APB Dynasonics Spectra-T - Show Report [message #127497]
Mon, 22 May 2006 08:54
Jim Bowersox Messages: 1111 Registered: April 2004 Location: Annapolis, MD
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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
Bennett Prescott Messages: 8924 Registered: August 2004 Location: Central CT
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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
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 ADRaudio d.o.o.
Cell: (518) 488-7190
"Give me 6dB and I shall move the world." -Archimedes
Jim Bowersox Messages: 1111 Registered: April 2004 Location: Annapolis, MD
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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.
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.
Alexandre Richer Messages: 252 Registered: May 2005 Location: Montréal, Québec
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For those looking at http://www.apbdynasonics.com/products.html, the pictures are actually very neat once you right-click and use "Show image" (and maybe click on it so it shows full size).
Brian Bolly Messages: 679 Registered: April 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD
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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.
John Horvath Messages: 1100 Registered: April 2004 Location: Merrillville, Indiana
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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
Grayson Rech Messages: 450 Registered: June 2004 Location: Harrisburg Pennsylvania
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I just noticed that for the master outputs there is only one fader next to the 8th VCA. Maybe I'm old school or just picky but does anyone else find it a but odd that there aren't 2 or 3 master (L R C) faders for a great console like this? In my decision between Soundcraft MH2, Spectra-T and AH GL4800 (no VCAs) It was my top choice until I noticed that . . .
Someone please give me a great reason or modivation to get past this unpleasantry.
John Roberts {JR} Messages: 10915 Registered: April 2004 Location: MS
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John Horvath wrote on Mon, 22 May 2006 14:19
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.
Wow? A "Biamp/Phonic look"... that's really cold dude.
John Horvath Messages: 1100 Registered: April 2004 Location: Merrillville, Indiana
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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.
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.
Mac Kerr Messages: 10223 Registered: April 2004 Location: Westchester County, NY
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Grayson Rech wrote on Mon, 22 May 2006 15:27
I just noticed that for the master outputs there is only one fader next to the 8th VCA. Maybe I'm old school or just picky but does anyone else find it a but odd that there aren't 2 or 3 master (L R C) faders for a great console like this? In my decision between Soundcraft MH2, Spectra-T and AH GL4800 (no VCAs) It was my top choice until I noticed that . . .
Someone please give me a great reason or modivation to get past this unpleasantry.
blarn it blarn it blarn it
Grayson "the Sad hoobster" Rech
Why do you think it is important to have them? The only time I change a master output fader is at the end of the night when I shut down the console. If you are hitting the master bus too hard, pulling down the output fader will not change the fact that you are probably overloading the bus. That's what the input faders are for, and with VCAs it should be easy to control the inputs.
I'm amazed that on a console with a change in paradigm like no groups, only auxes, you find the lack of a master output fader as the deal breaker issue.
John Roberts {JR} Messages: 10915 Registered: April 2004 Location: MS
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John Horvath wrote on Mon, 22 May 2006 14:46
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.
Aesthetics are very subjective. I've been involved with a lot of designs over the years (some much worse than others ). 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
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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 