Adding Outboard To Your Studio

[@kingech_B15]

I am 50K deep in my home studio. Now I am looking at an SSL Origin. The rabbit hole is really deep.

[@mrflynn01]

Deeper than pockets could ever imagine!

[@BarryJohns]

If the waters warm and the wallet’s fat, dive in!

[@alite502]

If you sell anything I’m interested

[@mrflynn01]

@@alite502 “sell anything”

[@alite502]

@@mrflynn01 thanks

[@paulsmith1052]

This was a great discussion!!!!!

[@thumbody1]

Ha ha Barry. I'll bet you're not older than me. :o) I'm 64.
I have been doing this audio stuff since the late 70's and cut my teeth on analog gear and tape machines. When I went digital I sold off almost all of the analog outboard gear I had amassed over the years. I sold my old 8 track Otari tape machine just a few months ago after tuning it back up. I could kick myself for selling the 2 dbx160XT compressors I had but at that time I never used them. All that I had left for outboard gear after the purge was a PCM70 that I hadn't used for decades.
Now I'm going back and restocking the rack. I bought a Focusrite ISA428 with the digital option about 10 years ago and recently added an API A2D with the 312 mic preamps to that so I could have a couple different colors on the front end. I bought a Warm Audio WA-76 a month or so ago and patched it and the PCM70 into my Pro Tools system to use as external hardware. I'm loving the WA-76. I am seriously considering adding a WA-2A to the rack as well. I have a UA PCIe card in my computer and have a number of their plugins as well as many others. After the WA-2A I'll probably just continue stocking my mic locker and use plugins for everything else. I have a number of great mics and can't get enough of them. Microphones are sexy.
At some point I need to upgrade my interface. I'm using a Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Generation as of now and that was a step up from the AVID Eleven Rack I was using before that. I may have to sell some guitars to be able to afford that upgrade. I'm looking at the RME UFX2 or a Focusrite RED 8 Line. Either one would be a giant step up in quality.
About a year ago I did some extensive room treatment to my space to nullify some pretty nasty flutter echo problems in the room. I also rearranged all the other stuff in the room to get more symmetry at the listening position. It didn't make sense to have all the great mics and not have a good sounding room to use them in. All I have is all my stuff set up in one end of a large guest room so it has to be used for everything. The bed makes for some more absorption. :o)
I really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@GeoZero]

I've used a 24 channel analog souncraft and A&H GL2800 (32 channel/8bus) which really gives a lot of the analog vibe and helps glue mixes in. I also have 2 lunchboxes with SSL, Neve, and Trident EQ's, bunch of compressors, and de-esser. Then rack gear that includes 5 reverb and delay units, Aural exciter, compressors and even an old Ashly EQ unit. I use these through my DAW just as if they were plugins, and augment all of that with plugins. The analog signal really glues everything.

[@chandlerclement1365]

As a father and hobbyist, this was a really helpful video for me! Going to have to look at that CAPI stuff.

[@mrflynn01]

Me too, lol. I like to take a stab at it.

[@Rusty123R]

I built 4 of the vp28 pre amps, I remember being pretty nervous to start building them, in the end they were not that difficult. I love that they are 2 stage pre amps, so I can put them on my mix bus to get the API flavour. The op amps were the hardest part they have many components on such a small board 🤣

[@uptownphotography]

Hi Barry, I watched this last night at about 1AM and totally agree with your info. I was just too tired last night to comment.
I have a good amount of old, now considered vintage gear (Eventide H3000, Lexicon PCM42, Yamaha Rev7, SPX900, etc) and I love the gear. Before starting my photography business, I did audio recording full time in the 1990s using a 48 input modular inline D&R console and a 1" 16 track running at either 15IPS or 30IPS. Eventually, I bought a Tascam DA88 and synced it to my analog recorder (via SMPTE) and had 24 tracks to play with.
The last 15 years, I have had a 24 track digital stand alone recorded, and now I'm ready to jump into the DAW arena. Of course giving up my analog outboard gear is OUT OF THE QUESTION, so I am putting together a Hybrid studio with both an analog mixer and Presonus Series III 32S model Digital mixer. I have not wired the whole studio up yet (trying to figure what works best), but plan on recording again and writing (and recording) Jazz Fusion) guitar style music as well as renting it out again (only) on a limited basis. All the best and always great talking with an engineer who thinks like I do!
Phil
NYC Area

[@manuellujan5625]

