SSL SiX - Better than In The Box mixing? Part.1

Рет қаралды 62,060

4 жыл бұрын

Is analog summing just a big hoax? Or does my sound benefit from running it through this very flexible, good sounding mini console from the legends at SSL? I find out and I invite you to help me!
Support this channel on Patreon:
/ espenkraft
Regardless of the outcome of what mix is what, working with the SSL SiX has been a blast. It's so much fun to work with a quality console again. The headroom is huge, the 100mm faders have a very nice feel to them and everything is so well laid out in terms of routing, flexibility and features. I really can't see myself returning this any time soon.
The audio clips (two mixes, A and B) can be downloaded here:
drive.google.com/file/d/17h4t...
The song "Don't Go" can be found here:
iTunes Apple music: apple.co/35ZTdfR
Spotify: spoti.fi/38aoWMB
Bandcamp: espenkraft.bandcamp.com/
Google Play: bit.ly/2NrgXD9
Please join me on social media:
/ espenkraftmu. .
/ espenkraft
/ espenkraft
I use DistroKid for all my releases onto streaming services.
Try out Distrokid yourself and get a 7% discount off your first year by using this link:
distrokid.com/vip/espenkraft
Growing up I listened to so much synth-pop and it's only natural that my own music takes inspiration from many of the acts I loved back then. I still love them and listen to them!
Howard Jones, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, New Order, Erasure, Thompson Twins, Tears for Fears, The Human League, Propaganda. FGTH, Ultravox, OMD, Eurythmics, Duran Duran, Giorgio Moroder, Jean Michel Jarre, Jan Hammer, Alphaville, A-ha as well as loads of artists doing what is now called Italo Disco. And many more great acts like Nik Kershaw, Spandau Ballet, Wham, Dire Straits ++

Пікірлер: 479

@paolotonolo1140 3 жыл бұрын

Mr.Kraft , I just can't thank you enough for posting this great Vedeo , I've had this SSLSIx and Motu 8pre-es interface for 2 months now , and I'm finally starting to understand thanks to your tutorial .I have experience recording , but no experience with routing..very grateful, thank you .

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

Happy you like the video. Cheers!

@Lowerhaightstreet 4 жыл бұрын

Sounds really good Espen, great job and walk through of the six

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@smokey5100 4 жыл бұрын

This is a brilliant demonstration of the SiX... Great job! Please keep them coming!

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Happy you liked it., Thanks! :)

@PeachMusic_ 3 жыл бұрын

This is wonderful, thank you so much for doing this. Mix A has more weight in the lower mids, sounds more "awake" in the upper mids, and generally sounds more glued together. I own a SIX but had not taken the time to try the analog summing because I didn't want to spend the time on configuration. Now I know I need to do this for the tunes on my upcoming album. Well done!

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

Happy you found it interesting! :)

@cortical1 4 жыл бұрын

Nicely done, Espen! Going to download the songs now and listen.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Do so. I'll post the follow-up on Tuesday when I reveal it all. ;-)

@dosgos 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic walk-through Espen. Thank you!

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Happy you found it interesting! :)

@AnthonyMartinsRock 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic work on these mixes! :) They are of course both great. To like them for any reason will be entirely down to frame of reference regarding taste and taste in balance of tones that you have chosen. Clean and dynamic. I like them.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Many thanks man! :)

@AnthonyMartinsRock 4 жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft no problem. I am glad you are getting great use of your unit! I absolutely love mine.

@FintanMoloney 4 жыл бұрын

Was looking forward to seeing this in action. Great video and although its expensive I think the sound quality and flexibility in such a small form factor make this very worth it. Might have to get saving :)

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

I'm amazed how much flexibility this little thing has. ;-)

@Max10_B 4 жыл бұрын

Literally been looking into selling my preamp and compressor for,this perfect timing

@jgilbertsound 4 жыл бұрын

Great job on the mix, and great job on the video. This is the most clear explanation I have seen of how to use this console in a real world scenario. Very cool! On a few listens I am going to say B is the SSL, and my favorite. I do like certain aspects of A though, it sounds a bit more punching and kick and snare are bit more focused in the center in A. The B mix sounds wider and richer as a whole. More of a spacial quality in the reverb and panning is deeper. Both are excellent though!

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'll let you know on Tuesday when I publish the follow-up video. ;-)

@trevor4835 4 жыл бұрын

Love the chorus of your song so much btw

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@javiergs9629 4 жыл бұрын

I Downloaded the files. Is easy to know Mix A is the SSL SIX. For me when you hear SSL, it remind you nostalgia from the (like am listening a recording from the 90's) in their sound, and obviously more punch and clarity!! Well done mi friend!!!

