Neve 511 vs SSL SIX CH Preamp Comparison (Audio Examples)

In this video I talk about both the #SSL #SIX CH and the #Neve511 #Pre-amps. I provide my opinion on the two preamps and also discuss features and provide audio examples.

[JerMarMusicGroup]

Drums and Percussion - SSL

Bass and Keys - Neve

Although the last track with the rhodes sounded cleaner on the SSL.
I am sold on both. They both do different things needed for a good mix! This is probably one of the best comparisons video about these two modules. Great job bro! 👊🏾💯

[PremierProducing]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video dude, really appreciate it

I feel like both of these units were really nice

The SSL seemed slightly wider on the bottom, but the Neve was tight top and bottom and more natural, the SSL is a sound that I particularly love especially when it comes to thickening the bottom up, so both these units would have a place in any studio

[preciseaudioblog]

For my ears, I take the Neve on Vocals, Bass and Rhodes. I take the SSL on the first drum beat. Cheers!

[uriel-heavensguardian]

Thank you flew this!! I’m looking at getting both of these. Tot did me a favor in reviewing both. Thank you.

[gregkinard]

Love the honesty.. it's nice to have shootouts like this to make more informed decisions... thanks again

[ndavies]

Awesome comparison. If you want that slight saturation go for Neve. If you want a punchy signal you will not go wrong with the SSL

[fattohead]

sorry guys but 551 beats the budget SSL. This is not VHD pre guys, and it doesn't saturate, you cannot push it hard, it's always lineer.. Neve has smoother high and better mid & lo-mid response which shows whats going on those freq like on drums and bass example.. Thank you for your effort, level matched great comparision!

[jasonplaysthebass]

The 511 crushes. I own four, and wouldn't hesitate to make a whole album with it, ever. It's amazing that SSL crammed all that stuff into a 500, but it's missing that transformer vibe. For roughly the same money as the SSL, get the Camden, then comp and EQ ITB.

[keeppushin]

DO you have any more 500 series? Please do more videos man im dying trying find audio examples

[INeedsMoneys]

for me, Neve wins on all aspects except attack and punch, which is something id rather obtain through a ssl g-comp anyway. Neve has a bit more depth to it i feel. i wonder what it would do to a stereo signal. great video!

[Kharrari]

The both sound great...I guess its just which one do you want in your studio. lol

[pkm]

The Neve sounds slightly brighter and fatter to my ears, but honestly, the difference is so tiny it's not worth worrying about. The gear you already have is good enough. Instead of wasting your time comparing SSL, Neve, API and so-on, spend your time and effort trying to get the best performance, the best acoustic environment, the best mic-placement, the best mixing decisions - all these factors are many orders of magnitude more important that what hardware you're sending it through.

[dpinskey]

I’d put both of these in my rack. Have the 511 and 517 both of which I love. But I can see where the SSL would offer a more transparent audio capture with some shaping capabilities for a really nice price.

[gunjabeans]

To really get a feel we need to hear a whole mix recorded with each. But none the less this goes to show that SSL put together a very attractive piece for not a whole lot of dough. The RND does have a bit more openness but these are line examples. We need to hear the mics on various sources.

[neilanderson]

Not sure the ssl sounds more gritty. I’d venture to say the neve is more gritty. What do you think? :)

[blakealanfoster]

The Neve pre-amp does sound a bit clearer but the character of the SSL isn't bad at all and for the price difference I don't see why you wouldn't go with the SSL. If you are wanting a transparent pre-amp and EQ it's not that hard to do that with a way cheaper pre-amp and mix in the box. I know some people just like using hardware and like to own "Neve" shit, but for real, if you are being practical about it I would find more use for the SSL and you can almost get two of them if you find the right place to get them for the price of the Neve gear. The SSL also has a phase switch, so if you are trying to set up an external mixing set-up and record with differing set-ups in a real studio application, that phase switch can be a life saver. Gives you just another option if you want to use it to mix or use it as an external compressor/color. A little dirtier, a lot more versatile and much cheaper. Clear winner here IMHO.

[kmguang]

low end 511 win, price SSL winI used the NEVE 1073DPA for many years, and it is very good to use it for lead vocals and lead instruments, and when recording vocal harmony, I usually play it directly with my own words on OMNI, because he does not stand out, NEVE sound is too easy to stand out in the overall mix, especially if you record an acoustic guitar strum, it will also grab the focus of the vocals

[pythgoreansassistant]

I'm not going to say the difference is drastic, but the Neve sounds cleaner and more dynamic. The SSL sounds punchier and heavier, but again, these are subtle differences.

[deiwar]

Why not compare Neve 517? Was it out then?

[doraysmith]

Speaking of SSL....they just came out with that new SSL Big Six mixer TODAY ( i think)...theres only a few channels talking about it...if you take that and add API The Channel Strip and the Neve Shelford and a few good mics...you ready!!!!