Solid advice. I think two principles apply: 1) Always improve from the "bottom" - strengthen the weakest link. 2) Once the weakest link is identified, buy the best gear you can afford to address that.
Man, I just got my first piece of hardware for my studio and what a difference it’s made. Mainly use my preamp for vocals now but I’m excited to use it for other sounds too. Great video
I remember the mixbus compressor shootout. I’ve been with ya for years. I ended up with the C1LA. So versatile. My advice is two tube preamps like the retro 500 pre/s if you’re looking for mixbus sauce. I’m keeping my mixbus preamps secret until I buy more cheap lol . Great vid Colt
Bro! Awesome vid. We need an A/B of those Capi on the mixbus, and work your way backwards in the analog chain so we can get a vibe for what they add :)
1st for me is a preamp (or pair) with a variable high pass or basic eq so you can get sounds that work easily. Next would be a monitor controller if your interface doesn’t do that stuff. I like your other ideas as well.
You’ve got it right on the money there, I have 4 analog preamps (working towards two more), a UA1176, and the SSL Fusion Analog processor, the next thing for my rig will be an analog bus compressor, I love using these pieces of hardware to bake into my mix and I’m finding such a higher caliber of audio and it’s incredible. I’m finding that I’m now having to try as hard in my mix, like less plugins, less effects, less work! It works so well for me and I’m loving it!
Been sending mono tracks through my Golden Age pre 73 , driving the signal as you suggested, and have finally achieved that fat upfront sound that I hear off high end console mixes. A bit like recording to tape except you get pre amp saturation. Can't thank you enough man!
Funny...I started with all tube gear in the 70s...you could literally find it sitting on the street or cheap at house sales. People were getting rid of it. I had a studio full of gear back in the 80s and 90s. Was so happy to go all "in the box" back in the late 90s and never looked back. Of course, nothing wrong with nice mic preamps if you are recording, but "in the box" is cleaner, more versatile, and way cheaper. YMMV!
Thank you so very much for your videos! They are so helpful! Thank you Sweetwater for sponsoring our favorite channels! Another reason I am a lifetime customer!
@@ColtCapperrune Hi Colt, love your channel, love your videos!!! I was wondering if you might be able to answer a question I’ve been mulling over…. I’m mostly working in the box, but I’m looking to get one analogue processor to help give my mixes/masters that “analogue vibe/sound”. I watch lots of your videos, and I see that here you recommend to get two mic pre’s as a first outboard hardware component. I happen to have one golden age pre73 neve clone pre that works well… I could buy another one and run all my mixes/masters through them both as you mention on this video. I also just came into some extra money, and I could buy an SSL fusion instead. Which of those options would you recommend for getting that nice round, fatness and dynamics? Would two mic press give the kindof coloration and fatness/dynamics that the SSL would? My mixes/masters are sounding good but after watching multiple sound tests on UA-cam etc, I’ve decided I need to make the leap out of the box just for one item (for now). Any thoughts?
I guess I could get another golden age pre-73 and do what you’re saying, and then add maybe a dbx 560A compact compressor/limiter, but or I could just get the fusion… it’s been a tough decision
first thing i got was a nice pair of neve style preamps w eq, and a stereo linkable pair of those black lion "17" 1176's (with hpf and a mix control so good for running tracks through) my next thing is a saturator like the Drawmer multiband saturator or the overstayer. had a pair of seventh circle audio pres and adbx 160x as well so very minimal setup but im really happy with my results so far. A good pair of pres/comps goes a very long way, pretty much covers all your needs except drums, and you can run drum tracks through after for mixing if you want. My main issue is traffic jams: it's a pain setting up and taking stuff down when you don't have enough channels to just have everything miked up and ready to rock like we did in the old studio.
Thanks for this brother, and thank you for answering my question and directing me here from the Patreon Q&A! This helps a ton with having to really put some thought with my studio upgrades
Depending on one’s preferences and needs, I’d recommend Kahayan Solid 4000 or Overstayer Modular Channel Stereo Model 8755D or a pair of RND 542 (500 Series).
In all my years I would buy 5 Condensor Mics or Interfaces, Channel Strips from Guitars Center, Sweetwater & just Return what I don’t like. Back when the world was a great place the Music Stores would have Real High End Gear for you to try ( Like Vintage King ) so you knew what to buy after looking into that particular gear for so long. ☺️Thank You Colt. George
Great video Colt. I am right there with you on what order to purchase and ways to think about next purchase. Granted, there have been many times I impulse bought a few things that were not probably the highest priority. I just recently but the bullet and ordered a really nice thick cloud for my mix position. Have been putting that off for WAY WAY too long. Not the sexiest thing, but I think it’s going to make the biggest difference for next purchase. Keep up the good work!
Used to have a studio with great analog gear (Crane Song, api, UA, Dangerous, HD I/O, etc)... Sold it all 10 years ago. Now I want to have a smaller studio I am thinking about getting 2 RND Shelford Channels. Mic, line, DI and thru input, input tranny, HPF, EQ, comp with blend, and saturation. Other than a mix buss comp and maybe a st pultec style EQ for the 2buss, I should be happy with that. Trying to decide on the interface as well but as far as hardware it seems like I can't go wrong with 2 Shelfords. Thanks for the video!
