5 Reasons to Get Into 500 Series Gear

Рет қаралды 26,298

Күн бұрын

Have you ever wanted to try 500 series mic preamps, EQs, compressors and FX? If you're looking for DIY or vintage 500 series, at thediyrecordingstudio we love 500 series gear of all kinds.
For more info, head here;
www.thediyrecordingstudio.com
Song by oldmanrei
Recorded by Mitchell Rose at The DIY Recording Studio
Filmed and Produced by Mitch at The DIY Recording Studio
FOLLOW ME MITCHELL ROSE AKA. OldManRei
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Email: mitch@thediyrecordingstudio.com
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GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO:
COMPUTER:
Mac Studio M1 Max amzn.to/3MmOlbx
AUDIO:
Antelope Audio Zen Tour amzn.to/3VhgEvX
Rode Mic Go amzn.to/3ei3XAv
Shure SM7b amzn.to/3Tcw3Mg
Shure SM58 amzn.to/3T43FvS
Shure SM57 amzn.to/3EwGDtq
Neewer Boom Arm Stand amzn.to/3fWNhPt
Rode PS-1 Boom Arm: amzn.to/3SX0DcX
Midas L10 Legend 500 Series Rack: amzn.to/3yv36mT
Presonus Faderport8: amzn.to/3rPUNOs
SPEAKER STANDS: amzn.to/3COQOZ8
CAMERA:
Canon 80D amzn.to/3EAwFaj
Sandisk 256gb Extreme: amzn.to/3fYmkus
Batteries amzn.to/3fYmkus
LENSES:
Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 amzn.to/3Mk0Nsm
LIGHTING:
Yongnuo 600L 600 LED amzn.to/3rIUN2L
Viltrox Super Slim LED amzn.to/3MkaCXa
MIDI
Akai MPK Mini amzn.to/3Ewk7Rj
#homerecording #API #Neve1073 #thediyrecordingstudio

Пікірлер: 81

@dspoet1 4 ай бұрын

I purchased a neve shelford channel three years ago for $3300. Separately, all the sections would have cost more than $3300. But then a year ago, I started building my 500 series rack. I purchased the Rupert Neve 6 Slot Chassis with two neve 511 preamps. Ima switch out the 6 slot chassis for a 10 slot to build my mastering chain.

@diyrecordingstudio 4 ай бұрын

Can’t go wrong with the rnd stuff. That shelford channel is a great bit of kit.

@arey4054 2 ай бұрын

I’ve been using the Shelford channel at my schools studio and it’s becoming my favorite channel strip.

@snarfusmaximus Жыл бұрын

I recently climbed aboard the 500 train by building a couple of Sond Skulptor kits. To be honest, I'm pretty hooked on it now, especially considering I've almost filled up a pair of 12RU racks with 19" gear over the past couple of years and that happened quicker than I expected. I visited a friend recently and took my little 3-slot lunchbox loaded wiith the two units I built, an EMI TG-style preamp and 1176-style compressor. He was curious about the format, as he only used 19" gear in his 20+ years of home recording, and whether it was worthwhile building his own stuff. He recorded a clean guitar part through the pair and was blown away by how it sounded after playing it back. I see several questions here and elsewhere about comparing it to plugins. I was always more of a hardware guy as there is something so "permanent" about a physical piece of equipment. Yes, there is the immediacy and tactile nature of turning knobs and pressing buttons but outboard equipment also outlives a computer crash, hard drive failure, or upgrades. Once I get my Tascam 388 fixed, I can also use it on tape. Maybe I'm just weird...

@eddiecardona1161 4 ай бұрын

thank you for the video brother. Definitely will be shopping around for 500 series gear after watching this video !

@diyrecordingstudio 4 ай бұрын

Glad I could help. It's definitely fun to use. Best of luck and thanks for leaving a comment!

@ManCaveStudio Жыл бұрын

I recently got into 500 series modules and put together a rack for tracking bass. So far I have been extremely happy with the sounds I have been getting. So much so that I sold off many of my stand alone DI's like my Noble and Avalon as well as others.

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

Ohh nice Ricardo. What is your bass chain now?

@ManCaveStudio Жыл бұрын

@@diyrecordingstudio Neve R10, BAE Preamp, API 550a, Chandler Opto, Lachapell Preamp, Retro Instruments Doublewide.

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

Oh some very nice pieces of gear you have there. Very envious. I want to build some api 550 style eqs next.