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Sweet man, thanks for taking part in this! :)

@AleksSHAGI 4 жыл бұрын

Очень приятный дизайн у этого модуля-микшера, надеюсь и в его звуковых параметрах Вы не разочарованы. Спасибо, Espen за то, что продолжаете радовать своими новыми видео! Непременно скачаю пример и послушаю на студийном оборудовании. Впоследствии напишу о своём впечатлении.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Aleks! :)

@gforsyth4 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. The vocal tone sounds awesome! Reminds me of early new order. Sounds great.

@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks man!

@LanceJordan 2 жыл бұрын

I thought more like Pet Shop Boys

@Langostagigante 4 жыл бұрын

You are a good singer Espen! Shit sounds good!

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Many thanks man! :)

@bobbybebrave4756 3 жыл бұрын

Sounds great.. And i love your song!

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

Cheers! :D

@AleksSHAGI 4 жыл бұрын

My choice is A! Yesterday, I listened to the AKG K702 headphones and did not notice the difference, but today it became immediately obvious on the studio audio system that the best option is A! I will not go into details about the transparency of sound, subtle musical plans and reverb tails. Just pick option A. My installation: DAW - Sonar X1 + MOTU 24 I/O + LONG MicroMix 8S + sE Electronics Egg 150 (Speakers). Thanks Espen for not letting me get bored!

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Aleks! I'll release the follow-up video on Tuesday where I go through what is what and my thoughts on it all. ;-)

@logangourmet 4 жыл бұрын

I like mix B because the base sounds much fuller and richer. It adds depth to the mix.

@stephenchow5161 3 жыл бұрын

wow. i think you have squeezed all the functionality possible for this unit! kudos. sound like a ssl

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

Cheers!

@jas_bataille 3 жыл бұрын

Well its specifically made for summing...

@VIC-20_Synthwave 4 жыл бұрын

Oh yes! Getting the popcorn ready.

@trevor4835 4 жыл бұрын

Espen thank you so much for the breakdown of you ADAT connections to the SSL. The whole adat and optical connection concepts have been confusing the hell out of me.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Happy you found it interesting. ;-)

@trevor4835 4 жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft have you already made content covering your studio connections/cabling setup before? would like to see it if you have

@royallmuzikproductionz 4 жыл бұрын

Love the detail. I just have to keep going back to the video once I get SSL six unit today and patchbay

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! :)

@sinyodrumboy 4 жыл бұрын

Wow great mixes! for me Mix A has more depth when it comes to drums and to the background vocals fx.. Nice video! Gonna wait your next video Espen! Rock it!

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking part in this man! :)

@MrMuppetbaby 2 жыл бұрын

I love this guy! I haven't heard the mixes yet but wow you explain a rather complex mixer so well. I am a small project studio running Luna and I am looking for the most bang I can get in an outboard piece of gear. Thinking about a Fusion but it lacks the 2 Bus compression I want. Maybe this thing? Thanks again Espen Kraft! New subscriber for sure. Best from Tod in Las Vegas. :)

@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers!

@ooberfuseband 4 жыл бұрын

love the track!!!! hard not to get lost in the music. However track B has the edge for me. most noticeable when bass comes in. much warmer and fuller in Track B. Cant wait to hear the results :) Hal

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that! The music is always the top priority, but the road to getting there can vary. ;-) I'll let you know on Tuesday when I follow this up with part 2. ;-)

@jthorpe4droid 4 жыл бұрын

Weirdly on my speakers I prefer A around the vocal parts, but headphones it was B for the keyboard parts. So I would listen to either :) great video and track.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Many thanks Jason! :)

@77advanced 4 жыл бұрын

Hmm.. mix A have a little more oomph on kick. Maybe the difference is in compression settings, mix B has less bump in sub freq, it may seem to many people that the mix B is more transparent and tight because of that. I can’t decide to be honest)

@digitalmarketinghumans 2 жыл бұрын

I was thinking of getting the Neve Orbit Summing mixer. So does the SSL Six essentially have what the Orbit has? I am sure it sounds different, but for all that in one box doesn't sound too bad, especially for it's price point.

@christopherprice3226 3 жыл бұрын

makes me want to add one to my kit. very nice.

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

Cheers :D

@OriginalRaveParty 4 жыл бұрын

Mix A seems more cohesive to me. It's also slightly louder though.

@ddr4ig 4 жыл бұрын

I find both mixes to sound almost identical, although to my ears Mix B feels just ever so slightly richer (saturated) and smoother. I guess it is testament to what can be acheived both in and out of the box. I think the key here is that the SiX provides a tactility that may result in better mixes for some regardless of the 'glue'. I am currently building a hybrid studio for the best of both worlds and will be getting a SiX and the SSL2+. Great track by the way!