Wow! Saw this video then thought what the hell, grabbed some old Audient preamps and put them on my mixbus. 🤯 crazy difference! Silky goodness, thanks for the tip!
What a relief to see a video that talks about what hardware you need and don't tell you that you need a laptop, a pair of speakers and an audio interface.
Solid advice as usual. I agree with a lot of this looking back at what I purchased over time. I think a converter could have been mentioned at some point though
It this point I personally don’t think converters would hold someone back. Sure some sound better than others, but none of them suck like they did 15 years ago. Thanks for watching!
@@ColtCapperrune Agree with this. Most converters are decent today - and most of the difference today is basically down to the analogue stages as the variation in chips used has coverged on just a handfull or less.
Hey thanks man, totally appreciate your channel, I only have a handful of mixing/recording channels that I subscribe to after weeding out the weak on this journey to the impossible perfect mix, lol, Roger in VT
The only thing I use hardware for now a days is going in. I mix strictly in the box. I find myself grabbing more compressors especially getting the right amount without sounding like you are killing one compressor. I like to use 2 or 3 plugin compressors with very light settings gets the job done. I use to use hardware on my mix bus and even a couple outboard compressors but I am seeing more and more top producers mixing and mastering with straight plugins on top records. Either way it will all sound good. I guess it depends on workflow and the fact can anyone really tell the difference in a mix between hardware verse plugins.
Wish I could go back in time to the beginning and show myself this video. Totally agree with this approach. Finding your favorite preamp flavor is super important. Once I did that tracking and mixing became a lot more fun and easier. It was inspiring to hear what I wanted and how I heard and felt things in the room. An A Designs Pacifica into a pair of Neve 551s, Serpent Splice 1176s, and Neve 542s for tape saturation all summed into a single pultec 500x can’t be beat imho. Tracking through that chain is a joy. For mixing a kayahan solid 4000 with some uad plugins super lovely too. Console saturation from the kayahan is amazing couldn’t be happier. That said I’ve been eyeing a sb4001 for awhile now. This video got me thinking about it again.
Tried the real la2a for the first time recently. HOLY SHIT, sounds like a record. We compared it to the plugins and I was so surprised how different they sounded, The overall 80% of the vibe was there in the plugin, but the hardware had so much depth and effortlessnes. and the saturation made stuff so present without having to overdo the compression. ! =) I suggest people also try hardware sometime, and with good monitors!
First thing i would get is a buss comp, then preamp… probably in a lunchbox just like he said. Then get some type of saturation units like the neve tape emulators. Then probably some eq’s. You can spend like 5k over time for a full lunch box filled with some really really good units.
@Colt the title of your video is so crazy.... for me. I used to have a (large) separate room for my studio. No computers, multiple keyboards and 19" racks, routed through consoles into a multi-tracker. (When I say multi, I mean 4! With bounce options, I could record 10 tracks....) For me it was more like, what is the last piece of hardware you get go off..... [My Marshall amp BTW] Well perhaps my Ace FX counts as HW too..
Colt, you need to grab a Louder Than Liftoff Silver Bullet mk2! Game changer!!!!!!!!!!!!! Surprised you don't already have it. If I had to keep 1 piece of gear, I'd be satisfied with only that.
Appreciate the great videos. I’m in Nashville as well and spent years buying whatever kind of hardware I thought “might be cool” but no I do like you and wish I could go back and rebuy the gear😂
This is good advise. After collecting a rack full of stuff with a loose plan has you looking at pairs and how to adjust budget! I could use another ELX-8 but G-Comp is calling so, yeah techs, prioritize. Peace
Hi Col. When you say put hardware on your mix bus, does that mean the stereo out that would go to a final stereo print track and main speakers? Or do you mean to take a recorded track out and through hardware a back in to create a 'flavoured' track? So pre-amp to a compressor, then to another stereo compressor? Sorry for dumb questions. Please help newbie here. Cheers from Australia.
Thanks for the video, its really helpful as I'm thinking to integrate more outboard gear. What I've seen in many videos and don't understand though, is why do you have to choose either to use outboard for tracking or mixing at a single spot? Could you just not use a pair of preamps for tracking to your DAW, then send the recorded tracks through your outboard compressor, then use that same pair of pres that you used for tracking on your mixbus and finally use that same compressor as a mixbus compressor. I mean since we're in a DAW ultimately and have an infinite number of tracks basically, we can always save that one track that just went through outboard and continue working and reuse that same outboard at another spot. Why isn't anybody recommending that? What am I missing?
Colt awesome content as always. Out of curiosity, has something change in your video audio? The last 2 videos have had more saturation and noise on your voice than normal.
Wouldn’t running/printing a mic preamp through your tracks or your mixbus introduce a lot of extra unwanted noise once you start bringing up the output volume? I can’t know for sure, because I don’t have one but I’d imagine that a decent saturator in combo with a good mixbus compressor or a channel strip would give that wanted analogue vibe as instead without the noise? Maybe I’m wrong, I’m definitely not an expert. More curious than anything else
Acoustic treatment is the first piece of gear that you focus on. Failure to treat acoustic treatment like hardware will cause headaches in the long run. If you're on a budget a stereo channel strip. Preferably API, SSL,RND. Or equivalent. Clone's You will cover pre, eqs and compression. Colt great job keep up the good work. Just my two cents.
