All in 1 units vs. Separate Units

[Ernest828]

Lately I`ve noticed a growing number of all in 1 units such as the UA 6176. Looks like a real gem, listing for $2500 which means (app.) $2100 street. The unit looks like the Avalon 737 which I own & love. Its the same concept: Mic Pre - EQ - Compressor. I wonder of the 6176 compressor sounds just as good as the 1176 in which its based on? Has anyone reviewed this unit? These channel strips are now becoming a very fashionable thing. We have seen quality from many manufacturers including Avalon, Manley and now UA (maybe?).

How do you feel about the new wave of these single channel processors or do you prefer separate units for each job?

Lets say you could have A or B for the same price. Would you rather have...

A. (pick one)
Manley Voxbox
Avalon 737
UA 6176

or

B. (take all)
Avalon M5 mic pre-Massenburg EQ-Distressor Combo

Ernest

[Screws]

How about

Great River MP-1NV
Avalon AD2055 Parametric EQ
Crane Song Trakker

That would be my choice of channel strip.

[Ernest828]

S. Cruz,

Do you have the MP NV2? I`m looking into it and have not heard about it except the MIX review but I don`t completely trust reviews.

What do you think of it? What instruments do you use it on?

Ernest

[Screws]

Nah, I thought this was a wish list.

For preamps I currently have a Peavey VMP-2 tube preamp, a Joe Meek VC3, and the onboards on my Yamaha 02R. The wish list pres are MP-2NV, and FMR RNP.

Current EQs are Urei 546 dual parametric, Avalon VT-747 and 02R onboards. Wish list here is for a pair of Speck ASCs.

I'm a bit better setup with compressors: Joe Meek C2 opto, FMR RNC, Empirical Labs Fatso, Avalon VT-747 and 02R onboards. Still wouldn't mind a Manley ELOP or even the Peavey opto.

But if prices are the same as a single Avalon 737...

[michaelhoddy]

I have the Great River MP2-NV and like it very much. The hype is accurate. Sonically, it's a similar sound to a 1073 mic amp, except with tighter bass, a little bit airier highs, and less noise. Very flexible, with the input and output gain controls allowing you to vary coloration by varying the "drive."

As far as channel strips go, I find that it's hard for a manufacturer to get everything right in one strip. I have a pair of Avalon 737's, and the preamp is okay, the EQ is great, and the compressor only works on certain things. I use 'em for vocals and bass DI just about exclusively anymore.

I do like the Daking mic pre/EQ strip paired with the Daking compressor. 2 units though.