Rupert Neve Master Bus Transformer MBT Review

[@marc8vino]

How would this be for tracking through U67 > BAE 1073 with EQ > MBT > MBP > Burl > AES on RME UFX III? Is that just silly over board? The connections are short cables Mogami 2549s. I have everything but the MBT and just thinking the OPTO compressor would be great to add for vocals. I won't use very bit of the MBP. Might be nice to just have the chain and anything I should want I can put it in. The other chain would be Portico II channel strip or Shelford.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

It'll certainly be a nice addition but to be honest I'd spend my money of something else. The fact you already have the MBP in that chain I'd recommend going for something else.

[@mixedbyedd]

i said "DAMNNN" every time you engaged it 😂😂🔥would love to see a vid comparing the Fusion as well when you do the MBP and MBT side by side how you did with your EQs. dope video!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

What you can't hear in the video is my off camera reaction. You can see the genuine joy in my face after the audio demos.

[@mixedbyedd]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio HAHAHA. i was thinking your reaction must be insane hearing it in person 😂

[@KaranSarup]

great video! your insight and reviews are valued as you are transparent and you know what youre talking about ! thanks!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Thank you. I'm glad my reviews come across like this

[@smithmusix]

Hey! Very nice video! What do you prefer who works totally in the box right now? This neve or mcdsp APB for mix and mastering?👌 best

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

If you are working 100% in the box the mcdsp is probably the best option. For recall purposes alone that's the route I would take. If you get an apb 16 you have 8 stereo processors at hand.

[@smithmusix]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio thanks a lot! 🙏😊

[@gsharpjamz1740]

I noticed that you hit the Zenoe button and there wasn't any change yo the sound. Sent you supposed to hit that button only when the indicator LED is in the yellow?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Literally first 5 minutes of using it. Giving an instant reaction to first hearing it. After later testing you can push the input a lot harder to get a more aggressive tone, but I much preferred the subtle changes made without driving the unit.

[@alphasupreme7167]

This can also be used to just mix vocals right?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Can be used for anything you like.

[@alphasupreme7167]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio that’s amazing thank you!

[@1loveMusic2003]

Didn't notice how much it was doing until you bypassed it Wow! it sounds mint!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

That's the beauty of it. It's subtle and passive sounding until you bypass, and it's like wow! What you can't hear in the audio demos is me behind the camera saying f**k yeah every time I bypass it.

[@loko_ofc]

I was testing it through Analog Acces, and I was very impressed, I think that as a color box it is better than SSL Fusion.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

100%

[@shevyjohn9308]

yep i had the fusion got rid of it in 3 months its ok i find it sounds more digital than analog i got the neve orbit and it kills

[@glennbucc7107]

Great video and review as usual. The opto compressor is a nice finishing compressor. The Rupert Neve Master Bus Compressor has a VCA compressor with full variable controls on attack, release, and ratio with good metering. This is more to fix and add character to a mix. The MBT is to just add some fairy dust at the end and it does a great job.

[@iskkarate]

Wow this neve MBT is amazing!!

[@RyanHarris77]

Is the SFE identical to the Portico II?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

No not identical. SFE utilises the compressor. The width on the mbt is more stereo width from a specific frequency range

[@aleksamrkela831]

Definitely an awesome piece of kit, but I'm a bit put off by the boutique price tag.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Certainly not cheap. I thought it was going to be £4000+

[@ProcrastinationConnoisseur]

I suspect it will pay for itself fairly quickly in a commercial studio.

[@WheelieMix]

For working in a commercial studio I’d say… not really. There are so many tools you could use now that it is hard for a piece if gear to pay for itself. That without mentioning that new piece of gear attract less the producers/mixers than older ones afaik.

[@siriusfun]

Boutique pieces command boutique prices.

[@denzilstudios7072]

Amazing demo of a legendary mastering unit. I'm a bit lost on what the harmonics knob ads to the sound. It doesn't seem to do anything noticeable.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@denzilstudios7072 it is very subtle. You can notice additional harmonic content added. It is more noticeable when you are using it and turning it in and out.

[@denzilstudios7072]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio thanks, it must be really really subtle, i can't hear a noticeable difference. I have on here in my studio now.

