Bruce Swedien (RIP) he lived by the statement, Recording in clean, Easy mix. So def this opened my mind to know Best gear up - easy output. Neve for the win :)
Not really a comparison for me, they do different things. Maybe 542 for instant satisfaction, then the SSL for a finish saturation. That SSL has amazing harmonics, and the 542 has a clever design for pop and today's audience. I love both of them :)
For those interested in more budget saturation options, I'm doing a video shortly comparing HRK vs Looptrotter. I'll be using the Looptrotter SAT 500 unit and a new unit from HRK which is just about to to release - the ST596 analog saturator + tape emulator. Video will be up within 2 weeks.
Which would you suggest for dance music? (Fast transient material ~ 128 bpm). I noticed the Prometheus there too - is that also a solid eq for dance music or would the Hyperion be a bit more suitable? Thx man you are the goat for this stuff
This seems the be the "Neve" sound. I've discovered this with many things and I'm now understanding why you get a few right things and not a bunch of replicas
@@exteriorsigns it literally touching you in comparison to other things... the thing that jumps to mind is the difference of watching something that is interesting and something that you get captured by. It's definitely a key component.
@@exteriorsigns I find the goal of a mix engineer and mastering engineer is to take the people that are going to listen to it to be taken from feeling like a listener and feel more like the driver when listening... Neve, Tape other things, these are the reasons these things are the keys... the keys you then give to the listener so the song now sounds like it is coming from them... they now live in that song... it touches them like they are saying it and that is what consumers are looking for without knowing it
@@TigroGumi I agree. I find that Summing in the analog realm is a great way to create an immersive mix that envelops you as you listen. The separation from summing reminds me of pillars in a structure. The elements have their designated space and are strong, but they're still glued together. Makes the music sound more "important" or grand. Looking at the Neve 5059 to achieve this.
Agreed, they do different things...best used in conjunction with each other. I would definitely put the 542 after the fusion though, to round off the added high mids of the fusion transformer and drive. You can push the fusion harder, then smooth it all out a bit at the end with the 542 while adding weight to the bottom end via the tape effect. I love this combination. I own them both. Thanks for the video.
so fun to see you use this gear . Never seen before someone mastering ... Mixing yes , but not mastering. It s really interesting ! Even on my bad monitors , i hear the warm and harmonics of the sound. I have no preference for the hardware to test. All is interesting for me in yours videos for the moment. Great ! Keep on ! Thanks
Although I'll probably never to get own either I'd personally go with the Fusion for all the features and I think tone suits the music I do more. Great video.
hallo david, thank a ton for you super content, i almost watch all videos you make. One question: i soon get a pair of neve 542 and in some videos u say, u set them up pretty at the beginning in your session on your tubas and mix truh them. Can you explain me why is it better to mix truh them instead of setting them up at the end?? Saluti e grazie
Because that's the case for anything you put on the 2bus. Because you need to learn how to push into them because they will drastically change the way you mix. And you will need overall less processing. If you put them at the end (sometimes you can, sometimes I do in mastering) your balance will be all messed up because they are VERY colored
Very cool comparison! As for the next video, I'd love to check out how the FATSO compares to the 542s since both of them are mainly tape emulations with transformer option. Thanks for the great videos!
I'd love to see the Neve 542 vs Drawmer 1976, especially on the low end. I'm planning on getting a Drawmer 1976 as my first outboard unit to add some life to my mixes. I probably don't have the money to get the Neve 542 too so I'm curious how they compare.
no it doesn't come close to the Neve as in the whole thing, it comes close to the only the eq part of the red silk, which is only one (little) part of the neves, and it does it without the color or the saturation of the xformer, is the SPL Passeq (UAD)
@@mixbustv The thing I like about you is the speed in which you give return answers. Very much appreciated when someone takes the time to comment or for clarification and the author actually follows up. Thanks! Great channel.
@@tonstudiometzingen I went with the LTL as i run my mic's through it using the neve or api transformers or a mixture of both and the bax eq that's super sweet. It's just a wonderful box to have in a studio. Sometimes i'll lightly print individual tracks through it before i mix which is even more effective on acoustic tracks, less so on dense electronic music. It will never leave my studio.
Great video. Would this be unit be good if you wanted to give your drum bus a nice compressed crunch? Thinking the vintage drive with the LMC would work well? I'm also looking at the Drawmer 1976, much less money but the Fusion has so much more on offer
hey David! how do the RND 542's compare to the Fatso (compression option on the Fatso aside)? they seem overall to have a similar set of features..? thank you!
They really don't. 542 have a gigantic, focused and warm low end, that's what you use em for for the most part. And transformers which are slightly similar in red mode to xformers on the Fatso only Fatso's are much more subtle. On the other hand Fatso has the warmth circuit which is quite unique, and it doesn't have much to do with warmth since it's basically an analog deesser and quite amazing at that. The saturation part could be compared, 542 being fuzzy and warm, Fatso still being warm but more snappy, round effect that sometimes work sometimes doesn't. Basically 542 is enhancement, Fatso is an anti-digital machine
Hi David. Looking forward to this. I'd be interested if the SSL fusion (which I also own) can recreate some of the saturation and silk functionality of the RND 542? I own a RND 5012 which has blue silk, so I was thinking of combining both. Many thanks
Q: I've noticed that the vintage drive section on the SSL Fusion induces some noise, but that the noise is reduced slightly when you turn the drive knob clockwise. Does the noise on the Fusion (or any piece of hardware you have) get so high that you use something like Izotope RX for denoising after you print a mix, or is it not that concerning?