@ManCaveStudio Жыл бұрын

@@diyrecordingstudio thank you! They sound amazing. I did a shootout and these modules were the winners. You can see my comments on the shoot out on my channel.

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

yeah thanks, i just checked them out. Another piece you might want to try int eh dual vandergraph. Eye wateringly expensive, but amazing on bass, and buss duties.

@1KMPLX Жыл бұрын

I love my 500 series stuff. I am almost done filling my WesAudio supercarrier II (11 spaces). I want at least two more supercarriers. I just got the Malcolm Toft Punishr, and the Nekotronics buss cat compressor (an inexpensive ssl bus compressor clone). The things I want are too long to list. I have to keep reminding myself about how blessed I am to have what I already have and not to get too caught up in Gear Acquisition Syndrome. I like my Kush Clariphonic too. The other things I have in my 500 series rack are the Acme Opticom compressor, the dbx 510 sub harmonic synth, the Little Labs VOG, and the SPL TDx transient designer. I want to get ahold of the ssl ultraviolet EQ, and SPL big.

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

Woah, you have some great gear there for sure. I am about to get my second rack going. Still got a couple more preamps to build, then it's eq's and compressors next. The kush clariphonic is so great. Yeah it's very easy to get caught up buying too much stuff!

@1KMPLX Жыл бұрын

@@diyrecordingstudio I think the DIY stuff is cool. I’d like to get into that eventually. I have a soldering iron, so why not? It couldn’t hurt to give it a shot. Capi, DIYRE, and others are all pretty tempting.

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

Yeah all of those companies are great and it's pretty cost effective if you have the time to build them.

@iengineer_247 Жыл бұрын

I'm trying to go back to 500 series preamps and it will be with Cranborne Audio preamps. I once had it where I went through 500s into an Apollo and or Motu but now it's chassis with usb connectivity. I'm a mobile engineer. I love the fact that it saves a bit of space no matter where you go. I've had consoles just for preamps now you don't need a mixer you can just have the chassis of 500 series into your computer along with a 8/16 channel controller you're good to go!! Btw SSL and one Neve 500 I want as well.

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

I like the idea of the Cranbourne racks for io and mixing through. Pretty cool idea for this format. I don’t know about their preamps though. I’m sure they’re good quality it probably depends more on what music you’re recording. The more I use my neve and api pres though, the more I just want more of them honestly. But I’m doing predominantly rock/alternative/hip hop and pop stuff. What makes you want the Cranbourne pres specifically? What type of music are you recording mostly?

@iengineer_247 Жыл бұрын

@@diyrecordingstudio The last time I used them was for drums with a Jazz recording. They are good with the kick, snare, and toms. There is a Mode called "Thump" where it gives you a solid bottom boost and a "Cream" mode for saturation. I recently used a Neve 1073 on vocals I will be getting one it was the 500 series and the SSL VHD is good for bass and vocals as well!!

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

Yeah nice. I'm aware of those modes and have heard good things. Neve and vocals are a must have. If i started again i would 100% work on one great vocal chain first and then expand from there.

@AbsurdTV1 9 ай бұрын

Yup. Reason 6 is the best reason. I dont have 500 series yet. I have racks of 19” gear. It sounds better then plugins

@filipeventura2729 Жыл бұрын

Great video. Just wanted to add that in Europe the Sound Skultpur Neve copy are as expensive (400 EURO) as Camden 500 and MORE then SSL Pre amp (350 euro) and you still have to assemble...

@diyrecordingstudio 9 ай бұрын

Yes, fair enough, however, how much is a NEVE preamp in Europe? The camden preamps are way simpler design and the SSL doesn't have the same sound or vibe. The VAT taxes are a pain though I imagine.

@simonmaton 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the great resource info. Do you think that there is a case for using 500 series gear for live performance? For instance, I run a vocal headset mic on a Sennheiser G4 wireless system into an Allen & Heath board and QSC tops and Sub.

@diyrecordingstudio 2 ай бұрын

Yeah, people use this and other hardware live all the time on high end productions. Go for it!

@checkitout611 Жыл бұрын

Hairball Lola preamp and their FET/500 D compressor affordable BUT I would pay more if I had too and love mine. DIYRE stuff is excellent. The CP5 preamp with the Royal Blue channel is really nice as is their EQP5. A great compressor under $450 is the Revive Audio Modified: Dbx 560a. Just excellent. Great video ... for me I mainly use my 500 for tracking. If it's good going in you're going to get good on the mixing and mastering and I feel you can do that in the box but analog just adds that mojo in and I feel tracking using analog gear really helps add that color. Didn't know about Link ..... appreciate that info.

