SSL X-Rack users, feedback ?

[SoundEng1]

Originally Posted by bschigel

I would've liked the main volume knob on the master bus to be bigger, could've made the master bus 2wide had a bigger volume knob and some other goodies on it, maybe like a talkback mic. Faders would be nice, but I would think thats too late now, hopefully I'm dead wrong!

I Agree, I wish the master section was a bit more flexable and bigger knobs and buttons would have been great, but none the less the unit sounds great.

Jim, maybe a G384 Module?

[stevetgn]

SoundEng1, bit of advice if you will, with you being a big X-Rack user.

I'm summing/mixing on a Soundcraft Ghost at the moment. Next month I was going to be buying a 10 slot API rack and several 550b eqs and a some comps. Do you think my mixes would benefit more from upgrade to the X-Rack summing or some better eqs etc. Eventually I'll be doing both, just wondered what you thought though?

Cheers dude!

[SoundEng1]

Originally Posted by stevetgn

SoundEng1, bit of advice if you will, with you being a big X-Rack user.

I'm summing/mixing on a Soundcraft Ghost at the moment. Next month I was going to be buying a 10 slot API rack and several 550b eqs and a some comps. Do you think my mixes would benefit more from upgrade to the X-Rack summing or some better eqs etc. Eventually I'll be doing both, just wondered what you thought though?

Cheers dude!

Hey Steve,

Thats a hard question to answer, it really depends on your needs, if you like the way the Ghost sounds i would probably go with the API stuff, if you dont like the Ghost i would go with the SSL.The SSL is a great system that grows with your needs, Same as the API. At the end you will probably end up with both.

[stevetgn]

Originally Posted by SoundEng1

Hey Steve,

Thats a hard question to answer, it really depends on your needs, if you like the way the Ghost sounds i would probably go with the API stuff, if you dont like the Ghost i would go with the SSL.The SSL is a great system that grows with your needs, Same as the API. At the end you will probably end up with both.

Thanks for your reply again.

The main reason I ask is that if the summing amps etc in the X-Rack are the same as the AWS900 and derived from the XL9000 you would assume that everything should have more of that, and I hate using the term, but "Big console" sound. My Ghost is basically a £4000 desk, so a million miles away from an SSL. Without being able to do a side by side comparison I can only assume that the mix buss summing in the X-rack would sound superior to the Ghost.

[Jim@SSL]

Do a side-by-side comparison then...

Get in touch with our UK distributor, Sound Technology, on 01462 480000 and see if they can arrange for their demo unit to get to you.

[dsstudio]

Originally Posted by Jim@SSL

More nice toys for the X-Rack coming later this year....

Let me guess,
1- G comp
2- Full feature compressor [minus the gate with attack knob control, Knee, makeup gain etc]
3- Alpha channel [pre/eq in 1 slot]
4- Dual Mic Pre with distortion [like in alpha channel]
Jim, Am I close?
Sonny

[stevetgn]

Originally Posted by Jim@SSL

Actually, all the SuperAnalogue uses DC-DC Servo dynamics modules. The 4000 series used VCA dynamics. 4000 series have capacitors in the audio path, SuperAnalogue does not.

So the XRack is very unlikely to sound like your custom mini-E...

As to why the "classic" 4000 sound works for you Dirty Halo - thats for your ears to decide! thumbsup Use your ears, see if the sound is what you need, then install!

Jim, I'm obviously familiar with opto, vari mu & vca comps how's the "DC-DC servo" work then & how does it differ from your vca gear?

[stevetgn]

gunna really through a spanner in the works now... has anyone compared the X-Rack summing with the Neve 8816 or used the 8816?

[SnakeCained]

hah ha ha haa, now that's funny

Has anyone compared chalk and cheese?

[stevetgn]

Originally Posted by SnakeCained

hah ha ha haa, now that's funny

Has anyone compared chalk and cheese?

Yeah, chalk is a very dry white substance and powdery if you are daft enough chew it. Cheese is usually more moist and tasty, comes in many different varieties, strength and flavours & goes great with nice crusty bread and fresh butter.

Any chance you can be as help full with the Neve/SSL comparison? Have you even used both to put yourself in a position to make that comment?