Hey Dave, You should check out the Looptrotter Sat2Rate 2 one of the best saturators , I own the Fusion and would like to comment you on the controls..If you want more from the Transformer you have to back off from the input and raise the output(since the transformer is on the output stage). Now Vise Versa, if you like more saturation raise the input and back off from the output(Raising the Input hits the vintage drive Harder)...Check out the Sat2Rate 2, beautiful Harmonics! Take care and Thanks for all the Wonderful Videos...YOU ROCK!
I own the Sa2urate 2 in addition to the SSL Fusion as well. I use the Sa2urate as an insert in the SSL Fusion. I have it set pre-eq as it cleverly fills and smooths out the low end that the Fusion might not be capable of producing. The Fusion also allows me to maximize the abilities of the Looptrotter Sa2urate in mid-side. It’s because of the Sa2urate that I feel that I might not need the 542 as I’m looking to purchase one while I type this…😂🤣
Whoa! I just read (and commented) your FB post, moaning about YT channel content theft, clickbait et al. Sorry to hear that. Please keep the channel active, as it's a useful reference source, and one of the channels on YT that has real informational integrity at it's heart. All the best
@12:27 idk but I really think you made the ssl fusion sound 90% close to the neve 542s. I own both. I like the 542s but I think at times they have give off too much bass. I’m still learning them tho. I had it about for a year now.
Rupert Neve started out building transformers and it's obvious he understands how to use them! It was Brilliant to use a transformer i the 542 as a tape head, and feed it to a corrected amp, and the silk is again Rupert showing what transformers can do if you know how to manipulate the fields they create for things like silk. Now 94 years old and still creating, I hope he lives for many more years and brings even more of his high voltage rails and wonderful transformer tricks for that Neve warmth and dynamic sound. I like SSL too, but Neve is my favourite. IN the '70's many studios would track on an SSL desk and then mix it all on a Neve desk, that would be amazing to be able to have both consoles and get the best of both worlds. Thanks for this video, it's nice to hear something and then think of a way to come up with the money to get one, these videos are motivating as well as informative. Hope your new pc build is making it all easier too!
I’m thinking about getting into analog with 500 series to add to my digital masters I want to start with Neve 542 but how is Elysia xkaracter in comparison which should I go into first? Also thanks for the good advice you give in videos, it really helps.🔥🔥🔥
I'm not a fan of the xkaracter, sounds pretty sterile to me and without weight. And btw it's not comparable to the 542's they don't do the same thing not even close
@@mixbustv I appreciate the quick response, im pretty new to this and your knowledge of kNown and unknown gems HYPERION are making it easier to get more of an understanding. Thanks again
@@mixbustv ok I have the neve 542 now. My first analog gear.. I saw now that you say go for a eq first, looking at 500 series Hyperion, but thinking about the Drawmer 1974 now that I see it is stereo
I could be wrong but I seem to remember you used to have the Wes Audio Titan chassis, David. Do you use the Supercarrier 1 now instead? When you're using the recall/automation for the Wes Audio modules do you just use the front USB? I was going to splash on the Titan but I can get a used Supercarrier for a good price
I need to know if the Neve Portico MBP has exactly the same parameters as these 2 units + limiter. Is that so? Maybe the MBP is better bang for the buck
Will you do the fatso ccnparison? Love that unit. Im also thinking about getting the ssl fusion as a 2bus unit. You think i should chain Dione or Successor in it?
Successor is an amazing comp but both color and action might not go well with everything on 2bus, Dione is a classic and for any genre. Depends what you we want, more color less versatility or the other way around (Dione is still colored but not like a diode bridge)
The other way around, I didn't get the MBP because the only thing I like about it it's the xformers and the 542s have em already. I don't like the comp on it, don't need itz don't care for the stereo imager because I already have two
I have the MBP, do you use the tape section on the 542s as much as the silk? I love the red silk on the MBP but would actually be great to also have some blues to add in at the same time. The tape on the 542s adds that low end bump you mention or the transformers?
@@STMENTNETWORK When you look at what they are the price difference should be a surprise, I'm not even sure why people want to compare them the Neve is a compressor basically, Fusion is not. Do you need a compressor?
@@mixbustv bro u be coming off a little arrogant, your channel suppose to be a place where people can come ask questions and get information. Obviously if I haven’t used either and you might of I should be able to ask u a question without feeling like I’m being scolded. Just humble yourself a little bit respectfully, everybody ain’t got a bunch of gear like u.
I'm a bigger fan of the Neve. I've been having a idea of creating a summing mixer made of 542's and some neve EQ's going into a mastering chain including the SSL fusion. Neve has always had a richer, more inviting sound, kind of film like and SSL is very polishing. Both are good though, the SSL shinned on the classic stuff, where brightness is lacking. In audio it's impossible for one thing to be fully better in most cases because each thing will have specific time and place where it is perfect.
@@bigmacmillerlite8775 you are right the manual clearly states you can use a a mono processor for mid and another for the sides. I'm sure this is common, but I've never owned a piece of hardware offering this so was not aware it could work like this. My mind is blown!
