McDSP APB-16 Review (Analogue Processing Box)

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  • Опубліковано 7 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 126

  • @marklholloway
    @marklholloway Рік тому +17

    I own two APB-16 units. Amazing analog sound with the highest quality converters. Having session recall on analog gear is a huge benefit. No need for physical knobs. Plugin UI’s are top class 💚💚💚

    • @1973asdf
      @1973asdf Рік тому

      how does it work??? i see two usb c inputs but cant figure it out how it works

    • @darkstar.runner6669
      @darkstar.runner6669 Рік тому

      @@1973asdf you'll daisy chaining the 2 units (first usb-c goes to your DAW - the second usb-c goes in the first usb-c-slot of the second unit ... and so on and on ... the maximum are a chain of 5 units with APB-8 or APB-16 (in the case of 5x APB-16 you would be controlling 80 mono channels) ...

    • @1973asdf
      @1973asdf Рік тому +1

      @@darkstar.runner6669 ahhh i understand now. but like, take this situation for example: vocal>mic>preamp>interface>DAW>monitors. where does the APB fit in? “inside” the DAW right? from DAW to APB and back again right?

    • @darkstar.runner6669
      @darkstar.runner6669 Рік тому +1

      @@1973asdf yes 👍... it would be DAW --> APB-8/16 --> DAW ...

    • @1973asdf
      @1973asdf Рік тому +1

      @@darkstar.runner6669 amazing. thansk so much sir. if im ever getting some high end equipment im buying this for sure

  • @MixedByDotRob
    @MixedByDotRob Рік тому +25

    For me, the problem with all these digitally controlled devices is that you are highly dependent on the company that built the box. If the software support is discontinued, all you have is a box of expensive electronic junk. I once invested in a (quite expensive) Soundtracs DPCII digital console. After support was discontinued, overnight the console's worth fell to zero. With my vintage analogue equipment it's the opposite: it has increased in value, can be maintained and repaired. Don't get me wrong: I like McDSP and I think Colin is a genius, but I would still rather invest in a nice analogue compressor or saturator.

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому +8

      Same happened with me with the Access Virus TI Snow. The whole idea of it was this total integration (TI) and then Catalina was such a huge mess they just never bothered updating the software and you were left with what might as well have been a very limited Virus C. This does make a great point though. I believe in Colin and believe McDSP will around for a long time to come. But I do get your point and this is why I haven't instantly jumped in just yet. My concern is what if mac decide Ok from now on we don't use USBc or Thunderbolt 2 is compatible. We now use this new connection. You are then stuck. Who knows what it'll be like in 20 years. I know my outboard gear in 20 years is going to work as good as it does now.

    • @tommyblack6117
      @tommyblack6117 Рік тому +1

      How do you feel about the wesAudio 500 series analog gear. All of the gear has a plugin and also the physical nob.
      I figured if and when the plugin is ever unsupported., I can still use the gear as a physical box in my chain.
      Or
      Do you think that
      If anything goes wrong with the actual unit, only the company will be able to repair,, BECAUSE OF THE PLUGIN ATTACHED TO THE UNIT?
      I'm a rookie still

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому +4

      @Tommy Black the Wes Audio gear has a physical knobs so like you say if support was every discontinued you can still use it. I have the Wes Audio NG Bus Comp for this exact reason.

    • @MixedByDotRob
      @MixedByDotRob Рік тому +1

      @@tommyblack6117 I think that the concept of having the option to control the unit via plugin is brilliant! I have a Tegeler Schwerkraftmaschine that I'm controlling via plugin, but if - for any reason - the plugin would stop existing, I'd still have a super duper analogue Vari Mu compressor with knobs.

    • @MariooDisco
      @MariooDisco Рік тому +1

      That is exactly what I think. You are dependant on manufacturer"s support.
      But also I do not get how they can come up with new plugins for that l. It has a limited number of specific circuitry doing specific thing, and it will absolutely won't change, with any new plugin, which will still only control the same circuitry, it can eventually change the processing order of certain module :) Unless my logic fails, and I do not understand something :)

  • @DGGZ-720
    @DGGZ-720 Місяць тому

    damn!!! you literally just sold this to me...its on my wish list now!!!!.. I almost forgot this was a product review jamming to the music...great review. I am a fan of McDSP plugins

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Місяць тому

      @terrelldiggs6249 just so you know, not trying to sell it, but mcdsp have a sale on this month. About 25% off. I've picked up 3 more.

