This is a really great comparison. The preamps on the presonus sound very clinical and precise whereas the little bit of subtle saturation you get on the SSL preamps gets the tracks that much closer to mix-ready. Clinical is fine, but it just means you have to do more at mix time and the SSL gives you a lot for free here. I notice the kick cuts through the full mix a bit better on the SSL version. The way it saturates on the ride cymbal is really pleasant too. And the top end saturation on the snare is just the chef's kiss. Great video!
I really liked the low end added by the SSL pres, as well as the top end roll-off. It's subtle for sure, but it's there. This is the thing that I really like about tracking though analog gear - less work to do at mix time! And once again a reminder of how I really need one of those Mini47 KDs. So nice!
The XMAX Pres stack up well, but the SSL just smooths everything over. Rich and punchy, like an SSL should be. With how flexible the Presonus board is, it would be interesting to see how to get to as close to the SSL as possible with the build in drive and compression.
Nice.... Thanks for the Video I currently use a Studiolive 32s and when I move to my new house I was thinking of putting in an Origin 32. Food for thought. Like the Roswell Mics.
When the drums are soloed, the difference is clearly heard. But where I feel like there really is a difference is when the other instruments are added. The bass drum and snare transients cut through the mix easily and the high end is much rounder. I can easily use the preamps on the presonus console and get a good mix. But it would take much longer. SSL preamps lead the way to a good mix faster and, arguably, with better results. Another great video Dave. Thank you!
Thanks for the video, it would have been very useful to compare the StudioLive preamps with the "pure" preamps of the Origin and not the "drive" version of it, which isn't the "normal" one like the Presonus. Interesting anyway. ;)
Great demo, I'm thinking of getting a Presonus board, but the preamps are what had me hesitant. This video convinced me that the Studio Live mic pre's are on the same level as other boards in their price range. Not stellar sounding like SSL, but good enough for a small studio. Thanks for the vid.
I have the Presonus 32sx and I was thinking of getting a couple of SSL Octo pre's and I am not sure the difference is worth the investment. What are your thoughts on those vs teh Presonus?
Would I like to hear more similar comparisons? You bet! Is the SSL $50,000 better than the SL? Maybe. FWIW, I agree with your assessments. Thank you for producing this video.
I dont have any other gear to compare it to. I just did this video because it's what I had in the studio. This channel isn't about "let's find the cheapest alternative gear that sounds just like a $50K console" LOL. I just thought I would share
It would be interesting to hear this same test with the PreSonus AR16 analog board instead of the digital board. That way you have expensive analog vs inexpensive analog. I get the compare expensive analog to typical interface deal but I wonder to what degree the PreSonus analog could approach the SSL with and without the SSL "drive".
@@MixingMusicAnalog Yeah, same here. Of course if someone sent me the AR16 they would also have to send me the SSL. I would think Sweetwater would send you a demo AR16 since you are an affiliate. Seems like it would be good marketing for them.
