8 Channel Strips That Are Totally Worth The Splurge

[@sweetwater]

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[@NURREDIN]

Hey Mitch...Why don't these high end channel strips have noise gates? Most don't have de-essers either. Both of those are included in the Drawmer MX60 pro,but it's only around $700.00 .Is there a reason it's not considered "high end"?

[@NURREDIN]

I have one more question...Other than the de-esser what is the difference between the Rupert Neve Portico II and the Shelford Channel? Are they essentially the same? Do they use the same mic pre-amp?

[@sweetwater]

@@NURREDIN Thanks for watching! Some channel strips do have de-essers, but many take the idea of recreating a console channel strip literally, and most consoles don’t have de-essers on their channels. Mitch

[@sweetwater]

@@NURREDIN The preamps in the Portico and the Shelford are different. The Shelford is a more vintage-based design, and uses transformer gain. The Portico is a more “modern” design that uses TLAs (transformer-like amplifiers) similar to the 5088 console. Mitch

[@NURREDIN]

@@sweetwater Thank you. I'm sold on the Neve Portico II.

[@laynehoward2870]

Videos like this are nothin less than "drug" pushing. I love it.

[@soundproof8688]

And porn. All in one

[@pgfinna]

Seeing these components and knowing they are essentially one sliver of those giant recording consoles puts in-the-box mixing into perspective

[@vigneshkarthikeyan8174]

Yeah except technology has gotten a lot better.

[@siriusfun]

@@vigneshkarthikeyan8174 True, but having done both for 3 decades now, there's really no comparison. The cartoons are always emulating the real thing - some better than others - but I've yet to hear anything close to identical. Cheers.

[@marksmusicplace3627]

nice video. I own the avalon VT737 SP preamp. I like it a lot

[@the92project]

You know when Mitch comes up, so do the prices. Holy hell!$$$$$$

[@tecno8335]

The Avalon is a beast. I took mines in to be cleaned and serviced. And the tech who was working on it said. "The Avalon is complete OVERKILL for a tube channel strip" The hiphop industry loves it, and not to put racism on a amazing piece of kit but ive notice alot of well... "Rock Guys" they trash it for that very reason. They wont admit it. But ive noticed.

[@ddrumdude]

Haha it’s not racist mate. There does seem to be an elitist attitude when it comes to some gear in the community to be fair. Like you I have also noticed the Avalon is favoured by the Hip Hop community, but all high quality gear will have its uses in any genre.

[@tecno8335]

@@ddrumdude just pointing out what I noticed.

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

At least the "rock guys" are at least playing real instruments so they have every right to trash it lololol

[@tecno8335]

@@PurpleMusicProductions Not really. The avalon isn't exclusive to any genre. It's an amazing piece of gear that should be loved by all music genres. I was just pointing out something strange that I noticed.

[@wrenchposting9097]

My brother-in-law bought an Avalon for hip-hop production. I'm thinking about running my synths through it for distortion...

[@JohnnysaidWhat]

Only could afford one good strip, and Camden ec2 has been amazing for me.

[@balisaani]

Great stuff - just wondering how a video about high end audio gear has music that distorts in the background. Oh the ridicule, oh the irony. Since when do audio people trust the video editor with final cut on the audio quality?

[@vadimmartynyuk]

Sound examples at 8:16

[@Funkybassuk]

😂

[@RickyMontijo]

Me eating ramen noodles and playing a Chinese Telecaster…. “Hmm maybe I do need an Avalon”

[@gumminenivijaybabu7576]

Superb equipment sir

[@EatSleepDrumRepeat]

Yes!

[@jorisboulet8137]

question , why are they mono? So you need two for a mstyerchannel?

[@HyruleDude]

Yes.

[@DalleyMusic]

This guy is such a "salesman".

[@John-xn6qu]

intro song?

[@zuhstudio]

Two Neve's, no one SSL ))

[@Daviddosi]

Anyone here Haveexperience with the Aurora Gtqc with vocals?