The one bit of hear I was interested to see you don't have listed. What are the 2 x 500 series Neve 2254 compressors to the right in your rack? Are they AML 52f50s? How do you like that style of compressor and what do you use it on? I was considering buying some AMLs. Cheers!
Hugely helpful! What’s your opinion on guitar modeling units like Kemper, Axe FX, Quad Cortex, Helix? Would you consider those “hardware”? And do you own any?
Great video Colt !! Several years ago, I put my hardware aside and went totally digital. I would like to follow your lead and begin to re-introduce some of that hardware into my home studio. Do you have a video showing how you tied your hardware through your audio interface, (to your DAW)? I don't use Protools, but I'm sure your level of detail would point me in the right direction. Thanks
Hey Colt, we are much the same in our process, I’m in the cycle right now and torn between a few things. Heres a big one though, and something I see lacking in your rig. Digital reverb, I think you’d be suprised what a quality hardware unit brings to the table. I was using a Bricasti and comparing to the Seventh Heaven plugin. The difference is very significant. 7th heaven sounds great, but the Bricasti is similar but also very different. Hardware reverb can give a sense of space without hearing an obvious tail. Or rather…the plugin seems to be very obvious without actually making the source larger, the Bricasti seems non-existent, but the source seems bigger. Its not just stupid expensive reverbs either. The Lexicon MPX1s are practically free at the moment, I got one for £150.00 just to see if it was worth getting into used hardware, its not a Bricasti, but it beats any of my plugins for naturalism and adding life. I predict used hardware reverbs surging in value as engineers rediscover what they can do.
I ran all outboard reverbs until maybe 5 years ago. I’m now completely happy with plugging reverbs for digital reverb uses. However this AudioScape spring reverb certainly cannot be replicated in the box.
Genuine question. You recently spoke on atmos. How would you handle an atmos mix comming from a complex hybrid mix in stereo? Especially considering the mixbus processing. Would you do a second mix from scratch? Or would you take the 1hour+ to print stems through the hardware and use that to create an “Atmos Master”?
Great question! The general consensus currently is to do your stereo mix, print stems, and then pan and automation for the Atmos mix. So sonically your compression and EQ are already done before you start the Atmos mix.
Thanks so much for the great videos! Love them. Talking about mic preamp. Would you recommend one even though your audio interface has a built-in one already?
Preamps are color boxes. If you're mixing through a preamp its going to be an outboard preamp separate from your interface. Your interface preamps are incredibly clean and sterile which is what they're supposed to be. Mixing through an API or Neve style (among others) adds a bunch of harmonic content and saturation. Your built in interface preamps can't do that.
Yet another awesome video Colt! I have maybe a stupid question….I have a UAD Apollo Twin which has two line outs. Can preamps like the Capi handle a line level signal? Thanks for your great content. 🤟
Doesn't the Audio Interface have a pre amp inside? I have the Apollo Twin X this already has a pre amp inside....I would get a compressor the "Tube Tech CL 1B"
interesting stuff. would you say that the LA2A is a close second as a tracking compressor for vocals (for you)? After getting the Audioscape 76A I'm looking at their Opto as well.
Love this video, thanks Colt. My next purchase is a Mac Studio M1, can you let me know here or in an update on how you are getting on with Yours?Additionally do you think it’s worth suffering for longer in order to pickup a M2 studio🎛 ?
Even 12 yrs after sitting down with Dave from AA Microphones ( a very knowledgeable guy for much more than mics) explained to me that "the math" still isn't there for a plugin to do 20db of GR compared to h/w is still the case, IMHO.
My first piece of hardware was the Presonus Studio Channel channel strip. It's not some piece of magic audio gear but it's inexpensive and taught me a lot and gave me knowledge for future purchase choices. Question along this theme: What would YOU populate your Wishlist with for Sweetwater's Win Your Wishlist? (If you were a novice)
Ive got a cranbourne 500r with 8 capi preamps and would like to mount my rack at an angle like in this video. However Im worried about how much heat the rack puts off. Are there fans in this setup?
Always great advice. Love your channel btw and thanks for all you do. I’m in the beginning stages of this all so this all helps. I own a few pieces. But I just want to touch on my own exp. What I’ve struggled with in terms of gears is. I write and produce all my own stuff and mix as well. My struggle is it was hard for me to separate production and mixing. So in terms of gear I didn’t know what would have the greatest value. I think it’s important that we understand what we’re trying to accomplish first before even think about which piece and why. So mayb a video about the difference bt producing and getting ready for the mix. And it’s gear. And the mix itself. And the gear. And the crossovers. Let me know what you think. Again just a noob
Hello, thank for your constant effort to share and impact knowledge. Just a quick question. I have just one piece of the avantone cube monitor for referencing. Do I have to calibrate this mono speaker just as I did for the other monitor. I mean room calibration with sonarworks plugin or REW.?
