Ultimate 500 Series Lunchbox for Recording Vocals

[@sweetwater]

Build your own custom signal chains with 500 series processors! Which of these signal chains would you try on your own vocal tracks?

[@swschilke]

Interesting video, could you do something like this for recording spoken words (i.e. podcasts) ? Kind regards

[@sweetwater]

​@@swschilke Hey, Steffen. Thank you for checking out our video. The 500 series racks and modules are the perfect customizable channel strip option for any studio. They will work great for any need. You can make the perfect broadcast channel strip or the perfect snare signal chain. They are super flexible and give you professional studio quality for a very reasonable price. You can customize them for any style you need. If you would like some help building a great broadcast chain, just give us a call. Thanks, Grant Embury, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1647, [e-mail]

[@cdauterive1]

So as a singer songwriter trying to get into this series, all I need is one pre, comp and eq? I’m doing vocals , guitar and maybe keys. Thx

[@ktreier]

I have the RND combo in my 500 rack and I find I can dial just the right amount of coloration for my taste. I liked the API combo also. I have SSL Six but I find its controls a bit basic so it can work on some sources and not others.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

That dude can Sing . . . Impressive vocals.

[@gleventhal]

Yeah, I knew he was going to sing for the demo, I just didn't realize he was going to "sang". Dayum! lol.

[@erkki88]

Neve 1073 all the way for me when listening on my monitors. Found almost every other chain had too harsh upper mids for my ears. Great video and great singer!

[@AriJordan]

that's probably because of the boosts that were committed during EQ

[@vrapitfire]

It seems there was probably some processing ITB because they scooped all the lows and low mids out.

[@LucaOrtega656]

The voice of Mitch Gallager sounds amazing! Great microphone and process

[@sweetwater]

😁🤘

[@JerMarMusicGroup]

I was surprised at the SSL six it sounds good! What stood out the most that gave me the “stankface” impression was the API and the Rupert Neve Designs modules. This gave me a good gauge before I purchase anything. Great video! 👊🏾💯🔥

[@mitchelldries6628]

the api chain was a clear stand out imho, the retro/shadow hills also cut very well in a smooth way. great showcase video!

[@waxtaste]

I’m a Neve’s fan, but seriously Api chain has blow my mind 👌🏼 also totally agree with the shadow hills 👊🏼

[@Smittefar1]

I must say, I really liked the SSL Six - I thought it had a very present and forward sound.

[@officialrayconex]

the best sounding set up to my ears .

[@VoxJ]

1:46 Six 2:34 TB12 Tonelux Chandler 3:21 Api 4:05 Neve 1073 4:48 Neve RND 5:29 Retro Shadow Hills Api... But anything goes, just in this specific case. 1073 was disappointingly muffled, RND a bit harsh, might just as well be the opposite with different settings.

[@willmcelroy6376]

Yeah I agree, a tube comp on RND would put it over the top for me. Not to mention the portico 542

[@zanem9022]

Yea i dislike porticos too, harsh. And ams neve doesn't do it for me, not sure what they're missing. Probably 16v modules instead of 24v

[@timothyhingham3672]

1073 pre is awesome and timeless, 1073eq is just too vintage.

[@Rricdiculos]

Thanks for the time stamps

[@Mike2NightBeatz]

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!! ))

[@carl-magnusconsitt7389]

The 511 -Rubert Neve is crisp and just sounds amazing on hes vocals!

[@joshuarowe730]

RND chain sounded really great with his tone!

[@sweetwater]

😁🙌

[@ExisteDiosInc]

It's a crime that this song is not available.... great music... killer vocals!

[@aeiplanner]

Rupert Neve 511 combo is by far the most open. Focus on the "Will it throw caution to the wind" phrase and jump around in the timeline. Warm TB12 is super dark. SSL is surprisingly good for the price.

[@EfNerva]

Agree. It's the only one that didn't bring out the nasal and has a smooth top-end. The 1073 chain is very nasaly in comparison. The Retro chain was surprisingly nice, too, but with a lot more colour.

[@NRVE8]

First of all.. the dude can sing, so any freaking gear will sound good with him 2. API chain sounded phenomenal 3. Neve 1073 was very warm but not as much clarity as the api 4. The shadowhills well.. take note that there was no EQ with that chain and it still sounded the best in my opinion.

