Help me to get my decition / Summing Systems API/SSL/NEVE ..

[zak7]

Hi! I am shopping for a good summing system that really would be a noticeble improvement in my sound for my HD3 Accell system.

I finally think the option are:

API System (DMS) 7800/ 2x 8200
Neve 8816
SSL XRack

*** Shadow Hills Equinox- I am not so shure about this unit just because doesn't have output level and panning in each channel and the Hyperion (the solution for that) is many, many months away (next year) to hit the street,

Anybody compared these systems?
Any users can talk about this sonic characteristic, the good and the bad?
Also about ther quality of the monitor system?


I am looking for some color, clarity and depth...and cool feautures....
The Neve 8816 seems the best for the money and is half price compared to the API and SSL systems....but is the sound quality the half of the others?

Thanks!

[kittonian]

If you're looking for color than the SSL XRack isn't what you want. The SSL is a completely clean signal path with gigantic headroom, independent level/pan, total recall and modular expansion. For depth, clarity and ease of use, the SSL is hands down the winner, but in this case doesn't seem like what you're after (although I'd like to point out that the reason so many engineers love to record on a Neve, yet mix on an SSL, is because the color they seek is derived from mic-pre's, eq's, compressors, etc.). Once the mix sounds great color-wise, IMHO it's best to have all that great headroom and clarity so that you can present it exactly as you hear it in your head.

The Neve has a warmth to it so there's definitely color there, as well as the option to add a fader pack. The API is going to give you more of a punchy, in your face type of sound (I tend to only prefer API if I'm working on classic rock type sounds where you really want that aggressive mix, which isn't all that often these days).

I think you should really consider what it is you want, based on the various types of music you record/mix. If you go from light jazz to hard rock and everything in between, I doubt you would want to have a system that provides a specific type of sound, when that sound may not work on every mix. Again, this is why I love the SSL XRack (plus the fact that adding more channels is relatively inexpensive and can be done one module at a time). Plus, Total Recall is a must for me as I pride myself on being able to recall a mix exactly as it was, no matter how long it's been.

Hope that helps!

[perx]

I own the 8816 and love it.

Its very versatile and packed with features - one of the many reasons I enjoy working with it.

I have NOT tested the rest on your list - so I CAN NOT comment on how they sound. But I THINK that building a 16 channel API system - with the "same" features that the 8816 has - would cost you alot more. Not sure on that though.

I suggest you head down to the best shop you have nearby (if any) and ask if you can test it first..


I think youll like it.. ;-)

[zak7]

Ok! I do everything between Power Pop- Pop Rock-Rock -Heavy/Alternative Rock.
I mean I do music with energy regardless if is Pop..Have to have energy to me.

I don't do R&B, Hip Hop.

More suggestions??

[not_so_new]

No Tonelux on your list?

[AMIEL]

Zak! Tonelux can be an interesting option too....but I think is more pricey that the rest right?

[u b k]

the tonelux has a higher entry cost but once you're in you got 32 channels of summing. the tone is sick, too, it's the only summer i hold on the same plane as the nicerizer.


gregoire
del
ubk
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[AMIEL]

Originally Posted by u b k

the tonelux has a higher entry cost but once you're in you got 32 channels of summing. the tone is sick, too, it's the only summer i hold on the same plane as the nicerizer.


gregoire
del
ubk
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Gregoire please tell me more about the Nicerizer!!

[blaugruen7]

Originally Posted by AMIEL

Gregoire please tell me more about the Nicerizer!!

done

Review: Phoenix Audio Nicerizer 16, serial #0001