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Craig! I'm no purist and whatever works works. ;-) What sounds "better" or "worse" will be perceived different for every listener imo. For me, as you also point out, the road to the result is also important as I must enjoy "driving" there. And because of that I will always prefer hardware, if I can afford it! ;-)

@rdean150 4 жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft Agreed, the journey is just as important as the destination.

@ryanmelvey8764 4 жыл бұрын

i have the SiX and like it because i can jam with my keyboards and drums machines spontaneously with the whole thing feeling mixed and mastered. sometimes its nice to not have to boot up a computer. also the six listen mic compressor is a beast for parallel compression on the whole mix.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Cool man, sounds like a sweet setup. :)

@rickbustamante 3 жыл бұрын

Say Espen, where did you get the little colored jack covers for your patch bay? Thanks for the video, very helpful as I use one in the studio, be well!

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Check out my video here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mZ1jl5ZhyrjDc3k.html

@DystopianOwl 4 жыл бұрын

Hi, I stumbled upon this awesome channel just recently. Subscribed! Had a question: Is there a specific reason you went from the Main Out on the SSL to the inputs of the iD22 and not the returns, which as you said, bypasses the pre-amps? Main out on the SSL is a line-level signal that should just go straight to the converters. I have a similar setup so I wanted to know the reasoning there :) Thanks

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes, the reason is that I drove the SSL out so hard that going in the returns (I show this in the video as you probably saw) that I clipped the input that way. By going in the through the preamps and setting the -10 pad I got a great signal (in check) going in. With the gain (ID22) at the lowest (i A/B tested this beforehand) I don't think the ID22 preamp contributes to any difference in the resulting sound at all.

@DystopianOwl 4 жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft Oh okay, I got it! Nice solution! Yeah, the preamps on the iD22 are very clean! Thank you!

@imdurc 4 жыл бұрын

I'm a fan of mix B. There's definitely a feeling of more punch as well as separation between the parts. I'm curious as to which is which.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for participating! I'll public the reveal and conclusions on Tuesday. ;-)

@JH-pe3ro 4 жыл бұрын

Listened on my mobile headphone setup - FiiO K2 running into MDR-ZX110. Mix A feels more glued to me and is my preference. Mix B comes off a bit glassy with harsher mid-high transients, but also brings out each part better and might render better over speakers. Edit: I thought I saw a file size difference but I was looking at compressed file size. Uncompressed they're actually the same.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking part in this! I'll let you know tomorrow when I post the follow-up video. ;-)

@Max10_B 4 жыл бұрын

Songs sound amazing btw. Have you ever listened to ice choir? It's very similar to,your writing style. Also is the alternative input the vocals coming through coming from the db25 connector or the talkback

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I have listened to them actually. The vocals are coming through the DB25 with the rest and going straight into the EXT input 1. Not through the alternativ inputs or the talkback.

@Eventual420 4 жыл бұрын

I queued them both on my timeline which allows me to inspect the details visually and these look almost identical, so you have achieved very similar results with your ITB mix, likely applying a similar mix bus compressor. I can’t hear a distinguishable difference between them. It’s nice to hear Espen Kraft cranking through my monitors though. You’re a keeper, I should find your music and purchase it straight away. I want to support you in that manor. Should you work with a SSL Six? Certainly. But in the same breath you might want some 1073 and 1176 chains as well. Important to note for all the comment readers, MAKE MUSIC! What comes out is YOU, that’s the most important aspect is we all have our sound and our songs and it sounds unique due to the unique human creating it, not so much the devices we select. Thank you Espen! Searching for your music now.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Hey and many thanks for your kind words and insightful comments. I always have the song in mind and the road towards it can be different types of gear and techniques, but hopefully the songs will erupt no matter how it is engineered when finalizing the sound. My music can easily be found through the links in the video description. Thanks man! Cheers :)

@Eventual420 4 жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft I have 52 tracks. :) Here's my first impression: You are a man of first impressions, and have a good hook on every opener. I litterally can't turn them off, because every song has something weird and cool. Some of these I already know, so 2nd time hearing them is 'refreshing'. I mean that, it's like HEY I KNOW THIS SONG! Fond memories. I smile a lot watching this channel and listening to your presentations. It's hard work, carrying your enthusiasm for music across a video platform, to consolidate topics and ideas. Such a quality channel, great songs. You really are the 80s.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Sweet man, thanks a million! I've been raised on believing that a catchy song needs to be just that, from the first second. ;-) I always try to do that. Cheers!

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'll let the video run a couple of days to pick up new viewers and I'll public the part 2 video on Tuesday where I go through it and talk more about it. ;-)

@divedibosso2893 4 жыл бұрын

MIx B sounds more compact and the bass is more present for me, great job!!