  • @fastpeak
    @fastpeak Рік тому +3

    please don't forget - compressor circuit is analogue but the EQ is in fact digital in the APB, since it's only designed to do compression. . just saying! love your channel!

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому +1

      Yes the EQ would melt the box if it was all analogue from what I heard.

    • @fastpeak
      @fastpeak Рік тому

      @@AudioAnimalsStudio lol

    • @fastpeak
      @fastpeak Рік тому

      @@AudioAnimalsStudio great review by the way! it seams like the compressor might be slightly more forgiving sounding than a digital one, but i'm still not sure if it's worth the price tag.

  • @Barncore
    @Barncore Рік тому +1

    Sounds great. This just went to the top of my wishlist for when i eventually venture into analog.... hopefully by the time i can afford it they'll be available for Windows

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому +1

      I heard through the grapevine windows is in the pipeline

    • @Barncore
      @Barncore Рік тому

      @@AudioAnimalsStudio Great news!

    • @Barncore
      @Barncore Рік тому

      @@AudioAnimalsStudio Who knows maybe they'll make an EQ box too

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому

      @@Barncore not that I know of

  • @Audiojunkk
    @Audiojunkk Рік тому

    Would love one of these. Thanks for doing this review!

  • @brandonskeens206
    @brandonskeens206 Рік тому +2

    It's a nice idea and I will admit the saturation is lovely, It's still a bit gimmicky IMHO. No Tubes, no transformers, vca's acting as fet's and opto's. I think I'd go Wes Audio gear over this unit if I wanted the digital control and recall ability albeit more expensive at least I know its real guts.

    • @Gang-25j
      @Gang-25j Місяць тому

      Most definitely, it’s cool but definitely not worth the asking price for them

  • @kevinbatchelor9566
    @kevinbatchelor9566 Рік тому +2

    Seems to be super versatile and sounds really good to me. It is pricey...but I guess if you think about how many pieces of gear it can replace, it isn't insane.

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому +1

      Yes this is true. You could technically have a full analogue mastering chain in one box. And that EQ sounded fantastic to me. Why I did 3 audio sources in a row for it. I thought it can't sound that good over everything.

  • @gavinhopkins7769
    @gavinhopkins7769 Рік тому

    Hi, love the review! Could you tell me what the track with sax is at 15:00? Cheers 👍

  • @owlmuso
    @owlmuso Рік тому +1

    phew... I think I like that a LOT. Such a smooth classy sound. The engineering on these boxes must be insane to get them so versatile... I still can't picture how they are getting it right to make transformers do so many different things on the fly. The only downside is not benefiting from having hardware knobs and switches which must enhance the experience of using hardware. I am also a little confused as to how there can be a tube compressor without any tubes being included in the box. I read below about your concern if the original company goes out of business and box becomes unsupported and perhaps useless. Makes sense
    How do you class the quality of saturation on this box?

  • @bluematrix5001
    @bluematrix5001 Рік тому +1

    it is an interesting box, and contradictory as well, as for many people they love the tactile/physical experience of analog and this analog box does the opposite, yes the total recall is a big strength .....maybe with a controller would be way better for some??? ...... now , this box do not have the amount of iron of 16 analog pieces or even 16 500 series units . and there is a reason for it ..and that make me believe that they can not sound as good as 16 very good to great analog compressors, physically there is not space...and there is a reason that a 16 classic 1176's takes way more space that 1 rack space! and an 1176 is not a compressor that requires so many components ......and now there are like 4 top notch plugin compressors that I think totally compete with this...

  • @TheOfficialSiNN
    @TheOfficialSiNN 11 місяців тому

    I’m interested but 7k I find that to be a bit much. Two of these vs having an Elysia alpha and you’d save money.