Thank you for the insight on all this! Made me feel better about a big investment in a few Manley Outboard preamps. 😅
That is probably the only thing other engineers have recommended me is getting MICS and Preamps.
Compressors and EQ plug ins have gotten so good (according to more experienced engineers) im just a musician producer so I take your word for it lol

[@Fedbo]

Hi Barry, new subscriber here! I'm a guitarist and singer songwriter based in Berlin and I'm passionate about recording and I wanna learn more about analog gear. I'm going trough a lot of your videos, I like the way you talk and the experiences you share, I'd love to know more about your story and what kind of music you produced over the years! Quick note, I hear you often specifying that what you're saying it's only your opinion and shouldn't be taken as the Holy grail. I feel like saying this often can sometimes break the flow of the speach and it's pretty obvious that you talk about your experiences and opinions, if someone doesn't get that then it's their problem 😅

[@jerryvesel8286]

I just bought API the Box 2, the routing is awesome. Also bought West audio dione, hundred percent analog but yet you can use it as a plug-in or on the hardware for automation excetera

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

I definitely agree be careful in how and what you spend your money on. Buy used, B stock or demos because you save a bundle. I grabbed a UAD MK II 610 for $1300 from zzounds as it was a return. That return will NEVER leave my studio. I caught a BAE 500 series compressor for $600 from Sweetwater in the dealzone so deals can be found if you are patient. I buy most of my gear used because I'm not rich and I know about markup.

[@lightafluident.9950]

Nice

[@mrflynn01]

I like warm audio these days! Price wise.

[@manuellujan5625]

Have you personally tried the Warm Audio Preamps? How do they hold up? I have had good experience with their mics. They hold up pretty well against others.

[@mrflynn01]

@@manuellujan5625, my rep at SweetWater told me “warm” was a go!
So warm it is.

[@mrflynn01]

@The Official Jds Bleedo, we need to compare notes.

[@mrflynn01]

@The Official Jds Bleedo, I’m willing to try both.

[@asacrusoe8760]

For my vocal chain I use the WA73 into the WA EQP into the WA76. Sounds great and price wise it’s amazing.

[@davidfarrell2635]

One thing hit hard "This is my speedboat". I have said this many times, I don't buy muscle cars, boats, whatever else you want to drop in as a big boy toy. Guitars and recording equipment is what I blow my extra cash on. Thanks for all the videos. Because of you, I decided to purchase a Stam 1073 Mic Pre.

[@thepick5663]

I totally agree about having something to compare. It's just a must!

[@TheAhmedGallab]

you are my favorite UA-camr. Thank you for your honesty and thoughtfulness.

[@BarryJohns]

Thank you!

[@genepooll7610]

Great video, Barry! I've been eyeballing Warm Audio's 76 and 2A clones (esp since your compressor review, which was another great video). Good advice, much appreciated!

[@BarryJohns]

Thanks Gene!

[@bri3331]

I’ve been able to buy some outboard gear in the last couple of year the first one was the LA610 I use mostly for vocals then I got a Rupert Neve 5012 2 channel preamp that I’m using for piano unbelievable then last month I got the SSL fusion along with the warm audio bus compressor love your videos Barry keep it up man

[@jamesrivera3426]

My new fav channel

[@BonoboBerry]

Love you channel Barry! Especially your wing-it one take mentality and just getting to the point with most things even if some videos are just a bit longer than others. Keep it up dude, it's a crime you don't have more subs.

[@BarryJohns]

Thanks, spread the word!

[@lightafluident.9950]

I've been studying a few of the Art products. I even purchased the Pro VLA 2 and it is a great 2 channel optical compressor. My main vocal channel is a WA12 MK2 black mic preamp from Warm Audio, and behind that I chain an LL2A compressor limiter from Little Labs. After the LL2A I chain a single channel from the VLA, but I only engage it in the signal when I want more grit/color.

[@UniqueThaPoet]

Great video. Love the Heritage Audio mic pres.

[@gerardomerino6418]

Thank you Barry for your helpful videos!

[@silocin9684]

Best video iv found so far gana make the jump soon cheers for the upload!

[@natan_abdala]

Good video man 👍🏼👍🏼 keep them coming

[@stevenkastner5678]

Great post. I like the strategic thinking.
I do want to add a few items that go along with your strategy of waiting to get good value so you won’t want to sell and upgrade regularly.
1. Here’s a temporary measure that won’t cost a lot that will help you have the discipline to save but still get some immediate gratification.
Get an older used analog console that has very good mic preamps. Specifically I suggest the first Mackie Onyx series. The 1202 has 4 mic channel strips, the 1620 has 8, and the 1640 has 16. Forget the Firewire option card.