I have no experience with seeing or hearing an SSL or the pro level analog mixers at that. Hearing this demo what I heard was the ssl had some thickness and glued together sound and switching back to the SL it was like it brightened up but like the mix fell apart especially if listening to the snare. It sounded thin , brighter and loose. ( i am not sure if those descriptions make sense😅 )Thx for the demo Uncle Dave
Great video! I actually like the presonus better because of the transient detail however the origin has more weight to it. You really should try this without the pure drive engaged...I have found them to be a little fuzzy at times and found the origins natural preamps to be quite good
It's funny because by individual tracks the difference is not a landslide, just subtle slightly more pleasing sound that's just a tiny bit better... But this is the reason for high end equipment that is a tiny bit better, because all those tiny bits on each track adds up. Then if you need it or not, the answer is no, you can still get pretty close to just a tiny bit... the reason why you would spend that much money on a console is the speed of getting there and then how much more money you make because you can get more projects done in a smaller time frame. Plus, there will always be that little bit of magic you just can't get that once you know what it is you will really have a hard time not having that as part of the sound you offer. The decision for such thing in that price range is a business investment. At home you don't need a big printer than can print thousands of pages before the ink needs to be filled and would just be such a waste of money to have at home but in a office... the same with a printer that's for printing illustrated art that is 3 or 5 % better printing quality for ten times the price... not worth it for home projects but if a product is for business and needs to be the best it is worth it and will keep that company in business. What is lovely these days is how we are getting small form factor units to be able to achieve this sound in a home environment, just it being of a small form factor means that it takes us 32 times longer than a 32 channel console... to print each channel back into the DAW. But if you are at home and you only have yours and your friends projects to deal with then you have that time and videos like this does help with purchase decisions like that also
Good comparison!!! GOOD JOB!!!! Didn't know you played drums like that, pretty darn good Dave! The Origin takes it.. just watch out for the clipping on the StudioLive
Very interesting, anyway, in this exemple i can hear the thing that i dislike on my own StudioLive. It's a great tool for live, in the way to record it too, it's not to expensive, got a lot of quality but miss something. The sound lack of some focus, some transient and some low end, even something in the high end for the snare. XMAX seems to be "darker" and "finner". The sound seems to loose his thick part. But, it's not the same price range and for 1.5k for the rack version of the StudioLive, it's a realy good value. You've got what you are paying for.
Hm I don’t think it’s a subtle change, the difference is huge. It’s not that I’m a well experienced mixer with ab 2 years but I noticed that when I used analog tables like Neve and SSL it’s the sound I want to hear. Probably because they sound like “old” music, something we already know and like. Digital sounds a bit harsh and as mentioned less saturated, more transients. It doesn’t sound better to me, but its defenitly workable and always remember the PRICE GAP. The reason I like Presonus is because it fits my personal budget (analog also means more maintenance and energy costs). A couple of good plugins can be an easy fix or maybe some summing through 2 500 slot preamps. Analog is better but use what’s in your budget right now so you can work and save up for upgrades. Don’t get stuck on excuses and perhaps that sleek SSL desk will be yours
I dont disagree. Sound is subjective. It always comes down to these two things.....whats your budget and what sound are you willing to live with. Plugins are great if you like those. The tools are just tools. The engineering skills is what the difference comes down too. All that said, I'll tell you this......I never had a single person come to this studio, work on the SSL and the gear and leave saying "yea, I'll stick" to my plugins.....LOL. Not one, not ever!
Nice little head to head. To my ears, obviously through the UA-cam compression, the SSL sound more mix-ready than the StudioLive. Both takes would be highly useable, I would personally just have to work a bit harder to get the StudioLive-version to sit where I want in the mix than I would the SSL-version. I'd love to hear the SSL vs StudioLive on acoustic guitar (a well known acoustic like a Martin D-45 or similar would be ideal) - both strumming and fingerstyle. I'm guessing you'd get more compressed sounding low mids and sparkly highs from the SSL and a more flat response from the Presonus - but it would be an interesting comparison. As a StudioLive user saving my pennies for my dream console these comparisons are highly relevant for me - so keep 'em coming. 👌🎧 Have a great one
Call me a control freak but I would rather track with the Presonus and get a better final result with compression and eq. Once you have tracked with the Origin, you are stuck with the sounds which are great but may not suit all situations!
First time listening to this much Presonus hardware lol. There is one tonal quality I feel I’ve noticed from the Presonus compared to the other pieces they’ve been compared to, converters and preamps. The mids on the Presonus sound a bit more smeared or congested, boxy maybe. Noticed this with the converter shoot out as well. It’s kinda comparable to the 80b comparison, the hardware just had those clear mids.
The tracks coming of the Origin is extremely mix ready as they fit very nicely together into one cohesive whole. While the Studio Live is not far off EQ-wise, it would be much harder to mix, as the tracks seems to be more disconnected from each other sonically speaken. But hey, maybe there is also a slight price difference between the two. This is the perfect example of diminishing returns. Can you get a professional result with the Studio Live? Absolutely !! So is the Origin really better then? Yes, without a question....
