VS-700C versus AlphaTrack

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madfloyd
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2009/11/02 15:38:59 (permalink)

VS-700C versus AlphaTrack

I have an Alphatrack and really enjoy using a control surface. I'm wondering how much better life would be with the VS-700C - has anyone used both?
 
What I don't like about the AlphaTrack: the cheap feel of the transport buttons.
 
What I love about the AlphaTrack: the easy song position slidey thingy.  I think the VS-700C is a rotary knob which I imagine would be harder to use.
 
Any comparison insight appreciated.
 
Thx.
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    AT
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    Re:VS-700C versus AlphaTrack 2009/11/02 16:41:46 (permalink)
    Madfloyd,

    the VS700 doesn't feel cheap, for sure.  I found the multiple faders excellent to work with, as long as I didn't get too complex w/ their track routing.  The jog/shuttle wheel is one of the great features of the VS-700.  Combined w/ the surrounding track increment/de buttons you can jump through a project - even a long one, easily.

    I haven't used the alpha track, but if you are using SONAr the VS700 C fits it like a glove.  Ergonomically it is great - you basically move through the project w/ the right hand using the wheels and buttons and choose a track, then hit a dedicated button w/ your left hand to perform functions.  It is tré cool.  You can leave the mouse behind for almost your entire SONAR session.

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    Crg
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    Re:VS-700C versus AlphaTrack 2009/11/02 20:51:54 (permalink)
    madfloyd


    I have an Alphatrack and really enjoy using a control surface. I'm wondering how much better life would be with the VS-700C - has anyone used both?
     
    What I don't like about the AlphaTrack: the cheap feel of the transport buttons.
     
    What I love about the AlphaTrack: the easy song position slidey thingy.  I think the VS-700C is a rotary knob which I imagine would be harder to use.
     
    Any comparison insight appreciated.
     
    Thx.


    I don't know about the Alpha track slidey thing but I can tell you the jog wheel and dial on the VS700 C is very easy to use and very accurate. It's much more than a rotary dial.

    Craig DuBuc
    #3
    madfloyd
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    Re:VS-700C versus AlphaTrack 2009/11/03 10:27:04 (permalink)
    Can you copy and paste via the controller?
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    AT
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    Re:VS-700C versus AlphaTrack 2009/11/03 11:10:06 (permalink)
    Yes, it has dedicated buttons for those operations.

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    there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.
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    madfloyd
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    Re:VS-700C versus AlphaTrack 2009/11/03 12:21:21 (permalink)
    Thanks, guys - I'm going to go for it!
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    madfloyd
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    Re:VS-700C versus AlphaTrack 2009/11/03 21:18:51 (permalink)
    I ordered the package (i.e. including the 700R); I'll have it Friday - very excited.

    A couple more questions if you don't mind (as I plan how I will integrate it):

    I'm hoping that the 700R will be able to replace my Mackie mixer and RME Fireface 400.  My mixer is a 24 channel beast on a small desk and I'm hoping to gain some space back.  :-)  I'm assuming I can use some of the inputs on the 700R just to monitor some external devices (e.g. drum machine etc) without having to go through the computer.  See anything wrong with that plan?

    Also, one thing I enjoyed about the RME is that it has a no-latency monitoring feature.  Does the 700R have something like that?  I would use it for tracking...
    And lastly, how many midi in/outs does it have?
    Thanks!
    post edited by madfloyd - 2009/11/03 21:20:07
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    Crg
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    Re:VS-700C versus AlphaTrack 2009/11/03 21:33:50 (permalink)
    What Mackie Mixer are you using? The V700R has one set of Midi I/O?
    The V700R has direct monitoring. I never use it because my latency is so small I don't need it and I prefer to hear the result of the system. My Midi merger works quite well into Sonar via USB and the V700R pass's the signal. You'll have to rethink your setup and routing when you use the V700R but I'm sure the Mackie Mixer will be a good pre to it.

    Craig DuBuc
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    madfloyd
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    Re:VS-700C versus AlphaTrack 2009/11/04 00:05:12 (permalink)
    I have the Mackie SR24-4-VLZ Pro.