@@jonnyidle I'm not too sure how they do this either, but it exists and I use it every now and again. Mainly on snares. If you have an eq with M/s pop it on a snare and bump the bass on the sides. Insanity
ok, so i'm listening through a set of beyerdynamic 1770's through the headphone amp on my dangerous d-box+, & those Neve's are insane. The last time that i was this exited about a piece of gear that i heard online was the API 5500
Getting my 542's in a couple of days (got the _Dione last year, both thanks to your reviews :) ). Question: when you're mixing in to them, are they always the first instance, or do you occasionally have an EQ and/or compressor before the 542''s?
I’ve been a huge fan of MixbusTV for several years now, I’ve felt you’ve had the most truely substantial content & insight on RUclips, so it’s difficult to ever come up with much helpful criticisms. Maybe bc guys typically can learn by watching (“Monkey See, Monkey Do” & Hearing while “Seeing is Believing”); I.e., The POV shot down on your gear with your hands in the middle as if we were you, & your explanation of operations beforehand really seemed to successfully put myself in your mind more than anything else you’ve ever tried. & I’ve always thought bc our primary interest is audio that people don’t notice as much, but- the science is A/V & I’ve always appreciated how you edit & present your stuff. (Message always resonates effectively, but for me, this style works best so far). Thanks for the Great Content, & keep up the great perspectives! Neve wins the bottom, & I trust your comparative experience from other gear.. SSL Top Neve bottom sounds like an option.. & Excellent job on all the various mixing/mastering.. epic tunes! 🔥🔥🔥🎶🎶🎶
It’ll be good when SSL makes a full version of this… maybe 3 rack, maybe still two… where they give the full control adding the violet eq and then maybe the full compressor as well as the hug frequency one with full control again… I’d then simply add Symph and a 542 and get a pretty universal mix and master chain… the stereo moon machine; do you get a lot of use out of it in mastering chains?
A full version?? This is one of the most packed units on the market and pretty perfect as is. I picked this BECAUSE it doesn't have a compressor and full eq, there is no such thing as "universal mastering chain", let alone mix AND mastering lol and yes, spacecraft is in use 7 times out of 10
I feel like the Neve's low end sounds mushier on some tracks like Gotham City while on other, like Stonebreed works much better. I think they would work also very well on my music. But the combination of both could kickass. No budget so soon I guess. So Fatso vs Neve, because Fusion is a pretty different animal.
You're asking someone who has both..No the fusion is a great unit, remember, it might be the user 😄 not bragging but the Neve are not easy to work with and they are not for everything, also look at everything else I have, I need versatility because I do this for a living, I don't know if that's the case for you too but if not, you're gonna have hard time because you're gonna want every piece of hardware I have. Keep the fusion
@@mixbustv hey bro thank u so much for such a quick response, i have one other question i brought 2 bae 1084 about 5 months ago and im going out my daw into a dangerous d box, into the 2 bae's, into the fusion, out into a sterio dramastic audio obsidian compressor, back into my apollo 8 does this make sense as i am trying to create huge r&b and hiphop mixes, and also i have a rosetta 800 will this converter be best at the end as i am printing back into the daw, also i actually do this for a living 2 just on a much much more smaller scale than you......lol hope some day to be as good as you bro..
@@tracyfutch3980 I'm not a fan of running mixes thru preamps, unless you're using them for the eq, but surely put the compressor in the Fusion insert, you have much more flexibility because of the fusion routing (see my other video on the fusion)
Great vid was wondering if you would consider doing a shootout between the Silver Bullet and the SSL Fusion. Thank you for making these informative clips, cheers. :)
I'm done being politically correct, people can keep dreaming. The days of the laptop studios, copy paste loops and improvised mixers are counted, it's gonna be interesting.
@@mixbustv So many recordings are not with pro gear yet they are selling ! Mackie is using a mixer simulator ? They can't sell mixers ? Everything has changed ! Many current recording on RUclips by musicians are not pro audio at all ! People are watching they ? Is it the song the person the writing the message or all of the above ?
Great video!! I have the Neve Portico 2 bus module (not the 500 series you are demoing here) and the SSL Fusion. The Neve is purely sweet and sound's so musical and the SSL is more aggressive (if you want it to be) But I have never been able to make the Neve more punchy. It's way more musical than the SSL...but I need both options...so.... :-)
Great video! the Neve sounds very good and the low end is tight as you mention, however, the SSL have more punch more depth and stereo width in my opinion.
@@mixbustv I’m sure of it! I also bought the ssl ultraviolet eq. Do you think that’s overkill with the fusion? Or a good move? Thanks! Love your channel!!!
You're asking the guy who has both? :D Don't know, it depends what you have already, and even then, it's a problem. The SSL is more versatile, but it won't touch the low end of the Neve's, nothing does
I remember you gave an interview a while back, think it was with Warren Huart, and when he asked what piece of equipment you valued the most, you said it was the Neve 542's on your 2 bus. Now I understand why, those bad boys are something else.