[@beatchildproductions]

Why did you not push the limits of compressor? Did I miss it?! Never touched threshold or Input gain of unit. I was waiting to hear the limits + flavour added from make up gain output stage.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The issue this unit has is the more you input into the compression section the hotter you hit the supersilk section. Ideally what we needed was a makeup gain with minus values as well as plus values. This way you can push into the compressor at the right level then adjust the output to input into the supersilk at the desired level. For me this unit is all about the supersilk. So getting the best out the supersilk is optimal.

[@beatchildproductions]

Maybe I'm wrong but according the block diagram the sections run in series not parallel. If you turn input down and then lower threshold of compressor you can then use the make up gain to hit silk at desired level...no? @@AudioAnimalsStudio

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@beatchildproductions Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying is the issue. The makeup gain is 0 to + 20db. What would be better is to have the makeup gain go -20db to -20db like the output trim does. This way you can reduce the input into the supersilk. What you are getting confused with is you are only able to increase the gain going into the supersilk. Which is opposite to what we want to do. Driving the supersilk is not pleasant. By increasing the input into the unit to hit the threshold correctly you directly hit the supersilk a lot hotter.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@beatchildproductions if you turn the input down you do not hit the desired threshold.

[@beatchildproductions]

But ....If we are talking about turning down levels going into silk; If you turn down the Input gain by -12dB and the threshold "down" -12dB you are not compressing more or less and now have 12dB of extra headroom to hit the silk with more "room"... no?@@AudioAnimalsStudio

[@AndreiOlenev-k2v]

Thanks for the review. I'm curious what position in the signal path you intend you use this for mastering.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I will be using this at the beginning of the chain after bus compressor.

[@gerardomerino6418]

Hi Paul, tks for the video! Could you please tell me what’s the fixed attack time on the Color Comp? Thanks again!

[@gwsound]

Thanks for the video. Definitely going to look into this one. Where do you put the MBT in your chain? As a replacement of the MBC or as a replacement of the Fusion?

[@funnyj1573]

If I use an external mastering compressor in mastering, do I need to run it behind the MBT? Or should it be used before the MBT?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

For me personally I have been using before the compressor. But you could have it after. There's no right or wrong answer for that question.

[@funnyj1573]

@@AudioAnimalsStudioI think everything in MBT except the compressor will be useful for mastering, and I think that's enough for me, what do you think?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@funnyj1573 you'll find the compressor usefully. It does have a nice colour to it.

[@SluTubeTV]

Do a video using the MBT and MBP together !

[@sailorsaturn_]

Yes!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

That's a good idea. Let's see how they compliment each other

[@SluTubeTV]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio yea I got the mbp … def gon get the mbt… haven’t got it yet tho … I’m living thru you lol

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@SluTubeTV I should set up one of these access analogue type services.

[@SluTubeTV]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio mannnnn if u get that dream 128 … u might have to 👌🏾

[@blessednech]

This is sweet. I have the newton channel strip for vocals, and im def getting this to master my songs !!

[@soundstorm9508]

That sounds great! Do you still own and use the MBT? Also, do you prefer using your main compressor before or after it? Thanks

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@soundstorm9508 yes have a MBT installed in Studio A and Studio B. The only time the MBT will get replaced is if Rupert Neve release the Ultra Silk box that includes more possibilities with the silk textures. I don't use the compressor section or the EQ section in the MBT when mastering. As I have a SPL iron, Maselec MLA-3 and Wes Audio NG Bus Comp in the chain. Same with the EQ there's 8 other mastering EQs in the chain. So MBT doesn't get a look in against those. But that being said in a smaller chain or a drum bus or vocal bus you'd get great use from them.

[@soundstorm9508]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio thanks for the input. Do you prefer your main compressors before or after the unit? I just put an MBT on order thanks to some of your vids.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@soundstorm9508 the MBT is positioned close to the start of the chain on 99% of songs with the compressors coming in after. The only compressor that is before the MBT is the Wes Audio NG Bus Comp, as this is used as a mix bus compressor. You could make good use of the MBT as a mix bus comp.

