Can 500 Series Modules Be Used For Mastering?
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- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- In this video I discuss plugin emulations and my honest opinion on if I like them or not. I use a huge amount of plugins and hardware. I have a great deal of knowledge on just how well the two compare.
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Hey man, thanks for this video. I cant stress how useful it is that you tell us these learning experiences, cause it helps all of us learn without waisting money and time.
Yeah i wish this sort of content was about 15 years ago. Would have saved me a lot of time and money. But you live and learn. The main thing is we learn from every venture good or bad.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Absolutely, thats all you can do. Nothing wrong with making mistakes as long as you learn from em, right? Have a good one brother.
@@clunt2548 100%
There’s a warning on all 500 modules not to use on mastering projects. They will instantly combust if the tracks aren’t ruff enough
The Rupert Neve Designs 500 series chassis is great! Very powerful and very low noise.
Everything by RND is great
best video on 500 series ive seen on youtube. thanks so much for the insights.
Thank you. Glad you like it.
Rupert Neve R10 and Purple Audio Sweet Ten are very good racks
This was the tape I was looking for! Now I use 19” racks but I wanted to hear a good talk on this subject.🙏
As soon as I could afford it I went out and bought a bunch of 500 series modules and quickly realized I was in over my head but that the purchases I had made just happened to be awesome. What I didn’t think much about though was what you discuss in this video here. I’ve ended up using most of these modules for tracking guitar/vocals and as hardware inserts for mixing instead of mastering because only one of the modules is stereo. Seems like a major DUH moment but I had absolutely no clue what I was doing when I bought this stuff and had been mixing in the box for 15 years. I quite literally just said “oh I’ve use this plug-in a lot how sweet would it be to get a version of the real thing”? And then just bought it all 😂. Almost 0 research. Overall I would say I lucked out with how well this has worked for me and I am very happy with my 500 series gear but the points you making this video are extremely valid. I believe my next hardware purchase will be a rack mount unit. I have my eyes on some API pre-‘s and the empirical labs distressor. I am a complete baby in the hardware realm lol, wish me luck on my journey!
One thing to look at in this day and age is hardware with digital recall. Units like Wes Audio NG series or bettermaker. These kinds of units bridge the gap of plugins and hardware coming together.
Check this video out discussing these kinds of hardware units ua-cam.com/video/I2fHNOChJIM/v-deo.htmlsi=gjytWssneCWsGjsW
Hello, What series 500 module can I use as a limiter for mastering?
Whatsthe answe?
This Channel shows me what I didnt know I didnt know.
Thanks and all the best for the new year!
Great to hear, you too have a great 2022
The 8 slot API rack is the cheap option...not much current per unit. I have the 10 space one and it's great, ZERO noise. It's got a beefy external PSU. The 6-slot one is the same quality level.
Looking seriously at adding a 500 series rack (WesAudio Supercarrier II 11-slot 500 Series Chassis) to upgrade our mastering chain... do you have a more detailed video you can point us to for a deeper dive into how to specifically setup a good 500 series mastering chain that you describe in this video? Understood that stereo versions of 500 series modules are required but it is muddy for us how you are using side-chain and perhaps other widening techniques using mono versions of modules in this chain system... would be nice to understand the specific connections as well as sequence of the modules that you have used to get the best output. We have two 19" units that can be placed into the sequence with a 500 series rack which are the Rupert Neve Portico II and the Neve MBT. Would be very curious to understand your perspective on how those two units could be used with the 500-series chassis --- the options you quote out here are:
- Elysia xpressor neo 500 Series Class A Stereo Compressor
- Elysia Nvelope 500 Series Stereo Impulse Shaper with Dual EQ Capabilities
- Shadow Hills Industries Dual Vandergraph 500 Series Stereo Compressor
- Maag Audio EQ4 500 Series 6-band Equalizer
- Kush Audio Clariphonic 500
You discussed the costs aspects of the 500 series but the other one for us is expandability... we have only 3U remaining in our mix desk so this is driving the thought process here to get the most from the remaining real estate we have.