  • @wewantmoreparty
    @wewantmoreparty Рік тому

    Sounds awesome

  • @Gw49172
    @Gw49172 Рік тому +1

    7.5k is insane! If it was 750.. it would be epic

    • @db4ks
      @db4ks 5 місяців тому +1

      right? i came thinking it would be $500 for 7k i could buy like 5 1073 clones and any other hardware gear i want instead

  • @sideast
    @sideast Рік тому +2

    How can 5 " Different Character " Comressors be different if they are going through the same circuits ?

    • @d4vidd
      @d4vidd 9 місяців тому

      circuit configuration

  • @TigroGumi
    @TigroGumi Рік тому +1

    I'd like to know more about how the circuitry works... how can they design new bits of gear in it?
    Would be a interesting thing to be developed into a console one day.
    If they made a even more pack unit of easily manipulated analog circuitry.
    If they can make such a amount of different compressors then surely they could take this further... maybe even have in a later model switch able tubes and transformers on each track... allowing so many other things to be created.
    The idea could be the future of analog

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому +1

      It has an ever growing list of plugins. The possibilities are endless. You have the ability to create a full summing mixer. So no need to build it into a console. Combine it with an Avid S4 you have analogue summing and analogue channel strips.

  • @jacobjohnston6618
    @jacobjohnston6618 Рік тому

    Am I the only one here who isn't blown away?

  • @edsavage6214
    @edsavage6214 Рік тому +1

    Gee, I thought it sounded really good! None of the compressors gave me a particular vibey feel, but apart from that the clean ones sound really good and the EQ I thought was superb.
    Would be really cool into a Dangerous summing box or similar for a 100% analog system with instant recallability, why not a couple bettermakers on the master :). Pricey but comparable to 8 EQ/Compressor units. I would still have knobs at the end of the day, but I guess it's horses for courses.

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому +2

      I wonder if you could create a 100% digital recallable chain that is of a top quality standard. You have Wes, McDSP, Bettermaker, FreqPort.

    • @edsavage6214
      @edsavage6214 Рік тому

      @@AudioAnimalsStudio Yes, there's a few of these popping up. I've always fantasized about something like this, I remember reading about the big Euphonix consoles that were a similar concept back in the day.
      Anyways, perhaps with today's electronics they're stable enough to be consistent on recalls, might still take some fiddling but defenately easier than recalling an analog desk :P

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому +2

      @Ed Savage in theory if I had an endless supply of APBs I could turn my Avid s4 into a fully analogue console. Summing mixer and channel strips. That would be quite something. Would cost about £200,000 though.

    • @edsavage6214
      @edsavage6214 Рік тому

      @@AudioAnimalsStudio Would defenately be really neat, so many things you can get for that money though! Probably cheaper to get an SSL and an assistaint for recalls XD

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому

      @Ed Savage haha yeah you can pick up am Origin for similar money.

  • @Kktc4you
    @Kktc4you Місяць тому

    The music that was going on during the chicken head
    Was so modulation heavy it was freaking me out
    Wobbling around into no tonal center

  • @adsertheblade
    @adsertheblade Рік тому

    What I dont understand is how they can bring out more plugins. If the plugs are only controlling the physical hardware, then how are they getting, for the sake of argument, an la2a out of an 1176 circuit?

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому

      Colin is a genius and somehow done this. I have no idea how but he explains it in detail this this video. ua-cam.com/video/vT1OfyYDt34/v-deo.htmlsi=rUkS4_8I9GzoR4OB

  • @natopro
    @natopro 9 місяців тому

    Is posible conect this to my UAD Apollo? How?

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  9 місяців тому

      You would connect directly to your computer. No need to connect to ins and outs of your apollo. The mcdsp transfers audio over thunderbolt.

  • @JohnWuMastermind
    @JohnWuMastermind Рік тому

    Amazing but crazy expensive .. Maybe in the future

  • @jamz86
    @jamz86 Рік тому

    I like the EQ on this but did not have any particular emotional reaction to the compressors. The analog compressors I own (CL1B, Distressor X, FJ Solid, 737) have a unique vibe that is suck in my head as "if I want this sound for this purpose, I go here." I have bought and sold other units that didn't make such an impression. A nice AD takes it to the next level. The single-purpose digitally controlled units by Tegeler and WesAudio sound great, but this one-box-fits-all software-enhanced approach feels off to me, especially at this price. It sort of reminds me of a modeling microphone. I would rather own my single vintage Neumann M269c and build my mix around that than have a giant virtual closet of mic models confusing me because none of them have "that sound."