The mic pre's on the mix bus is interesting.......next thing for me is upgrading my laptop. Then onto more I/O's for more gear. May either upgrade my interface and use the new interface to run my old interface through ADAT or get an OctoPre some sort. After that either another BLA Bluey or another BLA Seventeen compressor so I can use in stereo if I need to. Solid sounding pieces of gear for on a budget. Or maybe before those a couple of BLA power conditioners. 🤔 Great video thank you.
@@matthewkruger1182 API units don't traditionally have a line input so if you're inserting them on the mix bus or master bus you have to run them through the XLR at mic level. This means you have to turn down the volume on the output from our DAW and Interface before it hits the preamp by 12-20 DB or else you will clip the living shit out of the preamp. His CAPI preamps don't have a line input (Which I'm pretty sure of, but I could be wrong.) Either way XLR Mic Level and Line Level is totally acceptable for inserting on tracks. Edit: Some API units do have a line in, but the most replicated do not. I put a mod on my 3124's that gave me a line in, so it wasn't standard.
do you use the pad switch when running your mix bus through a pair of these capi pre amps? i feel like i get a lot of distortion if i dont even with the pre amps barely turned up.
What is your take on summing mixers Vs mic pres on your mix bus? I have the Dangerous Bus LT and i love the sound it gets me, but do you think that sending my individual stems to the mix bus, then the out to the preamp would make that big of a difference?
if you're a IN THE BOX PRODUCER how would this factor? for example my studio is centered around my focusrite 18i8 interface. it has decent amount of I/O how could i intregrate hardware for a hybrid step? been looking at few micpres ect
Thank you for the video bro! I wanted to ask you if someone like me who mostly mixes 2 track instrumentals with vocals, should still be inclined to get a mic pre first? I
It certainly adds a size and depth to the music if running through the right pieces of gear. However I would say if you’re only working with to track music you’d be better off focused on vocals.
@@ItsyunloSo what did you do? Same by me, I have a good tube mic and an RME Interface. I only track my Guitar and My Vocals. What will be the Best Next purchase for me? External mic pre, vocal comp or buss comp?
Might be a dumb question, Why do I need a pair of mic pre's on mix bus, and how would I go by putting those on the mix bus? I use an Apollo x4 and Logic. Thanks!!
To saturate your mix with analog goodness. You would use your interface output to go into the the preamps. The Preamps output go into the interface input. (If you output channel 1, you return the preamp back into channel 1.) Then in your DAW you just set it as an insert on whichever track or bus you want.
Well, i wonder, i have apollo 8 mk2 quad and if i buy apollo x4, will it be an upgrade for me ? Which one has better ad/da connectors ? İs there any differences about sound quality while recording vocals ? Do i need to buy x4 ? Or apollo 8mk2 quad is still better ?
When I print a track using analog hardware I can hear the analog noise in between the lyrics when I start placing plugins, is there anything I can do to reduce it or remove it?
Solid advice. I think two principles apply: 1) Always improve from the "bottom" - strengthen the weakest link. 2) Once the weakest link is identified, buy the best gear you can afford to address that.
Man, I just got my first piece of hardware for my studio and what a difference it’s made. Mainly use my preamp for vocals now but I’m excited to use it for other sounds too. Great video
I remember the mixbus compressor shootout. I’ve been with ya for years. I ended up with the C1LA. So versatile. My advice is two tube preamps like the retro 500 pre/s if you’re looking for mixbus sauce. I’m keeping my mixbus preamps secret until I buy more cheap lol . Great vid Colt
Bro! Awesome vid. We need an A/B of those Capi on the mixbus, and work your way backwards in the analog chain so we can get a vibe for what they add :)
I’ll see what I can pull off!
Yeah…. Need to hear it for sure if possible
Hi, my first was a Tegeler Creme :) still loving it big time.
Cheers
1st for me is a preamp (or pair) with a variable high pass or basic eq so you can get sounds that work easily. Next would be a monitor controller if your interface doesn’t do that stuff. I like your other ideas as well.
You’ve got it right on the money there, I have 4 analog preamps (working towards two more), a UA1176, and the SSL Fusion Analog processor, the next thing for my rig will be an analog bus compressor, I love using these pieces of hardware to bake into my mix and I’m finding such a higher caliber of audio and it’s incredible. I’m finding that I’m now having to try as hard in my mix, like less plugins, less effects, less work! It works so well for me and I’m loving it!
Been sending mono tracks through my Golden Age pre 73 , driving the signal as you suggested, and have finally achieved that fat upfront sound that I hear off high end console mixes. A bit like recording to tape except you get pre amp saturation. Can't thank you enough man!
Funny...I started with all tube gear in the 70s...you could literally find it sitting on the street or cheap at house sales. People were getting rid of it. I had a studio full of gear back in the 80s and 90s. Was so happy to go all "in the box" back in the late 90s and never looked back. Of course, nothing wrong with nice mic preamps if you are recording, but "in the box" is cleaner, more versatile, and way cheaper. YMMV!
Thank you so very much for your videos! They are so helpful! Thank you Sweetwater for sponsoring our favorite channels! Another reason I am a lifetime customer!
Thank you for watching!
