SSL X-Rack users, feedback ?

[cosmos]

hey all,
does any one had a chance using the SSL X-Rack gear ? any opinions on the Comp, EQ, Pre's ? how do they compare to the older SSL stuff ?

are the the Pre's actualy worth the ticket per channel?

[cosmos]

29 and not a single X-Rack user ? what kind of world we live in ???

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by cosmos

29 and not a single X-Rack user ? what kind of world we live in ???

Why not be the fore runner, blazer or pioneer around here and be the first to try it out?

You know it just takes a credit card and a dream.


Or will you let the gear pimps post first about it and never be really sure if the opinion is legit?

[delcosmos]

Originally Posted by cosmos

29 and not a single X-Rack user ? what kind of world we live in ???

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.

[SoundEng1]

I own a Xlogic rack with 2 Preamps, 3 Eq's and 3 comps. I Love em all. Killer!

[RIZ Records]

delcosmos and SoundEnq1, do you find that the X-Rack channel EQs and Compressors colour the sound and saturate the signal? Or are they pretty transparent?

[cosmos]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

Why not be the fore runner, blazer or pioneer around here and be the first to try it out?

You know it just takes a credit card and a dream.


Or will you let the gear pimps post first about it and never be really sure if the opinion is legit?

you are right, i will definitly get them, just want to hear some opinions before they get here.


Delcosmos - why 8 channel compresors ? do you compress All drum tracks during tracking\ mixing ? i find it to be to much (considering you use 2buss comp as well ..)

thx for the replys all

[cosmos]

PS - i just picked up from the city a used (but Mint, freaking mint ) CL-1b for $1300!!!!! , ive demo'ed it in the store but just to be sure, do you think i should replace the tubes ?

very wierd, the dude asked $900 for a crappy condition of NS10's and 1300 for tube tech, couldet ressist !

[delcosmos]

Originally Posted by cosmos

you are right, i will definitly get them, just want to hear some opinions before they get here.


Delcosmos - why 8 channel compresors ? do you compress All drum tracks during tracking\ mixing ? i find it to be to much (considering you use 2buss comp as well ..)

thx for the replys all

I use it on Kick, SD, Toms (usually x4), some times bass, some times vocals, and it's noise gates are wonderfull, I don't feel it to be too much, imagine those guys with 64 or 96 on a 9000K!! and yes I even put another SSL buss compressor (old FX G384) to my hole mix.

Best regards.

Armando Avila

[SoundEng1]

Originally Posted by delcosmos

I use it on Kick, SD, Toms (usually x4), some times bass, some times vocals, and it's noise gates are wonderfull, I don't feel it to be too much, imagine those guys with 64 or 96 on a 9000K!! and yes I even put another SSL buss compressor (old FX G384) to my hole mix.

Best regards.

Armando Avila

Yes! same here, including my G384 on the mix Buss. the expander on the compressor Rules you can get things to hit really nicely with this compressor/expander. this box sounds so good Im also cosidering a Xlogic rack with line modules and master section, and or maybe a AWS900.

[cosmos]

Originally Posted by delcosmos

I use it on Kick, SD, Toms (usually x4), some times bass, some times vocals, and it's noise gates are wonderfull, I don't feel it to be too much, imagine those guys with 64 or 96 on a 9000K!! and yes I even put another SSL buss compressor (old FX G384) to my hole mix.

Best regards.

Armando Avila

Wait... let me take that question back. i would expect from you to have 16 or more ... of each .

[rx3000]

bumpity bump....the X-rack EQ's look good value at the moment (UK price reduction), so why can't I see much praise or otherwise for these online? Are they the real deal in terms of standing up to the K (as a believed they are supposed to). Please share ssl-slutz...

[cosmos]

Originally Posted by rx3000

bumpity bump....the X-rack EQ's look good value at the moment (UK price reduction), so why can't I see much praise or otherwise for these online? Are they the real deal in terms of standing up to the K (as a believed they are supposed to). Please share ssl-slutz...

After alot of resrch and demos in stores, i can say that the compressor and EQ are amezing, dident care much for the pre's. i cant compare them to the K, havent heard any ... ....

this thread is still alive ? anyway, ill post in depth review & some samples when they get here.

[Ghost Logic]

The compressor sounds great on just about everything I throw at it and the EQ's are also among the best I've used--even though they aren't as sweet as say an API 550b I prefer them to the API's because of the added flexibility.

[ResonantFilter]

Just done a mix using the XRack summing units. Very open, very fast to respond, not mental amounts of colour (a la Nicerizer for example), but a definite "SSL K sound" to it. The monitor control section is really nice too - very good sounding. Using one has made me start to think about saving up... Christmas is coming, and I'll have to see how big my bonus is!

[TEMAS]

Originally Posted by ResonantFilter

Just done a mix using the XRack summing units. Very open, very fast to respond, not mental amounts of colour (a la Nicerizer for example), but a definite "SSL K sound" to it. The monitor control section is really nice too - very good sounding. Using one has made me start to think about saving up... Christmas is coming, and I'll have to see how big my bonus is!

I do believe you're the first to report on the line and master modules. How many channels did you get?

I personally hope the sound is fairly transparent, as colour is something that can be added via the inserts, but it can't be taken away.

Have you used the N16 or other summing units for a comparison? Any other info would be most welcome. Cheers.

