Grace Design m502

[gearmaniac]

Really? Not even 1?

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[pieter k]

Bump for a second chance at reviews, comments, etc.

I'm considering a pair of m102 compressors (the non 500 series version) for nice opto compression. Assuming the quality of Grace preamps translates to their compressor, at the price, these seem like a bargain. I'm surprised no one's talking about these.

[SoZo]

I thought I saw then in the rack at Vintage King LA.....

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by pieter k

I'm considering a pair of m102 compressors (the non 500 series version) for nice opto compression. Assuming the quality of Grace preamps translates to their compressor, at the price, these seem like a bargain. I'm surprised no one's talking about these.

The m102/m502 is basically the effects section of the m103 channel strip.

[pieter k]

Originally Posted by John Willett

The m102/m502 is basically the effects section of the m103 channel strip.

I know. But there's a dearth of commentary on that as well. Strange.

I wonder if Grace upped the price a grand if it would actually get more attention (at least in this forum). Obviously it'll do nothing for the API/Neve-at-all-costs crowd, but their products are, as far as I can tell, uniformly excellent.

I may take a flyer on a pair of these. For the studio stuff I do, I tend to prefer opto compression, and this pair would be for my 'writing' room/office (I've got more options already in the studio), wherein both the compact package and appearance would be a benefit as well, preceded in the chain by something like a John Hardy dual servo, or NPNG, or AEA RPQ, Gordon, or some other such pre, with various mics (could be Schoeps, or Gefell, or AEA) in front of that.

[pieter k]

Nothing?

Okay, I'll talk to myself:

After taking a closer look at the m103 strip, there's an especially intriguing feature, which is the ability to bypass the mic pre and still access the EQ and comp via a line in, which opens up the possibility of using these as inserts in mixing, or I suppose even a pair across a stereo buss.

I've also discovered that these have developed something of a niche following among bass players as extremely high quality front ends, either as a DI or in front of a power amp. I'm wondering how my bass will sound through these now, or, especially, a Rickenbacker 4001/3.

I like the DI capability of my Great River just fine. I wonder what the DI on a 'clean' pre like the Grace might be like.


/talking to self


So, no one else with any insight in to these pieces?

[hipaquarius]

I have the 502.
Super quiet, very subtle, nothing too magical.
It dose what its advertised to do.
Works great on bass.

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[ionian]

I use the DIs on my m101s all the time for Keys, guitar and Bass. It sounds great on all of those. Love 'em.

Regards,
Frank

[pieter k]

Thanks guys.

hipaquarius, I'm not expecting magic; don't want that in fact. Just, as you said, something that's quiet, subtle, and does what's advertised; something that doesn't cloud the material with 'character' or 'color.'

Frank, thanks too.

[britdick]

i have one of these and a 312A. They couldn't be MORE different, the Grace is CRAZY clean NO character at all. It's shocking, to be honest. If that is what you are looking for, then this is the box for you.

[egrace]

Hi guys, Eben from Grace Design. Here's a review in Mix on the m502 by Kevin Becca.

http://www.gracedesign.com/press/pdf...Grace_m502.pdf

Sound on Sound has one coming on the m102 (which is essentially the same unit but a 1/2 rack stand-alone), Recording mag has another m502 review in October.

[pieter k]

Originally Posted by egrace

Hi guys, Eben from Grace Design. Here's a review in Mix on the m502 by Kevin Becca.

http://www.gracedesign.com/press/pdf...Grace_m502.pdf

Sound on Sound has one coming on the m102 (which is essentially the same unit but a 1/2 rack stand-alone), Recording mag has another m502 review in October.

Eben, thanks for stopping in!

I'm pretty up to date on the reviews; I'll look forward to those additional ones.

It's the 102 I'm primarily interested in, as much for its stand-alone/desktop form as for the true variable input level.

But let me ask you: if you were to be ruthlessly critical, is there ANY sonic difference at all between the 102 and 502? I'm not currently invested in any 500 series gear but there are a couple other pieces out there which offer functionality which their rack-mounted counterparts don't that I'm considering, and I have run across the occasional opinion that all other things being equal, the power supply aspect of 500 gear can sometimes impart a small compromise.

Also, the difference between switchable and variable input levels: your thoughts on that?

Thanks again. I'm really looking forward to a pair of these. And one of your stereo bars!

[Enlightened Hand]

I think it's the same deal as the one in the 103. I've used that one. It's smooth in that things are compressed with a sense of ease, depending on how you dial it in. It isn't "thick" in that it doesn't add low frequency emphasis. It's what I like in a general purpose compressor for enhancing attack and making things knock a little more without excessive artifacts. Also, it's great for taming dynamics as opposed to enhancing. It's just a natural sounding unit, though you can actually crush things a bit if you so desire to dial them in that way. As compressors go it's definitely one of the easiest to use and best sounding I've worked with.

[egrace]

Peiter,

Good questions. If I were ruthlessly critical I would tend to agree with you the power supplies in the 500 series racks have been a little less than ideal. Whereas the purpose built supply in the m102 is *exactly* what we need it to be for that circuit. So If you were not already invested and committed to the 500 series world, I would recommend the m102. That being said, the current crop of 500 series racks are super solid power supply-wise.

The 3 position input switch in on the m502 is there because there is simply no more room for another pot. We messed with it a bunch, and the switch works perfectly. There are plenty of other options for making level or drive changes, including upstream preamp levels, comp threshold level and output / makeup level. So that switch just provides 3 different ranges from which you can then hone in on with the other controls. Obviously the m102 has the panel space, so it has the pot. But sonically the switch is no different and can deliver the same results.

Really, there is no sonic differences between the two units.

Thanks! -Eben

[pieter k]

Eben, thanks very much. I really appreciate your candor and insight.

I'm going to stick to my original preference and go with the m102 (two of them actually). I didn't mention it before either, but one other factor in its favor for me is aesthetics. It's a really attractive piece.