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому +1

      I swaying in your direction too. The funny thing is that the EQ is the only digital plugin in the list. It still processes through analogue but the EQ is digital. Which I felt the same about. I loved the EQ. I 100% get your opinion.

    • @jamz86
      @jamz86 Рік тому

      @@AudioAnimalsStudio By the way I have been absolutely floored by the Freqtube, which I discovered on your channel. I believe the filters in it are digital, but that unit with its features, sound and price are a total no-brainer.

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому

      @Jon James if the Freqtube was £6k I'd not be so keen on it. At under £1k for 4 channels it is really appealing and affordable for many people. Sounds awesome too.

  • @dougleydorite
    @dougleydorite Рік тому +1

    I’m very mixed and conflicted here. The business model of this screams being stuck in an eco-system like Universal Audio and also screams keeping your analog gear in a perpetual monthly subscription locking you in. Maybe I’m wrong, but that’s the vibe I get.

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому

      There is no monthly subscription for the plugins. You get all the plugins and future plugins free to use. I 100% get what you mean. The concerns you have are the same for me. I love the sound, I love the instant recall of hardware but what if the connection becomes obsolete on newer macs in 10 years time.

    • @dougleydorite
      @dougleydorite Рік тому

      @@AudioAnimalsStudio is the routing adaptable? Like a matrix that can have different snapshots for stereo or atmos? 16x16 configurable?

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому +1

      @Dougley Dorite you add the plugins like you add a plugin in your DAW anything you can do in your DAW with a plugin is possible to do with this.

  • @arnoldwatkins805
    @arnoldwatkins805 Рік тому

    How much?

  • @bigbadjojo4863
    @bigbadjojo4863 Рік тому

    thats genius

  • @rudyyong4600
    @rudyyong4600 Рік тому

    The product is a good product, the price positioning is a little high, otherwise it must sell well

  • @blessed_by_welfare5922
    @blessed_by_welfare5922 Рік тому

    i have the apb 8 i feel like everyone should have an apb 16 and forget about the 8

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому +1

      The 8 is good for mastering, although the multiband is 6 stereo channels. You need 16+ for mixing.

    • @blessed_by_welfare5922
      @blessed_by_welfare5922 Рік тому

      @@AudioAnimalsStudio i agree when you put it that way

  • @bakerlefdaoui6801
    @bakerlefdaoui6801 Рік тому

    64 channels of these for ATMOS !

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому +1

      I'm going down the route of doing 80 channels. Which will be 5 APB 16's

  • @goodmusic7459
    @goodmusic7459 Рік тому +2

    Waste of money...

  • @ArthurElectric
    @ArthurElectric 9 місяців тому

    Non windows compatible…

  • @ArthurElectric
    @ArthurElectric 9 місяців тому

    So you need to add 100 USD for a Thunderbolt cable…

  • @bobo_sound
    @bobo_sound 10 місяців тому

    No windows no buy

  • @envisagefilmshouston
    @envisagefilmshouston Рік тому +1

    ARE THE PLUGINS WORTH $7000?🤔🤔🤔🤔DFINITELY NOT!!!! MY UADS DO THE SAME!!! NO THANKS!!!😂😂😂😂

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому

      They aren't plugins though are they. That's like saying the bettermaker plugins or wes audio plugins aren't worth £10,000.

    • @envisagefilmshouston
      @envisagefilmshouston Рік тому +1

      @@AudioAnimalsStudio APB are plugins

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому +1

      @ENVISAGE FILMS HOUSTON no they aren't. The AP in APB stands for analogue processing. They are not plugins, the analogue circuits are controlled by plugins. The plugin is not processing anything. Uad plugins are plugins that use DSP. APB is analogue hardware that uses plugins to control the analogue hardware. As you can see the opposite to UAD plugins.
      Hopefully this helps get your head around the differences.

