SSL Alpha Channel

[heisleyamor]

I'm thinking of upgrading from my firepod to the SSL Alpha Channel. Anyone have any opinions or comments on this channel strip? or questions for me? I know a lot of people think it "looks cheap" compared to their other stuff...but how does it sound and how is the EQ? Also, if anyone knows what the "Sum" insert is used for on the strip, please let me know.

Solid State Logic X Logic Alpha Channel

pretty good review of the product...let me know what you think though

[heisleyamor]

I record mostly myself doing all the instruments and vocals and do tracks one at a time. I also like to replace my hits with drumagog so I can take samples with the 1 pre it has so that's why I thought it would be a nice pre for me. I just gotta figure out what I'm going to do with overheads.

[heisleyamor]

anyone?

[dlmorley]

I would reckon it would be a great unit to get. The price is good and it's very high quality and flexible...

[warhead]

I have used one.

The preamp is big and clear, very extended bottom as well. Not an overly "colored" (I hate that word!) preamp until you kick in the VHD circuit. I have limited use of this box, but the VHD had kind of an output transformer kind of sound when pushed hard (kind of rounded things off). Very versatile preamp section. The more people check out these new SSL preamps the more SSL will start to become known for a very fine preamp (hard to find info on the internets at this point concerning them...).

The EQ is very useable. Very smooth hi shelf, you could crank it without being harsh etc. The midrange adjustment is just low enough for scooping out drums etc, and the low end is versatile enough being able to select a peak / bell or shelf as well.

The limiter is incredible! It's the infamous "talkback limiter" that has been used on drums and other sources and fully exploited for its obvious clamping effect. As an oops limiter (barely hitting it, just protecting your converters from occassional peaks) it is actually pretty transparent. Pushed is a nice effect, really driven sounding. They are even stereo linkable if you want to beat up a drum buss etc! You can turn shit inside out with it if you want to push it.

The converter will be a nice step up for you via the SPDIF input on your Firepod.

War

EDIT: Jim@SSL is correcting me below on the talkback limiter, sorry for my confusion...doh!

[heisleyamor]

Thanks for the info...sounds great, but won't going through the input on the firepod bypass the SSL's A/D converter? and also, what would I do about recording drums? Would I just use the SSL pre on 1 overhead mic and just have that 1 mic and use the firepod for the rest?

[warhead]

Thanks for the info...sounds great, but won't going through the input on the firepod bypass the SSL's A/D converter?

There is a SPDIF output on the SSL so you would be using the SSL converter...

and also, what would I do about recording drums? Would I just use the SSL pre on 1 overhead mic and just have that 1 mic and use the firepod for the rest?

As extended as that pre is I would seriously check it out on kick drum first.

War

[heisleyamor]

bump

[Jim@SSL]

The Limiter in the Alpha Channel is actually the protection limiter we use in our digital boards. it is an analogue limiter designed to stop clipping.

However, it is pretty hard and fast and can be used as a "slamming" effect.

It is not the Listen Mic Compressor - just for the sake of reference. This is only available as a plug-in, or in the E Series Signature Channel or the VHD Input Module for the X-Rack.

[artisokka]

Is it possible to use "insert send" as a second analog output (simultaneously with the main analog output)?

[artisokka]

Anyone?

[Jim@SSL]

Only on the digital outs.

You can use it "split", so that the mic pre outputs from the insert send and you have a different device using the EQ. However, unless you return something through the EQ section it will not come out from the analogue output.

Using the digital outs gives you the pre-insert signal on the L channel, and the post EQ/limiter output on the R channel. This would give you a processed and unprocessed set of 2 mono digital feeds.

HOpe this makes sense...

[artisokka]

Thanks for the answer Jim! It makes sense.

[DanRock101]

Any more thoughts on this pre? Is it it a good replacement for their 2 space XRack?

[djanthonyw]

I was thinking of possibly using the VHD-4 as a preamp after a summing mixer for analog summing.

Has anyone else done something like this?

[rty5150]

Originally Posted by djanthonyw

I was thinking of possibly using the VHD-4 as a preamp after a summing mixer for analog summing.

Has anyone else done something like this?

i have strapped it across the 2-buss, sounds awesome with the VHD!

[djanthonyw]

So I take that as a yes then?