@@ColtCapperrune Hi Colt, love your channel, love your videos!!! I was wondering if you might be able to answer a question I’ve been mulling over…. I’m mostly working in the box, but I’m looking to get one analogue processor to help give my mixes/masters that “analogue vibe/sound”. I watch lots of your videos, and I see that here you recommend to get two mic pre’s as a first outboard hardware component. I happen to have one golden age pre73 neve clone pre that works well… I could buy another one and run all my mixes/masters through them both as you mention on this video. I also just came into some extra money, and I could buy an SSL fusion instead. Which of those options would you recommend for getting that nice round, fatness and dynamics? Would two mic press give the kindof coloration and fatness/dynamics that the SSL would? My mixes/masters are sounding good but after watching multiple sound tests on UA-cam etc, I’ve decided I need to make the leap out of the box just for one item (for now). Any thoughts?
I guess I could get another golden age pre-73 and do what you’re saying, and then add maybe a dbx 560A compact compressor/limiter, but or I could just get the fusion… it’s been a tough decision
Whats hold me back the most. That's great advice! Thank you man, you're the best!
For vocals, the Neve Shelford Channel changed my life.
You are absolutely right. Pre amps first and then a compressor. Especially if you are planning to go through hardware before hitting the DAW.
Why 2 preamps tho? Is one for tracking and the other for mixing?
@@andrewrodriguez1467 Two preamps can give the ability to process a stereo mix
first thing i got was a nice pair of neve style preamps w eq, and a stereo linkable pair of those black lion "17" 1176's (with hpf and a mix control so good for running tracks through) my next thing is a saturator like the Drawmer multiband saturator or the overstayer. had a pair of seventh circle audio pres and adbx 160x as well so very minimal setup but im really happy with my results so far. A good pair of pres/comps goes a very long way, pretty much covers all your needs except drums, and you can run drum tracks through after for mixing if you want. My main issue is traffic jams: it's a pain setting up and taking stuff down when you don't have enough channels to just have everything miked up and ready to rock like we did in the old studio.
1st gear Ssl Fusion, 2nd Avalon 737 sp, 3rd am saving for an ssl bus plus. If I had more cash I would go for the Manley Variable Mu
Thanks for this brother, and thank you for answering my question and directing me here from the Patreon Q&A! This helps a ton with having to really put some thought with my studio upgrades
I’m glad it helps! And thank you for being a patron!
Depending on one’s preferences and needs, I’d recommend Kahayan Solid 4000 or Overstayer Modular Channel Stereo Model 8755D or a pair of RND 542 (500 Series).
In all my years I would buy 5 Condensor Mics or Interfaces, Channel Strips from Guitars Center, Sweetwater & just Return what I don’t like. Back when the world was a great place the Music Stores would have Real High End Gear for you to try ( Like Vintage King ) so you knew what to buy after looking into that particular gear for so long. ☺️Thank You Colt. George
Great video Colt. I am right there with you on what order to purchase and ways to think about next purchase. Granted, there have been many times I impulse bought a few things that were not probably the highest priority. I just recently but the bullet and ordered a really nice thick cloud for my mix position. Have been putting that off for WAY WAY too long. Not the sexiest thing, but I think it’s going to make the biggest difference for next purchase. Keep up the good work!
Used to have a studio with great analog gear (Crane Song, api, UA, Dangerous, HD I/O, etc)... Sold it all 10 years ago. Now I want to have a smaller studio I am thinking about getting 2 RND Shelford Channels. Mic, line, DI and thru input, input tranny, HPF, EQ, comp with blend, and saturation. Other than a mix buss comp and maybe a st pultec style EQ for the 2buss, I should be happy with that. Trying to decide on the interface as well but as far as hardware it seems like I can't go wrong with 2 Shelfords. Thanks for the video!
Wow! Saw this video then thought what the hell, grabbed some old Audient preamps and put them on my mixbus. 🤯 crazy difference! Silky goodness, thanks for the tip!
What a relief to see a video that talks about what hardware you need and don't tell you that you need a laptop, a pair of speakers and an audio interface.
Solid advice as usual. I agree with a lot of this looking back at what I purchased over time. I think a converter could have been mentioned at some point though
It this point I personally don’t think converters would hold someone back. Sure some sound better than others, but none of them suck like they did 15 years ago. Thanks for watching!
@@ColtCapperrune Agree with this. Most converters are decent today - and most of the difference today is basically down to the analogue stages as the variation in chips used has coverged on just a handfull or less.
Hey thanks man, totally appreciate your channel, I only have a handful of mixing/recording channels that I subscribe to after weeding out the weak on this journey to the impossible perfect mix, lol, Roger in VT
Colt Capperune is the man
The only thing I use hardware for now a days is going in. I mix strictly in the box. I find myself grabbing more compressors especially getting the right amount without sounding like you are killing one compressor. I like to use 2 or 3 plugin compressors with very light settings gets the job done. I use to use hardware on my mix bus and even a couple outboard compressors but I am seeing more and more top producers mixing and mastering with straight plugins on top records. Either way it will all sound good. I guess it depends on workflow and the fact can anyone really tell the difference in a mix between hardware verse plugins.
