It almost killed me but….

[la szum]

May be delusional, but I am Wh*re for tubes and some kind of analog-ing. :lol

It's just for me, and I have no "clients" to consider, or outcomes other than personal
enjoyment.

I also seem to prefer hardware synths and keys to VSTs... same with drums. I want to
play them myself... or have someone else play them. I just like the non-rigid feel and
human aspects (warts and all!). Hell, I'd even chase what are considered more lo-fi and
DIY aspects of music production that may be considered passe' to most. 1970s to 90s.

Obviously, junk in = junk out regardless of methods and approaches and gear used.

 

[la szum]

Preliminary thoughts are:

1) 2 Mono Comps and 2 Mic Pres for input side. Have both, but looking to possibly upgrade.

2) Stereo Bus Comp for Bus Mixes.

3) 2 Pultec style EQs just because. Already have one.

Empty rack spaces are en eyesore and beg to be filled.

Patchbay is on my list, too.

 

[MirrorProfiles]

May be delusional, but I am Wh*re for tubes and some kind of analog-ing. :lol

It's just for me, and I have no "clients" to consider, or outcomes other than personal
enjoyment.

I also seem to prefer hardware synths and keys to VSTs... same with drums. I want to
play them myself... or have someone else play them. I just like the non-rigid feel and
human aspects (warts and all!). Hell, I'd even chase what are considered more lo-fi and
DIY aspects of music production that may be considered passe' to most. 1970s to 90s.

Obviously, junk in = junk out regardless of methods and approaches and gear used.

Yeah, no denying it’s fun. Just, if a valve goes, or even just a slight difference between left and right channels from one day to another (or just the gear having to warm up and settle down) then it’s cumbersome for me.

There’s tons of cool gear options out there, especially with DIY stuff and smaller brands. You can build some rad clones of 60’s and 70’s gear that’ll be unique and tailored to your own tastes.

 

[la szum]

Good point. I can always just bill myself more hours if something sets me back!

 

[la szum]

You have a preferred channel strip/console/preamp type, Ed?

Curious if you have any thoughts on API vs. Neve vs. SSL?

 

[megametal7]

Couple more angles

View attachment 29343View attachment 29342


View attachment 29344

that looks dope....


I want to record there now :

 

[MirrorProfiles]

New screen size is good. Quality is so so, noticeably worse than the Apple one but I didn’t want to spend 5k money, nor did I want Apples 27” size.

M4 Pro Mac mini is cool so far. Honestly not drastically different in performance from typical use for me so far, but I wasn’t really noticing many bottlenecks before. It’s absolutely silent though and I’m actually enjoying things being quieter still in the studio.

Feeling pretty maxed out on everything now - I don’t feel like there’s anything for me to upgrade and I really don’t want to tinker with anything any more. If anything, I’d like to either shift a few cabs or start planning towards another room where I can store various bits of gear/instruments/tools (which are hidden out of sight here but it’s very full at the back of the room) etc.

 

[TJontheRoad]

View attachment 33678

New screen size is good. Quality is so so, noticeably worse than the Apple one but I didn’t want to spend 5k money, nor did I want Apples 27” size.

M4 Pro Mac mini is cool so far. Honestly not drastically different in performance from typical use for me so far, but I wasn’t really noticing many bottlenecks before. It’s absolutely silent though and I’m actually enjoying things being quieter still in the studio.

Feeling pretty maxed out on everything now - I don’t feel like there’s anything for me to upgrade and I really don’t want to tinker with anything any more. If anything, I’d like to either shift a few cabs or start planning towards another room where I can store various bits of gear/instruments/tools (which are hidden out of sight here but it’s very full at the back of the room) etc.

View attachment 33679View attachment 33680

Nice rug ties it all together.

 

[laxu]

Are those tone-ferns around the speakers?

 

[la szum]

Who doesn't love themselves some string lights.

 

[la szum]

Thanks for all the unintended inspiration. Really stoked to make some "adjustments"
in my space over this coming winter. Jury is out on whether or not there will be any
actual improvements.

 

[MirrorProfiles]

Ha fake plants and string lights and the new lava lamp and Ikea rug (which I also have)

 

[la szum]

Any thoughts on 500 series chassis and modules for Comps and Mic Pres, @MirrorProfiles ?

Do you have experience with that kind of setup, versus Plug-ins and full rack setups?

 

[MirrorProfiles]

Any thoughts on 500 series chassis and modules for Comps and Mic Pres, @MirrorProfiles ?

Do you have experience with that kind of setup, versus Plug-ins and full rack setups?

I’ve used them a fair bit but don’t own any myself.

Main thing is to check for current delivery - cheaper ones struggle to power more demanding units and some modules will act funny. Most typical preamps and EQ’s will be fine in anything, but I still think a good power supply is worth it so I wouldn’t go too cheap unless you really have to.

The more expensive chassis will handle anything without noise or weird issues, so it might be worth the peace of mind.

I wouldn’t get into 500 series stuff if the mindset is “plugins don’t sound good” - I’d do it more to feel inspired, to use something unique and different, to be hands on with gear etc. The benefit of 500 series is you can have a pretty versatile, customisable and portable rack. Quite often it’s not much cheaper than dedicated rack gear, but it does open up some cool options from smaller companies.

AML and CAPI are a good place to start. Chandler TG-2 500 is cool too.

Cool post from the legendary Mike Shipley in 2005 - he was already of view that Pro Tools was superior to his SSL. The biggest mixer on the planet (Serban Ghenea) is of the same view. Guys like Spike Stent and CLA can still turn out killer mixes whether it’s ITB or on an SSL. I prefer ITB but analog gear is fun. Just do what makes shit sound good to you.

 

[bikescene]

@MirrorProfiles I’ve been inspired by your pictures to look for a smaller desk, just to reduce the clutter in front of me. Also trying to figure out how to install a cloud under a low ceiling with questionable structural integrity.

I can vouch for the CAPI 500 series stuff that I’ve built (VP28 preamps, LC25 EQ). Their chassis and 500 series modules are often out of stock, but can offer a lot of savings vs the pre-made stuff if you are into DIY. I’m trying to get my chassis onto a compact desk to get more hands on with my 500 series.

 

[MirrorProfiles]

trying to figure out how to install a cloud under a low ceiling with questionable structural integrity.

I called in some outside help for my clouds, they go right into the joists. I’ve seen people prop them up from underneath when they don’t want to drill into the ceiling though. They make a big difference so it’s worth trying to do the best you can - with a low ceiling height try and work out what depth and material you can optimise to tackle the right frequencies.

I saved a TON of photos from other studios into my phone that shared similar design principles and used those as examples when looking for ideas.

 

[MirrorProfiles]

For 500 series nerds - this one looks pretty fun. Neve 1058 clone https://www.audiomaintenance.com/acatalog/kits.html