[rx3000]

thanks guys, good stuff, keep it coming...

likewise the line module/summing system interests me both for this and straight keyboard tracking. with the balanced inserts on the line units presumably some fader pack could be forthcoming (idle speculation)? its seems to me this xlogic rack setup hasnt grabbed the attention of the music world quite as much as you would expect, compared to the opening up of the api rack standard and the like..

btw anyone used the eq's on a commercial release as yet?

[mark714]

I'm glad someone else started this thread, because I'm in the same boat. I'm interested in hearing more about the X Rack eq's. I'd be pairing them with a small Crane Song Spider. I'm not sold on the SSL's because they certainly aren't cheap ~ but I like the idea of total recall and a small footprint. I've been pumping the audio back out of the computer lately and find the results (and the process) more satisfying.

Is there anyone here that owns the new SSL Duende AND the X Rack that could speak to their sonic differences?

[cosmos]

Originally Posted by mark714

Is there anyone here that owns the new SSL Duende AND the X Rack that could speak to their sonic differences?

never heard the Duende but i would say a big diffrence. i dont think they could ever "emulate" real analog gear ( or come close ), but thats for a diffrent thread ...

ps, the xrack eq is amazing, i was fairly disapointed with the xlogic buss comp. but thats for a diffrent thread as well ... so, i will shut up until i get my xrack.

[SoundEng1]

The Plugz dont tutt even come close to these units.

[mark714]

What do you think of the eq's? Any particular strengths or weaknesses?

[SoundEng1]

Hi Mark
These sound better than any G series ive ever heard. Recalling is a breeze. instant smile everytime i use them on a mix.

[mark714]

I love the concept. The prices I see are about $850 USD per module and another $1700 for the rack. Have you seen these cheaper anywhere?

[ResonantFilter]

Unfortunately, I only used an XRack - I don't own one (yet.... although hopefully it will be soon). However, I do own a Duende...

"I do believe you're the first to report on the line and master modules. How many channels did you get?

I personally hope the sound is fairly transparent, as colour is something that can be added via the inserts, but it can't be taken away.

Have you used the N16 or other summing units for a comparison? Any other info would be most welcome. Cheers."

I used an XRack with 16ch of line mixer, 1 EQ, 1 Dynamics, and 1 Mic Pre. Sound, as you say, is pretty transparent - not endless mojo, but then not "honky" 4K either. Very very smooth, open, and fast to react :-) I've previously demo'd the N16, and whilst it undoubtedly has a great sound - that was not the sound that I was looking for to use all the time.

The Mic pre was pretty similar - much better than reports on here that slate SSL mic pres. Again, not masses of Mojo but definitely WYSIWYG. I'd happily use it, especially on accoustic stuff.

Dyn and EQ are great. I bought the Duende pretty early on and have been very impressed with it. The EQ is to my ears the best I've used ITB, and has replaced the Sony Oxford as my "go-to" EQ plug-in. The compressor is solid, fast, and very flexible with the sidechaining options. However, I have to say that the analogue modules in the XRack had that tiny little something undefinable that buttered my muffin - especially the dynamics!!! So that leaves a bit of a dilemma - I had considered getting an XRack as a line mixer, assuming that with my Deunde ITB for EQ and Dyn, the XRack could finish my hybrid system. However I'm quite tempted to see if I can stretch a bit just for a couple of Dyns to use whilst tracking... don't tell the wife!

Roll on Christmas Bonus from work :-)

[SoundEng1]

3 weeks ago we just got Xlogic rack 2 and 3 , we decided since we liked them so much to add more comps and eq' in one, and a 28 channel mixer in the other. Im still waiting on my cabling for the mixer. once its installed i will keep you guys posted.

[SoundEng1]

BUMP

[RIZ Records]

SoundEng1, is there any way i could post a loop of a kick, and a snare, and you could slam them with the X-Rack channel compressors/gates, and post the results? Im producing commercial hip-hop/pop/rnb, and i love to hear how these compressors work to get drums to really punch!

Please let me know it would be appreciated if you have time, and mabye be of benefit to other people aswell. Thx!

[SoundEng1]

Originally Posted by RIZ Records

SoundEng1, is there any way i could post a loop of a kick, and a snare, and you could slam them with the X-Rack channel compressors/gates, and post the results? Im producing commercial hip-hop/pop/rnb, and i love to hear how these compressors work to get drums to really punch!

Please let me know it would be appreciated if you have time, and mabye be of benefit to other people aswell. Thx!

Sure Riz, I'll do it after i get back home from my vacation, i'll be back on Monday. for R&B and Hip Hop the it's what the doctor ordered, you'll love it.

[Ghost Logic]

Originally Posted by SoundEng1

Sure Riz, I'll do it after i get back home from my vacation, i'll be back on Monday. for R&B and Hip Hop the it's what the doctor ordered, you'll love it.

SSL K series EQ and compression right for hiphop? Shocking!! But seriously guys, these are the tools that make the sounds you hear on the hiphop/r&b records--if you can't do it with these you can't do it with anything.

[RIZ Records]

Hey SoundEng1, great man thanks a lot i appreciate that, and cant wait to hear the samples! I'll get the loops together before you get back on vacation.



Ghost Logic, thats great, i cant wait to get my hands on some of the eq's and dynamics!