Colt my man thanks for the videos, the legend himself
Can you do a video on arranging
Wish I could go back in time to the beginning and show myself this video. Totally agree with this approach. Finding your favorite preamp flavor is super important. Once I did that tracking and mixing became a lot more fun and easier. It was inspiring to hear what I wanted and how I heard and felt things in the room. An A Designs Pacifica into a pair of Neve 551s, Serpent Splice 1176s, and Neve 542s for tape saturation all summed into a single pultec 500x can’t be beat imho. Tracking through that chain is a joy. For mixing a kayahan solid 4000 with some uad plugins super lovely too. Console saturation from the kayahan is amazing couldn’t be happier. That said I’ve been eyeing a sb4001 for awhile now. This video got me thinking about it again.
unreal content!! we love Colt
Appreciate you!!
Tried the real la2a for the first time recently. HOLY SHIT, sounds like a record. We compared it to the plugins and I was so surprised how different they sounded, The overall 80% of the vibe was there in the plugin, but the hardware had so much depth and effortlessnes. and the saturation made stuff so present without having to overdo the compression. ! =) I suggest people also try hardware sometime, and with good monitors!
First thing i would get is a buss comp, then preamp… probably in a lunchbox just like he said. Then get some type of saturation units like the neve tape emulators. Then probably some eq’s. You can spend like 5k over time for a full lunch box filled with some really really good units.
@Colt the title of your video is so crazy.... for me. I used to have a (large) separate room for my studio. No computers, multiple keyboards and 19" racks, routed through consoles into a multi-tracker. (When I say multi, I mean 4! With bounce options, I could record 10 tracks....) For me it was more like, what is the last piece of hardware you get go off..... [My Marshall amp BTW] Well perhaps my Ace FX counts as HW too..
Colt, you need to grab a Louder Than Liftoff Silver Bullet mk2! Game changer!!!!!!!!!!!!! Surprised you don't already have it. If I had to keep 1 piece of gear, I'd be satisfied with only that.
Appreciate the great videos. I’m in Nashville as well and spent years buying whatever kind of hardware I thought “might be cool” but no I do like you and wish I could go back and rebuy the gear😂
This is brilliant advice
This is good advise. After collecting a rack full of stuff with a loose plan has you looking at pairs and how to adjust budget! I could use another ELX-8 but G-Comp is calling so, yeah techs, prioritize. Peace
CAPI pres and EQs, then compressors 👍🏻
Hi Col. When you say put hardware on your mix bus, does that mean the stereo out that would go to a final stereo print track and main speakers? Or do you mean to take a recorded track out and through hardware a back in to create a 'flavoured' track? So pre-amp to a compressor, then to another stereo compressor? Sorry for dumb questions. Please help newbie here. Cheers from Australia.
Really great info -- thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Hey, man. Great video. Great advice. Very well articulated. Thank you.
Thanks for the video, its really helpful as I'm thinking to integrate more outboard gear. What I've seen in many videos and don't understand though, is why do you have to choose either to use outboard for tracking or mixing at a single spot? Could you just not use a pair of preamps for tracking to your DAW, then send the recorded tracks through your outboard compressor, then use that same pair of pres that you used for tracking on your mixbus and finally use that same compressor as a mixbus compressor. I mean since we're in a DAW ultimately and have an infinite number of tracks basically, we can always save that one track that just went through outboard and continue working and reuse that same outboard at another spot. Why isn't anybody recommending that? What am I missing?
Love love love the idea of running the mix through mic pres! Can I do this with a dual channel mic pre?
Colt awesome content as always. Out of curiosity, has something change in your video audio? The last 2 videos have had more saturation and noise on your voice than normal.
Wouldn’t running/printing a mic preamp through your tracks or your mixbus introduce a lot of extra unwanted noise once you start bringing up the output volume? I can’t know for sure, because I don’t have one but I’d imagine that a decent saturator in combo with a good mixbus compressor or a channel strip would give that wanted analogue vibe as instead without the noise? Maybe I’m wrong, I’m definitely not an expert. More curious than anything else
Acoustic treatment is the first piece of gear that you focus on.
Failure to treat acoustic treatment like hardware will cause headaches in the long run.
If you're on a budget a stereo channel strip.
Preferably API, SSL,RND. Or equivalent. Clone's
You will cover pre, eqs and compression.
Colt great job keep up the good work.
Just my two cents.
The one bit of hear I was interested to see you don't have listed. What are the 2 x 500 series Neve 2254 compressors to the right in your rack? Are they AML 52f50s? How do you like that style of compressor and what do you use it on? I was considering buying some AMLs. Cheers!
Great video
Thank you! As always, great vid.
ive been looking for this gear slu** thing for the. longest havent found it lol solid video learned alot pulled the trigger on the tube tech
I’m at the vocal compressor research stage. Have nice preamp and bus comp but now can’t decide which vocal comp.
My first two pieces of hardware were a warm audio 73 with eq, and a distressor. No regrets
Was thinking of renting studio time and try em out first hand..
Hugely helpful! What’s your opinion on guitar modeling units like Kemper, Axe FX, Quad Cortex, Helix? Would you consider those “hardware”? And do you own any?
As always great content
Yet another great video… thanks Colt!!!! Question…. Even with the Focal speaker I see you still use the mix cubes why is that?
