@@swschilke Hey, Steffen. Thank you for checking out our video. The 500 series racks and modules are the perfect customizable channel strip option for any studio. They will work great for any need. You can make the perfect broadcast channel strip or the perfect snare signal chain. They are super flexible and give you professional studio quality for a very reasonable price. You can customize them for any style you need. If you would like some help building a great broadcast chain, just give us a call. Thanks, Grant Embury, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1647, Grant_embury@Sweetwater.com
I have the RND combo in my 500 rack and I find I can dial just the right amount of coloration for my taste. I liked the API combo also. I have SSL Six but I find its controls a bit basic so it can work on some sources and not others.
Neve 1073 all the way for me when listening on my monitors. Found almost every other chain had too harsh upper mids for my ears. Great video and great singer!
1:46 Six 2:34 TB12 Tonelux Chandler 3:21 Api 4:05 Neve 1073 4:48 Neve RND 5:29 Retro Shadow Hills Api... But anything goes, just in this specific case. 1073 was disappointingly muffled, RND a bit harsh, might just as well be the opposite with different settings.
I was surprised at the SSL six it sounds good! What stood out the most that gave me the “stankface” impression was the API and the Rupert Neve Designs modules. This gave me a good gauge before I purchase anything. Great video! 👊🏾💯🔥
Rupert Neve 511 combo is by far the most open. Focus on the "Will it throw caution to the wind" phrase and jump around in the timeline. Warm TB12 is super dark. SSL is surprisingly good for the price.
Agree. It's the only one that didn't bring out the nasal and has a smooth top-end. The 1073 chain is very nasaly in comparison. The Retro chain was surprisingly nice, too, but with a lot more colour.
Considering the fact that the “worst” one in this lineup sounded very VERY good, I’d absolutely outfit a lunchbox of those ssl’s. The value is through the roof. One or two radically different channels would be nice - I’d grab the API pre and probably the Warm/retro pre based on this video but yeah there’s no wrong choice. That said... you’re talking BIG spending for an improvement that might not be worth it to anyone outside the studio
First of all.. the dude can sing, so any freaking gear will sound good with him 2. API chain sounded phenomenal 3. Neve 1073 was very warm but not as much clarity as the api 4. The shadowhills well.. take note that there was no EQ with that chain and it still sounded the best in my opinion.
Hell yeah! I used "to prefer" neve 1073 on vocals .. mostly because others said it sounded best on vocals. But with time my ears has matured and I've been listening to some comparisons on youtube and I almost always prefer the API 512. Thinking of buying one, the clarity in the top end sounds like a good match with dynamics such as Shure sm7b.
@@Victor-dt1uq API is more mid range forward and put vocals in 1st plan . Mine favorite there is RND combo, vocal is present and wide. API was good also.
Shockingly the Neve 511 sounded most up front and clear....Im a big fan of API but this time NEVE seemed to beat it on clarity and vocal placement..wow
I feel like the singer was feeling the api more, so we got a better performance. Not sure but I think the singer “performed” better on the api, and maybe that’s what we’re hearing.
Such a great and unique video it is. You should also provide the raw files so that users can listen hose high res files in DAW in detail and decide before purchasing units from you. 🙂
besides having the AC going here I would say..each chain of processors sounds great and any combination would be a dream come true. Those are some nice pieces of gear.
They all sound good! It’s just a preference thing which color you prefer or desire. Great video and great singer! sweetwater the only company I shop with!
Retro seems to add nice vibes/texture to U87 which would be super cool for old school sound, but for his voice I really liked API channel strip, just so forward and dynamic. Thank you for the quality demo
I love my portico 511 from sweet water. I wish they'd send me a nice 500 series pultec to pump up my 60hz. And a fresh tubetech ccm1a to top it off 🖤. Appreciate you guys
Interested in the little devil but this is the only video that features it on vocals.But i just noticed in this video Mitch has the mix knob all the way to the right which means its at 100% dry (no compression happening)
Hello, matthewwhitaker4849! Honestly any of these could be an all arounder. Just a matter of the flavor that you’re after for ‘your sound’! Give us a shout and we can discuss in more depth! Thanks for the interest! James Masterson, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1641, james_masterson@sweetwater.com
Hello Mitch! Great video as always! Just want to ask you, can you make a video for pros and cons to many 500 series boxes. Many users complain about noise from the power supply of 500 series. Please make shootout focusing on that how noisy some of the power supply boxes can be. Some folks even mention that sometimes the closest slot to power supply is noisier.
