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Forum Home » Sound Reinforcement » Road Test » APB Dynasonics Spectra-T - Show Report ( ) 4 Vote(s)
| APB Dynasonics Spectra-T - Show Report [message #127497] |
Mon, 22 May 2006 08:54  |
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Brian Bolly and myself just did a show this weekend and the people of APB were nice enough to lend us a demo APB Spectra-T console. It was only a 24 channel model, but was adequate for the show. The gig was a large dance in a huge (~100x300') tent.
The Basics:
The console is a smaller-format VCA desk. Physically, it reminds me of my Verona in terms of size and weight. The console features a 4-band sweep EQ, 10 auxes, and 8 VCA groups. Also, a 24 channel console gave us 24 real channels, with an additional 4 stereo inputs that didn't cut into the channel count. The fader feel is nice, and the layout is easy to get around on. The Spectra has 2 internal PSU slots and indicator lamps on the meterbridge to display PSU status (our demo only had 1 PSU installed.)
In Use:
The band was a rock outfit, featuring an excellent acoustic guitar, a Sax player, an aux percussion section, and a female vocalist/flautist. Mics were fairly standard Shure Betas, Audix OM7s, small dia. condensers. High quality mics, but nothing exotic.
Preamp quality of the console is EXCELLENT. Super clean, transparent; what you'd expect from a touring-quality desk. I noticed this as soon as the first parts of soundcheck were underway. The EQ section is excellent sounding and responsive, with an interesting feature: When engaged, the console has a wide-Q curve when EQ is boosted and a somewhat more narrow-Q when cut. I found myself using less EQ than I normally would on this desk. Whether or not this was a function of the different EQ feature of the desk, I'm not sure, but I liked it  .
The 10 aux sends are switchable (first 4 in a group, then in subsequent pairs) pre/post. Furthermore, you have the option of selecting pre/post EQ for a pre send, a feature that could come in handy whilst mixing monitors from FOH (which we did not do at this gig.) Faders are provided on the aux send outputs.
The VCA section was a great thing to have, especially on a console of this size. VCA assigns are via latching switches on the channel strips (ala PM4K) but are not soft-recallable. There is an indicator LED on the VCA masters for "VCA Unity," another neat feature.
The master section features a nice complement of standard features, 4 matrix outputs, and dual 1/4" and 1/8" headphone jacks. No more lost adaptors! The Spectra-T has clearly been designed by those who have had experience behind a console.
As I said before, sound quality was beyond excellent. After listening to the 2-track board mix after the show, the clean-ness and transparence of the console became even more apparent. This is just MY opinion, but based on my significant experience on the Verona, the APB sounds noticeably better in just about every department.
Now for the airing of Grievances:
-Above each fader, there are the routing assignments: L/R, Mono, Center, and one more I can't remember. These are little tiny buttons with no indication lamp, and it's somewhat difficult to tell where your channel is assigned. During soundcheck, my talkback mic rolled down and hit one of these buttons, taking it out of the L/R mix. Also, the VCA assign buttons are right next to the channel faders and are also small/short travel buttons. There's no real way to see what channel is assigned to what VCA other than soloing or muting a VCA group and then looking for the respective lights for solo or mute on the channels. Other than that, I had no major complaints.
I think this console can satisfy a real niche of the small-format VCA console. It's a high end mixer in a small package, and I think it'll be a great addition to the market.