[@BPEJS24-7]

I'd love to have a studio one day. Thanks, Barry. I will keep your channel in mind. ;)

[@BarryJohns]

Step by step!

[@amalgami]

it would be cool to do a budget analog gear session, like if one can spend $1000 tops, what analog gears one should start with?

[@recordman555]

Great presentation, Barry.

[@BarryJohns]

Thank you!

[@VersatyleMusicGroup]

Stam audio makes the best clones in my opinion.

[@SoRDouglasdale]

We considered what we were typically recording and built our analog gear based on that. We decided on 6 preamps to start with along with a wa2a and a couple of wa76s. I think possibly adding another 2a and maybe another pair of 76s.
Btw my son keeps asking us to buy a boat 😎

[@fenixtech1342]

Watched a few of your videos and just subbed :)
Just wanted to say I'm 38 and feel like I'm on a similar trajectory to you hahahahaha. I work in IT and have dabbled in home recording for 10+ years. I have a nice rig now and have always worked ITB but I'm thinking it might be cool to have a hardware mix bus compressor or a 500 series rack. It's so hard to justify the price and hassle cause I'm not an enthusiast and not an engineer or looking to do this as a career... but on the flip side I'd love to geek out on some hardware. It's comforting to see other people out there spending their hobby money and free time doing the same thing. I'll start small but who knows, maybe in 20 years I'll have a couple of consoles and mixing racks just like your place :)
Love the tone of the videos, not super hyped and trying to push the latest plugins... and great camera setup as well. Keep it all up!

[@pedroperles1303]

In love with you! Thanks for sharing this amazing content: a mix between tech and "dotherightthing" stuff. I will think a little bit more in my boy and a little bit less on buying xpensive pre-amps....
Thanks! From Spain, Pedro

[@DoctorMcFarlandStudios]

I am looking to add the WA273 to two of the line inputs of my RME UFX. I have plenty clean preamps from Aruturia connected to the RME via ADAT.

[@WassupFred]

Good convo

[@DanielBaeder]

Hi there, hope you’re well!
Love your videos. Actually I think GA is equally good as Warm audio.
KT I had for a week and I sent back.
Cheers

[@ProVoiceBH]

Thank you very much for such gold advice!

[@bikesandbeats4693]

Turn on loop recording. Will add your recording to playlists once it reaches the end of the range. In case you make the mistake again.

[@taucetus3657]

I have always felt the music industry is stuck to the past. Tubes, transformers etc... albeit some audio companies are slowly coming out of it like UA audio, WES Audio, Cranborne Audio. If you have a good microphone preamp like Daking Mic Pre II for example and a good microphone like Roswell Colares, that is a great production setup for a start.

[@lightafluident.9950]

Yeah, a lot of people are still stuck on spending thousands upon thousands on stuff just because of the name it carries. I buy gear that is affordable, but solid at the same time. Why buy a 3,000 dollar Neve mic preamp when my WA12 MK2 black mic preamp from Warm Audio sounds just as good? With technology the way it is nowadays you've got to be crazy to over spend. All you have to do is research, study, watch, and listen and you'll build a studio that will stand up to the best of them on a budget that's three times cheaper.

[@operasinger2126]

I have 2 Daking mic pre ones. Anything more for me won't improve my recordings.

[@commonsense5188]

@@lightafluident.9950 I'm late to the party on this one, to even further expand on your point, why even buy analog gear when we're at a point where the differences for MOST analog gear vs quality plugins is so small, that it's virtually imperceptible by the time a mix is done. Yes, I have some hardware. BAE 1073MPF, Warm Wa2a, Warm Buss comp etc. I enjoy the gear, I do. I have no buyers remorse. But with that said, I can also sit here and admit that if you know how to mix, the gear is the LEAST of your worries. Plugins can take you all the way from start to finish, and if you take 2 mixes and shoot for the same sound by the end of the mix, one with plugins and one mix with a hybrid setup, you'd be hard pressed to have anyone pick which is which is a truly BLIND shootout. Even those with self-proclaimed "golden ears."
With that said, I've thought numerous times recently about just ditching my hardware. The BAE and the Wa2a only get use when I track vocals and the warm buss comp just lives on the mixbus. I've never ran UAD interfaces but just for the sake of argument, I honestly feel like I cold go pick up an Apollo today, track through their unison 1073 and wa2a, and throw something like Cytomic's "The Glue" in place of my hardware bus comp and not a soul would notice a difference once everything is mixed. Not only does it streamline the setup, more desk space, more space in general not needing racks, less cable clutter etc, but recall, etc is also far easier. Are there some positives to hardware? Sure. But is it WORTH the steep prices for nice gear? Not in today's climate. That's just my humble opinion after many years of doing this.