    • @envisagefilmshouston
      @envisagefilmshouston Рік тому

      @@AudioAnimalsStudio they still plugins 😑😑😑 and is not real analog 😑😑😑

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому

      @ENVISAGE FILMS HOUSTON think you're really missing something here. They are not plugins. I understand it's hard to get your head round. Remove the plugin from your thoughts. The signal chain passes through real analogue circuits. Before replying go and have a look at what the APB is on their website. You'll then hopefully get a better understanding of what it is you are talking about.
      And if this doesn't help with your understanding. Ask yourself if you think the bettermaker EQ, compressor or limiter is a plugin.

  • @NoQualmsTheArtist
    @NoQualmsTheArtist Рік тому +1

    Am I the only person who thinks this sounds like crap. Super grabby and flat sounding. I see why you confuse it for a plugin, because it doesn't sound 3D like hardware does. For the same price as an MEA2 or a Curve Bender, or you could buy a VSC3 and a VSM2. Is it even close to that level, I don't think so.

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому

      I do get what you mean and whilst I don't share your thoughts on it sounding like crap. I do agree with the you could buy this or this for the same price. Which is why I don't own one yet. Because its like why do I buy an APB when I could buy a VSM-2 instead.

    • @NoQualmsTheArtist
      @NoQualmsTheArtist Рік тому +1

      @@AudioAnimalsStudio I just think it lives in the wrong price range as it doesn't sound like the top level gear. Also I am never convinced with software controlled hardware, as soon as it is no longer supported or the company folds or after an OS update it just becomes an expensive paperweight. I just see it as a waste of money in the short term and the long run. I think companies are going backwards with the plugin controlled hardware thing, as it is good in theory with recall and everything. But in reality it is the speed of hands on control and the muscle memory of where the knobs are and the fact it is a long term investment that makes hardware superior, as well as the sound of course. This lacks all of those things.

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому +1

      @NoQualmsTheArtist I actually do agree with you and are all the reasons I don't own one of the APBs yet. Regarding hands on feel a DAW controller can give you this. So me using the Avid S4 this isn't an issue. Yes I 100% agree in regards to the software no longer being in development. The unit does become a brick. Where as a piece of hardware only becomes unusable when it breaks and nobody can fix it. I have a Wes Audio NG Bus Comp and that is additionally controlled by plugin. But if you didn't have compatability, you still have full control over the hardware.

    • @Truth565
      @Truth565 Рік тому

      @@NoQualmsTheArtist With regards to the price range and yes, maybe they're not mastering grade, but don't forget this is 8 stereo analog processors, which equates to rough £8-900.00 per EQ/compressor. I think they at least sound that good for mixing requirements? I do take your points on long term supportability from the software perspective, that can always be risky. But the reason mix engineers are interested in plugin controlled analog isn't so much for the plugin control itself, it's for the instant recall, and the flexibility to easily switch from one mix to another, and the time saving (with manual recall processes that it negates), and the possibility to increase the number of mixes you could complete over time and earn more money.

    • @NoQualmsTheArtist
      @NoQualmsTheArtist Рік тому +1

      @@Truth565 then why not just use a plugin? Acustica Audio plugins sound better than this and are a tiny fraction of the price and are perfect for every point you mentioned.

  • @rahman73854
    @rahman73854 Рік тому

    Can I help you get more views on your videos?

  • @dna598
    @dna598 Рік тому +1

    Far to expensive to succeed.

  • @jzilla_grudgegang
    @jzilla_grudgegang Рік тому +1

    I know some would disagree lol some of these designers make the worst looking GUI for plugins sometimes. Plugins only do so much even tho this is for recall and probably the only sell point but cmon let’s at least make the plugins look pleasing. Better off getting a neve mbc or the fusion or he’ll both. Simplicity at a price is so much more

  • @coverpromusik8411
    @coverpromusik8411 Рік тому

    Sorry that is 100 % digital plugs with procesor in box extern ✌️🍀💙 analog 0%

    • @AudioAnimalsStudio
      @AudioAnimalsStudio  Рік тому +2

      No it isn't look inside the box. You will find 16 analogue circuits. There's a lot of info online on this.

    • @wurlitsyzer9810
      @wurlitsyzer9810 Рік тому

      exactly the opposite