Thanks!! You will find that answer here:
ua-cam.com/video/r9eIbnDLT6o/v-deo.html
Great video Colt !! Several years ago, I put my hardware aside and went totally digital. I would like to follow your lead and begin to re-introduce some of that hardware into my home studio. Do you have a video showing how you tied your hardware through your audio interface, (to your DAW)? I don't use Protools, but I'm sure your level of detail would point me in the right direction. Thanks
Hey Colt, we are much the same in our process, I’m in the cycle right now and torn between a few things. Heres a big one though, and something I see lacking in your rig. Digital reverb, I think you’d be suprised what a quality hardware unit brings to the table.
I was using a Bricasti and comparing to the Seventh Heaven plugin. The difference is very significant. 7th heaven sounds great, but the Bricasti is similar but also very different. Hardware reverb can give a sense of space without hearing an obvious tail. Or rather…the plugin seems to be very obvious without actually making the source larger, the Bricasti seems non-existent, but the source seems bigger.
Its not just stupid expensive reverbs either. The Lexicon MPX1s are practically free at the moment, I got one for £150.00 just to see if it was worth getting into used hardware, its not a Bricasti, but it beats any of my plugins for naturalism and adding life. I predict used hardware reverbs surging in value as engineers rediscover what they can do.
I ran all outboard reverbs until maybe 5 years ago. I’m now completely happy with plugging reverbs for digital reverb uses. However this AudioScape spring reverb certainly cannot be replicated in the box.
Fair enough. Which hardware verb did you use on your lead vocal and what plugin does that for you now?
Cheers Jon
Genuine question. You recently spoke on atmos.
How would you handle an atmos mix comming from a complex hybrid mix in stereo? Especially considering the mixbus processing.
Would you do a second mix from scratch? Or would you take the 1hour+ to print stems through the hardware and use that to create an “Atmos Master”?
Great question! The general consensus currently is to do your stereo mix, print stems, and then pan and automation for the Atmos mix. So sonically your compression and EQ are already done before you start the Atmos mix.
@@ColtCapperrune that’s what I was thinking too, just seem’s super time intensive. Thanks for the reply🙏🏼
Great video and advice.
lol@ "Gearspace" I've tried so hard to remember to call it that, just to forget what it is they call it now.
What about buying an analog eq? DO you reckon it's worth the shot? Or is it better to stay with plugins? I plan to buy an eq so I have to know
Thanks so much for the great videos! Love them. Talking about mic preamp. Would you recommend one even though your audio interface has a built-in one already?
Preamps are color boxes. If you're mixing through a preamp its going to be an outboard preamp separate from your interface. Your interface preamps are incredibly clean and sterile which is what they're supposed to be. Mixing through an API or Neve style (among others) adds a bunch of harmonic content and saturation. Your built in interface preamps can't do that.
And if you're recording music it's always great to have at least 1 good outboard preamp for variety.
Great video Colt! :)
This is dead on man.
My man 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Appreciate this vid bro
Do you offer any mixing classes? From start to finish classes?
Yet another awesome video Colt! I have maybe a stupid question….I have a UAD Apollo Twin which has two line outs. Can preamps like the Capi handle a line level signal?
Thanks for your great content. 🤟
Doesn't the Audio Interface have a pre amp inside? I have the Apollo Twin X this already has a pre amp inside....I would get a compressor the "Tube Tech CL 1B"
HELLO, THE CAPI 500 ALREADY ASSEMBLED OR DO I NEED TO BUY THEM DIY?
I didn't know you had a twin named Cort Capperrune. He's quit the giver. See there he is trying to give me a prize.
interesting stuff. would you say that the LA2A is a close second as a tracking compressor for vocals (for you)? After getting the Audioscape 76A I'm looking at their Opto as well.
What did you do? And was it a good way?
I own and use both now!@@FlashRocket96
Love this video, thanks Colt. My next purchase is a Mac Studio M1, can you let me know here or in an update on how you are getting on with Yours?Additionally do you think it’s worth suffering for longer in order to pickup a M2 studio🎛 ?
Not been able to message you on instagram.. How are things? 😊
Even 12 yrs after sitting down with Dave from AA Microphones ( a very knowledgeable guy for much more than mics) explained to me that "the math" still isn't there for a plugin to do 20db of GR compared to h/w is still the case, IMHO.
one quick question about your monitor... do you use it with the native resolution or High DPI mode ?
My first piece of hardware was the Presonus Studio Channel channel strip. It's not some piece of magic audio gear but it's inexpensive and taught me a lot and gave me knowledge for future purchase choices.
Question along this theme: What would YOU populate your Wishlist with for Sweetwater's Win Your Wishlist? (If you were a novice)
bout to get my first piece of geear.. i like your advice.. but looking at console.. should I go neeve or api? ( I've got a low budget < $40k)
Colt what did you to angle your speakers correctly? I bought the powered Avantones as per your recommendation. Game changer.
You’re still using UA for your I/O? If so, that’s your weak link. Lynx or above. This is the way.
Colt have you checked out the Cranborne 500r8?
When you say a pair of preamps.. could it be a pair of nevé 542 tape emulators ? I’m thinking of getting a pair of 542 and a tegeler creme.
