Line Level Audio Examples 4:54

I have a Neve 1073 OPX, Joe Meek, API 550, RND 511, and SSL Six. I spent hours last night recording a band whose budget allowed me to spend an extra long time with each individual. I did multiple takes through multiple mics with multiple preamps. The difference between all of them were somewhat subtle in some cases and extreme in others. I have a softer yet, harsh rock voice, and I like it best through the API It makes it sound totally tuff and rock ‘n’ roll But the SSL with EQ and compression made it so smooth and crisp, and very very, very awesome The 511 was super super smooth and harmonically rich. But also extremely subtle compared to the others. This becomes valuable and I’ll explain later. The 1073 sounded godly that’s all I can say but we’re also talking $5000 or $6000 I could’ve made any of these preamps work . But they all definitely had a different flavor and I would say the SSL would work with anything and the 511 would work with anything. The API would work with anything. And the 1073 would work with anything. And that’s when I realized what I’ve been doing for years is that I audition every source through all of them until I get the vibe that I think that particular source needs. The 511 sounds awesome with drums, but the API has this crushing smooth Rich sound on drums that nothing else matches. the 1073 sounds incredibly bad ass on drums too. So I could just go on and on about how I love the 511 on acoustics, and I love the API on acoustics But then you start stacking tracks, and when you have nine double guitar tracks you start getting some muddy crap. I have some cheaper preamps I use for scratch tracks and that’s where you really noticed the difference easily with a few tracks. With the nicer preamps you don’t get that and I’ve noticed with the SSL6 I never ever get that muddy song when I start adding a bunch of tracks . That’s my two. Cents.

@nolarocks

11 ай бұрын

Isn't the API an EQ?

@sbadolian

11 ай бұрын

@@nolarocks I have the 512c which has no eq like my other 500 modules (the meek and ssl do however I don’t touch eq)

@nolarocks

11 ай бұрын

@@sbadolian Thanks! Reading your comments about the SSL makes me want to try it.

Thanks for taking the time to make this video dude , really appreciate it I feel like both of these units were really nice The SSL seemed slightly wider on the bottom , but the Neve was tight top and bottom and more natural , the SSL is a sound that I particularly love especially when it comes to thickening the bottom up , so both these units would have a place in any studio

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

Жыл бұрын

Your welcome 🙏 they are both great pieces of kit 👌

Thank you flew this!! I’m looking at getting both of these. Tot did me a favor in reviewing both. Thank you.

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

Жыл бұрын

Personally, I kept the SSL and sold the Neve. I like the flexibility of the SSL, and it works great on my vocals for rap and also KZread.

@uriel-heavensguardian8949

Жыл бұрын

@@CrossbeatsMusicProduction oh ok!!!!

Awesome comparison. If you want that slight saturation go for Neve. If you want a punchy signal you will not go wrong with the SSL

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, really appreciated. And yep you're right about your description of Neve Vs SSL, SSL definitely punchy.

Outstanding comparison

Great review man. Thank you 🙏

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

Your most welcome 🙏

I’d put both of these in my rack. Have the 511 and 517 both of which I love. But I can see where the SSL would offer a more transparent audio capture with some shaping capabilities for a really nice price.

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

Yep totally 👌 I still have the ssl and love it !

Great video man, well done 👍

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

Жыл бұрын

Really appreciate that.

For my ears, I take the Neve on Vocals, Bass and Rhodes. I take the SSL on the first drum beat. Cheers!

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your input 🙂

@preciseaudioblog

2 жыл бұрын

@@CrossbeatsMusicProduction I was looking forward for this test. Thank you ✌️

The 511 crushes. I own four, and wouldn't hesitate to make a whole album with it, ever. It's amazing that SSL crammed all that stuff into a 500, but it's missing that transformer vibe. For roughly the same money as the SSL, get the Camden, then comp and EQ ITB.

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

Жыл бұрын

It's good to hear different opinions on this.