[@Barnsey87]

New to the hardware how do you set this thing up directly? Sorry all the RN designs are confusing so many options dunno if they will h3lp me running FL studio only.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

You would come out your interface insert into the mbt inputs, out the mbt outs then back into your interfaces inputs.

[@b.hornetiii.6771]

So you can use this on a master buss before you go to mastering "all out" compress and eq to hell and back or do you think it's better to use it at the end of the mastering chain? I think this baby has so many alterning things that it's like driving blind if you put it on the end of the mastering chain. It's easily too much (suddenly) very quickly because changes are so dramatic ... I don't now, I see it better to be used before, so you have less work to do in a mastering stage and you already have "the whole picture before you start polishing the song to a final masterpiece gem. "

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

It can go anywhere in the chain. I like it as the start but at the moment I'm using it towards the end of the chain to add silk textures after compression.

[@michaelgutter2004]

Can't wait for the MBP vs MBT!!!!!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I will be shooting this Monday hopefully.

[@joedombrowski8144]

Very much looking forward to hearing this comparison. I purchased an MBP this past year, but went through a move and never had a change to ever hook it up. Took it out of the box to look at it when first got it....that was all. Wondering if I should keep it or trade in for a MBT. I purchased it for the width feature, not the compressor. I have other compressors I use instead of the ones in the MBP. Hopefully your video will give me that answer!@@AudioAnimalsStudio

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@joedombrowski8144 I'm exactly the same but I used mine a lot. For this purpose I am leaning toward the MBT being a better option. But this video will finalise my thoughts as I need to know 100% if it is the right choice.

[@ourmindzdj]

Wow I wish I knew this thing was coming out. Only in the last six months have I purchased a Rupert Neve R6 for 2 x RN 540 Tape sats and I combine this with my SSL Fusion and a few other bits but I would have opted for this and less gear plus properly linked stereo on the silk textures. Also I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was a tiny bit worried about how this will devalue the second hand price of the 540’s 600 series units. MBT sounds great. Like the ability to use both silk blue & red, as well as the range on the low shelf EQ! Whether or not it replaces the Fusion depends really on budget. The old argument that it isn’t the tools comes back however. And neither will ever change how well a song is produced or written! I imagine SSL will possibly design a nice new edition Fusion at a higher price point to compete. Both should look to innovate this space and continue to offer new features best to their pedigree though! Fingers crossed

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I suspect SSL will update the Fusion at some point.

[@sheepmatt1812]

We need the new video comparing to the MBP!!!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

On the list to do

[@paddyconn3344]

yes!

[@Sance21]

Awesome demo and review. I've got an RND MBP, Black Box HG-2, two RND 551 Inductor EQs, and one LTL Silver Bullet (API/Neve Mojo Amps). With the saturation options listed above (minus the coloration from the 551 EQs), do you think the MBT still bring something to the table the other saturators don't?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

That's a tough one. Only you would know 100% by putting it in the chain. It would certainly add to that chain. You know I could do that'll be really helpful to you. You process using the above gear a track we can put in a youtube video, a simple drum beat or something. Then send it to me. I'll then add additional processing to that beat using the MBT and upload the video to the channel. You can then hear before and after and make an informed choice if you feel it adds to your existing chain. Send a few files of difference sources. Drums, guitars, synths etc. It'll make for a good video and ensure you are making the correct purchase.

[@Sance21]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio That sounds great. Perhaps, I could also send you a video of me processing the files so you can match some of the settings before you run it into the MBT. I could send you the files from the video processed with my gear as well as unprocessed for your MBT. Which email should I send to?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@Sance21 if you process as much as you want on your end and take the sound to where you are happy. What I add using the MBT will show you exactly what you would gain if you added one to that chain. Send the processed audio over to [e-mail]

[@Sance21]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Will do.

[@aaroneschenburg4018]

I really appreciate these videos. Thank you! Theres something tight about the MBT that reminds me of the shelford units. Theres something in the MBP that is so high fi that I can't explain. I wouldnt trade that high detail and air of the MBP for the slightly tighter low mid sound of the MBT. For me. Its all subjective. Theres other gear that adds low mids and oomf. Detail cant be added the same in the eq stage. I dont know how you or others feel about the new neve and ssl gear but it seems cheaper sounding to me than the older stuff. Not quite as thick as the shelford and not quite as airy and open as the portico series. Thanks again!