I’m sure that would be awesome!
What are your thoughts on the wes audio Dione ? You got a video in that ?
Ive got a cranbourne 500r with 8 capi preamps and would like to mount my rack at an angle like in this video. However Im worried about how much heat the rack puts off. Are there fans in this setup?
Do you agree that the differences between hw and plugins is bigger with compressors ?
Always great advice. Love your channel btw and thanks for all you do.
I’m in the beginning stages of this all so this all helps. I own a few pieces. But I just want to touch on my own exp.
What I’ve struggled with in terms of gears is. I write and produce all my own stuff and mix as well.
My struggle is it was hard for me to separate production and mixing. So in terms of gear I didn’t know what would have the greatest value.
I think it’s important that we understand what we’re trying to accomplish first before even think about which piece and why.
So mayb a video about the difference bt producing and getting ready for the mix. And it’s gear. And the mix itself. And the gear. And the crossovers.
Let me know what you think. Again just a noob
Hello, thank for your constant effort to share and impact knowledge.
Just a quick question. I have just one piece of the avantone cube monitor for referencing. Do I have to calibrate this mono speaker just as I did for the other monitor. I mean room calibration with sonarworks plugin or REW.?
Thank you in advance ❤️
what brand is your desk?
I wonder if you connect the outputs of the Interface directly to the preamps or if there is any impedance correction involved?
Hi Colt, Can I use a pair of RND 511 mic preamps to run my mix bus, even if they have no line level? Thanks in advance!!
The mic pre's on the mix bus is interesting.......next thing for me is upgrading my laptop. Then onto more I/O's for more gear. May either upgrade my interface and use the new interface to run my old interface through ADAT or get an OctoPre some sort. After that either another BLA Bluey or another BLA Seventeen compressor so I can use in stereo if I need to. Solid sounding pieces of gear for on a budget. Or maybe before those a couple of BLA power conditioners. 🤔 Great video thank you.
He’s talking about preamps that have a line input- not the actual mic input.
@@matthewkruger1182 yes I get that....run as external gear......I just so happen to have a couple of BLA's that have two lines.
@@3dogrecordingstudio628 just making sure :)
@@matthewkruger1182 I appreciate you having my back......thank you
@@matthewkruger1182 API units don't traditionally have a line input so if you're inserting them on the mix bus or master bus you have to run them through the XLR at mic level. This means you have to turn down the volume on the output from our DAW and Interface before it hits the preamp by 12-20 DB or else you will clip the living shit out of the preamp. His CAPI preamps don't have a line input (Which I'm pretty sure of, but I could be wrong.) Either way XLR Mic Level and Line Level is totally acceptable for inserting on tracks.
Edit: Some API units do have a line in, but the most replicated do not. I put a mod on my 3124's that gave me a line in, so it wasn't standard.
8:00-
Stress test engineering approach
do you use the pad switch when running your mix bus through a pair of these capi pre amps? i feel like i get a lot of distortion if i dont even with the pre amps barely turned up.
What is your take on summing mixers Vs mic pres on your mix bus? I have the Dangerous Bus LT and i love the sound it gets me, but do you think that sending my individual stems to the mix bus, then the out to the preamp would make that big of a difference?
I hoard hardware compressors because they just sound better - no other pieces of hardware for me, but ALL different conps
Access Analogue is probably a good option if you want to actually hear what hardware will sound like in your studio without having to shell out $
if you're a IN THE BOX PRODUCER how would this factor? for example my studio is centered around my focusrite 18i8 interface. it has decent amount of I/O how could i intregrate hardware for a hybrid step?
been looking at few micpres ect
Thank you for the video bro! I wanted to ask you if someone like me who mostly mixes 2 track instrumentals with vocals, should still be inclined to get a mic pre first? I
It certainly adds a size and depth to the music if running through the right pieces of gear. However I would say if you’re only working with to track music you’d be better off focused on vocals.
@@ColtCapperrune Thank you!
@@ItsyunloSo what did you do? Same by me, I have a good tube mic and an RME Interface. I only track my Guitar and My Vocals.
What will be the Best Next purchase for me?
External mic pre, vocal comp or buss comp?
Might be a dumb question, Why do I need a pair of mic pre's on mix bus, and how would I go by putting those on the mix bus? I use an Apollo x4 and Logic. Thanks!!
To saturate your mix with analog goodness. You would use your interface output to go into the the preamps. The Preamps output go into the interface input. (If you output channel 1, you return the preamp back into channel 1.) Then in your DAW you just set it as an insert on whichever track or bus you want.
Have you tried a pair of Neve 542’s on your mix bus?
I have not, but I’d like to!
Hi, Can you give me the video link for the comparison for the compressor that you have ? Thanks.
Well, i wonder, i have apollo 8 mk2 quad and if i buy apollo x4, will it be an upgrade for me ? Which one has better ad/da connectors ? İs there any differences about sound quality while recording vocals ? Do i need to buy x4 ? Or apollo 8mk2 quad is still better ?
When I print a track using analog hardware I can hear the analog noise in between the lyrics when I start placing plugins, is there anything I can do to reduce it or remove it?