A tape machine doesn't have a dry/wet mix knob. I want to hear the 542's saturation at various levels to hear if it can give the old pillowy 70's reggae bass sound or the late 60's early 70's drum sounds. Can hardware tape emulators offer something useful like tape? Smoother, fatter bass etc. The other YT video demo of the 542's I watched, the guy turned up the saturation to an ugly distorted level and then blended this in subtlely. But that is even more frustrating. You've created ugly harsh distortion and then blend it in. 100% wet and vary the saturation drive. Just like tape. Gearspace posts tend to vote the Anamod the most realistic hardware tape emulator. I haven't heard anything convincing yet. The Fatso seems to require a graphic eq or just level control inserted into the side chain to get any control of the saturation drive level independent of the compression threshold, according to posts I have read. Yes I am dreaming of useful processors to get a bit of the tape flavour. I believe most rap pre 95 was to tape. PS, it seems a little misleading for Neve to claim a tape head processor gives a tape sound without the actual ferris oxide medium that can only hold so much voltage level and starts to limit and saturate, which to my understanding is the main factor in the 'tape' sound.
That Neve bottom almost grounds the audio it’s crazy! Love the Fusion harmonics but I think that can easily be overdone. Less is more with that one imo. I would like to hear Neve 542 vs Elysia karacter. Peace peace ✌🏽
I like some of the Elysia stuff, Alpha is great, Xpressor is great, Nvelope is cool, but the Karakter is definitely at the bottom of the list, and not really comparable to the 542's in any way
@@mixbustv Yea Xpressor is definitely on my wishlist. For sure, the internal builds are different. I'm just trying to think of what other units i know people throw on their master chain. Trying to do my due diligence before I drop a thousand plus on a unit. 😅
One of the best channels! I like both modules, and yeah not really a comparison because they are very different. But I think I really like the 542, thank you for this.
I'm researching new studio gear and you are the GOAT for explaining all this !! Thank You
Thanks man 👍 it's funny, I just bought FL few days ago and ran into a couple of your vids, good stuff. We should do something together 🤘
MixbusTv for sure! Just seeing this now :)
Bruce Swedien (RIP) he lived by the statement, Recording in clean, Easy mix. So def this opened my mind to know Best gear up - easy output. Neve for the win :)
Not really a comparison for me, they do different things. Maybe 542 for instant satisfaction, then the SSL for a finish saturation. That SSL has amazing harmonics, and the 542 has a clever design for pop and today's audience. I love both of them :)
quite a comparison for me. once again the SSL sound mediocre vis-a-vis a truly pro equipment. it's on its money though, but that's not the point.
For those interested in more budget saturation options, I'm doing a video shortly comparing HRK vs Looptrotter. I'll be using the Looptrotter SAT 500 unit and a new unit from HRK which is just about to to release - the ST596 analog saturator + tape emulator. Video will be up within 2 weeks.
Which would you suggest for dance music? (Fast transient material ~ 128 bpm). I noticed the Prometheus there too - is that also a solid eq for dance music or would the Hyperion be a bit more suitable? Thx man you are the goat for this stuff
The SSL Fusion is so great, it opens the sound so much.
I love this on the master bus
Fusion new sixth colour smash it
542's sound like a finished record. Awesome
This seems the be the "Neve" sound.
I've discovered this with many things and I'm now understanding why you get a few right things and not a bunch of replicas
@@TigroGumi Exactly. I'm selling a few of my processors to get a Neve Portico Master Buss Processor. I can't get enough of that Neve sound.
@@exteriorsigns it literally touching you in comparison to other things... the thing that jumps to mind is the difference of watching something that is interesting and something that you get captured by.
It's definitely a key component.
@@exteriorsigns I find the goal of a mix engineer and mastering engineer is to take the people that are going to listen to it to be taken from feeling like a listener and feel more like the driver when listening... Neve, Tape other things, these are the reasons these things are the keys... the keys you then give to the listener so the song now sounds like it is coming from them... they now live in that song... it touches them like they are saying it and that is what consumers are looking for without knowing it
@@TigroGumi I agree. I find that Summing in the analog realm is a great way to create an immersive mix that envelops you as you listen. The separation from summing reminds me of pillars in a structure. The elements have their designated space and are strong, but they're still glued together. Makes the music sound more "important" or grand. Looking at the Neve 5059 to achieve this.
Thanks for the video! Really liked both units, the low in 542 is so nice.
Would be cool if you can do another one as a live stream!
Do you had a chance to compare the neve 542 against the Zulu?
great video... however i just ordered the Neve portico II master bus processor (black edition)
Another excellent video. I recently purchased an SSL Fusion and a Bus+, both of which I like very much.
Looking forward to seeing you do FATSO vs 542! Thanks David!
David, do you ever combine Pultec low end push/pull with the 542 or is that overkill
Agreed, they do different things...best used in conjunction with each other. I would definitely put the 542 after the fusion though, to round off the added high mids of the fusion transformer and drive. You can push the fusion harder, then smooth it all out a bit at the end with the 542 while adding weight to the bottom end via the tape effect. I love this combination. I own them both. Thanks for the video.
the Fusion has no place in a world where the MBT exists. like, at all.
so fun to see you use this gear . Never seen before someone mastering ... Mixing yes , but not mastering. It s really interesting ! Even on my bad monitors , i hear the warm and harmonics of the sound. I have no preference for the hardware to test. All is interesting for me in yours videos for the moment. Great ! Keep on ! Thanks
Wow the 542-s are really adding some serious weight! These two units are well spent money for sure!
Yes, they seem to win every test you hear. I love mine.
I do a lot of hip hop mixing and I’m looking for a one box solution if you had to pick just one coloring box what would you use
Although I'll probably never to get own either I'd personally go with the Fusion for all the features and I think tone suits the music I do more. Great video.
hallo david, thank a ton for you super content, i almost watch all videos you make.
