NEW ALL 500 SERIES THREAD

[futur2]

::: UPDATE: SOMEBODY DID IT FINALLY AND MADE A WEBSITE DEDICATED TO THE 500 SERIES LunchBoxHero.com IT INCLUDES A DATABASE AND MORE. I WILL UPDATE THIS LIST FOR A WHILE BUT IF THIS SITE ESTABLISHES I WILL STOP UPDATING :::

this is something i wanted to do for a long time just to keep track of all available modules myself. the sheer mass alone is really OVERWHELMING! the old thread was too long and the first post which gives an overview doesn't get updated anymore. to post this list somewhere in the middle of the thread makes no sense, voila new thread.

i made a list of all manufacturers of 500 series modules including links to their websites where available. i will update this, so if there's some new info just post, i will integrate it into the first post. maybe i will also add the modules at some point, maybe not. it was just too much work for now.

i hope i didn't forget anything. i'm sure there is some one person company stuff i missed. and only pan knows what the future will bring


AVAILABLE (OR ALMOST AVAILABLE)

A Designs
A-Designs Audio: Quality without Compromise. Manufacturer and Distributor of the finest in all tube microphone pramplifiers (mic pre), direct boxes, passive line level control, tube EQ and more!

AL.SO
Alternate Soudings Website

AnaMod
Anamod Audio

API
API Audio Products

Arsenal Audio by API
Arsenal Audio

Atlas Pro Audio
Atlas Recording Equipment, THE REVOLVER 500 Series Rack, Coming Soon 'THE JUGGERNAUT' 500 Series Preamp! Atlas Blank Panels - Call Us Toll Free @ 866.235.0953

Avedis Audio Electronics
Avedis Audio: Professional Audio Electronics, Vintage Pro Audio, ProAudio, API, Neve & Class A Discrete

Bizzar Audio
Bizzar Audio - Pro Audio Solutions

Brent Averill Enterprises
Brent Averill Enterprises | Welcome

Burgin McDaniel Design
Burgin McDaniel Design :: Welcome

Burl Audio
THE B2 BOMBER ANALOG/DIGITAL CONVERTER from BURL AUDIO: the most musical 2-channel analog/digital converter the pro audio world has ever witnessed.

Buzz Audio
Buzz Audio - Professional Audio Products

Chandler Limited
http://www.chandlerlimited.com

Eisen Audio
Eisen Audio, LLC: Design & Manufacturing of Pro Audio Equipment

Empirical Labs
Empirical Labs

Great River Electronics
Great River Electronics

JLM Audio
JLM AUDIO

LaChapell Audio
LaChapell Audio

MMT
misomusic.net

Old School Audio
Old School Audio, OSA, MP1-L, MP1-A, MP1-C, MP1-L3, API(tm) Compatible Preamps and Compressors, Toll Free @ 866.235.0953

Pico Compressor
Prodigy Professional :: View topic - Pico500 Complete Kits **Pics Added**

Purple Audio
Product / Purple Audio, LLC

Roll Music System
Roll Music Systems

Shadow Hills Industries
Shadow Hills Industries - Purveyor of fine recording equipment

ShinyBox
Shinybox Ribbon Microphones

Speck Electronics
Welcome to Speck Electronics

S&M Audio
S & M Audio - minneapolis

Vintage Design
vintagedesign


IN THE WORKS (HOPEFULLY)

Analog Audio Works
Analog Audio Works - High quality audio recording equipment for the working recording engineer

Audio Upgrades
Audio Upgrades

DakingPlus
DakingPlus™

Dane De-esser Company
Dane De-esser Company Home

Ecstatic Electric
ECSTATIC ELECTRIC - pro-audio, vintage audio, microphone rentals

Forssell Technologies
Forssell Technologies

Nash Audio
Vacuum Tube Preamps and other Electronics by Nash Audio.

Rupert Neve Design
Rupert Neve Designs

Standard Audio
Standard-Audio.com - Standard Audio, home of the Level-Or

The John Hardy Company
The John Hardy Co. Home

VSI Audio
VSI Audio Home Page

You Pretty Duck
You Pretty Duck

LEGACY

Aengus

APsI

B&B/Aphex

MAP

[Scott LaChapell]

Cool thread, thanks for the links!

[lrieves]

wow, I am excited to see what shinybox does with the 500 series preamp. I have been nothing but pleased with their 46 ribbon

[GYang]

aren't we lil tired of all those 500 series threads

[pan60]

Originally Posted by GYang

aren't we lil tired of all those 500 series threads

nope!

[futur2]

thanks scott, nice to hear from one of the makers!

[NathanEldred]

Juggernaut preamps are shipping in about 4 weeks. Thanks for the links, very appreciated!!

[gallerytungsten]

Great thread! All kinds of new 500 modules seem to be popping up every day.