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Check back on Tuesday for the reveal and conclusions when I post the second part of this video. ;-)

@divedibosso2893 4 жыл бұрын

Now I think mix a is SIX, my head is going to explode, waiting for Tuesday...thanks!!

@silversulu 4 жыл бұрын

Cool & thanks. I run a much more complex version of this with a fully independent serial audio chain where the source DAW (Live) is run through a 32 channel ADDA (Lunx Aurora(n)) into an SSL Matrix, summed, mastered and captured through an independent mastering grade converter (Dangerous Convert AD+) into a mastering DAW (Logix Pro X) at 24/96 to ensure cleanest capture of the summing artifacts and analog bus compression in the SSL Matrix. That said, IMO the SIX's G-Bus compression still beats the best ITB mastering compressors (FabFilter, Izotope Ozone, Waves) in terms of its absolute transparency in raising loudness with no compression artifacts.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Sweet setup man! :) I'm not going to go higher than 44.1 khz in my setups, for the music I make, but I can definitely see scenarios where that is the way to go. ;-)

@LanceJordan 2 жыл бұрын

B is the clear winner! Has more 3 dimensional sound, most notable in the stereo image, especially the dynamic of kick and bass, but also in clearly more separation in sounds. To my ear it sounds actually more dynamic and less compressed even though it has more punch. Version A sounds like a typical "in the box" mix/master where everything sits in a very 2 dimensional space. Now keep in mind that I was a professional producer, for many years and found that I had the same experience working on mixes running through a Soundcraft Ghost console, with external Lexicon reverbs, analog compressors, and a pair of Avalon VT-737SP channels, and mixed down to a TASCAM CD-RW5000. So... this is nice to see and hear! Thanks for making this!

@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын

We all perceive music, mixes and sound differently. That's the beauty. Based on comments I'd say it's 50/50 between those that prefer A or B and that's how it is I guess. ;-)

@LanceJordan 2 жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft to me, I think this proves psycho acoustic bias, but also how subtle the differences are.

@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын

I agree. This video is from some time ago. I have another more elaborate hybrid mixing setup now, with one more SSL SiX and even more outboard gear and to me it's also about the tactile approach, using my ears more than my eyes etc. That's why I mix OTB when I can, especially on mu own music. For clients it's all ITB unless they want me to use my old stuff.

@mara.records Жыл бұрын

Hello! I would like to know where can I find this type of instrumental. I love it!

@MercuryK52 4 жыл бұрын

Another greit video by the Espen! Thank you very much! Also nice with a Japanese reference here and there ;) Anyhow, again, good pedagogical video! The subject of mixing, all those knobs and dials and what they do is, at least to me, a whole science in its own. Great stuff! A question, you make adjustments during the playback and I guess in this case it's because you want to demonstrate the function of a certain dial. However, do you also make adjustments *live*, like in a mastering session (kind of like..err..a DJ would do during a gig?)? Now, on to the sound itself. Firstly, I'm surprised both files are exactly the same size, and that would usually lead me to believe that they are just that, the same. However, when listening to the tracks, although only by a bit, it feels like track A has a bit more *air* and crispiness to it. The reverb-length, the synth tone and vocal highs just sound a bit crispier to me. (And then in a couple of days you will have all of us fooled by "Ha haaa, it was actually the same track...got you good there! :p ) ;)

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks man! The "after mixing" I did here is indeed something I would do if this was a pure mixing session of a song done old school. Then you HAD to do adjustments during the run of the mix for the final mixdown. If this was a mastering session, not something I would use the SSL SiX for I would not do moves on the fly no. Not most of the time anyways. ;-) It's not two identical files no. One IS the SiX while the other is indeed ITB. Only hours away from the follow-up video. ;-) Cheers

@Henry-dv8tw 4 жыл бұрын

fantastic

@ThomasCorfield 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for another excellent video, Espen, and another sensitive, nostalgi-pop track. Forgive the blasphemy, but what do you think of Reason's SSL virtual mixer?

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I've never used Reason in all my life so I have no opinion in the matter. ;-)

@BenJenssen 2 жыл бұрын

I like A. Good work, Espen.

@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers!

@royallmuzikproductionz 4 жыл бұрын

Hi there I'm not familiar with adat but I'm getting my SSL six today and I ONLY got a focusrite 18i20 second Gen what are my connectivity options? Can I just go straight to and from the box. I just wanted to us the six as a summing mixer. Thanks

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

I don't know the Focusrite at all so I can't tell what your options are.