[@vc2tb]

Nice one Barry 👍

[@guitarmanmc2620]

Some Outboard gear I will hook it up to my Aux send out into the outboard gear then out of the outboard gear into a channel on the board in stereo. Then with the faders I can adjust the amount of effects

[@dopesnare]

Great food for thought Barry love your vids!

[@lightafluident.9950]

Try the Art Voice Channel, and the Art Pro VLA 2. I recently got the VLA and it is a jewel in my vocal chain. Looking to get the Voice Channel next.

[@justme-eb6lz]

5 kids hey? go berry...

[@mohammedabduljabbar-kg4wp]

I think i will go for a distressor over an 1176 clone for vocals just because of the ability to chose clean compression where color is not needed

[@jimbotski]

Great vid thanks Baz. I think I went a bit silly for my first piece of outboard recently and got a Shelford Channel.
A bit OTT for a project studio but I'm still totally smitten.

[@RaggaDProductions]

Good information, thank you.

[@VPROXE-HELLRAISER]

I just bought my first compressor, let the 19inch madness begin🤗

[@vicboi_painmusiq6370]

Thank my guy you just save me a lot of money LOL im your new sub

[@jaredholton3145]

Barry,
Can you do an episode on recording/tracking with an audio interface vs analog front end?
I have an ART vocal preamp, an early 2000s 8 track Yamaha mixer and a focusrite scarlett 18i8. The thing I notice about recording with the Art/Yamaha vs the focusrite is that the signal going to the DAW is way more closer to the end sound I want to hear than all the manipulation I have to do to get the signal of the focusrite to be where I want it.
I do record acoustic drums and would consider getting a recording console for this reason. Any suggestions?

[@NewWebDesign]

u sound and look amazing! your production value is wayyy up! did you upgrade? or just a new color grade? love the content

[@BarryJohns]

I did upgrade to the Sony A7IV, and then corrected my white balance, which always seem to be an issue.

[@BarryJohns]

I did upgrade to the Sony A7IV, and then corrected my white balance, which always seem to be an issue.

[@paulmax9871]

Well I hit the like but I gotta fess up. I don’t really like what you’re doing…I love it! Thank you for doing an awesome show.

[@BarryJohns]

Wow, thanks Paul!

[@gabrielevion7055]

for those looking for instructions on using hardware as inserts go to time code 12:14.

[@TTheBeatMaker]

I chose the rabbit hole every time

[@automationtraveler]

I agree with everything said

[@robertw1871]

I struggle with this everyday… just got into 500 series and wow what a pain it is to choose gear for that…. My focus is getting the signal into the box as clean and dynamic and finished as possible… then very light use of plugins to polish the mix… then on to the next track… my goal is workflow not necessarily the ultimate Uber gadget, if it’s a pleasure to use sounds decent and let’s me work fast then I’m interested…

[@edgardcolon62]

Hi Barry thanks for all your information.
what is your advice about the antelope products ? Example Antelope Audio Zen Go and tour. I will appreciate your feedback
Thanks

[@JBrm]

How do you feel about standalone saturation boxes like Neve 542s, LTL SilverBullet, CultureVulture, BlackBox HG-2,...? Isn't a lot of the Mojo of all these hardware units in the saturation, which - imho - plugins still don't emulate well?

[@RasCuban33]

I’m currently trying to do a Tascam Model 24 setup with some outboard gear. Looking at the Warm Bus-Comp for a glue comp, I already own a LA610MKII so tube preamp,eq,comp+limiter is covered.

[@BarryJohns]

I’d pick Stam Audio or even better AudioScape over Warm Audio.

[@RasCuban33]

@@BarryJohns I’m seeing a AudioScape G-Buss Comp for $750.

[@mrflynn01]

This is my “Corvette”, lol

[@BarryJohns]

Would it have been a little red one???

[@mrflynn01]

@@BarryJohns, yes indeed!!
How did you guess? #lol

[@el_ambient_dude7424]

Great Video, what are thoughts on the SSL 6 Desktop mixer to start before getting into a 500 series. Thanks!