[@monovladd4392]

Don't forget the mic 👉🏼👉🏼 good mic = less process

[@NRVE8]

@@monovladd4392 yes that is very true.. also different mics have a different freq response as well

[@SwedishDude08]

Hell yeah! I used "to prefer" neve 1073 on vocals .. mostly because others said it sounded best on vocals. But with time my ears has matured and I've been listening to some comparisons on youtube and I almost always prefer the API 512. Thinking of buying one, the clarity in the top end sounds like a good match with dynamics such as Shure sm7b.

[@CHILE_TZ]

@@SwedishDude08 API is more mid range forward and put vocals in 1st plan . Mine favorite there is RND combo, vocal is present and wide. API was good also.

[@MichaelHart-t2h]

Yes, well done. Solo and in context, thank you. RND seems to have the API mid forward/clarity but also the vintage vibe.

[@MattGarwood777]

Considering the fact that the “worst” one in this lineup sounded very VERY good, I’d absolutely outfit a lunchbox of those ssl’s. The value is through the roof. One or two radically different channels would be nice - I’d grab the API pre and probably the Warm/retro pre based on this video but yeah there’s no wrong choice. That said... you’re talking BIG spending for an improvement that might not be worth it to anyone outside the studio

[@BillBene67]

Great singer for a change on these videos....well done. Love Sweetwater and love Mitch G

[@danieldeurloo]

Should have also had the Great River pre and 501 comp. Amazing

[@dopesnare]

besides having the AC going here I would say..each chain of processors sounds great and any combination would be a dream come true. Those are some nice pieces of gear.

[@BeauStephenson]

Man that Rupert stuff is so great sounding.

[@Firetracks]

Rupert for the WIN!!🔥🚀

[@sgtasapmusic]

I wish you guys sold the package already made or had a way to make it on the website. Putting all thia together is still new to alot of ppl that need these setups.

[@zanem9022]

1) 1:45 2) 2:34 3) 3:21 4) 4:04 5) 4:48 6) 5:29

[@sho7455]

Retro seems to add nice vibes/texture to U87 which would be super cool for old school sound, but for his voice I really liked API channel strip, just so forward and dynamic. Thank you for the quality demo

[@electronicbox6990]

Hello Mitch! Great video as always! Just want to ask you, can you make a video for pros and cons to many 500 series boxes. Many users complain about noise from the power supply of 500 series. Please make shootout focusing on that how noisy some of the power supply boxes can be. Some folks even mention that sometimes the closest slot to power supply is noisier.

[@jjones7837]

1073 fits his voice and the song. Sounds like a finished product to me.

[@boombapzac8224]

I love my portico 511 from sweet water. I wish they'd send me a nice 500 series pultec to pump up my 60hz. And a fresh tubetech ccm1a to top it off 🖤. Appreciate you guys

[@mixedbygip8938]

They all sound good! It’s just a preference thing which color you prefer or desire. Great video and great singer! sweetwater the only company I shop with!

[@sweetwater]

Thanks! 😎🤟

[@doraysmith]

Shockingly the Neve 511 sounded most up front and clear....Im a big fan of API but this time NEVE seemed to beat it on clarity and vocal placement..wow

[@zanem9022]

Rupert too clear (harsh)

[@theebob2008]

I have the 5011 and an 1073SPX. RND is clean. 1073 has loads of mojo

[@CHILE_TZ]

@@zanem9022 harsh doesnt meen "clean". Harsh mean unpleasant .

[@CHILE_TZ]

@@theebob2008 RND sound better, wide, and open. No one care what is engaged, its just what sound better

[@lightafluident.9950]

I like the Warm Audio chain. I have a similar chain, only I have an LL2A compressor limiter from Little Labs instead of the Chandler, but I'm thinking about adding the Chandler to my signal chain and just run my LL2A in its FET style mode since it's able to replicate like 3 different compressors. That way I can run the Chandler right behind it for a REALLLL BANG. Thanks for the vid Mitch.