One question: i soon get a pair of neve 542 and in some videos u say, u set them up pretty at the beginning in your session on your tubas and mix truh them.
Can you explain me why is it better to mix truh them instead of setting them up at the end?? Saluti e grazie
Because that's the case for anything you put on the 2bus. Because you need to learn how to push into them because they will drastically change the way you mix. And you will need overall less processing. If you put them at the end (sometimes you can, sometimes I do in mastering) your balance will be all messed up because they are VERY colored
Very cool comparison! As for the next video, I'd love to check out how the FATSO compares to the 542s since both of them are mainly tape emulations with transformer option. Thanks for the great videos!
Hi David... for next ‘vs series’ can you talk more about how the modules complement or affect each other in positive and negative ways, thanks...
I'd love to see the Neve 542 vs Drawmer 1976, especially on the low end. I'm planning on getting a Drawmer 1976 as my first outboard unit to add some life to my mixes. I probably don't have the money to get the Neve 542 too so I'm curious how they compare.
You can't really compare the two, I use the 76 on every single mix and I wish I had 2, but it's not for 2bus
I'm digging that Fusion 542 combo!
What plug-in are you saying at 10:00 that comes close to the Neve? An SPL piece? What is that? "pass-EQ"?
no it doesn't come close to the Neve as in the whole thing, it comes close to the only the eq part of the red silk, which is only one (little) part of the neves, and it does it without the color or the saturation of the xformer, is the SPL Passeq (UAD)
@@mixbustv The thing I like about you is the speed in which you give return answers.
Very much appreciated when someone takes the time to comment or for clarification and the author actually follows up.
Thanks! Great channel.
SSL Fusion vs Louder Than Liftoff Silver Bullet would be awesome!
Yes! I think about the LTL for months, but can´t decide to pull the trigger
@@tonstudiometzingen I went with the LTL as i run my mic's through it using the neve or api transformers or a mixture of both and the bax eq that's super sweet. It's just a wonderful box to have in a studio. Sometimes i'll lightly print individual tracks through it before i mix which is even more effective on acoustic tracks, less so on dense electronic music. It will never leave my studio.
Both great... but the NEVE 542 is a whole diff kind of BEAST!!!
Hi! Very nice video! What do you think about the ZULU vs Neve 542? Which is sounding better and more like tape on vocals ?
This channel is super helpful.
I will Join when I'm not broke and back studio'ing it
Fusion add RMS? But only in the Drive or in every one??
Great video. Would this be unit be good if you wanted to give your drum bus a nice compressed crunch? Thinking the vintage drive with the LMC would work well? I'm also looking at the Drawmer 1976, much less money but the Fusion has so much more on offer
hey David! how do the RND 542's compare to the Fatso (compression option on the Fatso aside)? they seem overall to have a similar set of features..? thank you!
They really don't. 542 have a gigantic, focused and warm low end, that's what you use em for for the most part. And transformers which are slightly similar in red mode to xformers on the Fatso only Fatso's are much more subtle. On the other hand Fatso has the warmth circuit which is quite unique, and it doesn't have much to do with warmth since it's basically an analog deesser and quite amazing at that. The saturation part could be compared, 542 being fuzzy and warm, Fatso still being warm but more snappy, round effect that sometimes work sometimes doesn't. Basically 542 is enhancement, Fatso is an anti-digital machine
@@mixbustv awesome, thank you for the detailed answer! ❤
Hi David. Looking forward to this. I'd be interested if the SSL fusion (which I also own) can recreate some of the saturation and silk functionality of the RND 542? I own a RND 5012 which has blue silk, so I was thinking of combining both. Many thanks
Q: I've noticed that the vintage drive section on the SSL Fusion induces some noise, but that the noise is reduced slightly when you turn the drive knob clockwise. Does the noise on the Fusion (or any piece of hardware you have) get so high that you use something like Izotope RX for denoising after you print a mix, or is it not that concerning?
No I don't use RX or similar. If the noise is that noticeable (which is not unless you have quiet passages) I don't use it.
@@mixbustv I see. Thank you for the swift response! Good to know I don't need to mess around with RX.
Hey Dave, You should check out the Looptrotter Sat2Rate 2 one of the best saturators , I own the Fusion and would like to comment you on the controls..If you want more from the Transformer you have to back off from the input and raise the output(since the transformer is on the output stage). Now Vise Versa, if you like more saturation raise the input and back off from the output(Raising the Input hits the vintage drive Harder)...Check out the Sat2Rate 2, beautiful Harmonics! Take care and Thanks for all the Wonderful Videos...YOU ROCK!
yes.. mr. brauer had mentioned backing off the input to fusion in a mix w/ masters video, as well.. he said it was a tip from the guys at SSL
I own the Sa2urate 2 in addition to the SSL Fusion as well. I use the Sa2urate as an insert in the SSL Fusion. I have it set pre-eq as it cleverly fills and smooths out the low end that the Fusion might not be capable of producing. The Fusion also allows me to maximize the abilities of the Looptrotter Sa2urate in mid-side. It’s because of the Sa2urate that I feel that I might not need the 542 as I’m looking to purchase one while I type this…😂🤣
Whoa! I just read (and commented) your FB post, moaning about YT channel content theft, clickbait et al. Sorry to hear that. Please keep the channel active, as it's a useful reference source, and one of the channels on YT that has real informational integrity at it's heart. All the best
I have the Fusion and will be purchasing the 542s. Would you suggest mixing into them before hitting the Fusion or post?