Look forward to your comments of a top-quality 500 series mix/mastering setup with the 500 series leaving out the Reupert neve 500 series but including 19" versions of the transformer magic.
Thank you.
The supercarrier 2 rack is really good. When I was using 500 series I switched the API rack for a supercarrier 2 rack and it was a big improvement.
Mono modules can be used with a mid side matrix. In 500 series format the IGS bison 500 is a good option. You can then use the left module to process the mid and right module to process the sides.
You can add 500 series to your Rupert Neve gear either via a patchbay or in series however you like.
Elysia is the best example of what you get in the 19' version, only a better power supply. Look inside a xfilter or a xpressor rack version, it is literally 2 500 serie boards attached to the back of the unit.
Put them in an Elysia 500 series rack and they are probably almost identical.
I've seen many videos and I was impressed by the style you analyze, it seems authentic. I've been looking for a long time to find a machine to give a taste like from an analog tape. I discovered the neve 542 tape emulation. is there anything with a similar function? Like this and better ,but not 500 series.(I’m entry level - I have stuff from WA opt comp, EQ and preamp mic Neve style and I afraid to start this 500 series for the noise ..)
thank you for your time!
So, did you find any alternative for 542 in 19" format? :)
Hi, you are putting great quality content out there, I am so glad that I found this channel :) What do you think about the SH Dual vandergraph for mastering purpose. I listened to some audio samples and I am in ave of that huge analog sound it has. I'd like to get one. TY!
The dual vandergraph was incredible. I really did love that compressor. I actually preffered it to the Shadow Hills mastering compressor for a while. I am yet to find a compressor that compresses vocals as good as the dual vandergraph. For mastering I would say it is easily the best compressor for mastering in 500 series format.
Great video. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on 500 series
I would love you to post blind example. I've never heard actual blind comparisons between various 500 series and corresponding rack gear. I strongly suspect that there might be no meaningful difference in sonics, assuming the 500 rack is good. I own lots of rack gear and 500 series. (but never same unit) I think there is a massive bias because the units are so small. Many times, I have convinced myself that my rack gear sounds better, only to realize the 500 series eq was actually patched in. They are so small in comparison to a giant thing. Surely they can't sound as good? I also have used bad racks with issues but when the rack is good, I don't see any problem personally. I get what u are saying about noise though
I wish you hadn't disabled the like button because I wanted to give you a like! I have a 19" bus compressor and I'm stuck on the fence about doing a 500 series with SSL Six and Ultra Violet EQ modules or the Warm Audio WA271 EQ. I'm also not totally sure about how to do stereo with a 500 series rack.
The like button should be there. If you are going to get SSL 500 series now is the time as it is half price. In my opinion SSL is better than Warm Audio. Stereo works very easily. Left goes in the left side of the module and right goes into right side of module.
Thanks for the tips. Great video. I think my ultimate unit is a 500 series module for tracking, mixing and mastering. Any thoughts on using the Cranborne Audio 500R8 USB 8-slot 500 Series Chassis + Audio Interface? Also I'm curious about both the Bettermaker C502V 500 Series Stereo Compressor Module and their 500 series EQ? Thanks for the detailed information already.
What do you think about the Serpent 500 series stereo SB4001 compressor for master bus or do you like something better?
I've only ever used the SB4001 once before and thought it was pretty good. That was over drums. I can imagine it being good over the master bus. I would use the Shadow Hills dual vandergraph a lot over the master bus to Great effect.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio I appreciate your input. I am going to check it out
I tried the SB4001 out and the thing I didn’t like about it is the greyhill stepped knobs. I usually like stepped knobs, but those ones are so stiff and hard to turn. It might be because the knobs are so small, but it was a dealbreaker for me
Thanks so much for taking the time to film this Paul and answer the question I had really appreciate it great insight and something I’ll definitely think about investing in to get started!