[@reymhd7655]

All fantastic except for the avalon, don’t think it belongs there tbh

[@antoinemasson5307]

no comparaison ? So sad :/

[@dirface]

That would be pointless, they're completely different, so there's no such thing as a non-subjective comparison.

[@Hellseeker1]

Some day, I’m gonna get a call from my sales guy “your Manley Vox Box is on the way!”

[@HyruleDude]

Avalon, Neve and RND are way nicer than MVB.

[@manuellujan5625]

@@HyruleDude why or how are they better sir? I am looking into one of these channel strip and looking for advice.

[@mrflynn01]

This is America, that call can be today.

[@foreverseethe]

I hope my wife doesn't respond to that call. "Honey, did you order a manly love box"?

[@dougleydorite]

@@foreverseethe 🤣

[@citytonightproductions]

Mitch is by far the best sales/marketing guy in the business. Very thorough and cuts through the fluff and tells ya exactly what you need to know about any product. Great job sweetwater

[@beethewizard]

Agreed City Tonight Productions now he’s doing this amazing series. Kudos to Mitch.

[@charlesrocks]

The LA610 and the Shelford are the ones I would use every single day.

[@terencedennis3972]

I just invested in the Avalon 737. Upgraded from the Presonus channel one

[@colaboytje]

This is for pro's. First learn how to record before you buy any of these.

[@frankpaws]

Yes because of the cost. Even if you aren't a "pro" but are recording a lot, working your way, any of these would be a piece that would live in your rack through your entire career. In the end, if the music isn't good or recorded and mixed bad, then it is a waste to spend that kind of bucks. I bought a Manley Force a few years ago and its amazing. I even run my guitar DI into software as it just sounds better if I am not micing up a cab with a head. Apollo can give you a lot of these options though as well, giving you more options. If I were new, and learning, I would go that route first, then invest in hardware as you need it.

[@clipz1]

note take is there any intbetween that are good to use to them move up to these

[@AndrewStonerock]

The DBX 286 is a great entry level channel strip.

[@MagicCyclops]

Saving up spare change and splurging? It would take a lifetime of spare change to afford any of these ….who writes this stuff??

[@RB747domme]

I swear by my 737. It's so versatile, and has crystal clear creaminess and I use it on just about everything. It sounds incredible on drums, amazing on vocals, and really versatile on hard to record instruments like acoustic guitars. I'm going to audition an 8801 next week, as a colleague has one in his studio and tells me it sounds warm and lush - and more like a tube than a solid state, which is typical Rupert. Good list though. I must admit I'm a little jealous of anyone with the Manley Voxbox, and one day would love to get my hands on one, if only to audition.

[@fabricator.cap.hill.seattle]

What's your best songs that you made with the 737?

[@bmoklsc]

I understood 12% of the words that came out of Mitch’s mouth.

[@davidmaraisthecampfireguit2596]

God, the temptation for these beauties is so strong.... Thanks, Mitch! I saved up for years to get my Shelford and the LA610 - worth it. I would buy them all if I could, but my wife would literally kill me. (These things are gateway drugs, so be careful... highly addictive, in a beautiful way ;)

[@claudianreyn4529]

I think the Chandler Limited - TG Microphone Cassette could totally be on this list. It's one of the best channel strips nevertheless. It has a TG2 preamp, an Opto Compressor TG1 and a Curve Bender EQ. And the Tube-Tech MEC 1A is missing

[@johnnyt5514]

I'm missing the Millennia SST-1 Recording Channel Strip. Extremly versatile and awesome sound.

[@ChrisMartinsMusician]

You couldn't pry my 610mkII from my cold dead hands. Everything sounds amazing through it.