[rty5150]

definitely, as with all gear on your 2-buss, you really have to put it on on the beginning of a project. after the fact makes it sound great, but you will want to remix. the VHD is great for stems, too, as it breathes harmonics and punch onto tracks that are typically a bit dull. EG and bass busses love the VHD as well.

[unitymusic]

Originally Posted by heisleyamor

Also, if anyone knows what the "Sum" insert is used for on the strip, please let me know.

I didn't see this answered... but the 'sum' function is for when you are using the send and return. If you have the insert engaged and are sending the signal out to a piece of outboard and back, the 'sum' button allows you to combine the insert signal with the original/pre insert "dry" signal. Can be used for parallel compression, etc...

edit: just realized this thread was over 2 years old so I doubt you still needed to know this... sorry.

[YoungStarLove]

Hey i have a SSl Alpha Channel and a Digi 003
i dont know how to connect this to get my vocals running
on pro tools anyone help please!!!!
What cables do i need exactly?
Are there any Settings i have to fix or anything ?

[Whitecat]

Originally Posted by YoungStarLove

Hey i have a SSl Alpha Channel and a Digi 003
i dont know how to connect this to get my vocals running
on pro tools anyone help please!!!!
What cables do i need exactly?
Are there any Settings i have to fix or anything ?

2 ways to do it.

1) Run a TRS lead from the analog out to a line input on the 003.
2) Run a SPDIF out (RCA) from the Alpha Channel to the SPDIF in on the 003. You should also run a SPDIF out from the 003 to the SPDIF in on the Alpha Channel, this will ensure that the clock is set correctly.

Then just select the correct input in Pro Tools (it will be SPDIF Left if you go digital, or whichever line in you used if analog. Note that SPDIF Right also carries the signal but 6db down, so you can use it as a "safety" if you want to record it as well).

It just depends whether you want to use the SSL converter or the 003 converter.

[kris808]

Not a fan of the ssl alpha channel. Looks pretty but I had one briefly and had issues with the spdif so was forced to not use the digital converters. Personally, I thought there was nothing special about the preamp and the vhd circuit. The only thing I liked about it was the onboard eq which was pretty decent. I think there are better options in that price range for sure.

[zephonic]

Originally Posted by kris808

I think there are better options in that price range for sure.

Such as? At $999 I can't think of anything else with comparable features, at least nothing with SSL's solid reputation.

[Whitecat]

Indeed, I love it... bang for buck is high, it sounds great (can you do better? probably? for how much more?) and the digital is a very useful add-on for me. never had any trouble with the SPDIF at all on either of my Alpha Channels... (I've got two...)

[kris808]

People are more likely to ogle ssl dynamics rather than their front-ends. After all you can't go by just the name ssl. For around that price range this looks pretty sweet.

BAE Audio DMP Desktop Mic Preamp

[Whitecat]

Originally Posted by kris808

People are more likely to ogle ssl dynamics rather than their front-ends. After all you can't go by just the name ssl. For around that price range this looks pretty sweet.

BAE Audio DMP Desktop Mic Preamp

Well, pedigree/history really have very little to do with it.. it's either a nice box or it isn't. Shouldn't be discounted just because historically people prefer one thing or another, it should be judged on its own merits, n'est-ce pas?

[kris808]

It would've been nice if they included an compressor section instead of just that cheap limiter which I never liked to engage. There are a bunch of folks happy with the way it is though. I just wasn't one of them!

[zephonic]

Originally Posted by kris808

People are more likely to ogle ssl dynamics rather than their front-ends. After all you can't go by just the name ssl. For around that price range this looks pretty sweet.

BAE Audio DMP Desktop Mic Preamp

That is not 'comparable features'. I know you can buy a plain jane mic pre for a grand, especially in lunchbox format. But how many quality channel strips are there in the Alpha Channel price range?

I am currently looking, and only found some SPL stuff at that price point. Happy to hear of others that I may be unaware of, but from what I can see anything with comparable features is north of $1500, and more likely over 2 grand.

I have said this before in another thread, but it looks like SSL can really be considered "value for money" these days!

[Whitecat]

Originally Posted by kris808

It would've been nice if they included an compressor section instead of just that cheap limiter which I never liked to engage. There are a bunch of folks happy with the way it is though. I just wasn't one of them!

I agree that having a proper dynamics section would be a definite plus, but of course we're back to that whole bang-for-the-buck thing...

I patch a dbx 160A in on the insert, does a brilliant job here.

[mike vee]

i patch a distressor on the insert of my alpha channel....heavenly.