Show Report PA:
-APB Dynasonics Spectra-T Console
-PCM91/M3000/D2 EFX
-BSS 402 and DBX 1066 Comps
-KT 504 Gates
-DBX Driverack 480 Main DSP
-QSC PL6.0/PL236 FOH Amps
-Yorkville TX4/TX9 Main speakers
Monitors:
-A/H GL3300 Console
-QSC PL236 Amps
-Rat Microwedges/EAW SM500 Wedges
-JB
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| Re: APB Dynasonics Spectra-T - Show Report [message #127514 is a reply to message #127497 ] |
Mon, 22 May 2006 11:04  |
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| Jim Bowersox wrote on Mon, 22 May 2006 09:54 |
When engaged, the console has a wide-Q curve when EQ is boosted and a somewhat more narrow-Q when cut. I found myself using less EQ than I normally would on this desk. Whether or not this was a function of the different EQ feature of the desk, I'm not sure, but I liked it
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Hey, Jim, that asymettrical cut/boost is just on the high and low sweeps when you've got them in bell mode, as opposed to shelf mode. The two swept mids have the option of symmetrical cut/bost either wide or narrow... I think they're 1 octave and 1/3 octave, respectively, but don't hold me to it. The cut on the high and low shelves is 1/4 octave. That EQ went through a lot of different techs' hands before the various frequency points, bandwidths, and other esoterica were decided upon... APB really does their homework.
Glad to hear you were thrilled with the console... I'll be getting one in a few weeks to beat up for Road Test, but I don't know how much more there is to say! Analog ain't dead yet, folks, and with the team at APB's help it's got a lot more to go.
DISCLAIMER: I have a close relationship with APB, and I am on the design team for their future products. I was not, however, in any way involved with the creation of the Spectra series, and I am not in their employ.
-- Bennett Prescott
Director of North American Sales
EONA ADRaudio d.o.o.
Cell: (518) 488-7190
An amateur practices until they get it right. A professional practices until they can't get it wrong.
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| Re: APB Dynasonics Spectra-T - Show Report [message #127516 is a reply to message #127497 ] |
Mon, 22 May 2006 11:17 |
Rick Stansby
Messages: 1285
Registered: November 2004
Location: Davis, California |
Has No Life |
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Great review. I can't wait to use one of these boards.
I know I'm not the only one wondering how much these things cost. So I emailed Chuck Augustowski who told me.
The spectra-C is almost identical to the T except it has a simpler - dual sweep - channel EQ.
[Updated on: Sun, 19 November 2006 13:44]
Rick
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| Re: APB Dynasonics Spectra-T - Show Report [message #127524 is a reply to message #127514 ] |
Mon, 22 May 2006 12:07 |
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| Bennett Prescott wrote on Mon, 22 May 2006 12:04 |
that asymettrical cut/boost is just on the high and low sweeps when you've got them in bell mode, as opposed to shelf mode. The two swept mids have the option of symmetrical cut/bost either wide or narrow... I think they're 1 octave and 1/3 octave, respectively, but don't hold me to it. The cut on the high and low shelves is 1/4 octave.
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Thanks for the clarification. I was trying to decipher what the little graphics next to the EQ buttons meant. RTFM, right!
I'll bet the APB design team all have small fingers...those little buttons take a little getting used to by a large-handed individual like myself.
-JB
[Updated on: Mon, 22 May 2006 12:07]
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| Re: APB Dynasonics Spectra-T - Show Report [message #127535 is a reply to message #127524 ] |
Mon, 22 May 2006 12:40 |
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Andy Peters
Messages: 6706
Registered: April 2004
Location: Tucson, AZ |
Has No Life
Contrarian |
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| Jim Bowersox wrote on Mon, 22 May 2006 10:07 |
I'll bet the APB design team all have small fingers...those little buttons take a little getting used to by a large-handed individual like myself.
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I bet they wanted to reduce the footprint/size/weight as much as reasonable. Your fingers may not like it, but your back will.
-a
"It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue."
"On the Internet, nobody can hear you mix a band."
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| Re: APB Dynasonics Spectra-T - Show Report [message #127536 is a reply to message #127497 ] |
Mon, 22 May 2006 12:42 |
Dave C(arugo)
Messages: 53
Registered: April 2004
Location: Ireland |
Should Get Out More |
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Can I ask is it a 2 man lift in the case?
Thanks and Regards,
Dave C.