[andychamp]

Originally Posted by GYang

aren't we lil tired of all those 500 series threads

Definitely not.
The old "list here: all 500 modules" thread started to come apart, it's cool to have an updated version.
Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing a dedicated 500 Forum, maybe as a child forum inside "high end".

P.S. quite a piece of work, compiling all this info.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by NathanEldred

Juggernaut preamps are shipping in about 4 weeks. Thanks for the links, very appreciated!!

Was there going to be a gearslutz special price or something? Did I miss that?

[NathanEldred]

Originally Posted by Chris

Was there going to be a gearslutz special price or something? Did I miss that?

There is a Gearslutz special (which you have not missed), here is the direct link to it. I might start a seperate thread, I think it might get missed since it's imbedded in the New Product post. Thanks!

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/1796644-post71.html

[Aearth]

Originally Posted by GYang

aren't we lil tired of all those 500 series threads

I think the 500 series gear is the best thing that's happened in the audio scene. Notice the price drop of all audio gear lately.

nIC

[Kronos147]

Originally Posted by futur2

VSI Audio

Ahh, you put some pressure on me!

First take: VSI Audio Home Page

[AllAboutTone]

Keep up the 500 series thread until we get Hardy !!

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by GYang

aren't we lil tired of all those 500 series threads

Of course not.... People never get tired of talking about these cute little boxes. They are the pro audio world's equivalent to Pokemon cards.... "Collect them all..."



Remember I coined that analogy!

[pan60]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

Of course not.... People never get tired of talking about these cute little boxes. They are the pro audio world's equivalent to Pokemon cards.... "Collect them all..."



Remember I coined that analogy!

lmao!

[Mr. PC]

Could someone please explain what "500 series"means?

PC

[pan60]

P.S.
guys give us some new photos of your 500 format gear!
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/high-...-new-post.html

[Scott LaChapell]

Originally Posted by Kronos147

Ahh, you put some pressure on me!

First take: VSI Audio Home Page

The M-3 looks pretty cool, are you seeking VPR certification (fully API compatible)? Do you have any other specs that are note worthy?

Thanks!

[pan60]

Originally Posted by Mr. PC

Could someone please explain what "500 series"means?

PC

look here API Audio Products
their are more then a few companies make lunchbox, racks, and two slot system.
a lot!!!!! of companies are offering their pres, eqs, and comps in the system.
all thing great, come in the 500 format ~

[Kronos147]

Originally Posted by Scott LaChapell

The M-3 looks pretty cool, are you seeking VPR certification (fully API compatible)? Do you have any other specs that are note worthy?

The VSI techy guys talk way above my head. I will take someones spec sheet and make one for us and ask the guys to measure when the final product is in production. These are all still prototypes.

As for VPR compliance, I don't know how long that has been established, but I broached the subject with the VSI guys over a year ago. I think we really should join since we are starting to use the opposite side of the circuit card for the 300 v. I am not sure what you did with your two space unit, perhaps you put in a step up transformer? I know we tried that, then decided against it.

I promise to look into the VPR Alliance. It would be "prudent" (said as Church Lady.)

P.S. very nice job beating VSI to market with the first valve 500 series! I wanted that to be our claim to fame... lol.

P.S. LMAO at Tony's analogy. I kinda think I am on that page too, gotta have 2 of everything 500 series!

[heisleyamor]

I wish daking made a 500 series pre...their pres sound amazing on vocals...very clear and airy...their 500 series EQ looks interesting

[Mr. PC]

Aha! I am aware of the API stuff and the lunchbox.

So the idea follows the ubiquity of the API lunchbox setup? So previously not-racked stuff could be utilized in the same way.

In fact, there is a popular song about this subject now that I think of it. Here are some lyrics:


"1: Cut a hole in the box.
2: Put your junk in that box..."

and so on--

PC

[nynofi]

Originally Posted by GYang

aren't we lil tired of all those 500 series threads

tutt

[cww2]

Love me some 500 gear... Any new on the John Hardy or is it just some whispers and hopeful thinking?

[pan60]

Originally Posted by Kronos147

Ahh, you put some pressure on me!

First take: VSI Audio Home Page

Originally Posted by Kronos147

The VSI techy guys talk way above my head. I will take someones spec sheet and make one for us and ask the guys to measure when the final product is in production. These are all still prototypes.

As for VPR compliance, I don't know how long that has been established, but I broached the subject with the VSI guys over a year ago. I think we really should join since we are starting to use the opposite side of the circuit card for the 300 v. I am not sure what you did with your two space unit, perhaps you put in a step up transformer? I know we tried that, then decided against it.

I promise to look into the VPR Alliance. It would be "prudent" (said as Church Lady.)

P.S. very nice job beating VSI to market with the first valve 500 series! I wanted that to be our claim to fame... lol.

