thx euphoria,

128 trax with plugs, I think I can get my acoustic songs down !

shows how the concern about it running FW internal isn't such a big deal if you install the tbolt card and only put fw drives on the apollo's fw outs, no satellite, its very powerful!

wish they had showed the mac activity monitor cpu % and memory too.

btw how are you and the octava's getting along ?


kcat

The Octopre is the one delivering the ADAT stream. That should be set to internal (master) and all the rest clocked off of it.

I'd master it off the Apollo!!! Not the Octopre...

i had that exact issue with an 8 pre and apollo

you want have apollo be master,, its a setting in the 8 pre you access via the software for it to clock from adat..

i had the same thing with the apollo adats all randomly bouncing at the meters

i called ua and they straightened me out

Now wait a minute. The Focusrite Octopre original and mk II have no ADAT input. So how in heaven's name can it clock "from" ADAT?

I agree that you don't really want to be clocking from that unit, but if you are using ADAT you have no option. Now with the mkII you could clock from the Apollo via Wordclock. But that is not what the OP said he was doing.

[QUOTE=StoneinaPond;8622917]Now wait a minute. The Focusrite Octopre original and mk II have no ADAT input. So how in heaven's name can it clock "from" ADAT?

I agree that you don't really want to be clocking from that unit, but if you are using ADAT you have no option. Now with the mkII you could clock from the Apollo via Wordclock. But that is not what the OP said he was doing.[/

If there's no adat in then stone is right. It has to be octo as master or word clock in to the octo from the Apollo. If your octopre has adat in as well (some models do) then you can sync to Adat.

If you have to make the octo the master that shouldn't be too bad. The pll circuitry in the Apollo will clean it up and the results shouldn't be much different. Unfortunately, same goes for improving the clock. The pll circuitry in Apollo will re-align any incoming clock even if its superior. There isn't much benefit to a high quality external clock because of this. Some people claim to hear a difference though, and it may be somewhat real and somewhat placebo.

Cowboy, do you hear a real discernible difference in the Apollo when clocking to the symphony?

All issues resolved and whole rig working splendidly now. It was a clock issue with the 8pre (not Octapre btw...dont know where that came from).

Apollo is clocking and 8pre is slave and the front panel got weird when I brought in the old session. It was probably my fault as I literally pulled all nighter crossgrading PT and registering/authorizing everything.

I am very releived that it was my thought process and actions that were broken and not the Apollo. Bought the 6pack and got the Studer, Lexicon and Neve for free upon registration....as well as the Pultec Pro and a hundred dollar coupon. I am thinking about the phase corrector with that coupon since I use so many mics.

Full on UAD noob and am literally blown away in last 35 hours. I am exhausted but I am taking the day off again tomorrow to dig into the fun part now that I got the rig up and running.

Thanks again for all the input....I feel a bit like chicken little. I will post some specifics regarding my modest yet much improved setup tomorrow and how you all helped me pull the trigger (in a good way). Hopefully I will get a clip up of a live drum mix for critique at some point soon as well.

Hey johngalt are you tired of needy people and governments eating from your palms?
J/K
If you don't get the joke it's cool

No. Not even a little bit. I do however hear a difference in the two converters i.e. the channels they drive on the console. The Symphony is far more "mat". I've heard folks claim that clocking off another converter helps if it's supposed to have a better clock. My ears tell me different, but thats just me. Others may hear it different and that's ok. I was talking to an Apogee guru the other day who told me probably the biggest factor in the Symphony sound being so good is they figured out a way to stage the analog section as to not require the use of a gate, thus causing that pure, or unaffected sound. That thought rings true to me as I use it. Thats as good a reason as any I've heard to explain it.

I'm about to run the two week trial on some plugs. Unfortunately, I don't have as many tracks as I'd like to test with. I'm doing a harmonium session tomorrow, I'll take my first stab at faux "mastering" after that, by trying the Massive Passive and Shadow Hills. I've seen a few not so great reviews about the Shadow Hills on UAD's site. When I watched the S.H. tutorial, it seemed a little like the emperor's new clothes to me, it sounded similar, but significantly different when compared to the hardware. It was like the bottom fell out.But then Cowboy mentioned he liked the "iron" setting I believe, so it's worth a try.

