OT: Which Pre-Amp/Compressor for recording/enhancement?

Eurocide · Post by **Eurocide** » Tue Jun 18, 2002 3:05 am

Hi Pulsarinas,

A little bit off topic, but I want to buy a Pre-Amp, Compressor or Channel Strip.
It will be placed before recording outboard synths with Pulsar/ Cubase SX to HD.
Maybe some Pulsar synths will also get their way through it.

What I want to have:
- more definition in bass frequencies
- powerful compression with minimum pumping
- enhancement for all kinds of (synth) signal

My pre-selection so far:
- mindprint DTC (I already have the En-Voice, excellent!)
- SPL Kulttube
- Focusrite Mixmaster
- something else...?

If somebody has experience with those pro devices, please tell me what could be the best choice.

Thanks in advance,
Eurocide-HQ

kimgr · Post by **kimgr** » Tue Jun 18, 2002 8:51 am

How about a DBX 386 combined with the Timeworks Recording Channel ?

Kim.

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Tue Jun 18, 2002 1:17 pm

I wouldn't spend that amount (given your equipment list) to improve sound quality of a synth. Seriously, a synth is a synth and it's programmed in a way that it sounds as intended, hopefully.
The improvement you're gonna yield could as well be achieved with proper equing and a bit of distortion (if at all, most synths have this together with the filter).
If that equipment is around in your studio for voice and acoustic recording, OK to use it, but invest on it solely for synth - think about it.
Just my 2 cent, but I'd really be interested if one of the experts would suggest this approach.

cheers, Tom

ps: maybe it's because your not satisfied with presets. They can be a hell. Hundreds of them but none fits, so one thinks the damn thingy has a shitty sound.
Nope, they just need tweaking a bit, spend a little time and you might be amazed about some of Pulsars sounds. Check the Zarg stuff - imho fatter is impossible in software. And leave out the effects, apply them after tweaking.

[ This Message was edited by: astroman on 2002-06-18 14:28 ]

Eurocide · Post by **Eurocide** » Tue Jun 18, 2002 9:15 pm

Hi Astroman,

Sorry, but I NEVER use factory presets. Every sound (except some samples) is programmed until it sounds like I want.
I worked several times in high end studios and outboard signal processing can do A LOT to synthetic sources.
The bottleneck is always the A/D-conversion. And a very good singal processing device in front of the A/D converter can be dream.

Greetinx,
Eurocide-HQ

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Wed Jun 19, 2002 1:20 am

On 2002-06-18 22:15, Eurocide wrote:
Sorry, but I NEVER use factory presets.
I worked several times in high end studios and outboard signal processing can do A LOT to synthetic sources.
The bottleneck is always the A/D-conversion. And a very good singal processing device in front of the A/D converter can be dream.

hi Eurocide,

yes, I mixed up the external sources and the Pulsar synths a bit. I don't have that many external ones at hand

Lucky guy...

cheers, Tom

AndreD · Post by **AndreD** » Wed Jun 19, 2002 3:17 am

...or check out creameares latest emulation of a vintage-compressor @ http://www.creamware.de/de/Products/Sof ... efault.asp

[ This Message was edited by: Andre Dupke on 2002-06-19 09:52 ]

AndreD · Post by **AndreD** » Wed Jun 19, 2002 8:42 am

just got it...
It rocks!

marcuspocus · Post by **marcuspocus** » Wed Jun 19, 2002 8:53 am

It really rock's? Give some details! Curious

AndreD · Post by **AndreD** » Wed Jun 19, 2002 9:12 am

There is a 60 minute free demo....
Better to hear it with own ears.
My opinion is:
Sounds really smooth an warm.
Works wonder on vocals.
Seems to be really close to the original and takes not to much dsp-load.
(I did´nt have the original in my studio for a 1 to 1 compare, but I already worked with it in the past)

Thanks CW!

[ This Message was edited by: Andre Dupke on 2002-06-19 10:15 ]

Mr Arkadin · Post by **Mr Arkadin** » Wed Jun 19, 2002 9:40 am

BOT (Back On Topic), I've been thinking of getting the Focusrite Penta, mainly for vocal recording but also as a neater way of getting all my external gear into Pulsar (it has an SPDIF out). They're not that expensive, have stereo inputs as well as the mic inputs, so stereo synth sounds aren't a problem. It has various "easy presets" for getting roughly the sound you want, but from what I can tell is completely adjustable. Check it on http://www.focusrite.com

TonyR

[ This Message was edited by: tonyr on 2002-06-20 05:42 ]

otter · Post by **otter** » Sun Jun 23, 2002 3:17 am

I SWEAR on the Drawmer 1960. It´s a stereo valve compressor , has line, microphone and even a dedicated guitar input. maybe checkout the new 1969.
see: http://www.drawmer.com

You can use it as input amp, vocal recordings and even for mastering.
Generates a smooth,warm and fat sound.

six_wax · Post by **six_wax** » Sun Jun 23, 2002 10:16 am

I've heard lots of synth & digital based home studiosts glow about the Drawmers --it's reputed to make everything sound like an old British record. ;]

mmmm... fattened breakbeats...

Databoy · Post by **Databoy** » Sun Jun 23, 2002 12:46 pm

I've got a Joemeek VC1 studio channel that I just love the sound of. Great sounding preamp and opto-compressor combination that I use as a front end for vocals, acoustic guitar, and as a DI for electric guitar. The new model TwinQCS is a 2 channel version of the same thing. Really adds a lot of useful character or a just bit of sweetening to the sound.

sandrob · Post by **sandrob** » Sun Jun 23, 2002 2:41 pm

tl audio vp5051-2 is nice!
i have vp5051 without digital outs and knee control and i'm satisfied.
i never try fat man but looks nice, and it's easy to handle 'cos have presets

_________________
got my mojo working, but it just won't work on you

[ This Message was edited by: sandrob on 2002-06-23 15:54 ]

Eurocide · Post by **Eurocide** » Sun Jun 23, 2002 11:57 pm

Well, Thanks everybody!

I will check out at the music store some of your recommendations.
Especially the Drawmer stuff.

Eurocide-HQ.