I would say it bring me to another question: DA/AD conversion - is there any point investing in outboard gear without mastering grade conversion?
Currently in the box using audeze phones and grace design DAC so never had the need for the AD part of the conversion in that sense as I’ve got no outboard gear yet
Shout note I do have an audio interface with converters for synths etc but not mastering grade
What I always say is you are only as good as your weakest link. You could have the best 500 series rack but if it's going to poor converters it'll not be as good. Then you have the best 500 series chain through mastering grade converters and your speakers be poor. Then what you hear is poor and you don't make the right choices based on the correct audio being heard. Then all of that is top quality and you put it in a room that is poor. What you are hearing isn't accurate. Some things are less important than others. But ultimately your audio chain is only as good as the worst piece of equipment in it. I did a video on the exact subject you are talking about. I'll link you to it.
This video discusses your exact question ua-cam.com/video/C6rSahpZHRo/v-deo.html
@@AudioAnimalsStudio makes sense! Thanks for linking will check this one out
Hard to beat those 542's though😮
Thanks for this great video! I have a question for you - when mastering an EP or album with multiple tracks, how do you go back and forth between tracks when using analog gear? Even with stepped pots, you can't quickly jump between tracks to check levels and compare tonality between songs. Currently I'm ITB mastering + one outboard SSL comp which I use with the same settings and adjust level going to it to control the gain reduction. Want more outboard gear but worried about recall and workflow - unless I grab e.g. a Bettermaker EQ. Would love to hear your input, cheers!
This all comes with experience of using your equipment. You will find tonally you'll know what you want to achieve and apply that across the album. You can then make slight adjustments to each song accordingly.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thanks! So are you mostly keeping the settings generally the same from track to track, unless there's a song that's produced/mixed wildly differently? Thanks again 🙂
@@Beatsmith2005 it depends on the track and what is required.
Thanks. can you recommend a 19” rack saturation box for mastering, I had SSL Fusion but for me it was a bit too noisy. I have RND MBP so I use silk red / blue but am looking for another device with a different type of saturation that is cheaper than VSM 3. any suggestions ?.
I use the Vertigo VSM-2 and it's my go to for mastering. I also have a Whitestone P331 in the chain too which is a little cheaper at £5250. These are my two recommendations. But you have a 3rd option which I'm not keen on myself. Something like the blackbox.
Thanks
drawmer 1978 thank me later
@@FYEHOUSEMUZIC i will look at that, thanks.
Very useful. Thanks again Paul!
We swapped the Elysia Xpressor for an Alpha Compressor, flex 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
Same. Quite the upgrade
@@AudioAnimalsStudio I would argue the greatest compressor ever made 🤔
@@NoQualmsTheArtist have you tried the Unfairchild 670m II. Very different compressors but I'd argue the Unfairchild sounds better but the alpha is more versatile and just works on everything. The Unfairchild is more unique.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio never had the pleasure. But one day 🧐
@@AudioAnimalsStudio do you use the Accessory Box add on for the Unfairchild?
You Forget to mention Wes Audios i think:)
Would you recommend midas rack and their 500 units for mixing or tracking? Midas preamp, eq or compressor?
I'd recommend getting a good quality rack. The midas rack isn't one of the good racks on the market. I wouldn't recommend it.
@AudioAnimalsStudio okay thanks. Also, what about the midas 500 series preamp eq or compressor for mixing and tracking?
Do you find a problem with switched PSU vs linear.
Hello, I just found your channel and I loved it, very good content and serious. I was looking for information on an equalizer for mastering (at home, but as pro as possible). I really liked the Elysia Xfilter and I see you talking about it, but then I saw another video of you talking about the WesAudio Hyperion. If you had to choose one of them, which one would you recommend me for sound quality? From what I've seen, Hyperion hands down the Xfilter in number of features (M/S, USB, variable Q, etc), but I don't know in sound quality. I hope you can give me your opinion, congratulations for your channel, and thank you very much
The Hyperion would be my choice in 500 series format. For the reasons you list. It's a brilliant sounding EQ too.