Update: as I'm writing, I went to the Apollo's UAD control panel to begin the two week trial of the Shadow Hills, and it's not listed, WTF? UAD said that all the plugs were available for me to try. I'll call them tomorrow, maybe they haven't added it to their list yet, as it's new.

I saw a great tutorial on Mastering yesterday. It's a simple 10 minute video that's designed for those just getting started at it, but it's really well done, for what it is. Within the video, the host, Rob Williams mentions using some Waves plugs I already have, but haven't tried yet. I was hoping to compare "masters" using the Waves system, and then UAD to compare. Guess I'll have to wait and see what UAD says .

here's the link, I think some of you will enjoy it: HOW TO MASTER A SONG - 7 Steps to Loud!, FAT, & In Your Face - YouTube

I just bought the Shadow Hills after the demo and had no problems. Are you using the most recent version of the UAD software?

Thanks hasbeen, I think so.. but I'll double check, ALL the other plugs show up.. How are you liking it so far?

OK, just for a little comic relief, as this is a rare for me, off topic post, but for those of you here a little too experienced to watch that Mastering 101 video, here's something guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. Some guys at a place like MIT, ( it doesn't say), must have had a few too many hits on the bong, they've made a video of get this, robots, really, real robots, playing Motorhead's "Ace of Spades", they're called "Compressorhead". Too much, you gotta watch at least 2/3 of the way, their headbanging's hilarious.enjoy!

Compressorhead Ace of Spades - YouTube

Anyone have luck tracking with ua plugs? I just tracked with the 1176 and felt it had no.. Balls.. Compared to hardware

uhh Kyleseglin, where ya been? There have been dozens and dozens of tracks posted here ALL Apollo, mostly Apollo, and a little Apollo, and they're all excellent, and some have some really big balls! Hell, I'm making a mantra album with mine, and I'm a picky fellow in general. It'll be all or 98% in the box. Keep working at it, the Apollo's fine. Try the LA2A, it's spooky real. Also, I like the 1176AE, so maybe try that one too. Good luck, it'll be fine, just give it some time.

One page back, our friend cowboycoalminer who started this thread, posted an all Apollo song, tracking with UAD plugs, go back and have a listen. It's one of his mellower tracks, but you can hear the plugs sound fine.

I think my user ID answers that question

Please dont tell me your some anti Ayn Rand collectivist and that I have offended your values.

Yes... I am still awake and tinkering....this thing is amazing...I havent been this excited about something you plug into a wall in years.

No I'm not an "objectivist," I do have a masters in philosophy, unacreditted but studied under my favorite living philosopher. Integral philosophy under Ken Wilber.
Lol
Just checking in
Lol objectivist!

Umm... get some sleep? That Apollo will be there when you wake up

@IAJG:
Yes... I am still awake and tinkering....this thing is amazing...I havent been this excited about something you plug into a wall in years.

@cowboy:
Umm... get some sleep? That Apollo will be there when you wake up "

I remember us apollo nubees well !

Sage advice.

Kcat

I think I'm going to take that advice. Goodnight

Kcat,

Not had much chance to further test my 012's. I do really like them for stereo applications, not as much of a fan using it singular. I prefer the 102, 4047 or Kiwi for that. Personally, can't say i'd use anything other than cardioid for my purposes. I tend to record things fairly directional because my room isn't treated as much as i'd want, and bedrooms don't really have much of a cool vibe (sound wise) which is when you'd be reaching for an omni.

I do like the 012's for stereo acoustic guitar. I really like stereo for when the guitar part is isolated in the track as it gives a much more dynamic feel to the left/right image which makes the soundscape more realistic and have more depth than a mono track, even with reverb. You can't go overboard with stereo though because it starts to make things difficult with panning and phase correlation, but on certain things, it can sound sweet.

For the price you've been offered, i'm not sure if i would take it, simply because it's almost the same price as a new set with the same capsules, at least here in Europe. If the extra capsules aren't a priority, i'd see if you could order a cardioid stereo set for less. I am impressed with the sound as mentioned, but like me, you also have a half decent LDC, so i wouldn't worry too much about extra polar patterns unless you think you are going to need them.