Bro Fusion at last
@@mooklane Bet!
@12:27 idk but I really think you made the ssl fusion sound 90% close to the neve 542s. I own both. I like the 542s but I think at times they have give off too much bass. I’m still learning them tho. I had it about for a year now.
Thank you for taking the time to do this... Excellent video. Would love to see more hardware comparisons like this.
Is the Neve before or after the Fusion on the signal chain ?
Rupert Neve started out building transformers and it's obvious he understands how to use them! It was Brilliant to use a transformer i the 542 as a tape head, and feed it to a corrected amp, and the silk is again Rupert showing what transformers can do if you know how to manipulate the fields they create for things like silk. Now 94 years old and still creating, I hope he lives for many more years and brings even more of his high voltage rails and wonderful transformer tricks for that Neve warmth and dynamic sound. I like SSL too, but Neve is my favourite.
IN the '70's many studios would track on an SSL desk and then mix it all on a Neve desk, that would be amazing to be able to have both consoles and get the best of both worlds.
Thanks for this video, it's nice to hear something and then think of a way to come up with the money to get one, these videos are motivating as well as informative. Hope your new pc build is making it all easier too!
I’m thinking about getting into analog with 500 series to add to my digital masters I want to start with Neve 542 but how is Elysia xkaracter in comparison which should I go into first? Also thanks for the good advice you give in videos, it really helps.🔥🔥🔥
I'm not a fan of the xkaracter, sounds pretty sterile to me and without weight. And btw it's not comparable to the 542's they don't do the same thing not even close
@@mixbustv I appreciate the quick response, im pretty new to this and your knowledge of kNown and unknown gems HYPERION are making it easier to get more of an understanding. Thanks again
@@mixbustv ok I have the neve 542 now. My first analog gear.. I saw now that you say go for a eq first, looking at 500 series Hyperion, but thinking about the Drawmer 1974 now that I see it is stereo
I could be wrong but I seem to remember you used to have the Wes Audio Titan chassis, David. Do you use the Supercarrier 1 now instead? When you're using the recall/automation for the Wes Audio modules do you just use the front USB? I was going to splash on the Titan but I can get a used Supercarrier for a good price
Hey, I'm a big fan of yours. Thanks for all the videos. I'm waiting for your saturation comparison between Neve 542 and Drawmer 1976. Thanks.
do you use them both together? i thought maybe its cool to fresh up the song a little with the fusion and then round it up with neve
my 2bus has been 542's, fusion, wes audio NG mastering comp, SPL PQ and Spacecraft for a while
my Fusion is adding one db to the left channel when I activate Vintage Drive.. I feel like your unit did that too. Could you do a white noise test?
Mine doesn't I don't need any test my chain is perfectly calibrated I could tell if half db would be off
@@mixbustv have you heard about this problem? First I thought it was my outputs but I noticed it only happens when VD is engaged…
What about 542s vs. Drawmer 1976?
I’d definitely go for both
I need to know if the Neve Portico MBP has exactly the same parameters as these 2 units + limiter. Is that so? Maybe the MBP is better bang for the buck
Will you do the fatso ccnparison? Love that unit.
Im also thinking about getting the ssl fusion as a 2bus unit. You think i should chain Dione or Successor in it?
Successor is an amazing comp but both color and action might not go well with everything on 2bus, Dione is a classic and for any genre. Depends what you we want, more color less versatility or the other way around (Dione is still colored but not like a diode bridge)
I’d love to see the Culture Vulture as part of this competition.
which application would you advise them for...mixing or mastering?...cos i don't know mastering yet but am learning mixing
Is 542 good for tracking vocals or is it a better mixing tool?
The reverbs and delays you did on that melodus record sounds amazing
Can someone tell me the artist behind the title gotham city ? Is it David ? I want to listen it
Artist is Emir - Face
Have you tried the MBP man? Would you get the 542 if you already have MBP? Cheers!
The other way around, I didn't get the MBP because the only thing I like about it it's the xformers and the 542s have em already. I don't like the comp on it, don't need itz don't care for the stereo imager because I already have two
I have the MBP, do you use the tape section on the 542s as much as the silk? I love the red silk on the MBP but would actually be great to also have some blues to add in at the same time. The tape on the 542s adds that low end bump you mention or the transformers?
Is the ssl fusion a budget neve portcol 2?
fusion is much better if you ask me I don't even know why you think it'd be a "budget" of anything
@@mixbustv because of the price difference, and I never seen a full on comparison between the 2.
@@STMENTNETWORK When you look at what they are the price difference should be a surprise, I'm not even sure why people want to compare them the Neve is a compressor basically, Fusion is not. Do you need a compressor?
@@mixbustv bro u be coming off a little arrogant, your channel suppose to be a place where people can come ask questions and get information. Obviously if I haven’t used either and you might of I should be able to ask u a question without feeling like I’m being scolded. Just humble yourself a little bit respectfully, everybody ain’t got a bunch of gear like u.
Ordered a pair of the Neve 542s. Even though I don't have a 500 Series rack yet. 😅
I'm a bigger fan of the Neve.