You are great, thank you very much
amazing video, thank you very much
Amazing video. Brother thankyou
Hello! Where does Ultra Violet land in this recommendation palette? Thank you.
I really like the Ultraviolet EQ. Impressive EQ in 500 series. However I would prefer to spend a bit more and get the fusion as you get the full set of features in the fusion and a mid side insert matrix.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thank you
Could you get rid of the noise on the 500 series rack by using a conditioner to power it?
I had noise with my Adam monitors when plugged into my apollo x6 and when I used a power conditioner it removed all the noise.
Mine were plugged into a power condition also. So I would say no. It helps I'm sure but not a fix.
@Audio Animals Studio thanks for the quick reply! Ahh I see no problem. This video is great and helped me massively with deciding what to go for. Appreciate it.
@Beats by Kobra my pleasure. Great to hear it help.
I have a power conditioner and it made no difference to noise.
What I noticed - the Elyria 500 series stuff is very quiet, when I changed up for the Neve rack. The Midas rack was noisy, very much so. Also, even in the Neve unit, the Lindell comp and pultec are a bit noisy.
What also helped was making sure the return on the interface is at zero db as you shouldn’t need any more gain and you use balanced cables.
One last thing, until I moved from my rental property up north back to London the wiring made my 500 series and modular synth a fill 3/4db noisier, so wiring really matter.
I use the elysia xfilter and xpressor 500 series on my master bus, but I need another compressor/limiter in the box to get my level and a bit more clue (I use the plugin version of the Alpha).
I had many battles with noise, so I thought I’d share man. Hope it helps.
@Joseph Riddlestone yes I can second the Elysia A Class modules are the quietest I have ever heard.
Hi Paul, Could you please give me your opinion about the Lindell Audio 510 Power MKII 10-slot 500 Series Chassis? Thanks in advance!
I don't have any experience with this rack. One thing I do know is that your rack is very important. I had an API 10 slot rack and a few units in it would have a crackle to them I could never get out. I switched the rack to a Wes Audio supercharrier 2 and that disappeared. This showed me how important a quality rack was when buying 500 series. The Lindell rack will probably be fine. But I can definitely say as I have never used one.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thank you very much!
I have lindell modules and they’re the only ones that are noisy, which is a shame as their 1176 clone is amazing.
Don’t know if that translates to their racks though.
I have the Neve ten slot and it’s whisper quiet and plenty powerful. Night and day difference to the Midas I had for a week and returned.
I guess I can second the comments in the video on the rack being important
@@josephriddlestone4684 Thank you!!
are there any differences between the kush clariphonic 19 rack version and the 500 series version? im asking because im interested in them but i dont know if i should wait and use the 19 rack version
The rack version you can get as MS which is a great feature. The functionality is the same from memory. You would have to look at kush's specs to check on the headroom difference and power supply. Which both I would imagine are better in the rack version.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio thank you a lot!
API 8B super < carrier rack west audio ✅
Midas rack 💩
Got it!!
The supercarrier 2 by wes audio would be my recommendation. Brilliant rack and much better than the API 8B. And yes Midas is cheap and cheerful can be very noisy.
Thx so much, the best experienced info always!
7:35 😊
I just get one of each elysia qube and call it a day bruv
Interesting video thanks. Quick question . I've got a MIDAS L10 500 series unit. I use it for mainly a mastering chain which consists of - 2x Neve 542's, Wes Audio Dione, Wes Audio Prometheus, 2x Maag EQ2's and then 2x Cranborne Audio preamps (not used for master obvs). So far I've found it to be great but it does make me wonder how better something like the WES Audio Supercarrier would make!? The only thing I've ever really noticed is the noise floor on the last Cranborne Preamps on a sm7b in particular (with no booster) a bit louder than my other dedicated 19" rack preamps.. But the price difference I do wonder if it is worth even worrying about expensive 500 series as the Midas are so affordable. Like I want to start another 500 series rig mostly for preamps and maybe a compressor and eq and the Midas would just make this very affordable option.