PS sarcasm included at no extra charge

[berry st studio]

We recently bought an X-Rack with 16 channels of line inputs, one 8-channel summing unit, and a master buss. We have an X Logic G Series stereo compressor and a choice of SSL, Oram or Drawmer EQ units over the Master buss insert. Our converters are an SSL Alpha-Link unit. This is essentially for use as a summing mixer.

The gear was supplied and installed by The Audio Professionals (www.theaudioprofessionals.com). Highly recommended.

We had been mixing "in the box", but had become increasingly frustrated with the results, for all the well-documented reasons: although, to be fair, our clients have always been happy with their mixes....

The results have been exceptional. The units deliver an extraordinary sonic quality. We're obviously in the realm of objective response here, but we're experiencing a big, solid, detailed, open, full-range sound with prodigious clarity. They're well-built, flexible, and are basically good professional units. I've mixed on SSL desks of various vintages, and the sound of these units is fully-fledged SuperAnalogue.

I'm afraid I can't offer you head-to-head comparisons with the API or Neve units: they didn't appeal to me as back-end devices due to excessive "character". I can tell you that everything we've A-B'd between this system and "in the box" demonstrates that this stuff simply makes your mixes sound miles better. They're not cheap to buy, and they're not cheap to wire up, but I can't imagine anyone regretting going this route.

KP

[SnakeCained]

Originally Posted by stevetgn

Any chance you can be as help full with the Neve/SSL comparison? Have you even used both to put yourself in a position to make that comment?

PS sarcasm included at no extra charge

No sorry your right. Like most people on here I'm a twelve year old wannabe who makes too much noise.

Seriously I have tried both, sadly not side by side.

I know this will sound stupid but the 8816 sounded Neveish and the Xrack sounds like an SSL. Now if Neve did something like an Xrack that would be cool.

Back to mixing on my Souindblaster card, ITB of course and why would anyone need more than 8 bit. So many questions.........

[stevetgn]

Originally Posted by berry st studio

We recently bought an X-Rack with 16 channels of line inputs, one 8-channel summing unit, and a master buss. We have an X Logic G Series stereo compressor and a choice of SSL, Oram or Drawmer EQ units over the Master buss insert. Our converters are an SSL Alpha-Link unit. This is essentially for use as a summing mixer.

The gear was supplied and installed by The Audio Professionals (www.theaudioprofessionals.com). Highly recommended.

We had been mixing "in the box", but had become increasingly frustrated with the results, for all the well-documented reasons: although, to be fair, our clients have always been happy with their mixes....

The results have been exceptional. The units deliver an extraordinary sonic quality. We're obviously in the realm of objective response here, but we're experiencing a big, solid, detailed, open, full-range sound with prodigious clarity. They're well-built, flexible, and are basically good professional units. I've mixed on SSL desks of various vintages, and the sound of these units is fully-fledged SuperAnalogue.

I'm afraid I can't offer you head-to-head comparisons with the API or Neve units: they didn't appeal to me as back-end devices due to excessive "character". I can tell you that everything we've A-B'd between this system and "in the box" demonstrates that this stuff simply makes your mixes sound miles better. They're not cheap to buy, and they're not cheap to wire up, but I can't imagine anyone regretting going this route.

KP

Interesting, thanks for the input. Can I ask what style of music you mainly deal with?

[stevetgn]

Originally Posted by SnakeCained

No sorry your right. Like most people on here I'm a twelve year old wannabe who makes too much noise.

Seriously I have tried both, sadly not side by side.

I know this will sound stupid but the 8816 sounded Neveish and the Xrack sounds like an SSL. Now if Neve did something like an Xrack that would be cool.

Back to mixing on my Souindblaster card, ITB of course and why would anyone need more than 8 bit. So many questions.........

LOL! good come back, respect due lol!

Funny you should mention Neve doing an X-Rack. I was speaking to someone at KMR who said they "Advised" SSL not to do the rack thing and go with a Neve like summing system, they didn't seem to like the X-Rack there, wierd. Different stokes for different folks I suppose.

[berry st studio]

Originally Posted by stevetgn

Interesting, thanks for the input. Can I ask what style of music you mainly deal with?

