symetrix: good or bad?

[--==[ russ ]==--]

How would you rate symetrix products in general? if you had three levels to
choose from, would you say they are mackie, a&h, or midas?

For specifics, how about their EQs? the 533E to get really specific.

-- russ

[Richard Kuschel]

Symetrix gear is usually pretty good.

Better than Mackie, in your scale probably on the A&H level.

I haven't used their equalizers, so won't comment on those, but I use a ton of
their compressors and preamps.
Richard H. Kuschel
"I canna change the law of physics."-----Scotty

[Shaun]

On 8/14/02 12:59 AM, --==[ russ ]==-- wrote:

> How would you rate symetrix products in general? if you had three levels to
> choose from, would you say they are mackie, a&h, or midas?

FAR above Mackie, at least at A&H level for sure. There are some units that
really shine in ~any~ category, like the 501 comp/lim for bass guitar (best
there is, IMO). Symetrix is a bit more install-oriented than live-oriented
in general, but their build quality is excellent, as is reliability. Their
designs look very good to the eye, and every piece I've used sounded fine.

> For specifics, how about their EQs? the 533E to get really specific.

I have seen many racks full of single & dual Symetrix 1/3 oct graphics for
multiple monitor mixes. Many Seattle clubs have them in their house racks,
too. I've never owned one myself, but would gladly use them if available.
I expect them to be better than dbx EQ's, a bit better than Ashly GQX, but
below KT/BSS as those really are in a different price/performance category.
--
Shaun Wexler,
Hellsgate Sound
http://www.hellsgate-sound.com
sh...@hellsgate-sound.com

[Curt Wells]

I really like just about everything that I've used, and the exceptions were
old units that hadn't been properly cared for. I once bought an old 525
comp off of sombody cheap cuz one side wasn't working right. Seems it took
a face plant and screwed up three pots. I was able to buy the pots at the
website and solder them in myself, and now it's my fave house comp unit.
much better than the 266xls i often see, and don't even get me started on
the now ubiqutous Alesis 3630... Are we gonna see those things on ebay as
much as we see the (Yeech) MEQ 230 ? Gawd I hope not.

Curt.

[George Gleason]

"Shaun" <see.sign...@email.address> wrote in message
news:B97FC63B.DC42%see.sign...@email.address...

I would put them = to DBX 2231 and one step below ashley
I own a 2x31 symetrix eq and it works but is noithing to get hot over
George

[Phildo]

"Curt Wells" <robob...@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:ajefm7$l2g$1...@slb3.atl.mindspring.net...

> and don't even get me started on
> the now ubiqutous Alesis 3630... Are we gonna see those things on ebay
as
> much as we see the (Yeech) MEQ 230 ? Gawd I hope not.
>

Too late. They already go for amazingly high amounts, almost retail.

Some mugs will buy anything.

Phildo

[Shaun]

On 8/14/02 3:44 PM, George Gleason wrote:

> I would put them = to DBX 2231 and one step below ashley
> I own a 2x31 symetrix eq and it works but is noithing to get hot over

I perceive the Symetrix EQ's to be quieter than Ashley GQX, though just not
quite as musical; sounding more like the dbx 2231, though a bit better IMO:
all is subjective, and based on limited experience. Ashley is quite noisy
compared to KT DN360, which I've A/B'd.

[Norman Hennessy]

Symetrix comps definately better than Alesis or behringer. Not sure if
they stack up to BSS.

[Shaun]

On 8/24/02 11:11 AM, Norman Hennessy top-posted:

Symetrix are quite good sounding compressors. They don't have as much
headroom as a pro-level KT/BSS/Drawmer unit, around 6 dB less, but are
probably the 2nd best overall brand choice for use with desks that have
unbalanced send/return channel inserts, next to #1: Drawmer's MX series.

[Gavin Ramsay]

"Shaun" <see.sign...@email.address> wrote in message

news:B98D2900.E0CA%see.sign...@email.address...

> On 8/24/02 11:11 AM, Norman Hennessy top-posted:

snip

> Symetrix are quite good sounding compressors. They don't have as much
> headroom as a pro-level KT/BSS/Drawmer unit, around 6 dB less, but are
> probably the 2nd best overall brand choice for use with desks that have
> unbalanced send/return channel inserts, next to #1: Drawmer's MX series.

What do you like about the Drawmer's - I'd forgotten about them...
My only memory of them is hating the white on black thing.

Gavin (looking for some more compressors)

--
***********************
Gavin Ramsay
Herringbone Productions
Scotland
***********************

[Shaun]

On 8/25/02 5:03 PM, Gavin Ramsay wrote:

> What do you like about the Drawmer's - I'd forgotten about them...
> My only memory of them is hating the white on black thing.
>
> Gavin (looking for some more compressors)

Good sound for the money, and good specs. Nice sounding comps, especially
on guitars. I think the DS-441 brighten things up a bit, vs KT DN500/504
and BSS DPR-404. Check out the new MX series, which is black-on-silver.
The quad "punch" gate is cool. I'm going to add a few new Drawmer 501's to
my FOH rig next spring, and sell the 201's which I never use.