@Rubingah 4 жыл бұрын

Listening on cheapy earbuds, Mix A seems a little louder, but also sounds like its bus compression is a little more aggressive. I'm hearing a little more low end in the bass guitar on A as well. Forced to guess, I'd say A is the SSL, but the difference is not as extreme on low-end consumer earbuds such that it'd seem to make the difference between digging a song and not. Perhaps on a nice hi-fi there'd be a more appreciable difference.

@MMCSOUND 3 жыл бұрын

Hello Espen, thank you very much for the interesting video. With video time code 0:33 these are in the two patchbays yellow and red dust caps can be seen to protect against dust the inputs are inserted. Do you have a link where I can order this?

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

I've made a video about it here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mZ1jl5ZhyrjDc3k.html Check video description.

@MMCSOUND 3 жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft Thank you Espen. This is exactly what i needed.

@JT-qc2nb 3 жыл бұрын

I'm creating all music from softsynths and samples. I have an SSL Fusion as outboard gear, considering a summing mixer. Do you think this is worth the investment given I'm basically using digital sounds (with the exception of drum samples for the most part)?

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

Hard for me to say really. Try it first if you can.

@alainjean2974 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for bringing back the 80's. We need it.

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

Cheers! I need my daily 80s dose too ;-)

@Suburbianone 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for doin this Espen..Greeting from Bangkok Thailand! Mix A is ITB mix (Thin, Muffled, Very digital) Mix B is SSL (Meaty, Up Front..Impact) Hopefully my answer is correct haha!

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'll let you know on Tuesday when I publish the follow-up video. ;-)

@bishopburrell9716 4 жыл бұрын

This was a pretty cool exercise. both mixes sound great, but for my taste i think Mix A has a tad bit more weight. can't really use the word "warmer" but the low end seems to be a little tighter which thickens the whole track. Very subtle yet noticeable difference.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking part in this! :)

@joewolf38 4 жыл бұрын

Hi, The "A" mix reverb little more, the stage is wider, the compressor realese is higher. The dinamic range is little bit higher, but the "B" feel the louder. The "B" mix is little strict, the perc is more dinamicly. Faster attack, and realese. The spectrums are so close.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for participating! I'll let you know Tuesday. ;-)

@marcosventura8157 4 жыл бұрын

Very difficult to choose, both are very similar, maybe A for vocals and B for synth / bass. It looks like A has a little bit more peak / power. Can't wait to the next video.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for participating in this. I'll let you know on Tuesday when I publish the follow-up video to this. :)

@JackloveYoutube 2 жыл бұрын

Thanx for Mix samples to download , I didn't find your reveal video but i can spot Mix A feels SSL one , but the difference is not drastic , i was planning to buy ssl six but thanx for saving my money , i would Explore about Neve 5057 or some processing units like Neve 542 just to get analogue touch in my music :)

@EspenKraft 2 жыл бұрын

The reveal-video was released just after this. It's on my channel.

@JackloveYoutube 2 жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft thankyou , just compared it with neve 5057 on internet and i feel both do almost same in term of sound quality . & found ur video too :)

@terrybrown7134 4 жыл бұрын

Really like your channel (I love 80's synths too). Interesting A/B comparison but the differences are incredibly subtle. I'm not sure my ears are up to differentiating properly but I slightly prefer the sound of the A mix, perhaps a little more clarity and openness there.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

They are subtle, I agree on that. Thanks! I'll let you know on Tuesday when I publish the follow-up video. ;-)

@brettwayne8103 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the routing explanation. My guess..Mix A-SSL. Mix B ITB! Mix A is very tight and more cohesive but in the end I preferred the top end detail of Mix B. Looking forward to the results.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'll go public on Tuesday with the reveal and conclusions. Cheers :)

@wehappyfewmusic Жыл бұрын

Excellent video and It’s a close call but I think I prefer mix A. Do you think this mixer could also be used for mastering music from analog multitrack tape machines?

@EspenKraft Жыл бұрын

Thanks! As the only device this is not suitable for mastering.

@wehappyfewmusic Жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft Thanks for the quick reply! I was considering attaching an external eq unit and using the bus compressor, but will have a rethink (I’m new to mastering out of the box☺️). 👍

@EspenKraft Жыл бұрын

In my video series "A Song Is Born" I have a video about mastering. It's episode #9 and it will be out in about a week. The first 8 episodes are already out on my channel. We follow a song from birth (composition) through all steps towards a finished master. About 8 hours of tutorials.

@wehappyfewmusic Жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft amazing, I’ll check those out! Thanks 🙏

@kropjesla01 4 жыл бұрын

mix A seems to bee more open, Mix B is pushing more (maybe more bus-compression? I personally don't like that) but I would not be able to tell you which is which...