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| Re: APB Dynasonics Spectra-T - Show Report [message #127538 is a reply to message #127536 ] |
Mon, 22 May 2006 12:46 |
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Believe it or not, the demo model didn't have a case.
Bolly will disagree, but it was a 1-man lift for me without the case. Then again, this was only a 24.
A 40/48 in a nice doghouse case would probably be manageable for two vigorous young go-getters. Then again, no one can argue with EZ tilts.
-JB
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| Re: APB Dynasonics Spectra-T - Show Report [message #127548 is a reply to message #127497 ] |
Mon, 22 May 2006 13:58 |
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 Brian Bolly
Messages: 580
Registered: April 2004
Location: Baltimore, MD |
Has No Life |
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Let me add my $0.02...
I got a chance to talk with Chuck Augustowski a week or so ago when he brought this desk into our office along with our local rep. We didn't have any chance to pass audio through it, but he also brought an 8-channel block so that we could see the construction of the desk and its layout. I knew I had a relatively high-demand gig coming up and it was during this time that I was able to arrange the demo.
I was aware of some of the feature set for the console before it was even released to the public, and know some of the people that were consulted for the design - this console is no slouch. As such, I had high expectations for the desk, but was still blown away with its ease of use and, above all, sound quality. The things that make it especially nice are the finer points that are overlooked on some other designs. Sound quality aside, I think my favorite feature is the mute light status - no more guessing if the channel is muted via its own switch or via a mute group.
Even though it is a 1-man lift for a 24ch frame not in a case, I don't forsee it being liftable for one person when properly cased, especially in a larger frame size. Could one person flip it on an easy tilt? Probably. Push it up a truck ramp? Sure. But, for safety reasons I wouldn't want to do it.
I'll openly admit that I'm a large fan of digital desks. In fact, my next purchase was slated to be a Yamaha M7CL-48. However, after using and hearing this console, I'd say that it's now on my (short) list of desk choices, arguments about digital vs. analog aside.
I've attached a photo of the desk in action. The blue LED's aren't really as painfully bright as they may appear to be in the photo.
Attachment: IMG_32361.jpg
(Size: 137.55KB, Downloaded 1297 time(s))
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| Re: APB Dynasonics Spectra-T - Show Report [message #127551 is a reply to message #127497 ] |
Mon, 22 May 2006 14:19 |
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John Horvath
Messages: 969
Registered: April 2004
Location: Merrillville, Indiana |
Has No Life |
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Thank you for the nice review, Jim & Brian. Couple questions though..
How's the build quality? Due to the lack of high-res pics, or ANY pics for that matter, for some reason the console has a Biamp/Phonic look to it. Are the pots nutted? Are the jacks plastic?
And is there built in pink noise or external pink/osc output? With the amount of Smaart users nowadays, it's my opinion every mid-priced console should have built in pink noise with an external output.
-John
Alan Pro Audio
219-769-3600
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| Re: APB Dynasonics Spectra-T - Show Report [message #127559 is a reply to message #127556 ] |
Mon, 22 May 2006 14:46 |
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John Horvath
Messages: 969
Registered: April 2004
Location: Merrillville, Indiana |
Has No Life |
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| John Roberts {JR} wrote on Mon, 22 May 2006 14:29 |
Wow? A "Biamp/Phonic look"... that's really cold dude. 
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Well, doesn't it though? I'm very excited about hearing this console, but only after Jim & Brian's reviews of it's sound quality. The MH2/3 definitely win in the aestetic appeal and overall 'look of quality' category. I guess the good thing is APB spent their time on building a great sounding console as opposed to a great looking console.
[Updated on: Mon, 22 May 2006 14:48]
-John
Alan Pro Audio
219-769-3600
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). While I have personal opinions, I try not to be too judgemental about other people's cosmetic design calls. One can be pretty confident in evaluating technical performance, cosmetics are almost a fashion issue where good/bad is ultimately defined by the market response. YMMV 