P.S. LMAO at Tony's analogy. I kinda think I am on that page too, gotta have 2 of everything 500 series!

i did ask for the chance to review these and would still love very, very, much to do so.
but: (~
after reading in more detail, i realized, you have opted not, to stay within the 500 frame architecture, guidelines, or constraints.
personally thats not a issue.
but, call it something other than a 500 format compatible card.
if it will not plug into a API LUNCHBOX OR RACK and work, it is not 500 format!!!!!!
to market this as a 500 frame product, we be, IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, not appropriate conduct.

Originally Posted by Kronos147

So now they had a problem, make a TUBE mic pre work in that little tiny package. The first rev actually used a step up onboard power transformer to create the 300 volts needed for the tubes. It was not an efficient design and I don't pretend to understand why, other than there was discussion about a "fifth leg needed" on the power supply cable for "separate audio and power grounds." So they modded my B.A. rack and gave me the original ugly looking power supply brought on that first night. lol

The first prototype was pretty unique. It had the character of the block and transformer, but the tubes also imparted depth. Sorry, no other way to describe it. That model had some gain issues, and we started moving things around on the card, and fixed the phantom (didn't work in the first model) and they brought me over 4. Now we fight tooth and nail to have them do any mods/rev changes ON SITE, as we can't live without them!

In the meantime, they started building a 10 space rack (the 11'th will have the power supply, with indicator lights for all voltages, and some kind of switching thing that allows audio to pass even if one module blows up (block goes out, whatever). The power transformer will basically bolt to the back. Also they built a lunchbox, that has the 300 volts, is backwards API compatible, and is vented to all get out for the tubes.

Now I start a fight over there. "How the hell are you gonna sell the M-3 to guys that don't know you?" They look at me with their doe-like stares. I pound on them the point that everyone and their brother may have a rack, but no one has the 300 volts. No one is going to mod their rack just to try the M-3 (ok, except me... lol). So I told them they really needed a bare bones transformer, block, transformer mic pre.

i do hope, you make it very, very clear, in you marketing, this is not a 500 form compatible card.

[Kronos147]

Originally Posted by pan60

i do hope, you make it very, very clear, in you marketing, this is not a 500 form compatible card.

Yes, we will make that clear. Furthermore, the APR would be a good venue to address this very issue. In the meantime, VSI will make "backwards compatible" racks and lunchboxes.

The M-1 and M-2 will be completely API compatible, and also, the M-2 will be class "a" by converting the +/- 16 v to 28v + onboard.

P.S. website fixed. VSI Audio Home Page

[BobNRay]

The M-1 and M-2 will be completely API compatible

The John Hardy Co. has an M-1 and M-2 mic preamp. Won't it be somewhat confusing if you use the same name for your mic preamp products?

BNR

[pan60]

Originally Posted by Kronos147

Yes, we will make that clear. Furthermore, the APR would be a good venue to address this very issue. In the meantime, VSI will make "backwards compatible" racks and lunchboxes.

The M-1 and M-2 will be completely API compatible, and also, the M-2 will be class "a" by converting the +/- 16 v to 28v + onboard.

P.S. website fixed. VSI Audio Home Page

so just to make sure i am 100% following you ( as i do not want to in any way be off base here ) only the M-3 is not API compatible?
but the M-2, and M-2 will fall will fall with-in the API guidelines?
i hope i have this correct.
a lot of companies are going way beyond, to design gear that falls with-in the API guidelines, a well, they are seeking VPR Alliance approval.
although i do support the VPR Alliance, and endorse it, i also do not ding a company that chooses not to be a member, provided that are well with-in the guidelines of the 500 format system put-forth by API.
i have, and like, a few products that are a bit power hungry, ( although they do not get always get a public endorsement ).
if one company goes a bit beyond, outside, or a bit over the top, then the next will, before long, once again their will be no standard.
i feel a standard is a must for this system to continue to progress, in a positive manner.
thanks pan60

[vince @ speck]

Originally Posted by pan60

so just to make sure i am 100% following you ( as i do not want to in any way be off base here ) only the M-3 is not API compatible?
but the M-2, and M-2 will fall will fall with-in the API guidelines?
i hope i have this correct.
a lot of companies are going way beyond, to design gear that falls with-in the API guidelines, a well, they are seeking VPR Alliance approval.
although i do support the VPR Alliance, and endorse it, i also do not ding a company that chooses not to be a member, provided that are well with-in the guidelines of the 500 format system put-forth by API.
i have, and like, a few products that are a bit power hungry, ( although they do not get always get a public endorsement ).
if one company goes a bit beyond, outside, or a bit over the top, then the next will, before long, once again their will be no standard.
i feel a standard is a must for this system to continue to progress, in a positive manner.
thanks pan60

That's the great thing about standards... there are so many of them.

I'm just wondering... not ranting...

... but if someone is designing a "500 series compatable module", why not keep the design within the stardard for the API'ish rack. Why should companies A, B, C, and D that have complied with the standard have to worry about their 500 modules going "dark" in the rack when company E decides they want to ignore the "standard" and deisgn a module that is current hog.

Again, I'm just wondering... not ranting.