@tlepsh_band 9 ай бұрын

hello Can you tell me which is which? based on my in ear monitors, I believe B was the summing. IEMs aren't great, but thats what I had at the moment. I saw the video after this, and u didnt mention which is which?

@EspenKraft 9 ай бұрын

The reveal is in pt2.

@aurumtree 2 жыл бұрын

Nice track btw.

@EHiggins 4 жыл бұрын

They are both extremely well mixed. This one isn't easy. I think "B" is better. Around the 1 minute mark when all of the vocals are going "B" sounds more balanced. At louder volume the vocals on "A" almost sound harsh in the same place. Also with my speakers I seem to feel the slightest bit more bass on "B". What I'm listening with... PC: MSI Leopard Laptop HDMI output RCVR: Yamaha RX-V667 Speakers: KLIPSCH RP-280F

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Part 2 with the reveal and conclusions come Tuesday. ;-)

@saxxoplay 3 жыл бұрын

Mix A sounds great to me, recently got the SiX and its really super. Do you have a schematic layout of your routing? Your explanation is concise however rewinding and with cables in hand is a bit tedious. I have some outboard gear and I use an AXR4 Daw. Let me know if there is a fee ;}

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

No, I don't have a written setup of anything. I'm constantly changing my setups to cater for gear coming and going, but in essence I've hooked up the db25's to a patch bay and I hook up the outboard through there when I need the inserts. The AUX feed some reverbs/delays coming back on the returns. Basic stuff. That's how I use it most of the time.

@saxxoplay 3 жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft Thanks for your reply, can I use an Apollo Twin like your Audient to do the setup you describe in the beginning since the twin on has an optical in but no optical out, or the does Audient make it easier? Again thanks for the reply and good music.

@henrikemanuelsson7080 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for showcasing this mixer. It looks like a cool workflow to run audio from the computer to sum on a real hardware mixer! I listened to the mixes and i prefer Mix B 🎧

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'll reveal it and talk more about it on Tuesday! ;-)

@tbonebeats6429 3 жыл бұрын

i love that hook!

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

Cheers! :D

@spiderlab2526 4 жыл бұрын

So this thing is really a 'Masterer'? The mix is done at the DAW to produce STEMS. Was there any treatment at this stage? The DigiMAx does the D>A conversion. So really this is more like a mastering console to aerate or tighten and polish the mix? Doing that outboard could bring back the fun to Mastering rather than just banging Ozone9 on the end of the chain??

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Sure, the stems were prepared in the DAW. With all the bells and whistles necessary to make them sound good. But they were all held back in terms of dynamics headroom. I wanted to see if running those through the SiX would yield another result than just in the DAW. That's it, nothing more. ;-)

@steverushforth7009 4 жыл бұрын

I think the SSL adds some very musical coloration.

@maccagrabme 4 жыл бұрын

I won't ever make an audio engineer as I couldn't tell much difference and considering one is mixed in software it sounds damn good to my ears. The waveforms looked slightly different and perhaps Track A had slightly more depth but its certainly not night and day and I'd be happy with either mix for casual listening.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

I'll reveal what is what in tomorrows video. ;-)

@tientienyao 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. You have many gears. Could you share with us how you patch all of them to the tiny SIX?

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I don't patch my synths into the Six. It's used as a summing mixer, and I patch in my series 500 chain at the master insert point. I also use it as a preamp for my vocal mic. That's all. ;-)

@RiddimBangerBeatstore1 3 жыл бұрын

thanks for this video

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

Cheers!

@hitsonacousticguitar 4 жыл бұрын

I'm going for B. Sounds more "compact" to me. I hope it's the SSL Mix :-)

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'll let the video run a couple of days to pick up new viewers and I'll public the part 2 video on Tuesday where I go trough it and talk more about it. ;-)

@jamespingel8730 4 жыл бұрын

Pretty sure mix A is the SSL. You mentioned you liked the low-end boost on it and that mix seems a bit more bassy. I like it because it just jumps out of the monitors at me a bit more.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

The follow-up video is out now. ;-)

@eltiara60 4 жыл бұрын

To me the differences were subtle but B to my ears had more presence and sounded CD ready? On a different note the track reminds me most of the Pet Shop Boys. I really enjoy your videos.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'll post the follow-up video on Tuesday. ;-)

@BirdBearVic 5 ай бұрын

Hello. I was looking for buying one and I have to say that I have plenty of doubts. From my view, the A is the one mixed with the six, as it has a somewhat more contained sound. Anyway, the difference is minimal.

