Bad Ass Vocal Channel Strip (Hardware)

[neon]

I want a bad ass Vocal Channel Strip specially for Mixing,
I want an In your face Vocal sound with Presence ,Clarity and Character (Vibe/Mojo) and punch.

Here are the candidates:
API 7600
Neve 8801
Pendulum Quartet'
Tubetech MEC1A (with Avedis Mic/Line Adaptor)
DW Fearn VT15
Buzz Audio ARC 1.1
Aurora Audio GTQC
***mmmm...do you guy think the Millennia STT1 can compete here....I want in your face with Character!!!

Any thoughts??? other great options?

[kidvybes]

...you can save some dough and do a little research on the Safe Sound P1...great vocal channel strip with preamp/expander/compressor/limiter...great bang for less bucks!...talk to War (Warren has gone independent of FrontEnd)...check out his video:

YouTube - Safe Sound Audio P1 Audio Processor @ FrontEndAudio.com

[Roc Mixwell]

Originally Posted by neon

I want a bad ass Vocal Channel Strip for Mixing,
I want an In your face Vocal sound with Presence ,Clarity and Character (Vibe/Mojo) and punch.

Here are the candidates:
API 7600
Neve 8801
Pendulum Quartet'
Tubetech MEC1A (with Avedis Mic/Libe Adaptor)
DW Fearn VT15
Buzz Audio ARC 1.1
Aurora Audio GTQC

Any thoughts??? other great options?

Wow, you've got some behemoths in your list there!! What microphones are you using?

[neon]

Originally Posted by Roc Mixwell

Wow, you've got some behemoths in your list there!! What microphones are you using?

I want it more towards mixing....any thoughts?
So regardless of mics...because I do not record all what I mix.....

[Roc Mixwell]

Originally Posted by neon

I want it more towards mixing....any thoughts?
So regardless of mics...because I do not record all what I mix.....

Can you go into further detail about what your expecting of this upgrade?

There is a lot of dough in your list there, and while I want to through out there what "would be awesome for ME" I won't because you've yet to say what you really want out of this device in any way I can identify with. I hear you on the attributes you've already asked for, but for these devices, there is NO wrong ANSWER, and its completely up to YOU to define what you think is a better choice for your music and studio. All of that stuff kicks ass man, to me some are more useful than others, and I'm sure everyone will view a tool set differently, and in that regard, knowing more about what your really looking for will help us give you our experience in a way that helps you. Although, you are the only one who can define this answer in the end.

[neon]

Originally Posted by Roc Mixwell

Can you go into further detail about what your expecting of this upgrade?

There is a lot of dough in your list there, and while I want to through out there what "would be awesome for ME" I won't because you've yet to say what you really want out of this device in any way I can identify with. I hear you on the attributes you've already asked for, but for these devices, there is NO wrong ANSWER, and its completely up to YOU to define what you think is a better choice for your music and studio. All of that stuff kicks ass man, to me some are more useful than others, and I'm sure everyone will view a tool set differently, and in that regard, knowing more about what your really looking for will help us give you our experience in a way that helps you. Although, you are the only one who can define this answer in the end.

Yeah Roc, you are right.
Well basically I will try to explain what I do and what I expect...so maybe that will help a bit.

I mix basically Power Pop/Pop Rock/Modern Rock or anything that have a degree of Edge in the Music.

I am not into Hip Hop R&B at all.

I want a vocal sound that sound modern, real, 3D and that have a forward sound and Presence, not necesarely bright...I appreciate all vocal sounds that have a great tonal balance.
I pretty much I like vocal sounds that are fairly dry (at least they sound like that in the Mix)....so that channel strip have to give certain character, mojo, vibe or qualities that just allows the vocal to sit nice in the mix already.
The Eq..I like silky top end , creamy and thick mid and tight low end(but not that type of compressed low end)..I do not like so much those Eqs that are super surgical and precise...I rather want an EQ that is musical and have a vibe.
Compressor: I want the compressor more for his tonal character than to control dynamics....so a super clean compressor that do not impart a tone....mmm not so cool...have to give something..at least a little bit of color and musicality.

I have a MC77/ Hammer EQ/ Trident S40 /Distressor with Brit Mode and a Fatso.
When I mean Modern can be an organic retro feel that can be tweaked to make it sound modern.... I hope tou get this...

Well hope that can help to allows you to provide me some input.

Thanks!

