A New Tracking Chain for the New Year!! GTQ2/GTQC/C2/Apogee

[Stoneface]

So, I begin tracking a new project early next year and this time around I believe I have a firm grasp on what I need and don't need. With ProTool 9 allowing any interface, it makes for some interesting choices but I don't want to get caught up in the hype so I'm looking at a very simple front end. Not racks and racks of gear. Max budget $10k...like to spend less.

Here's what I'm thinking:

Apogee Ensemble
Aurora Audio GTQ2
Alan Smart C2

The problem is as I'm getting ready to make these purchases, I stumble on a new addition to the Aurora line in the GTQC. WOW! I said I didn't want to get caught up in the hype but damn...opto and FET to go with the "Neve".

The question is not if they are great units...there's no doubt they are. The question is that I would have to buy 2 GTQC's to get 2 channels and couldn't buy the Alan Smart C2. So I would be relying on the compressor of the GTQC exclusively. Or just buy the GTQ2 and the Alan Smart. I'm confident one could do major damage with either setup but I'm a little worried that the GTQC compressor may take me too far away from what I love about the C2.

Secondly, maybe this PT 9 thing is so mind blowing that I'm just lost on the interface choice. Apogee I know and trust but I'm open to similar budget options.

Lastly, I have flirted with the idea of buying a Studer 24 track 2" machine. This would be seperate from the $10k budget. One I saw had a 16 track head included. That would be awesome but a Studer adds another $4k-$5k in just the purchase. We're not talking maintenance or any of that. Worth it???

Bottomeline, I'd just like to get this right the first time and just focus on the music. Tape is really an after thought...but I'm open.

Let me know your thoughts!

[rickrock305]

I'm assuming you need a stereo chain?

[Nahuel]

I never used the C2 but I did use other ssl bus comp replicas. I'm not sure that's the type of comp I'd use for a tracking chain, I like that type of comp on the drums buss. best tracking comp I ever used was an urei 1176, very good for vocals. out of these compressors you mentionned I beleive the aurora one would be a better choice for tracking since, from what I understood, it versatile.

[Stoneface]

Originally Posted by rickrock305

I'm assuming you need a stereo chain?

Yeah, I don't really see any way around it. I could leave the stereo synth parts virtual...but I know I'll be upset if I can't track everything at will.

[Stoneface]

Originally Posted by Nahuel

I never used the C2 but I did use other ssl bus comp replicas. I'm not sure that's the type of comp I'd use for a tracking chain, I like that type of comp on the drums buss. best tracking comp I ever used was an urei 1176, very good for vocals. out of these compressors you mentionned I beleive the aurora one would be a better choice for tracking since, from what I understood, it versatile.

Another engineer friend of mine said that too. The 1176 for tracking...I've never used it maybe that's the problem. That being said, I've always been happy with just a "tap" of compression from the C2 while tracking. Maybe 2-3db of gain reduction on the way in. Maybe it's worth trying something versatile while tracking...and leave the mixing to the real engineers.

[rickrock305]

For 10 grand I'd start out buying a couple channels of Neve 1073, or maybe the Brent Averill version.

I never worry about compressing synths and stuff on the tracking stage.

Then you'd have 3-4 grand left to get a nice mono compressor, maybe an 1176 or CL1B.

What do you mainly record? And what style of music?

[Stoneface]

Originally Posted by rickrock305

For 10 grand I'd start out buying a couple channels of Neve 1073, or maybe the Brent Averill version.

I never worry about compressing synths and stuff on the tracking stage.

Then you'd have 3-4 grand left to get a nice mono compressor, maybe an 1176 or CL1B.

What do you mainly record? And what style of music?

Male/Female Rap and R&B vox. Outboard and softsynths. Lots of triggered samples. Acco/Elec & Bass gtr. (Probably just use the U5 for this stuff) Although, alot of the gtr stuff may be outsourced to much better players. I work with mainly Hip-Hop...lots of melodies. Can be very R&Bish at times and very dark at others. (But it's getting the stuff in between, where the magic really happens.)

I like your, "If you want Neve buy Neve" approach...1176...hmm...this may be doable. Trick is finding them all for a good price. Thanks for the suggestion.

Side note: You're in Miami...what studios still have a good tape machine up and running?

[rickrock305]

Setai has a CLASP system. South Beach Studios still has their tape machines but they pretty much sit in the corner. They're available at the Hi Factory as well, but I dunno I they're hooked up and ready to rock.

[Stoneface]

Originally Posted by rickrock305

Setai has a CLASP system. South Beach Studios still has their tape machines but they pretty much sit in the corner. They're available at the Hi Factory as well, but I dunno I they're hooked up and ready to rock.

Thanks for that! I have time still but might be a nice touch to track to tape. If nothing else it would be a nice blast from the past...

[TonyBelmont]

I've got a pair of vintage 1073's and a pair of vintage blackface 1176's... and I still track vocals with the GTQC, and have had the GTC2 permanently strapped on my stereo buss.

If I were in your shoes, a pair of GTQC's would be hard to pass up. I'd have a hard time justifying the price difference for a pair of 1073's and 1176's (and in the end not even getting something you could say is "better").

[Nahuel]

BTW, out of curiosity, what would be the best option: 2xGTQC or GTQ2 + GTC2?

[Stoneface]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

I've got a pair of vintage 1073's and a pair of vintage blackface 1176's... and I still track vocals with the GTQC, and have had the GTC2 permanently strapped on my stereo buss.

Well, since you're not using them...I'll hold on to them for you.

BTW, out of curiosity, what would be the best option: 2xGTQC or GTQ2 + GTC2?

Like to know the answer to this myself...price wise it's all the same...

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by Nahuel

BTW, out of curiosity, what would be the best option: 2xGTQC or GTQ2 + GTC2?

I prefer the GTQ2 & GTC2 combination myself. Mostly because I like to think & work vertically... and I also prefer having more room on the compressor.

If space is a premium, the two GTQC's would be the way to go.

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by Stoneface

Well, since you're not using them...I'll hold on to them for you.

I still use all of these, but the 1073's and 1176's are primarily used during the mixing process in my studio.

During tracking: I track the important stuff with the Aurora channel strip... and use my 1073's, API's, etc on whatever is left over (usually keyboards, etc). I prefer the GTQC's top end.

[Stoneface]

Thanks for all the info Tony.

The only issue I have with the original 1073 and original 1176 is....1. Finding them And 2. Maintenance

These two factors may make the ultimate decision pretty clear. Can't afford to drop that kinda coin and end up with huge downtime. It would be different if I had some back up.

We'll see what happens in the coming weeks.