@DonnDeVoreMusic 4 жыл бұрын

listenening on Sony 7506 headphones and JBL 305 monitors. I think Mix A is Cubase, Mix B is SSL. The bass synth is slightly deeper, rounder on B. the mids and highs sounds smoother in the vocal sections. Mix A get harsh in the midrange later in the track and there is less depth to the mix.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking part in this! I'll let you know tomorrow when I post the follow-up video. ;-)

@cortical1 4 жыл бұрын

Man, they sound really similar to me. I think I prefer A over B. The only elements I can put my finger on are that the bass sounds a bit more snappy and full and the vocals sound a little more bright. But this is splitting hairs; maybe I'm just hearing things that aren't really different.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Splitting hairs can be fun too.. ;-)

@VIC-20_Synthwave 4 жыл бұрын

It was really hard to decide between the two, but I'm going to have to go with B.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

I'll let you know on Tuesday in the follow-up video. ;-)

@N1K5TA 4 жыл бұрын

very close Espen . B has a warmer and slightly fuller low end its subtle but I can feel it in the subs and a tiny bit duller(warmer) up on top compared to A . A on the other hand had more clarity on the rest of the mix ..I looped several sections but I could hear it on the click of the kick and hihats ... both good , very close but if i had to call it B is warmer prob (SSL)

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nik! I'll let the video run a couple of days to pick up new viewers and I'll public the part 2 video on Tuesday where I go trough it and talk more about it. ;-)

@N1K5TA 4 жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft good work Espen:)

@JulianFernandez 4 жыл бұрын

thanks!!!

@superhadouken 4 жыл бұрын

I choose A version. It feels fuller and with more low end. More glued. I think A is the ssl six version. The glue i feel is because the g comp.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'll let you know on Tuesday when I publish the follow-up video. ;-)

@amonterrosomusic 4 жыл бұрын

I think so too

@margussystex 4 жыл бұрын

When listening to the video and the mixes, then Mix A sound more similar to the video. But Mix B has some nice warmth in the low end, what i really like. The compression is what makes it really difficult to seperate the two. I'm gonna choose Mix B to be the SSL, because Mix A has some similarities to my own in the box mixes.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'll let the video run a couple of days to pick up new viewers and I'll public the part 2 video on Tuesday where I go trough it and talk more about it. ;-)

@justinbarton1270 3 жыл бұрын

Prefer mix A. The only issue I had with the test is that both tracks are mixed down pretty quiet. I feel outboard gear only really comes into its own when you drive things a bit harder, only then (IMHO) do you benefit from the harmonic distortion that outboard gear generally imparts.

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

Good points. It depends somewhat on what type of analog gear you use though imo.

@maastune 3 жыл бұрын

I would like to build a system based on your routing of the SSLSix, DP88 and Patchbay, so I would like to know more about the back wiring. I'd appreciate it if you could upload a video. I'd like to build a system with reference to your routing of SSLSix, DP88 and Patchbay.

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

Contact me directly on email. Address in the ABOUT section of this channel.

@sideast 3 жыл бұрын

SSL, Hazy Days & Forgotten DAWS, How do you say, record a vocal take on ch1 with the music coming from the DAW on say ch3/4, without capturing the music from 3/4 in the vocal recording ??

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

Sure, no problem. Just run your ch.1 insert send straight out to your DAW input. The insert send is always active btw.

@sideast 3 жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft - Would this have to be done with the Dsub connector ?

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

Yes. It's all in the manual. ;-)

@sideast 3 жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft yes , thanks

@sideast 3 жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft - So, factoring in to do a simple task like as i mentioned above i would need to buy a db25 cable - TRS-DB25 patch bay with all cabling !! ? This is a Nice thing but its a bit of a cluster F@ck, ill wait for V2 see what that turns out like.

@justinjr1623 Жыл бұрын

Would anyone please show me how to connect Lexicon pcm91 to SSL six? I'm not a pro and I'm not into DAW, everything I'm using is for live performance, I'm confusing cause I don't see AUX Send or Return like other mixers ( the fact is, this mixer do have if i have DB25 connector cable, which I don't have it ) my connect is simple SSL + Lexicon reverb + compressor + Apogee duet2 interface

@EspenKraft Жыл бұрын

You should watch my series "A song is born". From episode 6 you'll find all the answers to exactly this.

@justinjr1623 Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@ezcondition 4 жыл бұрын

i choose the better sounding one

@100dAP 4 жыл бұрын

you mean the B-etter sounding one

@polyphonicgroove 2 жыл бұрын

Mix B has more punch and definition....but Mix A sounds warmer, so my guess is Mix A is through the SSL Six. I can't find the reveal video, am I missing it or did he never do it?

@revenantx1239 4 жыл бұрын

B sounds warmer with more low end bass

@Hexspa 4 жыл бұрын

Have you ever had to replace the plastic slider on your DT-770?

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Never.

@Hexspa 4 жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft Dang. Mine broke and Beyerdynamic charges $30 USD plus $15 shipping for those parts. How will I afford a SiX like that?