[Thebassist]

Rather than a full strip, why not one of the neve clones like the Vintech x73i? You already have some killin compressors, but the silk and awesome eq on a neve 1073 clone will do ALOT for the quality of your recordings. Just do a search for 1073 here... have a good time with your next few days!

BTW, 1073-1176-LA2a is a sound alot of people goo over!!!

[warhead]

Originally Posted by neon

Presence ,Clarity and Character (Vibe/Mojo) and punch.

The answer could very well be an LA3A my friend, as far as compression goes.

Originally Posted by kidvybes

...you can save some dough and do a little research on the Safe Sound P1...

The P1 rocks for clean control in a more transparent way, especially in tracking since it's very hard to mess it up. However it's not much of a character compressor, he's looking for something to do something with heavy flavor after he's tracked.

I swear he is describing the LA3A...!

War

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by neon

I want a vocal sound that sound modern, real, 3D and that have a forward sound and Presence, not necesarely bright...I appreciate all vocal sounds that have a great tonal balance.
I pretty much I like vocal sounds that are fairly dry (at least they sound like that in the Mix)....so that channel strip have to give certain character, mojo, vibe or qualities that just allows the vocal to sit nice in the mix already.
The Eq..I like silky top end , creamy and thick mid and tight low end(but not that type of compressed low end)..I do not like so much those Eqs that are super surgical and precise...I rather want an EQ that is musical and have a vibe.
Compressor: I want the compressor more for his tonal character than to control dynamics....so a super clean compressor that do not impart a tone....mmm not so cool...have to give something..at least a little bit of color and musicality.

I have a MC77/ Hammer EQ/ Trident S40 /Distressor with Brit Mode and a Fatso.
When I mean Modern can be an organic retro feel that can be tweaked to make it sound modern.... I hope tou get this...

Well hope that can help to allows you to provide me some input.

Thanks!

Sounds like the Aurora would be a good choice to me.... Big 3-D sounding with an open top end. Tons of "Marinair" transformer coloration on both the preamp EQ & the compressor (with separate ins and outs for both). It's an all around fabulous sounding unit with a nice beefy roundness (like a 1073, etc).

[neon]

Originally Posted by warhead

The answer could very well be an LA3A my friend, as far as compression goes.



The P1 rocks for clean control in a more transparent way, especially in tracking since it's very hard to mess it up. However it's not much of a character compressor, he's looking for something to do something with heavy flavor after he's tracked.

I swear he is describing the LA3A...!

War

Thanks for your reply, how much can differ the LA3A from a MC77??

[neon]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

Sounds like the Aurora would be a good choice to me.... Big 3-D sounding with an open top end. Tons of "Marinair" transformer coloration on both the preamp EQ & the compressor (with separate ins and outs for both). It's an all around fabulous sounding unit with a nice beefy roundness (like a 1073, etc).

Tony and just to understand where you go...so if is not a Channel Strp, what will be a similar combo(EQ+Comp) to the Aurora?
I think would ne a 1073 and which compressor??

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by neon

Tony and just to understand where you go...so if is not a Channel Strp, what will be a similar combo(EQ+Comp) to the Aurora?
I think would ne a 1073 and which compressor??

I guess a GTC2... it's the same circuit, but in a 2 channel unit.

The compressor sounds like a Class A Neve unit, but with compression characteristics more like an LA2A or 1176 (selectable at the flick of a switch).... But, it also has far more control than an 1176 or LA2A ever had. So, it can't really be classified as one particular thing.

[Thebassist]

neon- the two are VERY different in basic design, and sonic footprint. The 1176 is a FET limiting amplifier with transformer output, and is used by alot of us to create audible pumping and breathing (thing Racontours kick sound) though it is equally adept at doing gentle smoothing... anything you put through it should sound "better" due to the transformers and the mojo. The LA2a/3a (optical compressors, tube and solid state respectively,) add creaminess and thickness which some perceive as a "vintage" vibe. Both lack the "control" of the 1176, but by golly, you usually see both in big rooms for some reason... because they're both invaluable tools!!!!

Funny... the La3a used to be alot cheaper 10 years ago. D*mnit.

FWIW, many (myself included) feel the La3a is worth every penny. The Tube Tech CL1B is ultra awesome as well.

[Matt Whritenour]

if it's mainly for mixing why do you want a channel strip? that also has a preamp, why not get individual modules, like for EQ an Empirical Labs Lil'Freq, and it looks like you already have some nice compressors.