Its not really a fair comparison. If you are thinking about "diminishing returns when buying an analog desk, then you are missing the point completely, but I hear what you are saying. Let me ask you this.....Can you get a "professional" result with the Studio Live? Well, how many commercial records in the last 10 years or even 5 years do you think have been mixed on a StudioLive vs an Analog console? My bet, not a single one was mixed on a StudioLive......enough said! LOL :)
@@MixingMusicAnalog Oooh… that escaled pretty quickly my angry man😂😂I actually think YOU complety missed MY point cause I don’t disagree with you even te slightest bit. My point was really that you need to pay ALOT more to get just incremental improvements in sound. But that improvement (even though it seems small if just comparing single tracks) really adds up when you suddenly working with a multitrack mix. I agree with you that probably no proffesional mixes are done on a Studio Live. But my bet is that more professional mixes are done in the box than on a console…
This is a really great comparison. The preamps on the presonus sound very clinical and precise whereas the little bit of subtle saturation you get on the SSL preamps gets the tracks that much closer to mix-ready. Clinical is fine, but it just means you have to do more at mix time and the SSL gives you a lot for free here. I notice the kick cuts through the full mix a bit better on the SSL version. The way it saturates on the ride cymbal is really pleasant too. And the top end saturation on the snare is just the chef's kiss. Great video!
Thanks Jason!!
I really liked the low end added by the SSL pres, as well as the top end roll-off. It's subtle for sure, but it's there. This is the thing that I really like about tracking though analog gear - less work to do at mix time! And once again a reminder of how I really need one of those Mini47 KDs. So nice!
Totally agree!
The XMAX Pres stack up well, but the SSL just smooths everything over. Rich and punchy, like an SSL should be.
With how flexible the Presonus board is, it would be interesting to see how to get to as close to the SSL as possible with the build in drive and compression.
Im sure it can get close but the video was just about the sound of the pre's
There's a slight difference, but it's been said that moving a mic an inch makes a bigger difference than the mic preamp.
Thanks for watching!
Nice.... Thanks for the Video I currently use a Studiolive 32s and when I move to my new house I was thinking of putting in an Origin 32. Food for thought. Like the Roswell Mics.
Go for it!
What a great video in the most delightfully nerdy way
Glad you liked it!
When the drums are soloed, the difference is clearly heard. But where I feel like there really is a difference is when the other instruments are added. The bass drum and snare transients cut through the mix easily and the high end is much rounder. I can easily use the preamps on the presonus console and get a good mix. But it would take much longer. SSL preamps lead the way to a good mix faster and, arguably, with better results.
Another great video Dave. Thank you!
Thank you!
Thanks for the video, it would have been very useful to compare the StudioLive preamps with the "pure" preamps of the Origin and not the "drive" version of it, which isn't the "normal" one like the Presonus. Interesting anyway. ;)
Maybe some other channel will do that test, thanks!
As I StudioLive64S owner I would like to see the new ssl preamps used in front of the Studiolive.
Sorry, the SL is gone form my studio so I wont be dong that test.
Been recording drums for over 40 years ,the preamp is important ,but the room ,and the drummer makes the biggest differance,great video
Thanks for watching!
deeper reach for transient on the origin?
Thank you for watching!
Great demo, I'm thinking of getting a Presonus board, but the preamps are what had me hesitant. This video convinced me that the Studio Live mic pre's are on the same level as other boards in their price range. Not stellar sounding like SSL, but good enough for a small studio. Thanks for the vid.
Thanks for watching!
I appreciate the test between consoles. I would love to hear and see more like it. Awesome! I wonder how my Tascam DM 3200 stands up to the SSL Origin
Thanks for watching!
I have the Presonus 32sx and I was thinking of getting a couple of SSL Octo pre's and I am not sure the difference is worth the investment. What are your thoughts on those vs teh Presonus?
Never used the SSL Octo pre, so I can't say.
Would I like to hear more similar comparisons? You bet! Is the SSL $50,000 better than the SL? Maybe. FWIW, I agree with your assessments. Thank you for producing this video.