[@familymandex]

I think if you push the Input more you get more gain reduction in the color comp. It wasn’t getting pushed hence you felt it was subtle. (I guess the question is do you even need to?) The EQ was….🤷‍♂️ The width was interesting but the main feature here is the Super Silk. Either than that I don’t think this kit is $4000. I’ll stick to my MBP and HG-2. SSL FUSION killer? No way! It has its place, sure. Thanks for the video 👍

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

For me it kills the SSL fusion. Every aspect of it is far better. The Fusion has it's place at half the price and it has a mid side insert. But this is everything we wished the Fusion was. I think deep down you'd love these features in the Fusion.

[@familymandex]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Yep! For those exact reasons I don’t think it kills Fusion (realistically). As a Neve fanatic, I might consider it, as on paper - giving what I already have, is tricky to justify. I can say you have the better review online so far though👌

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@familymandex the MBT will not replace the Fusion because of it's price. If the MBT was the same price as the Fusion it would 100% replace it.

[@familymandex]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio I can 100% agree on this. Don’t you think it’s a bit of a missed opportunity to not include a version of the 542s here as it is a color box? I believe it’s one of their best 500 series units yet and for good reason. To me that justifies this price tag significantly

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@familymandex yeah I would have loved that. I kind of see the colour comp in a similar way but not quite. I bet it wouldn't have even cost that much to include it. I would have actually preferred the colour comp to be a 542 module minus the silk.

[@StereotacticMusic]

Best demo so far,,, thanks! It does sounds incredible.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

That's good to hear. Gradually improving one video at a time.

[@hectorfernandez743]

Wow this thing sounds amazing! Question I have the ssl bus + with the ssl fusion I’m thinking about returning it to get the MBT might keep the ssl bus + though do you think it would be a good move? base on your review you said is better then the ssl fusion

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The question to ask yourself is, would I miss the mid side insert? If yes, then keep the Fusion. If no the MBT upgrades on ever other feature the Fusion has. The hf compressor could be used in a similar way with the colour comp. The MBT wouldn't replace the bus plus though.

[@willmcelroy6376]

What compressor will you use on your master bus/mix bus?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Wes audio NG Bus Comp, spl iron, goly CrossCOMPressionEQ and Hum Audio LAAL limiter

[@jihaozhang7030]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio and unfairdchild?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@jihaozhang7030 in our other studio we have an UnFairchild 670m mk2, elysia alpha, shadow Hills, maselec mla3, goly CrossCOMPressionEQ, hum Audio LAAL and maselec mpl2.

[@fabriekaudio]

That's really good sounding piece of gear. What about the with section in comparion with the LAAL? Do you think is it space to use both? Or they work on a similar way? I ask that because I'm going to get the LAAL soon and I was looking for a color box after that. And now that the MBT was released, def is one on the radar. I also have the ngBus and both bettermaker EQ and Limiter. So the MBT in this combo would sound really good, don't you think? Thank you once again for this amazing review.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

This is something I tested yesterday as it was one of the questions I asked. They are very similar. Which is a good thing as the width on the LAAL is amazing. The MBT can go further though. Not that you'll probably need to. How I'd recommend I'd recommend using the width is use the LAAL broad across the entire frequency range. Then use the MTB with the filter up around 600hz plus to achieve a multiband widener of sorts.

[@fabriekaudio]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio makes total sense. Thanks for replying and enjoy the new baby =)

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@fabriekaudio I'm just thinking if I reacted that same way when I held my son for the first time

[@fabriekaudio]

🤣🤣🤣@@AudioAnimalsStudio

[@gunluv2609]