[@tcos332]

Have you ever A/B’d it with a 6176? I’m just curious. I own a 610 as well and an 1176 but never owned a 6176 yet, but I’ve loved every time I’ve used one. I dunno just curious on whether to stereo my 1176 with another, or go with a 6176 which people say is as good comp-wise sounding as 1176 is just without the same features, but never had the two in same room or cut a track to compare them with

[@ChrisMartinsMusician]

@@tcos332 Sorry I have not. But I do want to couple my 610 with an 1176 at some point to get the best of both worlds, especially since the mkII can bypass the comp 100%. You'd essentially get a full featured 6176 that way I guess.

[@lightafluident.9950]

I'm going for an Art Voice Channel when I go for a channel strip. I've already built a vocal chain using separate processors, but now I'm saving to get a channel strip. Can't wait. The Art Voice Channel looks and sounds GREAT. Art is sadly underrated, but it's cool because as long as it's underrated the prices will always be great.

[@TrailerHitchRVCenter]

I have one and it's really great! I've owned and own a lot of expensive gear and that art is great. I've been getting some really great bass. Sounds out of it.

[@michaelvanzetten1309]

The aRt oF nOise HOw gReat tHo Art Im with yah

[@OkayyyBee]

I’m selling mine if you’re interested. Mint condition, only used for one EP in a smoke free studio!

[@RB747domme]

Trust me though, ART don't necessarily use the higher end components necessary for a quality strip. I would much rather purchase an OctoPre, as it's more versatile, high quality, and built by a better more renowned manufacturer. Please audition one if you can, and put it side by side with an ART to do an A/B if you get the opportunity. It really is worth spending a few extra bucks. For a valuable prizes, you'll get eight topknot channels which you can use on an entire drum kit, or pristine band set up if you put two side by side. You will thank me!

[@dannyharpermusic]

The Art Voice Channel is great I have one plus two more of their preamps I also have the La 610 II I love them all!

[@jesseshirtsmusic]

Yeah hey IRS I need you to hurry up and get me that stimulus check 😂

[@totigerus]

you'll need about 7 stimulus checks to get one of these

[@markszymanski1177]

@@totigerus haha, yes was going to say they'll make a fine down payment.

[@chickenlickin3820]

I still want that Avalon

[@ChristopherczarSmith]

Empirical labs mike-E is so under rated

[@chiefyovany572]

im about to finally buy my first channel strip. mike e and manley box are neck and neck idk what too choose

[@josefk5659]

I love the mike-E softube plug in.

[@lance134679]

I can recommend the LA-610 (Mk I) after using one for about a decade. The shelving EQ is really useful for shaping the sound a bit on the way in. I'd pretty well use the compressor on everything, too. Note that this is a very colourful-sounding preamp. I found I had to be careful of the gain staging on the input and output sections to prevent distortion. I'd recommend using an inline preamp for ribbon mics. I use the SE Dynamite. Try is as a bass DI.

[@ignacedhont9816]

I owned and sold the Avalon. Apart from the EQ which was nice, it was nothing special. Voxbox proved a bit better, but people hype these things way to much. The parts inside are definitely not "the best of the best" despite the prices they go for.

[@lightafluident.9950]

I built a strip using separate processors. I bought a Warm Audio mic pre, then I bought an LL2A from Little Labs to compress the signal, then I run that compressor into a channel from an Art VLA Pro. Best channel strip EVER as long as you know how to set your machines.

[@fashionlife5348]

That is the best way to Record the Avalon is great for Clean high gain Vocals

[@thinkingape7655]

The UA 6176 is godly. 🤘

[@Creativecoverz]

In the UK “Splurge” means to ejaculate

[@ShaunBest]

Why doesn't equipment like these show up with mics & cables after seeing on KZbin as part of the algorithm you can have these and more free for 1 year?

[@Il-Cane]

Is really easy to push forward well known high end products.....useless video

[@DanielOrtegoUSA]

Very well presented so thanks for posting. I've been a loyal customer of Sweetwater for several years and I've purchased quite a bit of high-end gear. I'm contemplating the latest Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel w/ Microphone Preamp, Inductor EQ & Diode Bridge Compressor. The only thing holding me back is the price is about $400 higher than my budget.