    So you're thinking I should keep the Mackie? I use so little of it (mostly master volume for the output of my Fireface).  I have separate preamps for mics that go direct into my Fireface and other than monitoring a drum machine (which I just use for practicing bass) I don't use any other part of the mixer (so you can imagine it's a bit of waste). 

    I guess I'll have to keep my m-audio midi box.
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    Crg
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    Re:VS-700C versus AlphaTrack 2009/11/04 20:28:19 (permalink)
    I'm not real familiar with the SR24-4VLZ Pro. I use a Mackie 1604 VLZ3 which I use in split mode. I don't know if yours does this. I send the first 8 channels through the direct outs to a Motu 2408 Mk3 in standalone mode and send those 8 channels via ADAT to the V700R adding 8 channels to the 8 analog inputs of the V700R for 16 inputs.
    The first 8 outputs of the V700R I send back to the 1604 inputs 9-16 allowing me to monitor 8 or more channels selected in Sonar. Having the mixer in that loop allows me to add outboard effects to either side and use the mixer to send signal to the headphones and monitors as well as a standalone CD burner. Having the mixer there adds some flexibility.
    post edited by Crg - 2009/11/04 20:30:21

    Craig DuBuc
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    Zo
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    Re:VS-700C versus AlphaTrack 2009/11/04 20:34:22 (permalink)
    Hi CRG need your help on my thread ....can you have a look at the last message ...

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    #11
    madfloyd
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    Re:VS-700C versus AlphaTrack 2009/11/05 08:31:22 (permalink)
    Thanks, Craig.
     
    I used to own (the original?) 1604 VLZ and traded it in for my current mixer because at the time I needed more channels.  Now that I mostly use soft synths I wanted to simplify the chain and not have the mixer in the recording path (not sure if there's a sonic benefit to this).
     
    My solution might be simply stepping down to a smaller mixer - both physically and channel-wise.
     
    Ian
     
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    Crg
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    Re:VS-700C versus AlphaTrack 2009/11/05 20:25:49 (permalink)
    madfloyd


    Thanks, Craig.
     
    I used to own (the original?) 1604 VLZ and traded it in for my current mixer because at the time I needed more channels.  Now that I mostly use soft synths I wanted to simplify the chain and not have the mixer in the recording path (not sure if there's a sonic benefit to this).
     
    My solution might be simply stepping down to a smaller mixer - both physically and channel-wise.
     
    Ian
     

    If it's only about space, make more space. As you grow, you might need 24 channels again. A good mixer isn't cheap to replace and there are many uses for a mixer.

    Craig DuBuc
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    Brandon Ryan [Roland]
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    Re:VS-700C versus AlphaTrack 2009/11/06 20:50:32 (permalink)
    madfloyd


    Thanks, Craig.
     
    I used to own (the original?) 1604 VLZ and traded it in for my current mixer because at the time I needed more channels.  Now that I mostly use soft synths I wanted to simplify the chain and not have the mixer in the recording path (not sure if there's a sonic benefit to this).
     
    My solution might be simply stepping down to a smaller mixer - both physically and channel-wise.
     
    Ian
     
    Maybe hang on to the Mackie until you know you don't need it. You may very well find you don't need it anymore. You can direct monitor any source plugged into the VS-700R with the Direct Mix console and save presets etc. Your MIC pre gains can also be preset and easily adjusted. You will have to have the computer booted to use these functions however, but for me, I find I'm rarely playing anything other than an acoustic guitar without my PC booted up.

    I've used a mixer as a front and back end so to speak (DM-24 to be exact), but I find that with the Direct Mix and monitoring functions of the VS-700, I don't need it anymore and freeing up the space and cleaning up and simplifying the signal chain was actually pretty nice in the end.



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    #14
    madfloyd
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    Re:VS-700C versus AlphaTrack 2009/11/07 17:10:23 (permalink)
    Thanks for your thoughts, Brandon.   I just unboxed the 700R and 700C, much more impressive in person than in the pics!
    #15
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