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

No a problem. The link audio stuff is a trickier build in some ways but they sound great. I have a few more pres to build then I’m going to be looking to get some 1176 style compressors. The hairball and the sound Skulptor kits look good. I’ve been eyeing the DIYRE eqp5s you mentioned too. I’ve been starting to mix a lot with the 500 series stuff as well as tracking. It gets me so closer to a finished mix with way less effort.

@checkitout611 Жыл бұрын

@@diyrecordingstudio The EQP5 is great plus you can change values on the capacitors for any frequencies you might want to hit. They have a page to help you make those mods to your liking (search for EQP5 Equalizer Frequency Mods). Honestly the Hairball FET/500 D I have is IMO the best 500 series at getting very close to the 76 sound and I could not be happier. I actually do my mastering ( I mix my tracks fully in the box ) using a stereo pair of Audio-Scape EQP-A's (not 500 series) to get that final polish that I like as well.

@gabrielforsberg8744 8 күн бұрын

The thing I find scary about 500 series gear is how to know what racks that will be sufficient for what modules. it feels confusing to me to the point that saving up for 19 inch modules seem like an easier idea 😅

@grahamtaylor6883 Жыл бұрын

I'm not sure. I'm going to be investing in come outboard pretty soon and I was looking at the 500 stuff, but it doesn't seem to make any sense to me. They are a bit lower cost than the rack mount gear (a bit), but they usually have less features and you need to buy the rack as well (so you still have to pay for the case and power supply, just not individually). Every time I price compare what I'd be going for, the trade off doesn't seem anywhere near worth it.

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

That’s fair. It all depends on what you’re doing, how you use it, and what rack you buy. For me, the mobility, the money saved (I build my own but diy is wayyyy cheaper even if you pay a DIYer to build for you) and the small footprint is a no brainer. The legend 10 racks are very affordable. Diy options like CAPI and Soundskulptor and DIYRE and link audio make it much cheaper and more viable.

@claytonpabst 4 ай бұрын

Thoughts on power case? I see you have the Rupert. Is that much better than a cheap option like the Midas?

@diyrecordingstudio 4 ай бұрын

I use the l10 from Midas all the time. It’s great. I wish it had both xlr and trs ins and outs like the rnd one. The Midas is great for the price and I’ve no issues with it at all. I’m about to get another one. 😉

@MarcCoF Жыл бұрын

Congrats for your chanel I like it a lot, I learn in any video. I am wondering about soundskulptor 512 preamp. This company is close to me so shipping cost is more afforable than order a Capi. There is a lot of difference between this two Api clones?

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Marc. Thanks for the lovely comment. So the CAPI preamp uses their own custom made input and output transformers, and the sound Skulptor uses cinemag ones. Either are fine, and both would argue either is more genuine, the CAPI being closer to the original and the SS one being more modern. The only other thing major that is different is the op amp. The CAPI ones ship with a more vintage sounding CA0252 these days. Those three components are the main stages of amplification and will have different levels of saturation. But I’m sure both sound great. I love both companies. The one big benefit with CAPI is they are very sought after, and you could always onsell them for a profit if you wanted something different. But, they are also constantly out of stock. Let me know what you decide. And good luck!

@MarcCoF Жыл бұрын

@@diyrecordingstudio Hi thanks a lot for your description. Because it will be my first preamp I am going to do the SSMp 573 following your assembling videos :) When I can save money I will decide between Capi and Mp512. Cheers

@machineagevoodoo2106 Жыл бұрын

Nice video but not sure, a 1073SPX 19" which includes EQ costs 1700€ while the 500 series equivalent of a single preamp and mono EQ cost 1000 euro each. That's considerably MORE expensive. Of course when considering clones it's cheaper, but then 19" is also cheaper

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

Yeah I agree with you, the Neve 500 series stuff is kind of crazily priced. That's why they weren't mentioned in this video. If you want Neve at a cheaper price, in 500 series, sound skulptor and AML are way cheaper than anything by Neve, 500 series OR 19" RU.

@TwoThreadsAhead Жыл бұрын

Quick question, Even though there are 9 units in total in your rack and they are all turned on how are you able to alternate between which ones you want to use and which ones you don't ? Are you using some kind of patch bay and routing them through each other selectively on a case by case instance ? OR, are they all actually in use in unison as a bus chain and you're simply just talking about the individual units ?