What I love about Neve is its instant footprint on any sound. Rupert Neve 511 is no joke as well, so I’ll be investing in more RND 500 modules in the future. End goal? 5088 Shelford console!
I like the Warm Audio chain. I have a similar chain, only I have an LL2A compressor limiter from Little Labs instead of the Chandler, but I'm thinking about adding the Chandler to my signal chain and just run my LL2A in its FET style mode since it's able to replicate like 3 different compressors. That way I can run the Chandler right behind it for a REALLLL BANG. Thanks for the vid Mitch.
Personally I dont like hearing a compressor grab a vocal. I find it distracting. That being said, the RND comp was the cleanest at doing it's job. I want to hear the artist, not the gear. I've tried all of the compresors for vocals, and I always go back to the 543. My go to chain is a Daking 52270->551->543
@Sweetwater: Y’all used the wrong interface because you can’t bypass the internal preamps. Therefore, it’s adding 10db of color to each external preamp. Should have used the X6 or an RME Interface to get the full benefit of each channel strip.
Singer must have come back from lunch on that Rupert . He put some extra energy into it…. The API setup is my choice. Sat in the mix like a record. SSL sounded like a Demo ( better for keys) Warm Audio had the low but is missing the top sheen. Neve has a color that’s good but slightly less sibilant than API. Retro similar to Neve. I’d like to hear the API into the Rupert eq and the chandler comp.
My choices here would be, retro + and shadow hills, warm audio tonelux chandler, neve 1073 pre eq comp. Vocalist has a slight sharp midrangy edge to it and those seemed to warm and smooth up a bit.
Hi Mitch. Please consider doing a demo video specifically for 500 series Tube Pre-amplifiers like the La Chapell 583S Mk2, Fredenstein F609, Cranesong Syren and Radial PowerTube.
Hi, thanks for your interest! Mitch shows a few examples in this video using 1-3 500 Series modules at a time. However, the 500 Series format is totally modular, so you can route audio however you like through multiple modules, assuming you have a “lunchbox” with enough space and power to accommodate all of your modules. It’s somewhat similar to building a guitar pedalboard, if that comparison helps at all. Feel free to contact me directly with any further questions, and thanks again! Caleb Lowrey, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1620, caleb_lowrey@sweetwater.com
Build your own custom signal chains with 500 series processors! Which of these signal chains would you try on your own vocal tracks?
Interesting video, could you do something like this for recording spoken words (i.e. podcasts) ?
Kind regards
@@swschilke Hey, Steffen. Thank you for checking out our video. The 500 series racks and modules are the perfect customizable channel strip option for any studio. They will work great for any need. You can make the perfect broadcast channel strip or the perfect snare signal chain. They are super flexible and give you professional studio quality for a very reasonable price. You can customize them for any style you need. If you would like some help building a great broadcast chain, just give us a call.
Thanks,
Grant Embury, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1647, Grant_embury@Sweetwater.com
So as a singer songwriter trying to get into this series, all I need is one pre, comp and eq? I’m doing vocals , guitar and maybe keys. Thx
I have the RND combo in my 500 rack and I find I can dial just the right amount of coloration for my taste. I liked the API combo also. I have SSL Six but I find its controls a bit basic so it can work on some sources and not others.
That dude can Sing . . . Impressive vocals.
Yeah, I knew he was going to sing for the demo, I just didn't realize he was going to "sang". Dayum! lol.
Neve 1073 all the way for me when listening on my monitors. Found almost every other chain had too harsh upper mids for my ears. Great video and great singer!
that's probably because of the boosts that were committed during EQ
It seems there was probably some processing ITB because they scooped all the lows and low mids out.