I dont have any other gear to compare it to. I just did this video because it's what I had in the studio. This channel isn't about "let's find the cheapest alternative gear that sounds just like a $50K console" LOL. I just thought I would share
The studio live good I can see it being close to the orgin if you run it through a DBX 166 1st and 2nd gen or certain clones of aformentioned boxes.
Ok, thanks
It would be interesting to hear this same test with the PreSonus AR16 analog board instead of the digital board. That way you have expensive analog vs inexpensive analog. I get the compare expensive analog to typical interface deal but I wonder to what degree the PreSonus analog could approach the SSL with and without the SSL "drive".
I dont have access to that mixer, so if someone wants to send it to me I would be happy to do the comparison.
@@MixingMusicAnalog Yeah, same here. Of course if someone sent me the AR16 they would also have to send me the SSL. I would think Sweetwater would send you a demo AR16 since you are an affiliate. Seems like it would be good marketing for them.
Thank you for this video, great topic... Again :)
My pleasure!
I have no experience with seeing or hearing an SSL or the pro level analog mixers at that. Hearing this demo what I heard was the ssl had some thickness and glued together sound and switching back to the SL it was like it brightened up but like the mix fell apart especially if listening to the snare. It sounded thin , brighter and loose. ( i am not sure if those descriptions make sense😅 )Thx for the demo Uncle Dave
You are very welcome! Thank you for your support
Great video! I actually like the presonus better because of the transient detail however the origin has more weight to it. You really should try this without the pure drive engaged...I have found them to be a little fuzzy at times and found the origins natural preamps to be quite good
Fair enough!
It's funny because by individual tracks the difference is not a landslide, just subtle slightly more pleasing sound that's just a tiny bit better...
But this is the reason for high end equipment that is a tiny bit better, because all those tiny bits on each track adds up.
Then if you need it or not, the answer is no, you can still get pretty close to just a tiny bit... the reason why you would spend that much money on a console is the speed of getting there and then how much more money you make because you can get more projects done in a smaller time frame.
Plus, there will always be that little bit of magic you just can't get that once you know what it is you will really have a hard time not having that as part of the sound you offer.
The decision for such thing in that price range is a business investment.
At home you don't need a big printer than can print thousands of pages before the ink needs to be filled and would just be such a waste of money to have at home but in a office... the same with a printer that's for printing illustrated art that is 3 or 5 % better printing quality for ten times the price... not worth it for home projects but if a product is for business and needs to be the best it is worth it and will keep that company in business.
What is lovely these days is how we are getting small form factor units to be able to achieve this sound in a home environment, just it being of a small form factor means that it takes us 32 times longer than a 32 channel console... to print each channel back into the DAW.
But if you are at home and you only have yours and your friends projects to deal with then you have that time and videos like this does help with purchase decisions like that also
Appreciate this channel a lot!
Well said. Thanks!
Good comparison!!! GOOD JOB!!!! Didn't know you played drums like that, pretty darn good Dave! The Origin takes it.. just watch out for the clipping on the StudioLive
No way! I cant play drums worth a dam...LOL. I just toy around on them for fun
You did pretty good. When I play it's like I can't get my foot on bass to cooperate... lol
Very interesting, anyway, in this exemple i can hear the thing that i dislike on my own StudioLive. It's a great tool for live, in the way to record it too, it's not to expensive, got a lot of quality but miss something. The sound lack of some focus, some transient and some low end, even something in the high end for the snare. XMAX seems to be "darker" and "finner". The sound seems to loose his thick part.
But, it's not the same price range and for 1.5k for the rack version of the StudioLive, it's a realy good value. You've got what you are paying for.
Thanks for watching!
This was great!
Glad you liked it!
Hm I don’t think it’s a subtle change, the difference is huge. It’s not that I’m a well experienced mixer with ab 2 years but I noticed that when I used analog tables like Neve and SSL it’s the sound I want to hear. Probably because they sound like “old” music, something we already know and like. Digital sounds a bit harsh and as mentioned less saturated, more transients. It doesn’t sound better to me, but its defenitly workable and always remember the PRICE GAP. The reason I like Presonus is because it fits my personal budget (analog also means more maintenance and energy costs). A couple of good plugins can be an easy fix or maybe some summing through 2 500 slot preamps. Analog is better but use what’s in your budget right now so you can work and save up for upgrades. Don’t get stuck on excuses and perhaps that sleek SSL desk will be yours
I dont disagree. Sound is subjective. It always comes down to these two things.....whats your budget and what sound are you willing to live with. Plugins are great if you like those. The tools are just tools. The engineering skills is what the difference comes down too.