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

Great question. The best way to utilise the 500 series stuff is with a patch bay yes. But you can, on some racks, link channels to create signal chains or just patch them in the back of the rack itself. Each slot in the 500 series rack has ins and outs.

@hectorfernandez743 10 ай бұрын

Nice content! Question if I have two Neve tape 500 series can I use it as stereo pair or I have to run each one separately?

@diyrecordingstudio 10 ай бұрын

You can link some 500 series gear either on the 500 series chassis like on the Midas L10, if the 500 series modules support it OR some 500 series units do support linking via cables internally etc. not sure about the neves though, which ones are you talking about specifically?

@hectorfernandez743 10 ай бұрын

@@diyrecordingstudio thank you for answering my question I appreciate you. I have two Neve 542 tape emulator I turn on the stereo link on the rupert neve 500 series rack but when I plug everything in I get delays or only one Side working what can I do?

@atozee1500 11 ай бұрын

Hello there. Q: Is there a reason why I always see pairs of preamps in peoples racks? why not only get 1? is it to run in stereo?

@diyrecordingstudio 11 ай бұрын

Great question. Simple answer is yes for things like drum rooms, overheads and stereo micing. It’s also useful to have pairs for other uses. The vp28s can be used as line amp/saturation effect on busses which sounds amazing. And the neve preamps are part of the eq circuit so if you have two of the eqs you need two of the preamps. You can work with just one as part of a single signal chain but every time I’ve bought 1 I’ve always ended up buying a pair 😆

@TBURNATV 4 ай бұрын

Hey, I have the feeling that the 500 series sounds thinner than regular rack gear... Is that possible or am I crazy?! For example, the Neve DPA sounds much beefier than the Neve LB...

@diyrecordingstudio 4 ай бұрын

Yeah great question. I have heard “thinner” sound on the 500 series ssl bus comp compared to the real thing and my one loaded in a mynx rack sounds true to the real thing in a console or 19” rack. It runs off a power supply similar to a 500 series unit. It’s weird. It could either be the actual 500 units have some differences in design. The 500 series chassis has an issue or there’s a faulty line somewhere. I would troubleshoot it out extensively before making my mind up. I’ve used both the units you’re talking about, never had an issue with either. What 500 rack are you using?

@TBURNATV 4 ай бұрын

@@diyrecordingstudio i have the Bento II... Thx 4 Ur Answer i think i sell the 500ers... The different is in My ears significant....

@diyrecordingstudio 4 ай бұрын

Look it’s up to you. I have heaps of 500 series gear and it’s all excellent. No issues with mixing or mastering. Just that particular ssl bus comp in my experience.

@jasperdany Жыл бұрын

Hi Mitch, do you use eqp501, passive eq ? Any review of it ?

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

Hi Jasper, I haven't used those yet but they look great. Everything from sound skulptor is top notch. Have you used any of their gear before?

@jasperdany Жыл бұрын

@@diyrecordingstudio Nope not yet. Am switching to 500 series modules, i thought I should build some from these cool diy projects. I came across it, unfortunately I don't know anyone from my circle, who has experience in it.

@SimpleMailWork Жыл бұрын

I can't find DAC for 500 series. Can you offer it?

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

This 500 series rack is a ad/da interface as well. www.soundseasy.com.au/products/cranborne-audio-500r8-28-in-30-out-usb-interface-500-rack Most people just use what interfaces they have/ can afford. At least 4ins and 4 outs.

@johnisrael5183 Жыл бұрын

Honest the Cheapest Way to get $500,00 LA California Reconding Studio Quality in a Home Studio Is to buy an affordable Analog Rack Upgrade your Computer for Acustica Audio and Use Access Analog....on final masters after you use Acustica with your own affordable gear....that hands down is giving me Masters I never thought was possible in my studio....that will compete with ANYTHING ON THE RADIO OR PANDORA....

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

yeah access analog is a pretty great one for people who dont have access to the hardware. I haven't used acustica yet.

@LaMarrBrewster Жыл бұрын

This is a pretty dumb question from a rookie….how does the signal flow through them when they don’t have inputs and outputs?

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

Not a dumb question at all. On the rear of the 500 series preamps etc they have a card type connector that slots into the 500 series rack. So when you slot them in, they connect internally to the inputs and outputs on the rear side of the 500 series rack power supply.