@jasonplaysthebass6030

Жыл бұрын

The SSL is really awesome, but I seriously miss the transformer. The Portico sounds fatter even when it’s flat, but you can accomplish a pretty awesome vibe with the Camden for roughly half the price of the Portico.

sorry guys but 551 beats the budget SSL. This is not VHD pre guys, and it doesn't saturate, you cannot push it hard, it's always lineer.. Neve has smoother high and better mid & lo-mid response which shows whats going on those freq like on drums and bass example.. Thank you for your effort, level matched great comparision!

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for you comment also, I appreciate your opinion.

@gffg387

2 жыл бұрын

everyone that starts a comment with "sorry guys" is an idiot. about the video, yeah, I'm happy with my 511 and don't think I need the SSL.

@ZenMountain

2 жыл бұрын

What does "lineer" mean?

@michaelrice6620

2 жыл бұрын

Depends on what your looking for, if you want a clean preamp with some eq and a compressor on it for the price i dont think its bad at all. I have a api preamp I usually use for vocals but grabbed this when it first came out just cause the options for the price and i have to say its actually alot better than i thought it was going to be for the price lol. It definitely isnt the best channel strip out there but for a clean solid signal for this price its great for that.

@MockeryManor

Жыл бұрын

Stop it. The SSL Six sounds fantastic for the price. Yes the 511 sounds better, but if I had to choose, I could get 2 SSL’s for the price of a 511. 😁

Thanks for this video.

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

Your welcome, thank you for the comment, really appreciate you.

To really get a feel we need to hear a whole mix recorded with each. But none the less this goes to show that SSL put together a very attractive piece for not a whole lot of dough. The RND does have a bit more openness but these are line examples. We need to hear the mics on various sources.

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

I agree, I'd love to, if I had more support from people who watch my channel. Unfortunately I don't have the resources to spend that much time on fun things like that at the moment. Thanks for your comment 👍

@i.shadrin

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it's almost impossible to tell the difference between preamps on high level signals. Until you doesn't push it to saturation :)

for me, Neve wins on all aspects except attack and punch, which is something id rather obtain through a ssl g-comp anyway. Neve has a bit more depth to it i feel. i wonder what it would do to a stereo signal. great video!

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

Id say a pair of Neve 542, tape emulators would be a fine option. I might have to try them out soon.

@zanem9022

2 жыл бұрын

New rupert neves arent that great

@INeedsMoneys

2 жыл бұрын

@@zanem9022 well, compared against the SSL SIX preamp i would say it's miles better. But ye old neve is a league of its own. Also clones of old neve. But old neve isn't as versatile either, so you take and you give.

@zanem9022

2 жыл бұрын

@@INeedsMoneys i agree about the vintage 1073 (non doubt) but for new Rupert stuff imo, it isn't mile better but just different

@INeedsMoneys

2 жыл бұрын

@@zanem9022 i guess i just don't like the SSL SIX. SSL do other great stuff tho. But this one i think sound like plastic 😅

I liked Neve on that 1st drum beat...it was fuller. I hear the API 512c is killer on drums as well...that wouldve really been nice to hear these samples goin thru all 3...

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I love API stuff! If I had one believe me I'd have included it 😉

Not sure the ssl sounds more gritty. I’d venture to say the neve is more gritty. What do you think? :)

I bought 6 of these today =)

Can you be line level on the ssl without going through front DI?

The Neve pre-amp does sound a bit clearer but the character of the SSL isn't bad at all and for the price difference I don't see why you wouldn't go with the SSL. If you are wanting a transparent pre-amp and EQ it's not that hard to do that with a way cheaper pre-amp and mix in the box. I know some people just like using hardware and like to own "Neve" shit, but for real, if you are being practical about it I would find more use for the SSL and you can almost get two of them if you find the right place to get them for the price of the Neve gear. The SSL also has a phase switch, so if you are trying to set up an external mixing set-up and record with differing set-ups in a real studio application, that phase switch can be a life saver. Gives you just another option if you want to use it to mix or use it as an external compressor/color. A little dirtier, a lot more versatile and much cheaper. Clear winner here IMHO.

SSL is much thicker and neve feels more natural and round. I feel I’d like the neve for vocals . I’m in a position to gather some gear and am new to production myself, looking to do recordings of my songs and some production to get a solid tone on my own. I was wondering, preamps could also be used as insert during mixing for their tonal qualities rigjt?, they aren’t just Strictly limited to recording? I’m just gathering my thoughts on all the uses for certain gear and gaining a fair amount of analogue weight to my sound .