Hi

We do all all sorts, like most commercial facilities. we have a large live room, though, which means we attract a lot of "band playing live" clients, as well as chamber groups, choirs, etc. I guess the majority of our work is either indie guitar-based stuff, art-house type of material or rock.

re your experience with KMR re X-Rack, Neve, etc. I had a conversation with KMR in which they were clearly trying to steer me away from buying the SSL stuff: stressing the expense of it, the expense of reuired cabling, etc. I've always had a very good relationship with them, and have had great service & helpful advice over the years; but given that the SSL product is of such high quality & performs so exceptionally, I can't think but that their motive in trying to get me to buy something else may have more to do with their relationships with manufacturers/distributors etc than with the gear itself.

[stevetgn]

Originally Posted by berry st studio

Hi

We do all all sorts, like most commercial facilities. we have a large live room, though, which means we attract a lot of "band playing live" clients, as well as chamber groups, choirs, etc. I guess the majority of our work is either indie guitar-based stuff, art-house type of material or rock.

re your experience with KMR re X-Rack, Neve, etc. I had a conversation with KMR in which they were clearly trying to steer me away from buying the SSL stuff: stressing the expense of it, the expense of reuired cabling, etc. I've always had a very good relationship with them, and have had great service & helpful advice over the years; but given that the SSL product is of such high quality & performs so exceptionally, I can't think but that their motive in trying to get me to buy something else may have more to do with their relationships with manufacturers/distributors etc than with the gear itself.

I think its because they are the Neve distributors and SoundTechnology are the SSL distributors. Its all down to profit margin! I had a similar conversation with them on a Massive Passive and IBIS. Would you believe that the IBIS, which they import and distribute would be "much better" for what I want. What are the chances eh! Can't blame them really, they probably make twice the margin on Crane Song.

[Jim@SSL]

Nicky, Keith, and the team at KMR are a great bunch of guys, and they offer excellent service to their customers. I've done business with them over a number of years during my time with TC, Sonic Distributon/sE mics, and SSL.

We used to work closely with them over the last few years when they were the exclusive UK distributor of SSL XLogic outboard and AWS900. They are no longer one of our distribution partners.

I wouldn't hesitate to give them a call and partake of their excellent tea, service, and technical opinion. I believe that they are one of the dwindling number of pro-audio dealers that actually understand how to look after their customers (much like Martin at AudioProfessionals and a few others). As to what gear they choose to recommend and how it correlates with what gear they distribute I'll leave that to the informed reader to decide.

[stevetgn]

Originally Posted by Jim@SSL

Nicky, Keith, and the team at KMR are a great bunch of guys, and they offer excellent service to their customers. I've done business with them over a number of years during my time with TC, Sonic Distributon/sE mics, and SSL.

We used to work closely with them over the last few years when they were the exclusive UK distributor of SSL XLogic outboard and AWS900. They are no longer one of our distribution partners.

I wouldn't hesitate to give them a call and partake of their excellent tea, service, and technical opinion. I believe that they are one of the dwindling number of pro-audio dealers that actually understand how to look after their customers (much like Martin at AudioProfessionals and a few others). As to what gear they choose to recommend and how it correlates with what gear they distribute I'll leave that to the informed reader to decide.

Well said!

[stevetgn]

Originally Posted by delcosmos

Hi, I have the SSL XL logic loaded with 8 compressors, I like them, I would love a "built in" output gain in there, but on my Drums they are superb, I don't have an 4000 or 9000k in hand so I can't compare them, but for me they are great.

Hope this help.

Armando Avila.

delcosmos, you obviously like these compressors, are you using them on acoustic or synth drums?

[delcosmos]

Originally Posted by stevetgn

delcosmos, you obviously like these compressors, are you using them on acoustic or synth drums?

Hi Steve, sorry for my late response, mostly I'm using them on acoustic drums.
It's funny I always put an 1178 through my OH but I've found that the in built compressor of my Duality sounds amazing too, I nuke it to death and believe me it sounds great, I also use them on Synth or programed drums. I don't know if the new ssl compressors are better or worst than the old 4000 compressors, but I love them, they just SNAP beautifull!!

Best regards.

Armando Avila.

