It is a HUGE pain hahaha It usually takes me 4-8 Hours to re-do everything in my Studio Desk Setup! I try to do a few videos Whenever I take apart my gear to either add something or move things around! Cheers - Ryan
I think it has to do with pride or arrogance/ignorance. When I post something "stupid" like routing or connection issues on a group such as Cubase Pro on FB, I get completey ignored by everyone. And then you see other pro engineers posting some bs that isn't even relevant or a question, like what plug-in they are testing out, or what they did today, expecting me to care, and expecting an answer from everyone, as if they are more important than me. So I can't ask a stupid question like how many cables I need for my 500-series lunchbox or something like that on groups like that, cause you'll essentially get ridiculed. So it's nice to be able to finally talk with someone who doesn't expect me to know everything when it comes to how to connect stuff.
This is the only one vid on youtube for about this subject!!! Thank you for your time and your knowledge sir !!! I have a question and need some inlight to it.. Can you use a lunchbox like this with preamps ,eq's and comp's for mixing in the DAW as you make use of the plugins at already recorded multiple tracks(different settings per tack)? Or you can only use it for real time recording? I use rme 802 and plugins and i was thinking if i could get better quality at my mixes if this senario is possible.. Buy the real things and not use the copy plugins.
Awesome super easy explanation my friend ! I am just starting to researching adding a lunch box to my setup and this was first video I watched and I have full grasped the routing , so thank you very much !! Going to SUB now ❤
Hi thanks for this video! Does the pass through work the same way on other 500 racks... I have the RND R6 with 7-8 pass through... It hurts my brain a little bit thinking about it. Thanks for the info!
Great video, thanks for posting it. I‘ve always wondered how that pass through works. I have just bought my first patchbay (a trs one). My lunchbox so far has 2 compressors, an eq and a tape simulator. Am I correct in thinking that instead of using a DB25 to female xlr on the lunchbox input, I could use a DB25 to trs which would plug into my patch bay, and then patch in and out of the modules in my lunchbox via my trs patch bay?
Great Video. The only issue is, there is no way to add this to a 1/4 " patch panel because input to DAW are used. So I can't patch any other outboard gear.
Hey man, this is a very nice video and helped clear a bunch of confusion I had about rigging it up. I had a quick question regarding the Apollo and was wondering if you can also track vocals with UAD plugins such as Autotune, Reverb, etc once they come into the interface
I def didn't understand what was going on here. 😅 Your 2 microphone cables went to the 2 grey preamps, right? And then, your preamps went to the lunchbox, right? 2 signals in, but 8 cables going back to the Audio interface. Not sure why... 🤔 I thought the 500 series were all linked in series. Unless you actually went a step ahead to isolate each 500series, right? And lastly, why TRS cables back to the Audio Interface? Sorry for the number of questions, I'm just super confused on what is going on 😅 Thanks!
There are 6 Preamps in the Lunchbox and 2 External Preamps. They all work Seperately in the Lunchbox. You can use Compressors, Preamps, EQs, etc... in Lunchboxes , however you’d be best to use another Patchbay (TRS) for proper routing. Preamps output at Line Level, not Mic Level so you would benefit from using TRS rather than XLR. XLR From the Mic to the Preamp, TRS from the Preamp to the Interface. Cheers -Ryan
Hey man! Super helpful video! I do have a question though. Im new to the 500 series world, is it possible to use more than one module on a track? How would i go about running into a preamp and then into a EQ or Compressor? Cant find any info online!
On the back of the Lunchbox you would just simply go from the output of one into the input of the next.so if you want to use the first 3 of your modules then you would simply go from the output of #1 into the input of #2, then from the output of #2 into the input of #3. Obviously you would start in the Input of #1 and end on the output of #3. It's pretty easy to do. It's just a matter of finding whatever chain works best for you. And of course making sure you have short XLR patch cables haha. Cheers -Ryan
@@Crypticmaskguitar Awesome! Seems easy enough! In the patch bay would I then choose whatever input i end on? Like, if i linked 1-3, I would then run channel 3 out of the patchbay into my interface? Trying to wrap my head around it without actually having the equipment in front of me!
You may have to bypass the patch bay in this scenario, well at least the way that it is set up here. The way that I have it set up is for my Microphone Inputs... so you would want to begin on the first input in that scenario. I'd do a video for this type of setup, however, I don't have the Lunchbox 6 anymore. I have the Lunchbox 8P now. Cheers -Ryan
I have an avalon 737 so... what about the line input , the return can I still use the mic input to put the actual mic and the out and the line in as you set it ? Using the db25 hope the question isnt too confusing thanx in advance!!
