Ssl alpha channel or waves ssl

[kevinn10]

Hi I'm currently using an mbox 2. What would be wiser to invest in and give me a better sound? An ssl alpha channel or waves ssl?

[DivineMusic]

the alpha channel

[Slikjmuzik]

Originally Posted by kevinn10

Hi I'm currently using an mbox 2. What would be wiser to invest in and give me a better sound? An ssl alpha channel or waves ssl?

How much are you recording a mono source and how much are you having to affect tracks or midi information already inside the box. I'd say if you don't have plug-ins that are good, that's the way to go. If you're only recording a vocal to be added to midi tracks you are creating, you'll get more out of good plug-ins. I prefer the UAD stuff because it doesn't see the computer and their SSL stuff rocks.

[kevinn10]

Originally Posted by Slikjmuzik

How much are you recording a mono source and how much are you having to affect tracks or midi information already inside the box. I'd say if you don't have plug-ins that are good, that's the way to go. If you're only recording a vocal to be added to midi tracks you are creating, you'll get more out of good plug-ins. I prefer the UAD stuff because it doesn't see the computer and their SSL stuff rocks.

i record mostly pop rock stuff so im constantly recording mono sources( eg, bass, ac gtr,etc.). i have t-racks 3 already which i sorta like. i guess my question is: would i get a better sound using an alpha channel and bypassing the mbox pres and converters and then tweaking itb with the t-racks stuff and stock logic plugins or keep going in through the mbox and tweaking my tracks with something like the waves ssl?

p.s. i've heard that the uad waves is better than the waves stuff but i have an imac so theres no way of installing the uad, right?
thanks for your help.

[Heartfelt]

I am a person like you with multiple average channels of pres and conversion. I invested in a single high end channel to get the ball rolling. I suggest the single channel upgrade over plugs because:

All vox will go throu it.

All bass tracks can as well.

All electric guitar can, especially if you record direct and reamp.

All keys can go through it.

The end result is a lot of tracks with punch and clarity. I see more benefit there than with affecting lesser tracks with plugs.

MHO
Rob

[taturana]

the alpha channel.... of course...

[Slikjmuzik]

Originally Posted by Heartfelt

I am a person like you with multiple average channels of pres and conversion. I invested in a single high end channel to get the ball rolling. I suggest the single channel upgrade over plugs because:

All vox will go throu it.

All bass tracks can as well.

All electric guitar can, especially if you record direct and reamp.

All keys can go through it.

The end result is a lot of tracks with punch and clarity. I see more benefit there than with affecting lesser tracks with plugs.

MHO
Rob

Well, they're both the Waves and SSL are good. I hate comparisons cuz they only sound slightly different, but there should be no reason for someone not to get a good sound with either. With that said. The Pulteq and I believe the Fairchild as part of T-racks should make your vocals sound amazing. The Pulteq should sound awesome on guitars. For bass, I'd compress with something like an La3a or use a Neve type EQ if T-racks has a model out of either. For a first all-arounder channel strip, I feel the Alpha channel falls a bit short...if you're going to get one thing for front end for guitars, bas and vox, I'd lean you more towards the Vintech x73i since I'm positive it'll sound better for guitars, bass and vocals, even with inexpensive non-pro mics and even not having conversion built in and having to go line level into the Mbox. I def think that's the way to go. Eventually, get yourself a Rosetta200 and go in spidf into the Mbox. That way you have good conversion on the way in and you're monitoring with good D/A on the way out into your monitors. Nothing will help if your mixing environment isn't neutral though...nothing can compensate for a room that is busted acoustically. Just a bit of advice. Hope all that helps brother.

[Whitecat]

Alpha Channel. No contest.

[Leon EA]

Originally Posted by kevinn10

i record mostly pop rock stuff so im constantly recording mono sources

That cries for good mics, a good pre, decent conversion. Waves plugs will not fix mediocre sounding recordings any better then stock Logic plugins do. The better your recording, the less you need to fix with plugins.

So, Alphalink would be the better investment at this point IMO. A good a pretty versatile preamp as well.

[geektanic08]

If you're looking for a good pre, skip the Alpha Channel.

[prologicmusic]

the the alpha channel aint all that great. Id get the plugins and Maybe apogee mini-me, or some other good quality A2D. The UAD plugins are very good. And dont be affraid just because it is software vs hardware...lol

[Brody Murakami]

Get a Focusrite ISA-One with the digital out card. Run out of that via spdif into your mbox.

Waves SSL wont give you a "sound" it will give you the effect of using an SSL bus compressor, and the eq's are good too.

I use the Duende classic version, I love the eq on that, it has great high-end.

I had the Alpha channel a while back for a few sessions, it was OK in my opinion. You can pick up a Mynx for an extra grand of what you'd spend on the Alpha and you are getting the same technology from the actual SSL consoles.

If you are looking for decent plugin compressors without spending any or much $$, the Digi-eq that comes with PT isn't all that bad, and the BF-1176 is a decent plug compressor, if you use it right - it can give you the feel of an 1176.

Just my 2 cents.

[AMIEL]

Originally Posted by kevinn10

i record mostly pop rock stuff so im constantly recording mono sources( eg, bass, ac gtr,etc.). i have t-racks 3 already which i sorta like. i guess my question is: would i get a better sound using an alpha channel and bypassing the mbox pres and converters and then tweaking itb with the t-racks stuff and stock logic plugins or keep going in through the mbox and tweaking my tracks with something like the waves ssl?

p.s. i've heard that the uad waves is better than the waves stuff but i have an imac so theres no way of installing the uad, right?
thanks for your help.

get a good mic pre!!! that will improve your sound !!
Get a Pacifica or Great River.
a combination or tracks recorded well with a good preamp plus cheap plug ins will take you further than bad recording tracks with "Better " plug ins!

GET A GOOD MIC PRE AND A DECENT MIC!! OR EVEN BETTER < A GREAT MIC AND A DECENT PRE!