[stevetgn]

Originally Posted by delcosmos

Hi Steve, sorry for my late response, mostly I'm using them on acoustic drums.
It's funny I always put an 1178 through my OH but I've found that the in built compressor of my Duality sounds amazing too, I nuke it to death and believe me it sounds great, I also use them on Synth or programed drums. I don't know if the new ssl compressors are better or worst than the old 4000 compressors, but I love them, they just SNAP beautifull!!

Best regards.

Armando Avila.

Thanks for the reply.
Nearly all my drums are acoustic so It sounds like the SSL comps may be one to try.

Out of interest you haven't compared the X-rack eqs to API550b on vocals have you? (talk about changing the subject!)

[delcosmos]

Originally Posted by stevetgn

Thanks for the reply.
Nearly all my drums are acoustic so It sounds like the SSL comps may be one to try.

Out of interest you haven't compared the X-rack eqs to API550b on vocals have you? (talk about changing the subject!)

No I haven't, also I don't know if the eq's on the Duality are the same as the XLrack range, the eq's on the Duality are agresive (E) but you can get a sweet flavor too (G).

Best regards.

Armando Avila.

[Jim@SSL]

EQs and Comps are the same circuit design in both :-) Same components also.

Obviously, the Duality's are part of a complete channel strip board, whereas the XRack is in modular form so the layout is a little different. Also there will be some slight differences due to power supply. If we want to get really niggly about it.....

[TEMAS]

Originally Posted by berry st studio

I had a conversation with KMR in which they were clearly trying to steer me away from buying the SSL stuff: stressing the expense of it, the expense of reuired cabling, etc.

I had exactly the same experience. At the time, I just took it as there way of gauging how serious I was about buying.

[C.Judd Karn]

Jim @ SSL,

Thank you for being so cool about informing us on the differences of the SSL insides.

I'm really excited about future units for the x rack as I'm looking into making a mini ssl console - I've been lucky enough to work on SSL's quite a bit in commercial studios in LA and I'll be setting something up for my personal studio.

If I may:

moving faders w/outboard insert pre fader - I would love to combine ssl out board
prior to volume on things like a vocal. Until now I have been creating an insert on PT - when all is said and done the vocal gets run thru conversion 4 times before mix, this is bad but a fader solution would fix it.

E series compressor - with the TB comp

E series pre

G buss compressor - you can make this 2 slots if you have to - I won't complain - ha.

Thanks again Jim

PS - if you need a beta tester.....sorry I had to, shameless gear slut that I am, Ha.

Oh, and this is my first post.....so, Thrillfactor and RoundBadge Rule!...ok , I'm done.

[Slogun]

Originally Posted by StudioKing

I dropped mine on my foot when putting it in the rack and it hurt

Now, the real question is of course, how did it sound? Let's say if you compared it to dropping a Neve summing on your foot? Any sound samples you could share with us for A/B?

[grooveagent]

I'm thinking about getting an Xrack. I love modular gear that grows with your needs. The SSL seems to be more flexible than the API lunchbox given the master module and 4 line input module.

After reading this entire thread, I noticed nobody commented on how the XRack treats vocals. Do studios with SSL consoles use their pres for vocal tracks, or do they typically use pres better suited for vocals?

Thanks.

[stevetgn]

Originally Posted by grooveagent

I'm thinking about getting an Xrack. I love modular gear that grows with your needs. The SSL seems to be more flexible than the API lunchbox given the master module and 4 line input module.

After reading this entire thread, I noticed nobody commented on how the XRack treats vocals. Do studios with SSL consoles use their pres for vocal tracks, or do they typically use pres better suited for vocals?

Thanks.

I think you'll find most studios with SSL consoles will still use something like a Neve/API original or clone pre on vocals and not the pre in the desk. Having said that the new SSL pre's are a lot better with a clean, wide open sound. I have to honest though, I have now bought an X-Rack system which is superb but I use the EQs & pre's in my API rack for tracking most things.

[Jim@SSL]

I've been tracking quite a lot using the XRack recently.

The SuperAnalogue mic pres are absolutely astounding on anything high-transient (accoustic instruments, overheads, breathy female vox). For a gruff male rock-type voice I must admit I reach for something else.

Although what that something else is, I'm not at liberty to say (yet)...