Keep up the great work thanks :)
Russ
I always found the midas racks you either got a good one or bad one. Some I've used are crazy noisy then you move moduals around and it's better. Then you get one that is great with no noise. The super carrier was great for me and an improvement on the api rack.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Fair yeah. Must have got lucky. I had a L6 to that was good.. Thanks :)
@@russellplowman i have no problem with mines ,,l6 love it and saved major bucks
I have the L10 and I have 0 noise issues, even with modules next to the power supply
Listening at 1.5x speed and much more listenable. Great info and video! think about speeding up your video slightly :)
Also, having a headrest like that will be creating lots of comb filtering for you. Lose that head rest :)))
You don't sit down and work in Dolby atmos, you stand and mix. I can understand this being quite an alien concept to people working in stereo and not understanding the concept of Dolby Atmos being 360. I mean the huge array of speakers is a dead give away. Your worried about comb filtering. Lol in Dolby Atmos the headrest would block the rear speakers. 🤣
Which 500 series you recommend on the tracking sense of things cause I’m summing everything In with live instruments
I have rarely tracked through 500 series but it really depends on what you want. A pre, an EQ, a compressor or all. It all comes down to what you like. I like a super clean sound so I have always tracked through SSL consoles.
best analogy ever!😁
If some plugins of hardware emulation can be used for mastering, I can't see why not using 500 series hardware for that too
Because no matter how good the plugin is hardware achieves a much better sound.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio I think that’s what he’s saying, if there’s plugins that sound good, then getting out of the box to 500 series would still be a huge sound upgrade for most people
@@puffyjmackdaddy yes coming out the box to 500 series would be a good upgrade to a plugin.
My Neve’s 542 just arrived, Wes Audio Titan on its way aswell the Fusion. Then saving up for Wes Audio, Dione, Rhea, Hyperion and Prometheus so super happy. The Rhea will be the Insert for The Fusion….. hopefully the Titan is not noisy and powerful enough to power all. Also already have the Neve orbit 5057 summer, Drawmer 1976, warm audio EQP’s and Art pro Vla II, Nice vid! And yes 500 series is cheaper especially for people like me who are just very very passionated amateur audio/mastering engineers in progress hahahaha Cheers man!
That's going to be an amazing chain.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thanks! Yea for a Amateur like myself its a great chain indeed. for a pro like you, you do need real Mastering Gear to do serious business. But man Real Mastering gear is out of reach for me. Maybe if I develop better skills i can earn some money with Mastering as i am having 1 big client now who choose my Masters 3 times, compared to Some Studios he sended it to also. Now he wants me to Master everything for him and if his Album turns out the way he wants he want to use all his contacts to get me more clients so yea i am investing a lot. But its all about the Skills! So i am still far away from being a true engineer but the Dream is awesome! Cheers
lol you did not swap like for like. you can't go from an Xpressor to a dang Alpha and call that like for like
Well OK that's not technically like for like, but the brands the same.
@@AudioAnimalsStudio lol. Thanks for all the videos. About to buy the rack versions of the elysia gear.
@@Feerlyss you can't go wrong with Elysia. Build quality is awesome
@@AudioAnimalsStudio it is said that the Qube/desktop and 500 series sound exactly the same as the rackmount. I find that hard to believe. They aren’t identical on I/O. But would you say that it is true on sound? Elysia claim it’s the same.
@Feerlyss I have heard the same. If you open up the Elysia rack gear it is essentially 2 500 series modules. I've never tested myself so can't confirm but every supplier I speak to confirms this.
No money I'm trying to get
Perfection 🛫🛫🛫
Short answer: yes!
I think you stay with that 500 series for a while because that cost money 🤑
Yes or no…. Then go into the 20 minutes.