Greetings; This is yet another amazing review. BUT you have me puzzled and stumped with your overall end statement. You said that it kills/rivals the SSL Fusion and the Portico 2. In your other videos you removed the Fusion because you upgraded your studio with equipment that made the fusion obsolete. If you add 2 of these units then you are adding the same things back into your chain that you removed... Also are the MBT units really that much of a step up from the SSL Fusion??? You got me looking at swiping out the Fusion for this new Neve unit, but IDK if it's really worth the purchase. Please advise and all feedback and suggestions are welcome.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I have a review coming up that answers this question. This video somewhat answers this question. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoi5aZiKdst_aacsi=pBmgLo81L5grYBQh To answer your question. The Fusion is an OK box made good by the mid side insert. Every aspect of the Fusion apart from the insert was replaced. I then replaced the insert with a dedicated mid side box (spl gemini). The MBT however has super silk a blend of blue and red silk textures. This is the key feature and this is truly unique to thar box. Which is why if the MBT is comparable to the Fusion, the MBT is used every time and the Fusion is not. Each aspect of the Fusion is better on the MBT. I would say it's a very good upgrade if you don't need the mid side insert on the Fusion.

[@byus6928]

4K is wild though. Def won’t kill the fusion. The fusion much better priced. I’m considering getting one. Not sure if 4K is worth it however

[@infojunkie4989]

Best vid so far. Great demo. Thanks. Gonna think about getting one of these. Already got so much silk it may be redundant though. We’ll see. They missed a trick not putting a mid-side insert in there. Would you say the colour comp negates the need for a pair of 524s?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

It's certainly similar. In many ways I preferred the color comp. I could have gone harder into it but I prefer a more subtle compression at this stage. I do feel the super silk is more smoother and refined compared to the standard silk texture.

[@MsInstrumentalBeatz]

Loved the video, thanks for doing it. Do you think this would be good for mix bus or even stem (drums, vocals, instruments, etc.) processing? I track with hardware, but mix ITB, however I’ve been looking for something to run my mix through at the end for some analog flavor/punch. I was considering the SSL Fusion or a pair of 542s, but I wasn’t 100% on either & then this drops lol!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

It would be perfect for that. If I was sent a mix for mastering that is already run through the MBT and I didn't have one to already run it through. I would be really impressed with the sound. What you are asking is kind of like what I'm doing in the audio demos by processing the mix with just the MBT.

[@MsInstrumentalBeatz]

Thank you so much @@AudioAnimalsStudio

[@TigroGumi]

Wow, this is a must have! 😻 This has all the thing I want in a colour box... tape like compression... very smooth gentle eq... and super silk!!! 🙀 This sorts out a chain in one device and like you still want my main compressors and eq's separate from a all in one box and puts all I want in a all in one box. You mid/side using your SPL Gemini with this right?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

It's everything we wanted the Fusion to be. The Gemini is after this unit being used for mid side processing.

[@bonafrato]

If they gave it the depth knob it would have been perfect. But having silk blue and red at the same time is a dream!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Imagine if they also added the tape simulation from the 542 to it as well

[@martijn_nl]

Hopefully RND releases Super Silk as a 500 series module

[@johnisrael5183]

not enough room....500 units are to small...to include all these features and even if they do the labeling and functionality is going to be so tiny its would be annoying

[@johnisrael5183]

This Perfect they way it is.....just wish...they could have made it affordable.....if only a few people can buy it ....wtf is the point.......im so turned off

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I'd say they maybe could get the super silk section into 500 series. Not sure what's inside if it would all fit but you could certainly fit the parameters on a stereo 500 series module.

[@markusangell]

great and honest channel!!!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Best way to be. I'm glad the reviews come across like this.

[@SluTubeTV]

I could tell u liked it bc of how many diff songs u tried 👌🏾

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I needed to make sure it is going to replace the Portico 2

[@riktascale4]

Great review Paul and it is also cheaper than the MBP.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Yeah a few people have said its over priced. I thought it was priced well considering the price of the MBP.

[@riktascale4]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Exactly and because of your review and the lower price l may consider purchasing this over the MBP.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@migibeats104 well put it this way. I'm probably going to swap this for the Portico 2. I say probably I already have. Which should help in your decision making.

[@riktascale4]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Okay okay.

[@bachelorgamer8001]

you can use both on the portico 2 if you put sfe to comp channel one does mids and channel two does sides

[@wooxstar]

You can't, that's not correct. You can only use both silk, when using the compressor unlinked in normal mode (No SFE to Comp)

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

This is totally incorrect. You'll cause your song to mix to one side using it like that. The texture parameter is after the SFE circuit. Read the manual. You are just processing the left and right channel with different textures. You shouldn't be doing this.