@LaMarrBrewster Жыл бұрын

@@diyrecordingstudio thank you, that makes sense. Can they be internally connected to go down the signal chain or do you need jumpers on the back of the rack? I loved the video and will check out more tonight. Thanks.

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

Some racks have a switch on the back to hard route say slot 1-2, or slot 3-4. The other thing you can do on the back is just use short trs patch leads and connect different slots yourself. I did this for a while, but now i have everything running to patchbays.

@Raumweiter Жыл бұрын

sound skulptor is really identical to Neve? It´s a little hard to believe. Have you tested their ssl comp and EQP (pultec)? Can you refer me to a website with more audio samples? I think i listened to all audio demos i could find. Thanks

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

They are definitely faithful to the original circuit design and sound. Out of interest, why do you think it would be hard to believe? I haven't tested those specific pieces you mentioned. Their website www.soundskulptor.com/en/home.php or just general youtube or gearspace forums are your best bet. Or maybe try the 500 Love facebook group.

@Raumweiter Жыл бұрын

@@diyrecordingstudio I´m simply a little skeptical because of the price difference. I just bought my first two 500 modules (ssl violet EQ and DIYRE Pultec) and have no prior experience with this format, but i´m not new to analog hardware and working OTB. I just joined the facebook group, thanks for the tip. From a build quality point of view, sound skulptor looks very promising. But i´m not sure yet what i really need and want. I´m recording modular synthesizers, drummachines etc. and felt the need to eq more on the way in. The elysia xpressor and skulptor looks interesting too, i like the idea of broad shaping and colouring, then EQing with the pultec and finishing it with the SSL eq or something else.

@shayneoneill1506 Жыл бұрын

Anyone know a. good G-Channel clone for the 500? I frigging love G Channel glue compresors but goddam if the real thing aint worth a mortgage and a half.

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

Hi Shayne, there's heaps. The ones at www.soundskulptor.com are pretty affordable. If you can't do DIY, they can build them for you. Way cheaper than the Original SSL. Exact same circuit and components.

@robertszordykowski4919 Жыл бұрын

IGS S-Type

@tomburden Жыл бұрын

Have you noticed a big difference between hardware and software compressors and EQs?

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

Hey Tom. It’s a pretty contentious issue on KZfaq, the whole analogue vs digital debate, however in my experience there is definitely a difference. Both have positive and negatives, so I prefer to look at it as , what’s the right tool for the job? I find hardware compressors control transients better, can be pushed harder and generally have more depth and detail. Hardware eqs are similar, they can be pushed harder and I find it way faster to dial in the tonality im looking for. Plugins to me definitely sound to me like they have less resolution. Details get lost. However, in a mix, I use them for basic filtering, putting the final touches on a mix and all my time based fx are plugins too.

@shaft9000 Жыл бұрын

It often gains significance when stacking more tracks and for building/maintaining depth of field. Hardware is typically more forgiving and not so 'range-y' with endless options. In software's defense, you'll never run out of software units until your RAM is taxed, and good luck doing what something like FirComp can do to transients in a hardware compressor. Not many hardware EQs have multi-band dynamics, and none are linear phase. These are just generalities, any and all can and will have exceptions...ymmv

@keeppushin 5 ай бұрын

Why so many Pre ?

@diyrecordingstudio 5 ай бұрын

Great question. Drum recording mostly and having lots of different colours is nice too! Any particular ones you are researching?

@keeppushin 5 ай бұрын

@@diyrecordingstudio right now I have the heritage audio 1073 and the gap 1073 jr, I love em both. I only do studio recordings a tracking vocals. I'm still getting use to it and was wondering if a analog compressor was necessary. Also, been looking at lunch boxes and the "need to know" bout em before I'm jump into the world of it

@diyrecordingstudio 5 ай бұрын

Tracking with compression is definitely worth it. Eq is nice too if you have it.

@usher-p Жыл бұрын

it the thumbnail i thought you had hair.

@ThornWithin 2 ай бұрын

The problem with 500 series, is the racks, they all lack either features, quality, or even general logic :D

@youtubevideos415 Жыл бұрын

This is great, but i wonder why some KZfaqrs use all this gear to process their voice. I often get the feeling watching those videos, that this voice is not real. Like i don't believe that this is actually your voice and some other dude is doing a voiceover your acting. I don't know. It just sounds unreal.

@diyrecordingstudio Жыл бұрын

Yeah, that's compression babyyyyy.

@libbyhyett6625 Жыл бұрын

Nah this is Mitch's sexy voice haha