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

Yep correct most, not all have a line-in/through option, which means that's what you to look for when looking at purchasing a preamp.

The Neve sounds slightly brighter and fatter to my ears, but honestly, the difference is so tiny it's not worth worrying about. The gear you already have is good enough. Instead of wasting your time comparing SSL, Neve, API and so-on, spend your time and effort trying to get the best performance, the best acoustic environment, the best mic-placement, the best mixing decisions - all these factors are many orders of magnitude more important that what hardware you're sending it through.

@dougleydorite

Жыл бұрын

No way. Performances are already top notch. Grammy winning… now need good gear

@SHUTUPANDRECORD

3 ай бұрын

Man, huge differences though. No argument the preamp importance comes after the quality of the music and performance… but man, the differences between two different preamps can be huge, and absolutely enhance a recording. In this case, neither is bad… but they sound really different in some key places/instruments. Not tiny. Huge.

Speaking of SSL....they just came out with that new SSL Big Six mixer TODAY ( i think)...theres only a few channels talking about it...if you take that and add API The Channel Strip and the Neve Shelford and a few good mics...you ready!!!!

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

I was wondering when SSL would bring that out 🙂 that's awesome, I'll have to check it, I had heard SSL where looking at a larger version of the SSL SIX. and yeah the API channel strip is a beast. If only I had one! I've used the API 2500 compressor hardware before, it was real nice 🙂

@doraysmith

2 жыл бұрын

@@CrossbeatsMusicProduction That API channel is killer...it doesnt have the master bus compressor but youd have the G4 on the SSL so you wont need the 2500..Just those 3 items mention will cost nearly 10k but youll have the REAL deal instead of plugins thats trying to immulate these items

What’s your OS and Audio interface that the line level signal is from? Cheers

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

Mac and Antelope Orion synergy

Ohhh my kind of content

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

Yes sirrrr !

neve solid focused equals will separate better and stack in a mix

high harmonics are slower and less fatiguing on the Neve but the SSL is more defined ...depends on your application but both are great

Drums and Percussion - SSL Bass and Keys - Neve Although the last track with the rhodes sounded cleaner on the SSL. I am sold on both. They both do different things needed for a good mix! This is probably one of the best comparisons video about these two modules. Great job bro! 👊🏾💯

The SSL sounds great. It's just that the RND blows it away, IMO.

Idk man, that whole 6 minute mark of bass and then into the keys was really obvious to me. I think for my style, the SSL was better for me. The Neve in the second half of the 7 minute mark had like a pulse of low frequency fade in and out like the compressor was not set for steady. it pulsed up after a second or so

SSL 250 quid 511 2.5x - dunno but a pair of ssl seems better value ?

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

17 күн бұрын

@andylfreespace I kept the SSL, I also felt the same. Don't get me wrong, the Neve is still nice, though.

The SSL is snappier and dryer - the Neve is lush and wet with more untertones.

Can you run into the ssl line level to only use the compressor only?

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

Both eq and comp

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

@@zanem9022 it's great for that, I use it for all my vocal recordings now. The comp has a set, but good attack and release settings and auto makeup gain.

@zanem9022

2 жыл бұрын

@@CrossbeatsMusicProduction hey stupid question lol... when you a different pre to use the ssl use eq/comp, do u just engage the line button and the preamp input from back now act as a line input? Did i get that right?

I'm not going to say the difference is drastic, but the Neve sounds cleaner and more dynamic. The SSL sounds punchier and heavier, but again, these are subtle differences.

SSL on drums... god daaaaaaaaaamn

Neve 511 !

Just out of curiosity are these ssl series made in china?

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

Жыл бұрын

I believe they are

ssl ty

The both sound great...I guess its just which one do you want in your studio. lol

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

6 ай бұрын

Lol, I ended up keeping the SSL after having both for a while. But you're totally right.