I've been having a idea of creating a summing mixer made of 542's and some neve EQ's going into a mastering chain including the SSL fusion.
Neve has always had a richer, more inviting sound, kind of film like and SSL is very polishing.
Both are good though, the SSL shinned on the classic stuff, where brightness is lacking.
In audio it's impossible for one thing to be fully better in most cases because each thing will have specific time and place where it is perfect.
What is the white unit on the left on the 542's? thanks
All good. The Mimas Fet Compressor.
How's does diyre colour stack up to the neve?
Doesn’t come close. !!
But have you ran the SSL with the mid/side insert into the Neve's?
I'm curious, wouldn't you need a stereo processor for the sides?
@@jonnyidle The SSL insert button can convert the signal into mid/side. So no you wouldn't need anything beyond the Fusion to convert L/R to M/S
@@bigmacmillerlite8775 Ah right. I dont understand how you can retain stereo information using a single channel. Will have to look it up I guess.
@@bigmacmillerlite8775 you are right the manual clearly states you can use a a mono processor for mid and another for the sides. I'm sure this is common, but I've never owned a piece of hardware offering this so was not aware it could work like this. My mind is blown!
@@jonnyidle I'm not too sure how they do this either, but it exists and I use it every now and again. Mainly on snares. If you have an eq with M/s pop it on a snare and bump the bass on the sides. Insanity
ok, so i'm listening through a set of beyerdynamic 1770's through the headphone amp on my dangerous d-box+, & those Neve's are insane. The last time that i was this exited about a piece of gear that i heard online was the API 5500
Assolutamente fantastico. Grazie per questi contenuti.
Does anyone know what those hardware light effects things on his desk are? They pulse to his voice.
I am looking for a 500 series vocal chain what compressor would you recommend?
If I have to track with a 500 series rig it's usually the Wes Mimas (1176) or Elysia xpressor
@@mixbustv thank you very much for the response
If you’re trying to use it on your mix bus is it ideal to have two or one?
unit is mono, you need two, it's not "ideal" it's necessary
Hi David. Are there anything else in the same price range (a pair) which can compete with them, or are the 542's the undisputed "no.1"? :)
Nope, and yes they are
Getting my 542's in a couple of days (got the _Dione last year, both thanks to your reviews :) ). Question: when you're mixing in to them, are they always the first instance, or do you occasionally have an EQ and/or compressor before the 542''s?
I’ve been a huge fan of MixbusTV for several years now, I’ve felt you’ve had the most truely substantial content & insight on RUclips, so it’s difficult to ever come up with much helpful criticisms.
Maybe bc guys typically can learn by watching (“Monkey See, Monkey Do” & Hearing while “Seeing is Believing”); I.e., The POV shot down on your gear with your hands in the middle as if we were you, & your explanation of operations beforehand really seemed to successfully put myself in your mind more than anything else you’ve ever tried.
& I’ve always thought bc our primary interest is audio that people don’t notice as much, but- the science is A/V & I’ve always appreciated how you edit & present your stuff. (Message always resonates effectively, but for me, this style works best so far). Thanks for the Great Content, & keep up the great perspectives!
Neve wins the bottom, & I trust your comparative experience from other gear.. SSL Top Neve bottom sounds like an option.. & Excellent job on all the various mixing/mastering.. epic tunes! 🔥🔥🔥🎶🎶🎶
I'd like to see (hear) 542 vs. FATSO
ME TOO ! :-)
It’ll be good when SSL makes a full version of this… maybe 3 rack, maybe still two… where they give the full control adding the violet eq and then maybe the full compressor as well as the hug frequency one with full control again… I’d then simply add Symph and a 542 and get a pretty universal mix and master chain… the stereo moon machine; do you get a lot of use out of it in mastering chains?
A full version?? This is one of the most packed units on the market and pretty perfect as is. I picked this BECAUSE it doesn't have a compressor and full eq, there is no such thing as "universal mastering chain", let alone mix AND mastering lol and yes, spacecraft is in use 7 times out of 10
I feel like the Neve's low end sounds mushier on some tracks like Gotham City while on other, like Stonebreed works much better.
I think they would work also very well on my music. But the combination of both could kickass. No budget so soon I guess.
So Fatso vs Neve, because Fusion is a pretty different animal.
bro i just brought the fu ssion and im starting to regret it listening to the neve's should i take it back
You're asking someone who has both..No the fusion is a great unit, remember, it might be the user 😄 not bragging but the Neve are not easy to work with and they are not for everything, also look at everything else I have, I need versatility because I do this for a living, I don't know if that's the case for you too but if not, you're gonna have hard time because you're gonna want every piece of hardware I have. Keep the fusion
@@mixbustv hey bro thank u so much for such a quick response, i have one other question i brought 2 bae 1084 about 5 months ago and im going out my daw into a dangerous d box, into the 2 bae's, into the fusion, out into a sterio dramastic audio obsidian compressor, back into my apollo 8 does this make sense as i am trying to create huge r&b and hiphop mixes, and also i have a rosetta 800 will this converter be best at the end as i am printing back into the daw, also i actually do this for a living 2 just on a much much more smaller scale than you......lol hope some day to be as good as you bro..