[@grausound]

Great video - really enjoyed it

[@richardharmon9596]

Yeah I had to go with the Neve 1073LB and the 1073LBEQ . I picked up the SSL six as well and like that one too

[@TheRealTMajor]

That retro and shadow hills hit the spot

[@jackduxbury1632]

Mitch is my Hero ❤️

[@jackduxbury1632]

Great video by the way - fab presentation and stunning Demo. Muchos respect ✊

[@louiseisobelevans]

I felt the vocals in most cases could have used a bit more compression, but that's my approach.

[@sleepless2621]

agreed, although i think their reasoning was to avoid over compression on the way in since you can always just compress more after tracking

[@c03x157]

Excellent video!

[@flozzy1988]

great video, sound and singer

[@Excellent2009able]

Take out the 511 & add the 1073 to the RND chain would be killer ! (the 511 is light)

[@gabeatv]

Neve FTW! Such an open (and tastefully saturated) sound.

[@jeremyryannoel]

What I love about Neve is its instant footprint on any sound. Rupert Neve 511 is no joke as well, so I’ll be investing in more RND 500 modules in the future. End goal? 5088 Shelford console!

[@diversionesconvenuslausinr8791]

Uffff Shadow Hills so far!!!!!!, in the mix sound very very very good

[@TheTonyTitan]

I DID NOT expect that voice!

[@christurbiville8365]

The RDN sounded way more open than the rest

[@coyoteserranoband]

Gotta catch them all!

[@RyanSommer]

RND smashed this. No contest

[@MockeryManor]

Agreed. That Rupert Neve chain was amazing. Damn! I’m gonna have to rethink my setup 🤔

[@timurbayram5162]

I think it is a great idea for manufacturers to produce 500 series for all guitar pedals

[@indransubramaniam763]

Thanks mitch...great video with demo...thanks again...from india...

[@gunjabeans]

The Retro + Shadow Hills had so much flavor. It almost made the U87 sound like a tube U47...

[@livelikeus4980]

How far will my $ go ?

[@TheSteveKinney]

How far will love go?.... it will go straight into debt to buy all of these.

[@MockeryManor]

🤣

[@zanem9022]

Lol

[@riszetriple8697]

That warmth though sounds great 👍

[@anthemmakersmusic]

Now u need to do an entire series with all your modules. Nice !

[@donjave7146]

I really feel that the neve premaps are the best they have the warmth and the fullness you can't beat

[@PapiCee]

Impressed by the RND 🤔

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

SSL SiX was amazing! My fave along with RND

[@zakaroonetwork777]

Really Wish You Showed the Close up Settings on the RND 511 pass. Also is the Silk Button Engaged?

[@pedroparussolo9723]

man, that 2264 just sounded like a finished vocal already!

[@matthewwhitaker4849]

Wow! Fantastic! He's sangin!!! As far as the chains, they all sound amazing! What would you say is best all arounder for any vocal?

[@sweetwater]

Hello, matthewwhitaker4849! Honestly any of these could be an all arounder. Just a matter of the flavor that you’re after for ‘your sound’! Give us a shout and we can discuss in more depth! Thanks for the interest! James Masterson, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1641, [e-mail]

[@DJUwU]

EPIC!!!! This video saved me so much research...yet none at all. I want them all!!! I guess start with the Neves tho...

[@danymalsound]

Dayum. That Retro was the SAUCE!

[@joshkorody7376]

Interested in the little devil but this is the only video that features it on vocals.But i just noticed in this video Mitch has the mix knob all the way to the right which means its at 100% dry (no compression happening)

[@peevonb7070]

Really cool, thanks!

[@sweetwater]

No problem! 😁🤟

[@jteds711]

Is that Jordan Applegate? Dude is killing it! Thanks for the demo

[@mixey01]

The SSL sounds vintage!

[@richshafiee]

so nice vocal

[@Loveisthekeyforhumanity]

please more video like this

[@dannydaniel8975]

The API chain sounds the best

[@MannyXO]

Shadowhills and Retro and Neve 😍

[@theonecalledvino8165]

A whole custom mini studio in a box!

[@markcorben3426]

Personally I dont like hearing a compressor grab a vocal. I find it distracting. That being said, the RND comp was the cleanest at doing it's job. I want to hear the artist, not the gear. I've tried all of the compresors for vocals, and I always go back to the 543. My go to chain is a Daking 52270->551->543

[@finnjones9187]

Holy poop that RND chain sounded insane. SSL surprised me I must admit

[@dspoet1]

@Sweetwater: Y’all used the wrong interface because you can’t bypass the internal preamps. Therefore, it’s adding 10db of color to each external preamp. Should have used the X6 or an RME Interface to get the full benefit of each channel strip.