@Kharrari

6 ай бұрын

@@CrossbeatsMusicProduction I just got the SIX and I want to pair it with the first channel of the SSL Pure Drive Octo. If that works, I'll do 7 more and have them for every insert. Like a small SSL mixer lol

low end 511 win,price SSL winI used the NEVE 1073DPA for many years, and it is very good to use it for lead vocals and lead instruments, and when recording vocal harmony, I usually play it directly with my own words on OMNI, because he does not stand out, NEVE sound is too easy to stand out in the overall mix, especially if you record an acoustic guitar strum, it will also grab the focus of the vocals

6:13 6:40 8:07 8:23

Neve just sounded better But the Six version is like SSL light

I have a 511, it's a greater tool than the ssl because the 511 is a dedicated mic pre , it's not channel strip.

@jamesb44

Жыл бұрын

Meaning, less features makes it greater? Oh, ok. I’d rather have a Big Mac, than a Big Mac combo because it’s a greater meal.

Neve wins.

511 on everything. SSL is an awesome mic input too, but i can't find a single argument for it compared to Neve, sorry

API 512v

The 511 is a little slower, a little fatter in low frequency。 like SSL Strong strong

SSL all the way

@dean-marr

2 жыл бұрын

I like the ssl better even knowing it's less priced

@BR_READDY225

Жыл бұрын

@@dean-marrthe price doesn’t matter

The ssl isn’t stepped vs the 511 using two units in stereo is easy to recall

The SSL Six definitely has more character more low end and grit the Neve 511 chokes in a less aggressive tone no low end and has more mid's and highs

@INeedsMoneys

2 жыл бұрын

lol, SSL lacks low end compared to Neve. although SSL might have more saturated low mids which is what i believe you hear. for me Neve is a lot better in terms of clarity and musicality and also brings out a depth to the sound which SSL does not.

@zanem9022

2 жыл бұрын

Rupert neve stuff is overated and is cheap smt. Give me the vintage 1073 anyday

NEVE SLOW ,SSL FAST

RUPERT NEVE 511 WON THIS ONE

Im sorry new Rupert neve is overated. its way too overpriced for smt which should 1/3 off the cost. Also Too clean with low 500 headroom. If anything id try the ssl first. I don't see much difference here anyway

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

Yep fair opinion 👌

they raised the price of the Six to $500....👎.

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

wow, that didn't take long..

@bigdap100

2 жыл бұрын

@@CrossbeatsMusicProduction it may have had something to do with the pricing and popularity of the Six and Big Six mixers...they both have channel strips on them.

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

@@bigdap100 Yep its definitely popular, I kept mine over the Neve Pre

@bigdap100

2 жыл бұрын

@@CrossbeatsMusicProduction I’m looking at the Cranborne USB or ADAT 500 series hybrid box vs the Big Six. I’m selling off a few pieces of gear. Do you still have the Antelope?

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

@@bigdap100 I like that Cranborne 500 box. It seems to have some interesting features. Still have the Orion. Will be adding some other AD options to the mix later like BURL or Dangerous AD possibly

I feel the SSL has more punch. Probably due to the compressor (not sure if you had it enabled thoughout but it sure sounds like it on a couple tracks.) I own a SiX and no Neve gear so maybe I'm just more tuned into the SSL sound. I saw someone else mentioned the Big SiX and man does that thing look sweeeeeeet.

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

I left the comp off for this video to keep it as fair as possible. And yep I'd love to test out the new Big SiX, it looks like a good option for mixing and summing audio for that SSL vibe 😎

@evildeebee

2 жыл бұрын

@@CrossbeatsMusicProduction I figured you left it off for a fair comparison. So the punch was just the source material and I definitely got that wrong!

@Craftmaster3

2 жыл бұрын

@@CrossbeatsMusicProduction I wake up everyday now and tell myself I don't have room for a bigsix lol

@CrossbeatsMusicProduction

2 жыл бұрын

Hahaha 😅 yeah after seeing the Big SiX now im down the vintage tascam tape mixer rabbit hole.

@Craftmaster3

2 жыл бұрын

@@CrossbeatsMusicProduction we will pray for you...someone tried to push me that way but I don't have the patience for the upkeep and calibration