Urei 175 and Altec 436s Mastering friendly?

[Joe_caithness]

Researching a few options for future DIY builds and Im interested to hear if anyone uses or has built or even just heard either of these in a 2track/mastering context. I realise these are most probably more of a "vibe" unit due to their compression style and use of valves... but yeah, any ideas folks? thanks in advanced!

[tpad]

If you look at equipment pictures of the legendary Columbia Records NYC, you'll see the UREI limiters in the racks.

[Ben F]

Originally Posted by Joe_caithness

Researching a few options for future DIY builds and Im interested to hear if anyone uses or has built or even just heard either of these in a 2track/mastering context. I realise these are most probably more of a "vibe" unit due to their compression style and use of valves... but yeah, any ideas folks? thanks in advanced!

The TC Phoenix is based on the Altec 436 circuit.

THERMIONIC CULTURE ALL VALVE DESIGN PROFESSIONAL AUDIO EQUIPMENT

As you would already know DIY builds would differ in sound depending on the components used and how well the circuit/layout was designed. So you would have to ask specifically what DIY version you were interested in- A quick search on Group DIY has many variants. Depending on the components used (transformers, tubes, case etc) and the build time, a decent clone would cost a reasonable amount of money and not be guaranteed to work in a mastering context.

The point of DIY is to save money by building it yourself and learn about electronics in the process. If you are not doing either of those, then you may as well buy used.

If you are after a vari-mu compressor and not building it yourself, then I think a second hand Manley Vari-mu is a much better option. They are really inexpensive and a prove, versatile box for the money.

[Joe_caithness]

Originally Posted by Ben F

The TC Phoenix is based on the Altec 436 circuit.

THERMIONIC CULTURE ALL VALVE DESIGN PROFESSIONAL AUDIO EQUIPMENT

As you would already know DIY builds would differ in sound depending on the components used and how well the circuit/layout was designed. So you would have to ask specifically what DIY version you were interested in- A quick search on Group DIY has many variants. Depending on the components used (transformers, tubes, case etc) and the build time, a decent clone would cost a reasonable amount of money and not be guaranteed to work in a mastering context.

The point of DIY is to save money by building it yourself and learn about electronics in the process. If you are not doing either of those, then you may as well buy used.

If you are after a vari-mu compressor and not building it yourself, then I think a second hand Manley Vari-mu is a much better option. They are really inexpensive and a prove, versatile box for the money.

Well.. I'm currently studying audio electronics at university alongside running the mastering studio....so I'm working my way upto it.

That said I'm currently happy with the arrangement I have for the for difficult builds though, where I essentially design/customise with this guy and he does the building, at the end of the day I'm a practical guy, if I can get something that works for me, is cheaper than off the shelf, and I learn something about audio design along the way I'm happy!

But yes, I am about to start building some bits and bobs, but I just need to finish my degree first (two months.. eek!)

[Ben F]

Originally Posted by Joe_caithness

Well.. I'm currently studying audio electronics at university alongside running the mastering studio....so I'm working my way upto it.

That said I'm currently happy with the arrangement I have for the for difficult builds though, where I essentially design/customise with this guy and he does the building, at the end of the day I'm a practical guy, if I can get something that works for me, is cheaper than off the shelf, and I learn something about audio design along the way I'm happy!

But yes, I am about to start building some bits and bobs, but I just need to finish my degree first (two months.. eek!)

You should be sweet then!

DIY audio

[tpad]

The model 175 was actually Universal Audio (before UREI). Why not try an RCA BA-6? Remote cutoff pentodes have a nice smooth compression characteristic and are still available.

[Richard Salino]

Can't speak for that Altec or DIY options, but the two 175's we have at the studio are pretty dirty. I love them to death, but I wouldn't think to use them for mastering. They don't offer enough control and they get wooly very quickly.