The voice of Mitch Gallager sounds amazing! Great microphone and process
😁🤘
I must say, I really liked the SSL Six - I thought it had a very present and forward sound.
the best sounding set up to my ears .
the api chain was a clear stand out imho, the retro/shadow hills also cut very well in a smooth way. great showcase video!
I’m a Neve’s fan, but seriously Api chain has blow my mind 👌🏼 also totally agree with the shadow hills 👊🏼
1:46 Six
2:34 TB12 Tonelux Chandler
3:21 Api
4:05 Neve 1073
4:48 Neve RND
5:29 Retro Shadow Hills
Api... But anything goes, just in this specific case. 1073 was disappointingly muffled, RND a bit harsh, might just as well be the opposite with different settings.
Yeah I agree, a tube comp on RND would put it over the top for me. Not to mention the portico 542
Yea i dislike porticos too, harsh. And ams neve doesn't do it for me, not sure what they're missing. Probably 16v modules instead of 24v
1073 pre is awesome and timeless, 1073eq is just too vintage.
Thanks for the time stamps
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!! ))
The 511 -Rubert Neve is crisp and just sounds amazing on hes vocals!
I was surprised at the SSL six it sounds good!
What stood out the most that gave me the “stankface” impression was the API and the Rupert Neve Designs modules. This gave me a good gauge before I purchase anything. Great video! 👊🏾💯🔥
RND chain sounded really great with his tone!
😁🙌
Rupert Neve 511 combo is by far the most open. Focus on the "Will it throw caution to the wind" phrase and jump around in the timeline. Warm TB12 is super dark. SSL is surprisingly good for the price.
Agree. It's the only one that didn't bring out the nasal and has a smooth top-end.
The 1073 chain is very nasaly in comparison. The Retro chain was surprisingly nice, too, but with a lot more colour.
Yes, well done. Solo and in context, thank you. RND seems to have the API mid forward/clarity but also the vintage vibe.
Considering the fact that the “worst” one in this lineup sounded very VERY good, I’d absolutely outfit a lunchbox of those ssl’s. The value is through the roof. One or two radically different channels would be nice - I’d grab the API pre and probably the Warm/retro pre based on this video but yeah there’s no wrong choice.
That said... you’re talking BIG spending for an improvement that might not be worth it to anyone outside the studio
It's a crime that this song is not available.... great music... killer vocals!
First of all.. the dude can sing, so any freaking gear will sound good with him
2. API chain sounded phenomenal
3. Neve 1073 was very warm but not as much clarity as the api
4. The shadowhills well.. take note that there was no EQ with that chain and it still sounded the best in my opinion.
Don't forget the mic 👉🏼👉🏼 good mic = less process
@@monovladd4392 yes that is very true.. also different mics have a different freq response as well
Hell yeah! I used "to prefer" neve 1073 on vocals .. mostly because others said it sounded best on vocals. But with time my ears has matured and I've been listening to some comparisons on youtube and I almost always prefer the API 512. Thinking of buying one, the clarity in the top end sounds like a good match with dynamics such as Shure sm7b.
@@Victor-dt1uq API is more mid range forward and put vocals in 1st plan . Mine favorite there is RND combo, vocal is present and wide. API was good also.
Should have also had the Great River pre and 501 comp. Amazing
1073 fits his voice and the song. Sounds like a finished product to me.
Shockingly the Neve 511 sounded most up front and clear....Im a big fan of API but this time NEVE seemed to beat it on clarity and vocal placement..wow
Rupert too clear (harsh)
I have the 5011 and an 1073SPX. RND is clean. 1073 has loads of mojo
@@zanem9022 harsh doesnt meen "clean". Harsh mean unpleasant .
@@theebob2008 RND sound better, wide, and open. No one care what is engaged, its just what sound better
API had the edge to my ear.
I feel like the singer was feeling the api more, so we got a better performance. Not sure but I think the singer “performed” better on the api, and maybe that’s what we’re hearing.