@@tracyfutch3980 I'm not a fan of running mixes thru preamps, unless you're using them for the eq, but surely put the compressor in the Fusion insert, you have much more flexibility because of the fusion routing (see my other video on the fusion)
Great vid was wondering if you would consider doing a shootout between the Silver Bullet and the SSL Fusion. Thank you for making these informative clips, cheers. :)
Thank you for showing gear!
I would like to hear the comparison on the same track
Confused. Why do you need 2 of the neves but just one of the SSL?
because one is mono and the other stereo?
@@mixbustv ah okay. Thank you I am a noob to this stuff. Do you have to assign the neves? Like somehow make one work on the left and one on the right?
Thanks for another great video. I would love to hear the Fatso compared with the Neve 542.
Now show the plugin's that do the same thing and then the cost and ease of use ?
I'm done being politically correct, people can keep dreaming. The days of the laptop studios, copy paste loops and improvised mixers are counted, it's gonna be interesting.
@@mixbustv So many recordings are not with pro gear yet they are selling ! Mackie is using a mixer simulator ? They can't sell mixers ? Everything has changed ! Many current recording on RUclips by musicians are not pro audio at all ! People are watching they ? Is it the song the person the writing the message or all of the above ?
Anyone can try mixing !
@@lamasteve6905 k. Mediocrity is everywhere, up to people if they're okay with that or not. Here, we don't cater to mediocrity.
anyone knows which stereo imager is better? Fusion or Neve MBP?
Neve easily, hands down 👍
Portico MBP II worth the price for the SFE section alone.
I can see how once you have those units you could never be without them.
I’ve realized you need both! 2 different sounds!
$5000
Great video!! I have the Neve Portico 2 bus module (not the 500 series you are demoing here) and the SSL Fusion. The Neve is purely sweet and sound's so musical and the SSL is more aggressive (if you want it to be) But I have never been able to make the Neve more punchy. It's way more musical than the SSL...but I need both options...so.... :-)
Great video! the Neve sounds very good and the low end is tight as you mention, however, the SSL have more punch more depth and stereo width in my opinion.
Perfect combination
Just ordered a pair of 542’s to pair with my fusion. You sold it! Only have to wait 3 months lol
I sold 90% of them 😄
@@mixbustv I’m sure of it! I also bought the ssl ultraviolet eq. Do you think that’s overkill with the fusion? Or a good move? Thanks! Love your channel!!!
So if you had to choose only one, ???
You're asking the guy who has both? :D Don't know, it depends what you have already, and even then, it's a problem. The SSL is more versatile, but it won't touch the low end of the Neve's, nothing does
Is it just me or does the fusion sound a tad harsh?
It does to me, but it's so dependant on the exact settings. The 542 never sounds harsh though.
I remember you gave an interview a while back, think it was with Warren Huart, and when he asked what piece of equipment you valued the most, you said it was the Neve 542's on your 2 bus. Now I understand why, those bad boys are something else.
I use both and they compliment each other IMHO.
dione vs ngbuscomp please
This!!!
Both are great, just different vibe. 🤘🏼✨
Thanks David!
can someone explain me the interest to have two Neve 542 units please ?
Stereo processing. 542’s are mono units.
I know it's late but plz do 542 vs Fatso :)
Can you believe ssl fusion kept the sixth colour a Secret for two years
I know, it's cool, I wish I had another one to use that feature (not something I'd want on 2bus where I keep it)
A tape machine doesn't have a dry/wet mix knob. I want to hear the 542's saturation at various levels to hear if it can give the old pillowy 70's reggae bass sound or the late 60's early 70's drum sounds.
Can hardware tape emulators offer something useful like tape? Smoother, fatter bass etc.
The other YT video demo of the 542's I watched, the guy turned up the saturation to an ugly distorted level and then blended this in subtlely. But that is even more frustrating. You've created ugly harsh distortion and then blend it in.
100% wet and vary the saturation drive. Just like tape.
Gearspace posts tend to vote the Anamod the most realistic hardware tape emulator.
I haven't heard anything convincing yet. The Fatso seems to require a graphic eq or just level control inserted into the side chain to get any control of the saturation drive level independent of the compression threshold, according to posts I have read.
Yes I am dreaming of useful processors to get a bit of the tape flavour.
I believe most rap pre 95 was to tape.
PS, it seems a little misleading for Neve to claim a tape head processor gives a tape sound without the actual ferris oxide medium that can only hold so much voltage level and starts to limit and saturate, which to my understanding is the main factor in the 'tape' sound.
That Neve bottom almost grounds the audio it’s crazy! Love the Fusion harmonics but I think that can easily be overdone. Less is more with that one imo. I would like to hear Neve 542 vs Elysia karacter. Peace peace ✌🏽
I like some of the Elysia stuff, Alpha is great, Xpressor is great, Nvelope is cool, but the Karakter is definitely at the bottom of the list, and not really comparable to the 542's in any way
@@mixbustv Yea Xpressor is definitely on my wishlist. For sure, the internal builds are different. I'm just trying to think of what other units i know people throw on their master chain. Trying to do my due diligence before I drop a thousand plus on a unit. 😅
Dope, I own the fusion and considering to get the 542s. This is going to be a really exciting video for me to watch.
The Neve's sound amazing.
One of the best channels! I like both modules, and yeah not really a comparison because they are very different. But I think I really like the 542, thank you for this.
When you push in the red on the 542 wow that really made the vocals pop good 🔥 neve wins for me
What happened to your hair?