[@ZOgrameMusic]

Great review as always 👍

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Thank you

[@feliksweber8566]

Awesome Video. Paul, this Unit is really a beast. It definitely is way different than the Neve 542 regarding color. What do you think?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

You could have 6 or 7 542s though for the same price. Regarding colour the super silk is smoother than the Portico 2 which is essentially the silk from the 542s. I felt a similar tape like saturation/compression achieved with the colour comp.

[@jonathanzandbergen5638]

Great review Paul thanks , the sound is alive!! I do think the SFE on the MBP sounded better/more advanced. And this is why you use the mbp for right? For the rest, what a machine. Wish it came out little Earlier as I just purchased a fusion! But you are right, the mbt sounds amazing!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The Fusion is still great. Half the price and has that mid side insert too. Which is always nice to have as an option. I do think this adds an extra something into that market to rival the Fusion for those who want that little bit extra.

[@dronbana]

Could one get away with using this as their only saturation box?

[@CT-ho6si]

Paul's never gonna give up that Black Box HG-2 lol

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I wouldn't give up the blackbox that's for sure but yes this couldn't definitely be your colour box. You can colour in the comp and low and high saturation in the super silk section. Even the EQ is relatively coloured. Drive it harder you'll get much more colour from it also.

[@ernestbuckley8671]

I own the MBP and I’m honestly disappointed with the MBT, because certain modules are reduntant. The Super Silk is definitely the secret sauce here but I think this unit is a good $1,000 overpriced for what it does. I was hoping RND would give us a MBEQ… imagine a 2 rack, 4 band EQ with parametric mids, lo & hi pass filters in the same color scheme… make it happen RND.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I guess it's a case of certain modules are redundant for your application. I must admit in my chain it'll end up just being a very expensive super silk box with the option of those other features.

[@ernestbuckley8671]

@@AudioAnimalsStudiothats my point. $4000 for the super silk is just too much. I do like the color comp but as you mentioned, its not really a buss comp. What compressors are you using these days on your chain?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@ernestbuckley8671 in this chain I have a wes audio NG Bus Comp, SPL Iron, goly CrossCOMPressionEQ and a hum Audio LAAL limiter. The other studio has a Shadow Hills, elysia alpha, maselec mla3, UnFairchild 670m mk2, goly CrossCOMPressionEQ and Neve Portico 2.

[@ernestbuckley8671]

Thanks for sharing mate. Thats an inspiring chain. I`m looking at the WesAudio NG! @@AudioAnimalsStudio

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@ernestbuckley8671 the NG Bus Comp is really good. Of all the bus comps I've used this is the best. Plus the recall aspect is brilliant.

[@Kellow7]

I agree with you about the RND portico, I am not a fan of the comp/limiter( even if it sounds quite good). I only use the SFE( for sides only). The way the MBT is designed, with a better, smoother comp, eqs, and the super silk, the portico has lost its value. The MBT brings so much more to the game than the MBP, so can we talk about the colour? The MBT brings various types of colours, double silk, RND made the fusion killer( and the MBP killer by the way). The MBP was my favourite unit until this pearl came out.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I feel exactly the same. The Portico is still relevant if you want to use it as a compressor.

[@nigelsenchez]

Width really shines when you open it up.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The width is really good on the MBT

[@TehSyneS]

wow, it sounded pretty awesome.

[@TehSyneS]

gonna need to hear some amens through that forsure, how about a do the do!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I'm going to do a video running single instruments and drum loops through it at some point. I will add amens to the list to use.

[@TehSyneS]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio that would be so amazing!! Thanks!!

[@gavmurray7398]

i want one for the mix bus on live gigs

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Would work well for that

[@kingech_B15]

Is this unit getting overhyped, like all other Neve products.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Only one way to find out. Get your hands on one and find out if the hype is real.

