Anybody here works with SSL Alpha AX + Madixtreme 64?

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-- Anybody here works with SSL Alpha AX + Madixtreme 64?

Posted by Raphie on May-20-2011 22:24:

Anybody here works with SSL Alpha AX + Madixtreme 64?

I'm looking at this bundle, looking for experiences.

Posted by DJ RANN on May-21-2011 00:26:

I worked a bit with the Alpha channel and think it's really quite great, and have very extensive experience with MADI (all the desks at work are MADI interface based). I've used both MADI on RME cards for smaller rigs and propreitary MADI on Euphonix, but not used the Madixtreme itself.

I can tell you MADI is rock fucking solid and the beauty of it, at least for many channel setups is all you need is a single cable for up to 64 channels (and a coax for timeclock obviously).

I'm used to doing MADI over coax but the SSL uses optical and there's really no difference in pracrtical terms. I imagine that as SLL have bought the Madiextreme (AFAIK it's a modded rebrand of another MADI card) it should be fucking great as a pair. Latency is going to be non exsitant on that setup.

Posted by Raphie on May-21-2011 07:08:

cool! that's what i am aiming for, soundwise? quality of converters, how would u rate them?

Posted by DJ RANN on May-21-2011 22:26:

quote:
Originally posted by Raphie
cool! that's what i am aiming for, soundwise? quality of converters, how would u rate them?

The Alpha is very clean and frankly for that money, there's nothing else out there that will sound as good. Don't forget, it's not just a pre, it's a channel strip, and most people try to compare it to pre's at the same price (which there isn't much competition for anyway). I love the EQ on it and the limiter is fucking wicked. Not a subtle one by any means, but if you want to pump those heavy drums it's real good fun Actually quite funky on loud vocals that you want to squash the hell out of come think of it.

Conversion was better than the PTHD rigs I've used it with but I've never compared that unit with anything else in an A/B so can't comment further.

I'd say go for it! Shit, I've just remembered you've got a pair of distressors! Strap those ******s in to the insert on the Alpha and you're set. Damn, that would be tasty.

MADI all the way after that and you'll have zero problems (and latency). I say do it.

Posted by cryophonik on May-21-2011 22:53:

You've still got the two XLogic Alphas, don't you, Raphie? Damn, you're going to be a total SSLut.

Posted by Raphie on May-22-2011 06:38:

Correct the 2 Xlogic Alpha's are soooooo nice,their limiter is insane vibed as well. using the X-patch to change chains so yeah i guess Alpha AX + Madi Extreme is the next logical step.

Though the Steinberg MR816x have treated me VERY well upon today.

issues i've got with switching though, is that when SLL becomes the primary ASIO i no longer can't use FW on my Motif XS-rack, as this relies on the Yamaha FW driver to be primary ASIO
I also loose the coax RCA spdif's which i 'm using now to connect the Xlogic Alpha's digitally to avoid additional D/A <> A/D on my chain. Those are the only 2 things holding me down from pushing that purchase button ATM.

Maybe i should just buy it and hold on to my MR's a bit longer (connected via the Alpha AX ADATs) and see if i can do without them