Euphonix System 5 MC

[Music Bear]

Hello all,

Has anyone used the Euphonix System 5 MC? I am thinking about getting one for my home studio. I use Logic and was told that this unit, along with Apogee stuff makes a seamless system. I am very new at this, and want something that will be reliable, easy to learn and not be plagued with problems.

Any input would be greatly appreciated as I need to make a decision VERY soon, and want to get this (and any other equipment I need) before our state sales tax goes up on April first.

Thank you.

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

Hello all,

Has anyone used the Euphonix System 5 MC? I am thinking about getting one for my home studio. I use Logic and was told that this unit, along with Apogee stuff makes a seamless system. I am very new at this, and want something that will be reliable, easy to learn and not be plagued with problems.

Any input would be greatly appreciated as I need to make a decision VERY soon, and want to get this (and any other equipment I need) before our state sales tax goes up on April first.

Thank you.

I've not used one on a real-life project, but I have played around with one in a showroom-style demo situation.

I think the answer depends upon just what/how you want to use it. I'd love to try to use one as an A/V controller for Vegas, but as strictly an audio/DAW controller, I'd like to have a lot more than five slider controls to use as channel faders, and would rather use a more standard DAW controller like the Tascam.

G.

 

[Music Bear]

The one I would get would have two fader banks (16 faders total) plus the ones that come with the main unit.

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

The one I would get would have two fader banks (16 faders total) plus the ones that come with the main unit.

Ah, OK,I thought you were just talking about the main box.

I like the fit and finish of the Euphonix stuff, and especially the customizability options (keyboard type, position and layout of the various modules, etc.) At the same time I'm a little put off at the pricing - that stuff ain't cheap. I have not yet reached a conclusion as to whether the positive points fully justify the pricing or not, it's a tough call for me (keep in mind that I'm a cheapskate Bohemian ). But it does seem to be good stuff.

G.

 

[Music Bear]

Well, this is my first "real" studio, so I want to do it right the first time.I have read a lot of favorable stuff on the system 5, so I am really thinking it will be the one I go with. The tough part will be learning how to use it, but I hear that Euphoniz offers training on it, and I live right near their main office.

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

UI too have read/heard nothing but highly favorable reviews and impressions on the Euphonix stuff, and as I say, my limited time playing with an MC5 led me to believe that it's a quality machine.

They are expensive, but if there's room in the budget - and you're not sacrificing elsewhere in the budget on more important things such as studio monitors, acoustic treatment and mic inventory - I don't envision any reasonable person being disappointed with the purchase.

As far as ease of use, I'm not sure that will be that big of an issue; most of it (I would think) would be involved in the configuration/assignment of the various controls to the functions in your DAW software. But once that's done, it's pretty much a matter of knowing the software; if you already know your way around Logic, then you should be cooking with gas pretty quickly. Of course living near the main office is pouring nuts on the sundae .

G.

 

[Music Bear]

I think I can budget for this unit, and it will be worth it. 16 sliders should be good for now. If I need more in the future, I can always add them. I am pretty sure that I won't be sacrificing on the overall sound of the room, but your point is well taken.

This is all very new to me, but the guy that is helping to design the studio has recommended a Meyer CP10 EQ and Focal Speakers and subs. Other than that, I am still not sure what compressor and mic pre amp to get. I will be using Apple Logic, and probably end up going with mostly plug in type effects to save the hassle of tons of patch bays, but the guy that is doing the wiring seems to think that for a studio the size of mine, I shouldn't need anything too crazy. Maybe a good reverb unit.

I am thinking of using plasma monitors and cameras instead of windows from room to room.

 

[dementedchord]

geeeeeee... we should all have your problems... i gotta decide now because i dont want to pay any additional sales tax on $30-50k of gear i know nothing about....

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

This is all very new to me, but the guy that is helping to design the studio has recommended a Meyer CP10 EQ and Focal Speakers and subs. Other than that, I am still not sure what compressor and mic pre amp to get. I will be using Apple Logic, and probably end up going with mostly plug in type effects to save the hassle of tons of patch bays, but the guy that is doing the wiring seems to think that for a studio the size of mine, I shouldn't need anything too crazy. Maybe a good reverb unit.

I am thinking of using plasma monitors and cameras instead of windows from room to room.

Frankly speaking, the Euphonics would be the last thing on the list I'd worry about. When push comes to shove, it is nothing more than a control surface - an interface between your hands and your computer - for your software. As such it will have a minimal effect on the quality of your final product.

As far as the equipment you do mention, the Meyer is a fine EQ, I have no qualms with that. Focal also makes some very nice loudspeakers, they are a fine brand; but I'd *highly* recommend auditioning monitors yourself and pick what fits your ears and tastes the best. Not only may the ones that work best for you not be Focals (or they might be, but there's only one way to find out), but Focal makes many different models, all of which sound different. One Focal may be better for you than another.

The most important things you should be researching, IMHO, are your recording chain - especially the microphones and mic preamps and A/D conversion and clock control (on those last two, though, you do mention Apogee in passing; they do make good stuff) - and your monitoring chain, which includes the monitors, the room acoustics and the physical layout.

For the thousands of dollars you'll be spending on the MC, I'd much rather spend on a solid microphone and preamp inventory.

And don't underestimate the advantage of the performers and engineer(s) being able to have eye contact with each other.

G.

 

[Music Bear]

I do have some good mics and the pre-amp that was recommended to me is Focusrite Liquid Channel. I will be using the Apogee Rosetta as well.

I am still not sure about reverbs, but I really like some of the ones included with Logic, so for now I will use those.

The room acoustics are going to be very good. Bob has told me that when he is done with the rooms, they will be fantastic as far as that is concerned.

I have a lot to learn, but I am eager to get to it. I am hoping to have the wiring all done soon so the drywall can go up.

As far as the performers seeing the engineer and vice versa, that will be handled with cams and plasma screens. It will be just like having windows from room to room. This is being done because the way the rooms lay out, my back would be to the wall where the window to the vocal room would be. Using screens and cams, I can make it work no matter what.

Thank you all for the (mostly) good comments here. I hope I can eventually contribute to this forum as well.

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

I hope I can eventually contribute to this forum as well.

Never mind that, just pass some of your cash this way .

Seriously, good luck with the project. You sound like you have things under control on the gear side. Now all you need is the ear and the technique. Nothing but time and practice for those.

G.

 

[Music Bear]

Never mind that, just pass some of your cash this way .

Seriously, good luck with the project. You sound like you have things under control on the gear side. Now all you need is the ear and the technique. Nothing but time and practice for those.

G.

Let me know if you are ever in the Southern California area, and you can come by and take a look.

 

[Music Bear]

Here's a few pics of the studio. I have made some upgrades since these. I now use Protools 10 HDX. but these pics will give you the basic idea.

 

[Pahtcub]

That room seems pretty small for such little bass trapping, did your designer show you the waterfall response of that room? And woof btw I remember some of your earlier "police" and "ATV" work

 

[Music Bear]

That room seems pretty small for such little bass trapping, did your designer show you the waterfall response of that room? And woof btw I remember some of your earlier "police" and "ATV" work

Hi there. Not really sure what "waterfall" response is, but the guy that designed and tuned the rooms (he also did my home theater) seems to be one of the best at what he does, so I am guessing everything is correct.

And I am no longer a cop, but woofs right back to you buddy!