[@ThathousecatSHC]

Alright Mitch, you got me with the title of the video. Damn you sweet water.

[@MeghdeepBoseMDB]

Hi Mitch. Please consider doing a demo video specifically for 500 series Tube Pre-amplifiers like the La Chapell 583S Mk2, Fredenstein F609, Cranesong Syren and Radial PowerTube.

[@kingech_B15]

That new SSL VHD+ is No Joke

[@gelatosamurai]

The Rupert N gear did it fo me. But that Shadow Hills Comp wins the looks department.

[@carlosjavier3386]

1073lb is the one that got me in the game

[@kylew706]

I mean considering the price and real estate that ssl six is killer!

[@gnmorales1]

I never knew about 500 series magic until NOW....

[@toomuchmidi]

What wives think their husbands do when theyre away: "Probably just drunk, watching football" What theyre really doing: 2:05

[@DoitYHWH]

Comparisons like these are frivolous when I have to wait 30 seconds to hear the next vocal chain.

[@LightWthoutTheStatic]

You can download them and cut them up if you want to do straight side by sides.

[@HamsterGames]

Nice!

[@anthemmakersmusic]

1.Neve 2.Warm tone beast 3. Ssl six 4.API 5. Retro Hills

[@Stunna95002]

That api vocal chain was the best fersure

[@jmdmusicstudios2026]

Are you guys actually using the X4 to tracks these? I read somewhere that you can’t override the built in preamps on Apollo X4.

[@flyingjewelstudios]

Wow... very cool video. Nice Demo. Cool track & sweet vocals too. Awesome.

[@ellisgl]

Now do a voice over / broadcast / podcast setup.

[@thatchinaboi1]

API stack and the last stack was the best.

[@isfp6431]

3:21 4:05 4:48

[@TigroGumi]

For me it’s the Neve and then the retro shadow blend in second… followed by the Rupert Neve for this particular source.

[@LAVAEAGLE]

Those videos haw help me so much, I haw a gaming channel and you just help me much with those videos.

[@sweetwater]

😁🎮

[@rushinsteele257]

Singer must have come back from lunch on that Rupert . He put some extra energy into it…. The API setup is my choice. Sat in the mix like a record. SSL sounded like a Demo ( better for keys) Warm Audio had the low but is missing the top sheen. Neve has a color that’s good but slightly less sibilant than API. Retro similar to Neve. I’d like to hear the API into the Rupert eq and the chandler comp.

[@Firetracks]

API and Neve 511🔥🔥

[@nithinkoottungal4960]

The singer wooaaa and shadow hills love em both

[@AreYouBlessRios]

Amazing

[@CHAINDRIVENOFFICIAL]

That singer would make anything sound good.

[@guitars.nmetal]

My choices here would be, retro + and shadow hills, warm audio tonelux chandler, neve 1073 pre eq comp. Vocalist has a slight sharp midrangy edge to it and those seemed to warm and smooth up a bit.

[@royalemuzikproductionz]

Hey steve does the box really matter cause I’m thinking of getting a fredenstein or API and start building

[@PmbpMusic]

nice!! could u tell me what interface are u using for this pls? thnkas!

[@theprisonier]

Great singer

[@marcealmartinez1194]

I understand it is a vocal chain. Can you use them all collectively? Or just 1 to 2 at a time?

[@sweetwater]

Hi, thanks for your interest! Mitch shows a few examples in this video using 1-3 500 Series modules at a time. However, the 500 Series format is totally modular, so you can route audio however you like through multiple modules, assuming you have a “lunchbox” with enough space and power to accommodate all of your modules. It’s somewhat similar to building a guitar pedalboard, if that comparison helps at all. Feel free to contact me directly with any further questions, and thanks again! Caleb Lowrey, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1620, [e-mail]

[@hbrookes]

I think the only way to truly judge is with no eq engaged at all, ssl was suprisingly brittle on top end? Hence eq could have been culprit..