Any Channel strip suggestion? Between 800$ and 1200$

[Thomas Casault]

Hey everyone, I'm presently building my first home studio.
I would like to know if somebody have suggestion for a channel strip between 800$ and 1200$.

actual recording kit:
Digi 002
AKG C 414 B-XL II

Thanks in advance

 

[Somnium7]

If had a need for a strip I would get a Toft ATC2.
Great price/performance ratio IMO.

What will you be recording?

 

[Brian Whitten]

I got 2 Chameleon Labs 7602's about a year ago and have been very happy with my purchase. No comp, but I love the eq and the pre isn't terrible either, way better than the 002 pres!

 

[wreckd504]

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/1272/


Could probably find it cheaper somewhere else, though its pretty close to 1200



I'm digging it at the moment for vox, and guitar. I'm going to test it out on overheads very soon

edit: sorry just realised you said channel strip ~

 

[yaknski]

Focusrite ISA 220 is within your budget used in ebay and is great for channel strip duties with a slightly colored pre, EQ with shelving and pass filters, compressor, de-esser and a limiter on the output.

I used the whole strip for vocals and the pre/comp for bass when I had one. I've had an ISA 430 MKII (I really like the impedance options on the 430) as well and thought the ISA 220 beat it for the price.

http://www.focusrite.com/products/isa/isa220/

 

[kojdogg]

you may be able to find a used langevin dual vocal combo for around $1200.

 

[tdukex]

you may be able to find a used langevin dual vocal combo for around $1200.

Ya, I've had my eye on that unit for some time--and two channels!

 

[tdukex]

If had a need for a strip I would get a Toft ATC2.
Great price/performance ratio IMO.

What will you be recording?

The Meek TwinQ would be another good choice.

 

[drbluezz]

Universal Audio Solo 610 (I know, not a channel strip, but a great preamp)? For another $300. beyond your max you could have a U.A. LA 610 tube preamp/channel strip with a great optical compressor.


Tom

 

[CoolCat]

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug00/articles/joemeek.htm

one on ebay now for $525.
they were $800-$1000 or so new.

I don't have any comparisons other than a DMP3 and RNC setup, which was really not any worse than my Meek, but different. I like it so much better than going straight into the EMU1820 interface also.
Never a problem with the JM unit for working, going on 8years old.
British sound they say....whatever that is referring to?

 

[Richard Monroe]

I am also very happy with the twinQ. Three years without a hiccup. And- I use it with a Digi 002-Richie

 

[BigRay]

if I want to "EQ" something, I move my microphones.

makes much more of a difference than some silly box.

put the attention where it needs be.

 

[Massive Master]

if I want to "EQ" something, I move my microphones.

makes much more of a difference than some silly box.

put the attention where it needs be.

Word to the peeps.

 

[kojdogg]

yeah yeah ...and never use any faders, panning or mixing-- just position everything perfectly in the stereo field and record live to 2-track with absolutely no overdubs ever, never use any reverb-- just record in a perfect acoustic space, etc.

 

[tdukex]

And everything should be recorded live, in one take, in that perfect space with the perfect instrumernts, mics, and mic positioning.

...and hopefully none of the musicians will move during recording thus altering the delicate mic eq...

 

[Massive Master]

i don't think anyone is insisting on minimalistic treatment (although it usually works best).

But few experienced engineers will ever argue between running a mic into an "okay" preamp going into an "okay" EQ and an "okay" compressor vs. just going straight into a really great preamp --

3 x "okay" usually equals "okay, noisy, etc., etc."

1 x "wow!" equals "Wow!"

 

[tdukex]

i don't think anyone is insisting on minimalistic treatment (although it usually works best).

But few experienced engineers will ever argue between running a mic into an "okay" preamp going into an "okay" EQ and an "okay" compressor vs. just going straight into a really great preamp --

3 x "okay" usually equals "okay, noisy, etc., etc."

1 x "wow!" equals "Wow!"

With all due respect MM, I think we all (or most of us) already get the "mic placement is the best eq" approach. I preach it all the time myself. Nevertheless, the OP asked for a chennel strip recommendation, not recording or mixing tips.

 

[Massive Master]

Just giving him the option. A lot of people ask for things due to lack of experience and then they wind up with the wrong things -- How many people I know with a BlueBird that complain about their vocals tracks and the like...