All that said, I'll tell you this......I never had a single person come to this studio, work on the SSL and the gear and leave saying "yea, I'll stick" to my plugins.....LOL. Not one, not ever!
Hey Dave, Can you do a pre amp comparison against a Neve and an Api?
Nope, I dont have any API, sorry
Great demo!
Thank you
I hiope you hire a Behringer Wing one day to do the same experiment.
Not likely, sorry
Nice little head to head.
To my ears, obviously through the UA-cam compression, the SSL sound more mix-ready than the StudioLive. Both takes would be highly useable, I would personally just have to work a bit harder to get the StudioLive-version to sit where I want in the mix than I would the SSL-version.
I'd love to hear the SSL vs StudioLive on acoustic guitar (a well known acoustic like a Martin D-45 or similar would be ideal) - both strumming and fingerstyle.
I'm guessing you'd get more compressed sounding low mids and sparkly highs from the SSL and a more flat response from the Presonus - but it would be an interesting comparison.
As a StudioLive user saving my pennies for my dream console these comparisons are highly relevant for me - so keep 'em coming. 👌🎧
Have a great one
Thanks for your input.
Huge difference. Ssl sounds great.
Thanks for watching!
Call me a control freak but I would rather track with the Presonus and get a better final result with compression and eq. Once you have tracked with the Origin, you are stuck with the sounds which are great but may not suit all situations!
Cool, thanks for watching!
Next, eq it on the boards uncle D!
Maybe, will see
First time listening to this much Presonus hardware lol.
There is one tonal quality I feel I’ve noticed from the Presonus compared to the other pieces they’ve been compared to, converters and preamps. The mids on the Presonus sound a bit more smeared or congested, boxy maybe. Noticed this with the converter shoot out as well. It’s kinda comparable to the 80b comparison, the hardware just had those clear mids.
Thanks for watching!
Yeah! A War👍👍👍🥰🥰🥰💰💰💰💲💲🧙
Not a war...just a simple comparsion
@@MixingMusicAnalog just joking, I love comparisons
The tracks coming of the Origin is extremely mix ready as they fit very nicely together into one cohesive whole. While the Studio Live is not far off EQ-wise, it would be much harder to mix, as the tracks seems to be more disconnected from each other sonically speaken. But hey, maybe there is also a slight price difference between the two. This is the perfect example of diminishing returns. Can you get a professional result with the Studio Live? Absolutely !! So is the Origin really better then? Yes, without a question....
Its not really a fair comparison. If you are thinking about "diminishing returns when buying an analog desk, then you are missing the point completely, but I hear what you are saying.
Let me ask you this.....Can you get a "professional" result with the Studio Live? Well, how many commercial records in the last 10 years or even 5 years do you think have been mixed on a StudioLive vs an Analog console? My bet, not a single one was mixed on a StudioLive......enough said! LOL :)
@@MixingMusicAnalog Oooh… that escaled pretty quickly my angry man😂😂I actually think YOU complety missed MY point cause I don’t disagree with you even te slightest bit. My point was really that you need to pay ALOT more to get just incremental improvements in sound. But that improvement (even though it seems small if just comparing single tracks) really adds up when you suddenly working with a multitrack mix. I agree with you that probably no proffesional mixes are done on a Studio Live. But my bet is that more professional mixes are done in the box than on a console…
Take it from someone in the industry. Most professional mixes today are still done on a console with outboard. That is just a fact.
Ssl all the way!
Thanks for watching!
❤️👍
Thank you
Snare sounds alot beefier on ssl
Thanks for watching
Your channel should be alot bigger
Well thank you. I agree. LOL