[@AlexAlcyone]

Looking forward to the day when a client says "I want it to sound super silky". Certainly, how much super silk do you want boss :)

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Haha we just need a box with one button on it that says warm now

[@AlexAlcyone]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio minimalist signal path architecture ;)

[@FlavorMind]

It seems like I haven’t seen you smile like that after a gear review😆 I think this box is a great piece for my first outboard gear😛

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

That was very genuine. You know why. Because for a long time it's always been it's just another EQ it's just another piece of gear with a different character. Today I got something that genuinely brought some special to the chain that wouldn't be achieved elsewhere.

[@LoversGarden]

Thank you.

[@АлексейВискалов-и6х]

very COOL !!!

[@millenniummastering]

Interesting unit. Has a very thinning effect on the mids when you level-match it correctly. Nice sparkle to the top end but it does change the mid-range feeling in some way.

[@machineagevoodoo2106]

I call bs

[@millenniummastering]

@@machineagevoodoo2106 I guess you have never boosted tops and lows and level matched then. Its the same as cutting mids.

[@machineagevoodoo2106]

@@millenniummastering I don't know why people have the idea that every eq boost needs to be compensated in signal volume? And even if you do that here, I'm sure the signal levels remain similar with an increased perceived level due to distortion. If you mean to always level match by ear, then that's not very sensible

[@machineagevoodoo2106]

@@millenniummastering also, it's absolutely not the same as cutting mids, because they are distorting the high frequencies, not just boosting them with clean EQ

[@millenniummastering]

@@machineagevoodoo2106 Level matching? Because its the primary technique in mastering. Hence level matching is built into every main console, Maselec MTC, SPL DMC etc etc. Thinning isn't a bad thing btw. Just a thing. The Foote Control Systems P3S does it. Very popular. Not obvious without top notch monitoring tho.

[@MikeyPressure]

Thanks

[@Seanrayamusic]

GAS!!!

[@wooxstar]

Told ya! 😀👌🏾

[@barneyrubble8255]

Why do british call every piece of music equipment a piece of "kit" In canada we only call chocolate bar and drum's a kit.

[@michaeltwiz8477]

too clean sounding

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

You can push the input to drive each section if you require. Far from clean when that drive flashes.

[@michaeltwiz8477]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio It can get hairy too?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@michaeltwiz8477 if you want it to yes. For me for mastering I want to make subtle changes.

[@michaeltwiz8477]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio push it for a proper demo...

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@michaeltwiz8477 for me and test I want to do based on how I will be using it, I don't want to push it too hard. I'm looking for subtle changes. Get your hands on one and you can push it as hard as you want.

[@phineesrobert417]

You 0:05 guys are serious!!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

My face at 10:37 says it all

[@murraywebster1228]

Nice, but nice price too…

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Some people have said it's too expensive. Which I understand when you compare it to the Fusion. But this is more a premium processor compared to make it for as cheap as possible noisy SSL fusion.

[@murraywebster1228]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio I think their is a hefty „name“ tax involved here, probably £2k would still be a very healthy profit in there considering what is inside the box, any plans to open it up and see what is actually inside? Cannot believe that any of the components involved in the build would cause it to have such a high price, sadly I hope it isn’t just milking a legends name now that he has died, but knowing human nature…..-

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@murraywebster1228 there are 4 huge transformers in there I could see through the top. I bet there's a huge tax on the name. From what I read online a lot of what is used is custom and designed specifically for this. The Fusion would be a lot more expensive if it was built in the UK.

[@murraywebster1228]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio would be interesting to see if it could be emulated using a chain of RN components, and I would think the transformers are taken from other products, RN always had custom transformers that he designed as far as I understood it. On the subject of transformers I am now in the possession of an original Allen & Heath Mod II mixing desk with original input transformers ( the Pink Floyd in Pompei desk among many other legendary shows, there is one on sale at the moment on Reverb)

[@murraywebster1228]

The desk is from 1972, Serial number 1-50

[@nitin4108]

compaing it with its rival and i would be forward and say this that SSL Fusion doesn't have any competitor in this price range, not even Dangerous music come closer to SSL, for 3999$ I would rather buy SSL BUS+ and SSl Fusion and put them together and get better sound than this one. I am not sure abour summing/gluing capabilities, but after listening its sample from KMR audio and your channel, I dont think its worth its price tag. SSL FUsion+Bus+ > MBT and with less money and wayyy better output.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I can tell you now the Fusion doesn't come close. As someone that had 2 and recently sold them. The Fusion is obsolete in my mastering chain. Whereas the MBT is a game changer for the mastering chain. All depends how you want to use it and what you want to use it for. There is nothing like the Fusion in that price range. The Fusion is very good as a starter unit. But gradually as your chain grows certain parts of it become obsolete. The MBT bring another dimension to the chain that wasn't there before. Just my honest take as someone that owned 2 Fusions for 5 or so years and has a MBT.