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

I have no idea..;-)

@Sunstatemusic 4 жыл бұрын

Espen, i have 32-outs DAC + 8-outs DAC and 16-in x2 units summing boxes + 8-in summing box and have to say, analogue summing is an groundbreaking way in an achievement of 3D sound deep and realistic mixes compared with in-the-box. And i do summing just at 192 kHz.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

My question was more retorical really. I know the benefits of analog summing, but is it REALLY worth it? Another retorical question he-he.. cheers! ;-)

@Sunstatemusic 4 жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft analogue summing vs itb is like hardware synths vs software. If you have extra money and want to improve quality of your music here is list of investment in my opinion from superior priority to lowest: 1. Higher quality audiocard (DAC+ADC) 2. More powerful computer (to work at maximum sample rate and oversampling) 3. Higher quality mic (if needed) 4. Higher quality of real solo instruments and external effects (guitar, woodwinds, vocalists, cabinets, reverb and compressor units etc.) 5. Summing boxes (or console) + High quality multiple outputs DAC 5. DSP and FPGA platforms to use high quality processing digital audio in a DAW 6. Hardware mastering processors - mastering stereo EQ, mastering compressor with limiter 7. Hardware virtual analogue synths (Virus, JP8080) 8. Hardware hybrid (VA + analogue) synths 9. Modern pure analogue synths (Behringer, DSI) 10. Vintage analogue synths (Jupiter-8, CS-80 etc)

@SamSine 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this experiment. I downloaded the lossless files and after listening, I prefer Mix A. It has more clarity and depth. The stereo imager is slightly wider. Just to spotlight one particular instrument: Mix B's bass is flat and right in your face whereas Mix A's bass has a 3D feel while still being punchy. So, where are the results about which one is which?

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking part! The reveal is in the video that came right after this, but here's the link for you: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ndGfn9qW1Nyqn3U.html

@SamSine 3 жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft Thanks to YOU for making this very useful video in a professional manner! I just saw your second video :) Are you still happy with it? They have a sale now, only $1,199. I'm debating getting it..

@EspenKraft 3 жыл бұрын

If you have the money, go get it! I love it and it's a fantastic piece of kit. I've grown to love it more and more and only a bigger one from SSL, with more channels and inserts (very important) would make me sell this for such a mixer. I don't have the space for a bigger one though! :P

@SamSine 3 жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft Thank you Espen! I bet you are running out of space with all that beautiful vintage gear collection you have! Thank you again for your help!

@marma-hometone103 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your work! You have a good feeling about how to use compression. Just three words: Kiss the needle :-D - I also always come back to these settings. By the way - Mix A is wonderful ;-)

@EspenKraft Жыл бұрын

Cheers!

@marma-hometone103 Жыл бұрын

@@EspenKraft btw what is the solution? Mix A? B?

@brianmac8260 4 жыл бұрын

Ok, I see the other next video is up, but I've just seen this one. Listening on a pair of AKG's played on Foobar2k, B first hmm, I hope that's not the SSL was my first reaction. Listemed to A, I hope that is the SSL. Ok over to the results video.

@the_newvoice 3 жыл бұрын

Oh, that's a cool music)

@robertnatiello3814 4 жыл бұрын

I could hear a more distorted tap from the nylon tip of the drum stick on the B vs A. This and the slight softer wider A communicates a better sound by a small margin that might need to be corrected in B.

@bijbrattmonse 4 жыл бұрын

I liked mix A better. The drums are a little bit more compressed and that helps the groove of the song. I also like that you can hear the synths in the background clearer in this version.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks man! I'll post the follow-up video on Tuesday where I reveal what was what. ;-)

@Weechoo 4 жыл бұрын

I like A more, I like that nice sounding compresson on it. B is just too cheap and dry sounding, like it was mixed with waves plugins. :) As someone mentioned in the comments, A sound fuller and I agree. My guess is A is the SSL and B is the cheap plugin version. Wondering if my ATC speakers and my ears lied to me :D

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking part in this! I'll release the follow-up video on Tuesday where I go through what is what and my thoughts on it all. ;-)

@lauriliinat7262 4 жыл бұрын

I prefer the sound and feel of mix B by far, even though mix A was louder. no idea which mix was made in the box though.

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for participating in this. I'll let you know on Tuesday when I publish the follow-up video to this. :)

@endrodyg 4 жыл бұрын

For me the question is: are my mixing skills so maxed out, that this is the only way to improve my song? Even if... $1600 for this subtle difference tho?

@EspenKraft 4 жыл бұрын

As I will go through in my follow up video on Tuesday, there are plenty more to this mixer than just the sound. ;-)