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

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King_Cobra

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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.
 
King_Cobra said:
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.
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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
 
How good a deal... and is it a one off?
 
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!!!
 
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...
 
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
 
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.
 
MOFO Pro said:
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...
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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.

Weasel9992 said:
you know you'll end up getting the Distressors later anyway. ;)

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

Myriad_Rocker said:
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.
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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.
 
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.
 
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.. :rolleyes:
 
How 'bout a lunchbox and a bunch of 500 series stuff instead...?

Frank
 
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! :p
 
Yeah, it'll do that's for sure. I'm a little envious even. :D

Frank
 
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..
 
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