[@McEnroe911]

Only problem is the fusion sounds like a plugin (yes I owned one). The BUS+ is nice however. It would have been nice to have an insert point on the MBT but that would have pushed the price to $5000+ .

[@johnisrael5183]

Sad...the price of this thing...is to much.... :( in a bad economy...why would you make EVERY THING YOU SALE AROUND $4000 SMFH!!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

In a bad economy there are knock on effects like cost to produce this unit. From my perspective it's worth the money as it brings a lot to the table and from a business perspective that is extra 5% it brings is worth it's weight in gold if my clients get a better master. But I totally understand from the independent artist perspective it is expensive. There is always the Fusion for then.

[@ernestbuckley8671]

Yes, the RND stuff is pricey but you’re paying for the legacy, the transformers, and build quality. The indents on each knob is also a great feature which adds to the overall costs. Look at it this way, these units have a higher resale than others which is also worth considering.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@ernestbuckley8671 you'll never sell this unit after you get it

[@Iconicsoundmusic7]

@@ernestbuckley8671 I agree with you, but I think Cranborne audio, even with the modules spending up to $7000 for home studio is a better deal that’s what I’m saving up for. I’m going with Cranborne Audio and I’m gonna get me a porta studio and Collett a day . I think that’s a good high quality set up for a Home Studio.

[@tonygunz21]

Sounds nice, but not $4,000 nice.

[@dougleydorite]

A lot better than the shelford channel

[@tonygunz21]

@@dougleydorite Not quite sure what you mean, kinda apples to oranges. The Shelford Channel is a channel strip that's primarily aimed at tracking, this is intended for the master bus. Two different tools with different intended uses. Or are you talking about the price proposition?

[@dougleydorite]

@@tonygunz21 yeah, the price proposition. A lot of people seem to want to use the shelford channel in stereo on the mixbus. $8k 😬 I’m actually looking for a versatile stereo diode bridge comp and there aren’t a whole lot of options

[@tonygunz21]

@@dougleydorite Ah yes. I was actually one of those people lol. I bought two on the secondhand market and got them both for a really good price. But yea, I'd have to agree with you that there are far better and cost effective options. I sold them and bought some pieces that are tailored more towards mixing/mastering.

[@dougleydorite]

@@tonygunz21 I have been obsessed with diode bridge compressors specifically. But I don’t like the attack/release combinations that the new neve stuff has. I’m curious about the BAE 10DCF or the IGS V8 and not too worried about cost. Every diode bridge compressor has its limitations. The most versatile one is the Stam audio version of 33609 but it has no mix knob for parallel

[@bubz75]

SEXY BEAST 😆

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Me or the gear?

[@bubz75]

LOL@@AudioAnimalsStudio

[@gordonwhiteHAR]

You will probably sell it a year from now. Just like you sold your Fusion after saying how great that was. Go ahead and delete this comment as you do to so many others

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

No I can 100% say I wouldn't be selling this until something better comes along that will replace it. The Fusion is still good but as I said in the video explaining why I sold it. It become redundant and was only being used for the mid side insert. I still talk highly of the Fusion and recommend it to anyone who is starting to build a chain as it gives you a little bit of everything. But as your chain grows, you will find it doesn't get used. I never delete a comment I only ever hide people with gear envy from the page. I always look back over their previous comments and see if it's a common theme with them. We haven't got time to waste on certain people. I much rather allocate my time good people who are decent and deserve my time. So no I won't delete this from the page but I will look back through your previous comments. And if you seem like someone who's only here to spread your negativity to make yourself feel better I will hide you. You can still comment, just nobody will see it. All the best.