[@mikaelsundblad5381]

"This is my speed boat"

[@AlloyedFrequencies]

Thanks

[@neilmarland145]

Glad I stumbled over this channel and I’ve found your advice really helpful, (I’ve hit the subscribe button) My home studio is set up around an Audient ID44 interface hooked up to an M1 Mac and LogicPro….. the last couple of years has been all about consolidating my audio learning working on my own material and offering help to others to aid my own learning. Im now getting confident enough to start to consider outboard gear in my signal chain (vocal and acoustic guitar) and have potentially shortlisted the SPL Frontliner as a possible investment….. have you had any experience using the SPL equipment? And do you think this would be a good addition to a home set up?

[@BarryJohns]

SPL makes solid gear. I have several videos out on how to approach implementing hardware as well as the things to consider. Check them out.

[@TTheBeatMaker]

Do you have a video on how to track the audio and sent it out to the compressor and back to the daw? And when I say how to I’m talking about setting up the inputs and outputs in pro tools so I can run it through my la 2A after tracking

[@BarryJohns]

I demonstrate it here:
Heritage Audio HA-73 EQ / Is It Worth The Money?
ua-cam.com/video/a0wD07MaPjo/v-deo.html

[@BarryJohns]

Also check this one out:
Hardware Inserts - How To Setup
ua-cam.com/video/RhiU7_YaPpc/v-deo.html

[@TTheBeatMaker]

@@BarryJohns thanks for responding!! Listening to them now.

[@kenmadewell6202]

I have a question ? How did you incorporate all your hardware inserts with pro tools carbon .?
Do you just freeze tracks because of limited I/o of carbon.
I’m talking mixing of course.
Great videos!

[@BarryJohns]

Good question, I have a video of how wired everything with my patchbay to Carbon. Check it out.

[@10hzstudio75]

Good Sir, Wat camera and lens are you using?

[@3pi294]

Hello Barry, thanks for sharing. I have an Apollo X. I should have bought the x4 but did not think about expanding the studio. I bought and RME OctoMic II and this expand my inputs but I am not able to have returns. I bought a Stam SSL compresor and the 1176 500 series, waiting to arrive. And I am still thinking how make my chain. I have a mono speaker connected to 3 so maybe the 4 will be to my 1176 and the main outs to the SSL clone buss compresor. The 1176 will be again connected to the OctoMic so this will be the return. What do you think? Or should I also buy a monitor controller? Regards!

[@BarryJohns]

I started to answer, and then I realized wait a minute I need some clarification. Specifically, what interface do you have today? You indicated you had the Apollo X, but the least number of inputs on the X series is four then six then eight, then 16, so I’m a little bit confused. Please give me some clarification as to the exact interface you’re using today and how many ins and outs you have.

[@Only1retro]

Nice, what’s is your day job’

[@BarryJohns]

I work in Hotels.

[@teashea1]

I understand you comments on buying used but I would never purchase a used piece of gear. I am interested only in top quality without any flaws or defects.

[@mrflynn01]

I cut my teeth on a SSL 4000e, so I’m kinda spoiled on great audio and gear.

[@BarryJohns]

Jealous!

[@mrflynn01]

@@BarryJohns, my mentor was a Motown recording engineer.

[@mrflynn01]

@@BarryJohns, believe it or not, I just happen to be the neighbor’s kid that wanted to record records.
It’s crazy.

[@pdmcrew80]

My favorite 1176 its the Black Lion audio seventeen, better than the Universal Audio in my opinion and comes with a pararel mix nob. Also the Api clones and Neve clones, all Black Lion Audio. they are a step up from Warm Audio in my opinion.

[@lightafluident.9950]

Warm Audio makes great mic preamps.

[@fenderbender6664]

Hmmm… did you say… waves more…plug-ins🤣👍🏻
Thanks for doing this by the waves…😬
Sorry… im out…
Btw… I really like your Channel

[@BarryJohns]

Thanks!!!!!

[@djushuaia281]

ehmmm Barry... I think the real real real question here is... where and how can I find a wife like yours who let me do what you do??? I think you re a pro in life in general, man....A Tutorial for that would be faaaaaaarrr more important and interesting to meee:)) forget the preamps for a minute

[@BarryJohns]

Well my wife is taken😁. Thanks man, I really appreciate the compliment!

[@zonarecordingstudio]

Api 2448