Great singer for a change on these videos....well done. Love Sweetwater and love Mitch G
Such a great and unique video it is. You should also provide the raw files so that users can listen hose high res files in DAW in detail and decide before purchasing units from you. 🙂
How far will love go?.... it will go straight into debt to buy all of these.
🤣
Lol
I felt the vocals in most cases could have used a bit more compression, but that's my approach.
agreed, although i think their reasoning was to avoid over compression on the way in since you can always just compress more after tracking
Man that Rupert stuff is so great sounding.
besides having the AC going here I would say..each chain of processors sounds great and any combination would be a dream come true. Those are some nice pieces of gear.
How far will my $ go ?
The RDN sounded way more open than the rest
Take out the 511 & add the 1073 to the RND chain would be killer ! (the 511 is light)
1) 1:45
2) 2:34
3) 3:21
4) 4:04
5) 4:48
6) 5:29
They all sound good! It’s just a preference thing which color you prefer or desire. Great video and great singer! sweetwater the only company I shop with!
Thanks! 😎🤟
Retro seems to add nice vibes/texture to U87 which would be super cool for old school sound, but for his voice I really liked API channel strip, just so forward and dynamic. Thank you for the quality demo
I love my portico 511 from sweet water. I wish they'd send me a nice 500 series pultec to pump up my 60hz. And a fresh tubetech ccm1a to top it off 🖤. Appreciate you guys
Great video - really enjoyed it
I think it is a great idea for manufacturers to produce 500 series for all guitar pedals
Interested in the little devil but this is the only video that features it on vocals.But i just noticed in this video Mitch has the mix knob all the way to the right which means its at 100% dry (no compression happening)
Wow! Fantastic! He's sangin!!!
As far as the chains, they all sound amazing! What would you say is best all arounder for any vocal?
Hello, matthewwhitaker4849! Honestly any of these could be an all arounder. Just a matter of the flavor that you’re after for ‘your sound’!
Give us a shout and we can discuss in more depth! Thanks for the interest!
James Masterson, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1641, james_masterson@sweetwater.com
Rupert for the WIN!!🔥🚀
Hello Mitch! Great video as always! Just want to ask you, can you make a video for pros and cons to many 500 series boxes. Many users complain about noise from the power supply of 500 series. Please make shootout focusing on that how noisy some of the power supply boxes can be. Some folks even mention that sometimes the closest slot to power supply is noisier.
Neve FTW! Such an open (and tastefully saturated) sound.
What I love about Neve is its instant footprint on any sound. Rupert Neve 511 is no joke as well, so I’ll be investing in more RND 500 modules in the future. End goal? 5088 Shelford console!
Really Wish You Showed the Close up Settings on the RND 511 pass. Also is the Silk Button Engaged?
Yeah I had to go with the Neve 1073LB and the 1073LBEQ . I picked up the SSL six as well and like that one too
I really feel that the neve premaps are the best they have the warmth and the fullness you can't beat
great video, sound and singer
Thanks mitch...great video with demo...thanks again...from india...
man, that 2264 just sounded like a finished vocal already!
RND smashed this. No contest
Agreed. That Rupert Neve chain was amazing. Damn! I’m gonna have to rethink my setup 🤔
The SSL sounds vintage!
Comparisons like these are frivolous when I have to wait 30 seconds to hear the next vocal chain.
You can download them and cut them up if you want to do straight side by sides.
I like the Warm Audio chain. I have a similar chain, only I have an LL2A compressor limiter from Little Labs instead of the Chandler, but I'm thinking about adding the Chandler to my signal chain and just run my LL2A in its FET style mode since it's able to replicate like 3 different compressors. That way I can run the Chandler right behind it for a REALLLL BANG. Thanks for the vid Mitch.
Alright Mitch, you got me with the title of the video. Damn you sweet water.