[@sunahura]

Now im I'm thirsty for a preamp the avalon caught my eye. Get my money up

[@MisterRorschach90]

The intro to this is hilarious. My guy you have the distinct pleasure of being surrounded by expensive pro audio gear every single day of your life. You’ve probably touched billions of dollars in equipment. Maybe getting close to a trillion.

[@rumar4u]

I would love to see 8 channel strips using 500 series rack modules. Starting with Neve 1073 Mic Pre.

[@guitarplayer5932]

do not buy any of this its for pros making big money mixing , for home studio just buy warm audio gear its 99% as good and 1/4 the price

[@descargamusicalny]

Universal Audio 6176, I'm happy with it. Too bad it did not make this list.

[@davidmaraisthecampfireguit2596]

I love my 6176 too - had to get its little brother too.

[@christopherpederson1021]

Shelford is tops

[@unskilled_worker]

no time stamps, no direct links to individual strips, up your game sweetwater.

[@alpenglow4243]

Can’t go wrong with the Avalon VT 737.

[@lightafluident.9950]

Better off building a channel strip using separate processors.

[@Erikbuschmann]

The Avalon part sounds a bit like Rockwells retro encabulator to me hehe;)

[@bjorntheviking1683]

I'm too poor for this stuff

[@muzjikstb]

Mitch, will you be my lifelong sales engineer? I swear I'll always answer your calls 😊

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

I just grabbed the UAD MK610 and now realized how trash my original setup and sound was, hence EVERYTHING will be running through it going forward.

[@apostolicway2604]

Hello, into what interface?

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

@@apostolicway2604 hello. Sorry for the late reply but I had a presonus 18/24 but now have the RME Ucx 2. A huge world of difference as well.

[@iglesiasublimegraciaenharb8333]

at 7:36 this man drops the mic and walks off with my moneeeeee lol

[@jacquelamontharenberg]

Great presentation Mitchell. Saving my money to eventually have the Neve in my studio.

[@ReynaldoIvanPena]

That API is SERIOUS

[@this_is_jmdub]

This is exactly what I was looking for

[@penghan9165]

neve UA610

[@gregoryabat3948]

Avalon has the best customer support i have ever experienced. Hands down.

[@lightafluident.9950]

Yeah but the compressor on the Avalon sucks I've heard.

[@snippletrap]

Chandler TG Channel also up there

[@Kkidzz]

Mitch, speed it up. You're just not getting through the script fast enough.............

[@gauravsharma-eh7sz]

The issue with high priced gears are at any given point of time only few people would be able to use it ,if more people can get a feel or what they are missing out they would definitely go for it when they have that kind of cash

[@janivelic2316]

Tegeler had to be one of 8.🙏🏻

[@mrflynn01]

Sweetwater have great financing.

[@christopherpederson1021]

Not really. Try Zzounds

[@MannyXO]

I love my Avalon!!

[@Stevensonnnnnn]

Jesus! This will ruin me..

[@jeremyryannoel]

You guys should let Lynn Fuston shine on some videos, as he’s the “mic guy,” and studios in particular! You and Lynn could be a mega duo!

[@jeremyg2245]

The Shelford is so nice, but I’m definitely looking forward to getting a Newton Channel!

[@ruthlesscutthroat4030]

spare change is the same price as a car to this guy

[@EckertAndras]

Only NEVE!

[@Jouyan.T]

I‘m missing the Portico Channel II !

[@christopherpederson1021]

Discontinued

[@JordanMeyer]

Literally impossible to find one

[@mruebsam6453]

Where is the Millennia STT1? It is from my perspective still the best / one of the very best channel strips on the market…

[@mikemorrisonmusic]

I’ll take ‘em all!

[@djadesi]

Took the words right out of my mouth.

[@stephenfrancis303]

I wanna know the diffrence between shelford and newton

[@rickythethird]

i heard one have a ampilfier for recording and tracking vocals in, and one doesnt. or something like that. as well as the eq section only have half the eq points

[@bencalhoun]

The GOAT

[@user-fl8qk3xs7p]

I just wish you are younger...I watch every video because I like watching you..

