or opto or both comps) note that the comp is not made for spanking, is a very classy comp! Heh

I think that the GTQC is very hard to beat and not only at that price.

Big fan of Geoff's work here..

just my 0.02$,

Bests,

Cheu

[twotonbrick]

I would take a serious look at the Api 7600.

If you are patient, you can grab one used for about $1700-1800.

From my perspective, it is way more flexible than the UA 610.

Best,
Tommy

[Tom H]

Originally Posted by CAT5

Massenburg and Voxbox are out of my financial league I guess.

Also open for offers if somebody has a nice secondhand they want to sell....

Originally Posted by twotonbrick

I would take a serious look at the Api 7600.

You can grab a Voxbox from MSV at a good price right now, Helios has an Api 7600 on sale. Both in NL.

You can also build a very nice custom channelstrip out of lunchbox components, not necessarily cheaper but it gives you some nicer optios imo.

[Adebar]

Originally Posted by CAT5

Now I have also heard very good stories about the Universal Audio 610.
My question is what other high end channelstrips you guys would advise me to listen to. Massenburg and Voxbox are out of my financial league I guess.


Thanx....

For me the 610 doesn´t work. Yes it sounds a little (only a little) thicker. But it has no definition. Instead for me it smears and the voice has no real body.

My No1 channel strip is the Forssell CS-1. A voice has relief with it and you hear the little things in the voice of a good singer which express emotion. With the 610 you loose these details. There you have it thick only. For certain situations the 610 could be the better choice. Its always good to have alternatives.

But in general I prefer the CS-1.
The compressor is one of the slower types an easy to adjust. With the EQ I often made too much at first hearing it solo, because it sounds so good without artifacts. Then I often cought me during the mix turning back the EQ., because i needed less of the cut or boost i adjusted first.

[skip bitmin]

Originally Posted by Adebar

For me the 610 doesn´t work. Yes it sounds a little (only a little) thicker. But it has no definition. Instead for me it smears and the voice has no real body.

My No1 channel strip is the Forssell CS-1. A voice has relief with it and you hear the little things in the voice of a good singer which express emotion. With the 610 you loose these details. There you have it thick only. For certain situations the 610 could be the better choice. Its always good to have alternatives.

But in general I prefer the CS-1.
The compressor is one of the slower types an easy to adjust. With the EQ I often made too much at first hearing it solo, because it sounds so good without artifacts. Then I often cought me during the mix turning back the EQ., because i needed less of the cut or boost i adjusted first.

i kind of agree with your statement but you can also use eq to pull some
of the details out,I think it has alot of body. When we're talking 610 I
assume he would be looking at the LA 610.Again I would try any considerations first before buying.

[hubertfoley]

Originally Posted by skip bitmin

When we're talking 610 I assume he would be looking at the LA 610.

Just curious but why you do assume that?

Overall the 610 has a vibe. Thick like mentioned. Works great for bass and synth. Can be cool on some vox too.

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by DarkSky Media

Aurora Audio GTQC

Originally Posted by Red 7

+1 thumbsup

Originally Posted by RonT

This is the one. Walks all over the 737.

Originally Posted by seanmccoy

+2 thumbsup thumbsup

Originally Posted by Denny C

+3 . I'd love to have one! Fet or opto comp choice, great sounding pre and eq. Wow.

Originally Posted by dhiltonlittle

thumbsup

Originally Posted by hernanperez2000

Aurora audio gtqc is an mazing channel strip.

+4

Originally Posted by cheu78

thumbsup


And at a fair price everything considered.. (amazing pre, cool eq,fet or opto or both comps) note that the comp is not made for spanking, is a very classy comp! Heh

I think that the GTQC is very hard to beat and not only at that price.

Big fan of Geoff's work here..

just my 0.02$,

Bests,

Cheu

+8 on this one. [IMG]******//highprofileaudio.com/thumbsup.gif[/IMG]

[tubeaudiofan]

Portico 2! = Awesome

[twotonbrick]

Originally Posted by hubertfoley

Just curious but why you do assume that?

Overall the 610 has a vibe. Thick like mentioned. Works great for bass and synth. Can be cool on some vox too.

I think he was differentiating between the preamp (610), and the actual channel strip (i.e. LA 610 which has compression & eq).

Best,
Tom

[msm07]

How much do these Aurora's go for? Did a little google on my iphone but couldn't see any prices.

[seanmccoy]

Originally Posted by msm07

How much do these Aurora's go for? Did a little google on my iphone but couldn't see any prices.

High Profile Audio | Aurora Audio GTQC Channel Strip | 401-316-6423

[skip bitmin]

Originally Posted by twotonbrick

I think he was differentiating between the preamp (610), and the actual channel strip (i.e. LA 610 which has compression & eq).

Best,
Tom

yes. The 610 was used on this CD except for the 2nd song (All my vocals and guitar,some keys).
Troy | First Sign | CD Baby

[CAT5]

Wow...thanx for all the replies. I will def check out the Aurora audio gtqc because of it's apparent fan base on gearslutz. However, I already bought an ISA430 as I stumbled upon an awesome deal. Saw one on vintage king for about $1400 and I haven't paid half for this one. Studio owner that sold it is now a much better friend It's an MK1 without the digital board (whcih I never really liked anyway), but in great condition.

[skybluerental]

i have never heard the compressor in the aurora GTQC, but i own the GTQ2 and the pre amps and EQ in that thing are stellar.

i would love to hear geoff's compressor someday.

[sleepyhollos]

it's really strange to see the 610 getting a beating from a few here. the sound is thick and creamy and if not driven hard is very hifi, in my opinion. sure, if you drive it hard then it becomes a bit smeared but that can sometimes be exactly what you're after, and works a dream on some signals and vocalists. I personaly think there is value in a unit that can give a plethora of attitudes depending on how its gain structure and settings are dialed in and though the term "smeared" seems negative the 610 has more than proven it's worth. Just an observation. As you were !! :o)

[TRW]

I personally think this would be the hottest vox strip going...

6 slot lunchbox
Buzz Elixir
Buzz Tonic although personally I'd go GR32C
Buzz Essence
Buzz Potion

if you want options try an MA5 instead of the Elixir.

Buzz stuff is huge. The essence has been a vocal fav for me and the potion should bring the speed/blend if needed. Elixir huge depth and the GR32 is the best eq I have ever heard for flexible shaping in 500 format.

Not tried the tonic but a colleague has and the other Buzz stuff is the shit.

probs around the same price as a HQ 19" strip if vk are still chucking in the lunchbox with modules.

-T

[YRLK]

+1 Aurora... I've heard them, and I REALLY hope to own one of these soon.

[Mo HGTR]

Pendulum audio,7600!