[JSG]

I agree with Matt, typically a channel strip is used during tracking, not mixing.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by neon

Well hope that can help to allows you to provide me some input.

Thanks!

Options buddy...lots of them especially for mixing vocals. There is a reason that if you look at the racks of guys like TLA, CLA, JJP, MHB, Spike Stent, Alan Moulder, Mick Guzauski, there are so many different units and varied ones. Every mixing engineer has different crayons in his bag he pulls out for different colors needed in a mix. Sometimes one unit suffices, other times you need 2 inseries, sometimes you need a tube chain or a solid state one or a mixture of the 2. Vocals are the hardest because they vary so much based on the songs and keys. Also the sections sometimes need to be treated differently. Your best bet is if you got a an MC77 and a Distressor already look into a tube comp or 2. The EQ's are a personal thing and you have to try a couple to see what you like. Same applies for a solidstate and tube based unit.
Sometimes the same as the comp you need something to start off and do the heavy lifting and something different to finish. No easy or cheap answers here. Mixing vocals is where most of the gear money is invested because they have to sound like a million bucks or bust.

[neon]

Originally Posted by Matt Whritenour

if it's mainly for mixing why do you want a channel strip? that also has a preamp, why not get individual modules, like for EQ an Empirical Labs Lil'Freq, and it looks like you already have some nice compressors.

Originally Posted by JSG

I agree with Matt, typically a channel strip is used during tracking, not mixing.

Well..I was thinking a channel strip because I had in my mind the API 7600..actually I was thinking as an EQ the ELI Little FReq...but I never could use it...

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

Options buddy...lots of them especially for mixing vocals. There is a reason that if you look at the racks of guys like TLA, CLA, JJP, MHB, Spike Stent, Alan Moulder, Mick Guzauski, there are so many different units and varied ones. Every mixing engineer has different crayons in his bag he pulls out for different colors needed in a mix. Sometimes one unit suffices, other times you need 2 inseries, sometimes you need a tube chain or a solid state one or a mixture of the 2. Vocals are the hardest because they vary so much based on the songs and keys. Also the sections sometimes need to be treated differently. Your best bet is if you got a an MC77 and a Distressor already look into a tube comp or 2. The EQ's are a personal thing and you have to try a couple to see what you like. Same applies for a solidstate and tube based unit.
Sometimes the same as the comp you need something to start off and do the heavy lifting and something different to finish. No easy or cheap answers here. Mixing vocals is where most of the gear money is invested because they have to sound like a million bucks or bust.

So Thrill...knowing what I have and having an idea of what I want...what would be your choices as a Channel Strip or Chain to get a great vocal sound that will cover the vocal duties very well until i get more gear to have more crayons?

[Roc Mixwell]

TO ME; I don't find any other device in your list more attractive for your applications than the DW Fearn VT15. Just my two cents, and my personal choice. I don't think it compares to anything else on the planet, besides other Fearn gear.

[snedley]

It's hard to go wrong with that list.
I'll say this...... I love the Pendulum........ never fails me.

[engmix]

I agree. MC77, 1176, and Distressor. Also, distortion in the chain or along side is very often one of the colors i need to get a vocal to slam through a wall of sound.

EQ wise, SSL, Tonelux, GML, Neve 1081. and even Valley People EQ has worked quite well for up against the glass vibe, if you can find them. I might throw a pultec, tube tech, or vox box at the end of it all for a little tube sheen. Sometimes it's plugins in combination with analog that gets the job done.

[Number 6]

I've had access to a colleague's Neve 8801 recently and I think I've fallen for it. It's almost too useful, just so damn versatile and sounds great. Different from my favourite 1081, but great in its' own way.

(shame I had to give it back. I tried to keep it).

[AMIEL]

The Pendulum Quartet is really awesome, but with the DW VT15 you will have to bring lots of coffee to mix it with all the creamy sound of that beast !

I may go nutz as well with such a selection, I tried many of those and knowing that all of them requiere a big chunk of $$$ ... I am sure you want to get a piece that you will feel bonded with it! but really the DW Fearn is a Rolls Royce with Ferrari paint!

[Sean Sullivan]

I'd probably do:

Tracking:
Vintech X81 to Manley ELOP
Mixing:
X81 EQ and Purple MC77

[zak7]

I am interested in a Colourful compressor for Vocals....is the LA3A a much colourful Comp for Vox than a Purple MC77?