SSL X-Rack or Distressors with NEVE/API style EQ

[King_Cobra]

I'm planning to track and mix smaller projects at my personal studio and larger projects at a commercial studio. Maybe do some live sampling, etc.. I originally planned to purchase two Distressors and one stereo eq. Maybe two Neve Portico 5033 or one API 5500. Although, after doing some research and talking to a salesman. I was offered an SSL X-Rack for an incredible deal. If I do purchase the SSL X Rack, It would be loaded with four Dynamics and four EQ modules. This will be my last purchase for hardware, do to space and electrical reasons. Would purchasing a X-Rack be more usable compared to using a pair of Distressors and stereo eq?

I'm currently tracking with an API 7600 and Chandler TG2.

 

[Weasel9992]

I'm planning to track and mix smaller projects at my personal studio and larger projects at a commercial studio. Maybe do some live sampling, etc.. I originally planned to purchase two Distressors and one stereo eq. Maybe two Neve Portico 5033 or one API 5500. Although, after doing some research and talking to a salesman. I was offered an SSL X-Rack for an incredible deal. If I do purchase the SSL X Rack, It would be loaded with four Dynamics and four EQ modules. This will be my last purchase for hardware, do to space and electrical reasons. Would purchasing a X-Rack be more usable compared to using a pair of Distressors and stereo eq?

I'm currently tracking with an API 7600 and Chandler TG2.

More usable? Yeah, probably so...but man, a stereo pair of EL-8's would be sweet. Very, very useful on everything from kick to bass to snare to vocals, guitar...frickin' violin, whatever. The EQ's you mentioned are no slouches either.

...but the X-Rack would probably be the more flexible, responsible choice. The EQ and dynamics modules especially get very high marks.

Frank

 

[MOFO Pro]

How good a deal... and is it a one off?

 

[King_Cobra]

Someone offered me 3 XR625 EQs for $1200. I can get a new X rack for $1350 before tax. I already have a Distressor ELX8 on back order for $1275 but can cancel. Right now, I only have 4 rack spaces available. An X rack or 2 distressors and a stereo EQ will finish it. I ready can't afford to keep getting gear paying for a house, car, etc, etc.. I have Pro tools HD with a bundle of plug-ins. Based on what I have, I like the EQ and Compression plug ins on synths. Although, I'm not a fan of plug-ins on vocals, live percussion, bass, electric and acoustic guitars. This will be my last purchase. I want to focus more on my creatively. Anything else, I will rent, hire or not worry about it!!!

 

[MOFO Pro]

I'm a bit confused by your pricing... you stated an x rack loaded with four dynamics and EQs in your original post, then mention the xrack and 3 eqs in the followup... But I'm thinking the X-Rack deal still looks pretty darn sweet...

 

[Weasel9992]

Me too...I'm not sure you can go wrong with it. Besides, you know you'll end up getting the Distressors later anyway.

Frank

 

[Myriad_Rocker]

My vote goes to the Distressors and Neve/API style EQ. I've always viewed SSL's stuff as more mixing oriented than tracking oriented. That's my 2 cents.

 

[King_Cobra]

I'm a bit confused by your pricing... you stated an x rack loaded with four dynamics and EQs in your original post, then mention the xrack and 3 eqs in the followup... But I'm thinking the X-Rack deal still looks pretty darn sweet...

That is what I planned to do after getting the X Rack. The deal was for 3 XR625s and the X Rack. The Rack would be purchased elsewhere.

you know you'll end up getting the Distressors later anyway.

Frank

I keep hearing that, that's why it's driving me nuts..

My vote goes to the Distressors and Neve/API style EQ. I've always viewed SSL's stuff as more mixing oriented than tracking oriented. That's my 2 cents.

Hmm.. Very good point!!! I mainly track for the most part. Any mixing I personally do iTB or rather rent a commercial facility with an engineer.

 

[Weasel9992]

So, what's the decision?

Frank

 

[King_Cobra]

The EQs have been sold. So I missed out on that one. I still have a Distressor on stand buy. I'll end up getting the SSL G Series Bus Compressor and a Mytek DAC. Sounds like a winner!!! This way my final mix will have the same SSL character as the console. The distressors are versatile so thats a bonus. As far as an eq? Maybe the Portico 5033 or API 5500. The Buzz MPE 1.1 was another option, although I prefer a EQ that uses a transformer.

 

[MOFO Pro]

The EQs have been sold.

Doesn't surprise me at all... for that price

 

[King_Cobra]

Yeah.. Although, I'm not disappointed.. I've been seeing a lot of price drops on SSL. I ready want the G series bus compressor. Although, I have to save more if I'm getting the Distressors..

 

[Weasel9992]

How 'bout a lunchbox and a bunch of 500 series stuff instead...?

Frank

 

[King_Cobra]

NOoo.. I just want to finish my rack and call it a day..

1. SSL G Series Bus Compressor
2. One pair on Neve Portico 5033
3. One pair of Distressors EL8-X

That's a rap!!! Thanks for all your help guys!

 

[iownrocknroll]

all fantastic gear that has it's purpose!!

 

[Weasel9992]

Yeah, it'll do that's for sure. I'm a little envious even.

Frank

 

[King_Cobra]

There's a lot more options now a days and compared to ten years ago. I don't have it yeah but that's the plan.. I ready want my new projects to shine. Not to say it's bad now. I just want a add fullness, weight, warmth and mojo.. Hopefully I'll have one of the distressors this month..

 

[King_Cobra]

You can hear the added benefit of using the Distressor..

Here!!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WL8aYGZxOo&feature=related

 

[Weasel9992]

You can hear the added benefit of using the Distressor..

Here!!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WL8aYGZxOo&feature=related

Oh, I know the benefits well. I've used Distressors many, many times, but I don't own one...hence the envy.

Frank