[@markszymanski1177]

Drool, drool, more drool... really want to try that Retro soon.

[@yowowamedia4435]

This is a well-produced video and delivers a lot of great info. Thanks!

[@MrMediterrano]

Shouldn’t this list include KIT BB N105 V2 emulating the Neve 8078 console in Blackbird's Studio A?

[@carlosrosariogonzalez4293]

Does it make sense to buy one of these, only for the signal to pass through an SSL2 interface or should I invest first in a more sophisticated interface and then say, an Avalon, to capture better recordings? My microphone is the Neumann TLM103. Just curious if an interface would change the quality coming from the mic and preamp.

[@sweetwater]

Hello, Carlos! Though it is true that higher end interfaces offer a better analog front end, conversion quality, and overall better sound quality, the SSL is certainly pro grade and adding one of these channel strips will give you some tonal options over the stock preamps on the SSL. Thanks for the interest! Cody Kraus, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1766, [e-mail]

[@lightafluident.9950]

Better to build a custom channel strip using separate processors.

[@nelson1953]

oh my god! you speak too fast.😆 my poor brain can't absorve so many things at a time.😆

[@lovedeathdisco]

somehow, i'm not convinced saving my spare change will afford me this.

[@Darksagan]

One can dream. lol

[@kennethgarcia25]

grace and millenia have phenomenal channel strips

[@colinmacfarlane3301]

Indeed, as do Tubetech, Focusrite, Summit.....

[@mattgaunitzmusic]

Surprised there’s so little love for the API. I picked up a used one to check out and absolutely love it. Perfect for my needs and super versatile in how I can use it.

[@dspoet1]

I see my sweet thang in the lineup. The Neve Shelford Channel.

[@christopherpederson1021]

this thing is gooey as hell

[@thepricillove5244]

Very good taste. For the price and cachet of Neve it's worth it. Especially when recording clients. They really feel spoiled and special when they see an upscale recognized name. Unfortunately the talent and material oft times makes trotting out the good stuff overkill. The life of a recording engineer is a odd one.

[@jaeindiigo]

Do you need two of shelford channels? Since it records in mono?

[@christopherpederson1021]

@@jaeindiigo only if you want to do stereo recording

[@jaeindiigo]

Christopher Pederson I mainly want to do vocals on it for now. Can’t they become stereo in the mix?

[@olivermaier-landshut3047]

What about SPL Frontliner?Great piece of gear!

[@clipz1]

but which one ahhh god i only got effects on my rack but been thinking to add somthing like this to take the sound to another level ? any help out there ? lol more i lean less i know i think i need the things i look into

[@juandejesus1151]

We need more info about channel strips I’m already bought an Avalon 737 and a Shelford channel I’m still learning before more purchases I need more tutorials

[@ManCaveStudio]

Between the Avalon and the Shelford which would you use for bass guitar?

[@fashionlife5348]

How do like the Shelford

[@UPdan]

Right now my orders are facing unprecedented slowdowns coming out of Evansville, Indiana. Strange, the two things I ordered from the East Coast made it quickly. I’m only one state over from Indiana. Maybe, IRS mail is holding up the region.

[@mojito6629]

Should include channel strips from Tube Tech, Millennia (!!) and Aurora Audio

[@rook9309]

I’d actually rather buy 2 shelfords than a car rn…and I need a car too

[@beethewizard]

Another great one Mitch. Thank you for sharing.

[@SadhanaKhawas]

I am literally the 999th person who liked this video....

[@Mongoosh]

i think the porn music makes a perfect fit on this video

[@matrixmodulator]

0:18 I with i had this kind of spare change lmfao

[@bunjumun]

this video made me splurgo

[@stephanelabonte809]

Best speakers for studio !!!!!!! Would LOVE to own a pair. Cheers to all.