Personally I dont like hearing a compressor grab a vocal. I find it distracting. That being said, the RND comp was the cleanest at doing it's job. I want to hear the artist, not the gear. I've tried all of the compresors for vocals, and I always go back to the 543. My go to chain is a Daking 52270->551->543
Mitch is my Hero ❤️
Great video by the way - fab presentation and stunning Demo. Muchos respect ✊
That retro and shadow hills hit the spot
Gotta catch them all!
Excellent video!
Now u need to do an entire series with all your modules. Nice !
1073lb is the one that got me in the game
The Retro + Shadow Hills had so much flavor. It almost made the U87 sound like a tube U47...
Holy poop that RND chain sounded insane. SSL surprised me I must admit
I DID NOT expect that voice!
Is that Jordan Applegate? Dude is killing it! Thanks for the demo
Uffff Shadow Hills so far!!!!!!, in the mix sound very very very good
Now do a voice over / broadcast / podcast setup.
EPIC!!!! This video saved me so much research...yet none at all. I want them all!!! I guess start with the Neves tho...
That warmth though sounds great 👍
Would love a vid on the chassis'
A whole custom mini studio in a box!
The API chain sounds the best
3:21 4:05 4:48
Rupert Neve Design and SSL were tasty
Really cool, thanks!
No problem! 😁🤟
@Sweetwater: Y’all used the wrong interface because you can’t bypass the internal preamps. Therefore, it’s adding 10db of color to each external preamp. Should have used the X6 or an RME Interface to get the full benefit of each channel strip.
Impressed by the RND 🤔
neve and retro really thicken up the 87ai
That api vocal chain was the best fersure
so nice vocal
Are you guys actually using the X4 to tracks these? I read somewhere that you can’t override the built in preamps on Apollo X4.
Singer must have come back from lunch on that Rupert . He put some extra energy into it…. The API setup is my choice. Sat in the mix like a record.
SSL sounded like a Demo ( better for keys) Warm Audio had the low but is missing the top sheen. Neve has a color that’s good but slightly less sibilant than API. Retro similar to Neve. I’d like to hear the API into the Rupert eq and the chandler comp.
I mean considering the price and real estate that ssl six is killer!
please more video like this
For me it’s the Neve and then the retro shadow blend in second… followed by the Rupert Neve for this particular source.
The Rupert N gear did it fo me. But that Shadow Hills Comp wins the looks department.
That new SSL VHD+ is No Joke
API stack and the last stack was the best.
I never knew about 500 series magic until NOW....
Dayum. That Retro was the SAUCE!
My choices here would be, retro + and shadow hills, warm audio tonelux chandler, neve 1073 pre eq comp. Vocalist has a slight sharp midrangy edge to it and those seemed to warm and smooth up a bit.
I think the only way to truly judge is with no eq engaged at all, ssl was suprisingly brittle on top end? Hence eq could have been culprit..
Shadowhills and Retro and Neve 😍
The singer wooaaa and shadow hills love em both
Hi Mitch. Please consider doing a demo video specifically for 500 series Tube Pre-amplifiers like the La Chapell 583S Mk2, Fredenstein F609, Cranesong Syren and Radial PowerTube.
SSL SiX was amazing! My fave along with RND
Hey steve does the box really matter cause I’m thinking of getting a fredenstein or API and start building
That singer would make anything sound good.
Those videos haw help me so much, I haw a gaming channel and you just help me much with those videos.
😁🎮
What wives think their husbands do when theyre away: "Probably just drunk, watching football"
What theyre really doing: 2:05
I understand it is a vocal chain. Can you use them all collectively? Or just 1 to 2 at a time?
Hi, thanks for your interest! Mitch shows a few examples in this video using 1-3 500 Series modules at a time. However, the 500 Series format is totally modular, so you can route audio however you like through multiple modules, assuming you have a “lunchbox” with enough space and power to accommodate all of your modules. It’s somewhat similar to building a guitar pedalboard, if that comparison helps at all.
Feel free to contact me directly with any further questions, and thanks again!
Caleb Lowrey, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1620, caleb_lowrey@sweetwater.com
How far will love go?
Wow... very cool video. Nice Demo. Cool track & sweet vocals too. Awesome.
Nice!