Back when records were made on large-format analog consoles, the qualities we now identify as “vintage-flavored” – warmth, clarity, and punch – were lavished on every instrument and voice recorded through them. With today’s DAW-centric production workflows, which may often produce clinical-sounding results, a high-quality analog front end can help to restore the desirable sonic attributes of analog’s rich past. Enter the channel strip. Essentially one channel of an analog console that provides preamplification, EQ, and (in many models) compression and DI inputs, the channel strip has become a staple of top studios worldwide. Sweetwater proudly carries channel strips from the top brands in pro audio – and we are fortunate to be able to evaluate them in our world-class recording studios. As we examine the ins and outs of channel strips in this article, our aim is to help you identify the best channel strip for your needs.
Best Channel Strips: Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel
If your taste runs to classic transformer-gain preamps, British EQ, and diode-bridge compression, you can pack your rack with Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channels and have audio firepower on hand superior to a legendary Neve console. Over a half century in the making, the Shelford Channel is the definitive evolution of Mr. Neve’s renowned 80 Series channel module technology, updated and refined for the contemporary studio. The Shelford Channel is fitted with Rupert’s latest Class A transformer-gain mic preamp, the best-of-the-classics Inductor EQ from the Shelford 5052, a punchy diode-bridge compressor, the alluring analog textures of variable Silk saturation, a state-of-the-art dual-tap transformer output stage with massive headroom, and double the operating voltage of vintage designs. Offering rich tonal options for making audacious statements with your music, along with precision-detented controls for recall, the Shelford Channel delivers the authoritative sonic essence of classic Rupert Neve designs, along with modern versatility.
Best Channel Strips: Avalon VT-737sp
The Avalon VT-737sp is a high-resolution vacuum tube triode channel strip design offering a Class A preamp with mic, DI, and line-level input selections; a minimum-signal-path opto-compressor with stereo linking; and a 4-band discrete, Class A passive-filter EQ with two sweepable, switchable-Q mid bands. Avalon packed the VT-737sp with the fruits of their considerable engineering expertise: high-voltage circuits for generous headroom, a discrete internal toroidal transformer-coupled power supply, a soft-start tube life extension feature, a retro-cool oval VU meter for monitoring compressor gain reduction and output level, and more. With its quiet -92dB noise floor, ultra-wide frequency response (10Hz-120kHz, -2.5dB), and impressive build quality (as evidenced by its sealed silver relays for signal routing), the Avalon VT-737sp is an audiophile-grade channel strip that will elevate your sound.
Best Channel Strips: Manley VOXBOX
Manley’s all-tube VOXBOX channel strip may well be your “last stop” voice processor, but it’s also set to make the most out of virtually any source you throw its way. The VOXBOX shares its fully featured microphone preamplifier design with Manley’s acclaimed Mono Microphone Preamplifier, offering loads of headroom and Class A vacuum tube tone. What’s more, the smooth compressor section is a perfect blend of Manley’s best-selling Variable Mu and the opto-design of their ELOP. All of these features, in addition to a flexible Pultec-style mid-frequency Equalizer, de-esser/limiter section, and Stereo Link function, make the VOXBOX a true sonic studio workhorse.
Best Channel Strips: Universal Audio 6176
The Universal Audio 6176 combines two pro-audio legends – the 610 mic/line tube preamp and the 1176LN solid-state compressor/limiter – to create what many consider the ultimate channel strip. The preamp section is packed with features, such as mic, line, and hi-Z inputs; two bands of shelving EQ; and a 15dB pad. The dynamics section maintains all the features found on the classic 1176LN. Each stage (preamp/compressor) has dedicated ins and outs and can be used independently in Split mode or in series in Join mode via a front-panel switch. Handcrafted in Universal Audio’s Scotts Valley, California, labs, the 6176 offers weapons-grade build quality and colorful sonic character at an accessible price.