Did you go for the A7X's in the end or are these to demo? Either way, see if you can grab a high quality version of John Mayer's latest album (Born and Raised). I really like the old school feel and dynamic of the production, it's so original but also fresh to listen to. Any Norah Jones is also a great (Creepin' In is a cool track). I'd also bang out a bit of Steeldrivers whilst you're at it. I'd also recommend listening to The Wailin' Jennys (40 days). Again, production is spot on to me. Being canadian, you're prob already one step ahead of me on that one perhaps?

Thx mate !

012 spot on exactly the way I feel. I do have a new AT 4001 sdc, so would like a matched pair of sdc for stereo but was curious about 012.

I am planning on keeping the a7x unless something wierd happens i have waited almost 50 days for their delivery :( and think its time to get back to trkin less yackin .

Thx i will listen to those trax maybe on hd have you demoed the sampler cowboy told us about ?

What one pre not crazy money might you suggest with my 610 and apollo mindful of the strong namm rumours ua wil release a 610 plug emulation voiced for apollo usage ?

I am thinking to enhance vocals with my 102?

Thx as usual !

Kcat

Yep, got all of Alison's albums. To be fair, i really enjoy the production on all of the albums, especially A Hundred Miles Or More Collection, there's a few tracks that chill you to the bone. Haven't listened too much to the latest one, but will do.

A modded GAP73 would do you well with the 102. I've the original unmodded and its still great sounding. Cowboy has the mk2 modded model iirc and really likes it. It's a great value unit that has a very classy tone.

Not sure about the UA emulation yet. I can see it being interesting idea, but as Cowboy says, you can't beat a bit of good ol electricity in your audio.

@euphoria thx the isa one is less in cdn than the modded gap : still go with the gap ?

@mjb. If you stagger your Purchases ua will reset your plugs each time so you could cascade yout trial for longer ? Can you do that with the 3:4 deal ? Matbe ask Allan ?

Kcat

I thought you bought a GAP?

Really digging the ISA's.. I upgraded to the 428 from the ISA two.
Vintech 473 is on my list, but cowboy through me for a loop with the modded GAP, nice thing about the 473 is it has a EQ, well hi an low. But CwBy prefers the modded Gaps over the vintech so :( ..

An eq on a pre seems like a good idea but I have found it less than useful, with the exception of a HPF which nearly every mic needs. I never use the eq on the Vintech. If I'm not getting what I want, I simply change mics or position and thus eq. But don't take my word on this. The Vintech is a fine unit and you'll have 4.

Just to put a bug in your ear, if you've got the dough for a 473 and you really only need 1 channel, forget all the above mentioned and take a look or better still, a listen at the Heritage 1073. Your pre amp lust will be over for good. Guaranteed.

Clipalator: Audio and Video | Studio Gear Shootouts @ ZenProAudio.com

Yes I seem the 500 series module. It's awesome. And a real neve EQ too.

Not really to interested in a actual Neve pre, just similar or close plus the Vintech looks pretty bad ace.. No live room for me yet so just trying to get ready for the new house.
Cwby do you have pics of your set up?

@cowboy yes but then I had my imac computer problems, bought new computer and the new monitors and bumped into that deal on the used tlm 102, so I returned the gap73 . I had the mod not including the caps.

Now that my system is next to settled down and with new monitors hopefully for the longer term, I would like to get 1 pre better than or complimentary to the apollo and my UA la610mkii.

Your original rec. for the modded gap73 (tran.) was spot on and I liked it and miss its sound.

The local very good gear store (Studio Economik), 2 hours away but with free shipping in cdn, currently has the isa one for about $200 more than the gap73 mkii (550 vs 350), so I was curious as I think euphoria has both the isa and the gap73 (original) and other pres.

btw it regularly has mid-hi end mint used equipment for sale in cdn dollars, here's the url Products by brand | Studio Economik, Canada (don't tell your significant other I told you).

(I deny any knowledge of this conversation!)

kcat

ps from above here is a used vin tech for 1300+ cdn ?

Vintech Audio X73i | Studio Economik, Canada

My bad. Confused the two. The 8pre does have ADAT in, so my comments although correct when applied to the mismatched item, had no relevance here. ( to self....)

Glad you got your system functioning. I really like the combination of PT 10 and the Apollo. It makes me want to make music again....