Best Channel Strips: Manley Core
Manley designed the Core reference channel strip so that you can hit record and focus on your performance, not your signal chain. It sports the quality, performance, and flexibility their VOXBOX is known for, at a price that makes it accessible to any serious artist or engineer. You get a premium Manley mic pre, followed by a 3:1 ELOP-style compressor for effortless dynamic control. The Core’s active Baxandall EQ is great for gentle overall signal shaping, and its fast attack FET brickwall limiter at the end of the chain protects your converters from accidental clipping. Even if you plug right in without tweaking a single knob, you’re sure to get an amazing sound.
Best Channel Strips: Universal Audio LA-610 MkII
Going all-out for that vintage tube vibe? The LA-610 MkII brings Universal Audio’s legendary vintage all-tube sound into a modern channel strip format by combining their 610 mic pre/EQ/DI and T4 opto compressor into a single 2U chassis with a price tag any serious project studio can afford. The Mark II version of UA’s famous LA-610 sports true bypass on the compressor circuit, larger metering, increased output signal, and super-cool black-on-black cosmetics. If you’re looking for incredible sound that’s steeped in history, check out the LA-610 MkII.
Best Channel Strips: API The Channel Strip
API’s famous lunchbox concept has garnered widespread popularity among studio types who love pick-and-choose flexibility in a compact format. With The Channel Strip, API does the “choosing” for you, offering a money-saving bundle of a completely decked-out front end. So many users over the years have paired the 512c Mic Pre, the 550a EQ, the 527 Compressor, and the 325 Line Driver, API now packages them together for immediate sonic gratification.
Best Channel Strips: Focusrite ISA430 MKII Producer Pack
The ISA430 MKII represents the pinnacle of Focusrite’s analog channel strip technology, bringing together all their classic designs in one comprehensive production tool. Augmented with additional features and sonic flavoring options, alongside unmatched internal routing and connectivity, the ISA430 MKII enables today’s recording professional to deploy the unique sonic attributes of Focusrite’s heritage designs within one extremely versatile processor. Features include a flexible signal path that accommodates up to four discrete inputs at once, variable-impedance mic preamps, a dynamics section with a VCA/optical compressor, expander/gate, de-esser, and 4-band EQ drawn from the ISA 110.
Best Channel Strips: Chandler Limited TG Microphone Cassette
Chandler Limited, in close cooperation with Abbey Road Studios, brings you the TG Microphone Cassette, a full-featured channel strip that incorporates key elements of the historic EMI TG12345 desk that was used to forge the clean, punchy sound of the Beatles’ Abbey Road album and Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. The Chandler Limited TG Microphone Cassette is comprised of three sections: Chandler’s TG2 Pre-Amp, a Curve Bender EQ section (which includes Treble, Bass, and Presence controls), and the all-new TG1 Opto Limiter, which is independently patchable.
Best Channel Strips: Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Channel
Employing high-voltage topologies ported from Rupert Neve Designs’ acclaimed 5088 console, the Portico II Channel delivers stunning transparency. Rupert channeled his half century-plus of experience in designing the most accurate, sweet-sounding professional audio gear into a channel strip designed to help you craft a vibrant, engaging three-dimensional sonic statement. The Portico II Channel includes a preamp with 66dB of gain, a 4-band equalizer, a VCA compressor/limiter, a fully tunable de-esser, a transient-optimized sweeping highpass filter, and a continuous blend control for parallel compression. With its simple yet advanced topologies and thorough feature set, Sweetwater considers the Portico II Channel an essential component for today’s hybrid recording studio.
So there you have it – Sweetwater’s picks for the Best Channel Strips. If you’re thinking, “well, that’s nice, but these are all out of my price range,” we have an article on the Best Channel Strips Under $1000, where you will certainly find one that fits your needs – as well as your budget. But if you’re already playing in the big leagues – or aspire to – these world-class channel strips are the finest money can buy.
To find out more about channel strips, call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700.