Hey man! First want to say, thank you so much for making this video! I couldn’t find anything regarding the setup of one of these and it’s really helpful. I’m considering getting into this world, but I have a quick question : I’ve got an Apollo Twin at the moment, and the preamps in the twin sound pretty good as is, and UAD has a lot of emulation technology plug ins with unison. So I have to ask, what is the purpose of bypassing (In your case as well) your stock Universal Audio preamps and going with an external, analog one. Is the sound that much cleaner and full with an analog pre than just sticking with the UAudio Pre’s?
A few reasons. Tactile interfaces are a little more preferred to me for a preamp. I trust the quality of actual circuitry that my Mic is going through as it is sort of the main thing that my sound is being processed with. Another reason is DSP. The UAD Preamps just suck out available DSP. If your twin is a DUO then you basically can only use one preamp at a time and barely anything else. The preamps from UAD are pretty good, Have quite a few of them but I really prefer external preamps. Cheers -Ryan
So if I understand this correctly, the XLR inputs 1-6 are for each individual 500 series module, and then 7 and 8 are for the two UA preamps; likewise, the TRS outputs 1-6 and 7 and 8 are going into the audio interface. So let's say I had a compressor and an EQ module in slots 3 and 4 of the lunchbox, how would I route the output of the first UA preamp into the input of the compressor and then through the EQ before going back into the audio interface? Edit: Never mind, I just read a helpful reply you left to another person where you explained that it would be done on the rear of the lunchbox, makes sense!
Thanks, really helpful. Same principle I guess for connecting to Apollo Twin USB (Minus DB25 cable and patchbay plus ind.cables)?Actually not sure this would work for me? I would only want to use module EQ and compressor. Apollo unsion mic pre plugs are good. Irrespective, excellent vid.
They are not included with the unit but they can be ordered at any music store or amazon, please subscribe and hope to hear again from you soon - Kevin
Solid video man. I had a question regarding this to say, an RME or Lynx AD/DA converter. Since you are in essence bypassing the preamps in the Apollo if I’m not mistaken, would the setup be similar? I have a few 500 series preamps and an 8 channel preamp.
hey there thanks for the great introduction to the lunchbox. I was wondering if this would work my interface. I'm using a Lynx Aurora 16 with DSUB ins and outs.
Yes. It would fit perfectly. I'd recommend the Lunchbox 8, unless you have a lot of External Preamps that aren't 500 series. I'm currently using an API Lunchbox 8 with a Universal Audio Apollo 16b. Cheers -Ryan
Thanks for that! That's great to hear I can have better cable management with the Lunchbox 8. I don't have a lot of external preamps yet, so I think I'm gonna go in this direction with the Lunchbox 8 like your set up. Did you get a Patchbay with DSUBs as well? Really appreciate your help.
No DSub Patchbay or anything. Just an XLR Patchbay and that's basically for ease of use and cable management. I'm not much for physical EQs and Compressors, I find the UAD Plugs pretty satisfactory. Cheers -Ryan
Great demo, I have a very similar set up - Apollo + 710 + Radial W8 + Patchbay. I'm left with one question... At apox 2:25.. Output to Output...(creating a pass-through) I get the concept but.. you would need a male to male XLR... no? I'm sure I'm missing something..
Haha it's messed up for sure. Pretty much the pass through is telling you where to connect the XLR Cables on your external device. So you would connect "Output" from the Lunchbox to the "Output" on the external device. So the external device would be the one that uses the Male XLR and the Lunchbox would get the Female XLR. The "Output" on the Lunchbox's Passthrough is actually an Input for the External Devices Output. It is VERY odd, for sure! Cheers -Ryan
It’s a major hassle, but absolutely it will work. The patchbay allows you to maneuver much easier. Otherwise making changes can be very painful. Cheers -Ryan
I'm relatively new to recording especially with 500 series. I'm a little confused on how to route multiple modules into a single input in Pro Tools. For example if I wanted to record a vocal going into a preamp > EQ > compressor > pro tools track input. How would I do this?
Thanks for Watching! 500 series can be a little tricky when you are looking to route things through each other. Ideally you'd want to get a patch bay. That way you can route your signal through the appropriate chain. It's also a little hard to explain, but, you would want to Use the last part of your chain as your input. So if you were going Pre > EQ > Compressor you would have your input as the compressor and you would daisy chain everything through your patch bay. Hope that was a good enough answer for you. I've always found that a little rough myself, that's why I love my Universal Audio Apollos haha their plugins are great for EQ, Compression, Limiting, etc... and you don't have to chain anything using cables. Cheers - Ryan
So how do you know which 500 series module you're using with each input? say you want to use the vintech 573 would that be input 5 on the patchbay? and input 7 and 8 on the patchbay would be the 710 twin-finity? Just making sure i'm understanding this, since i'm looking to get a small 500 series rack, instead of using my interface pre's.
Thanks for Watching! You are correct! All you would do is set your inputs on the corresponding outputs on the patchbay. So you would make sure that outputs 1-8 on the Patchbay go to inputs 1-8 on the Lunchbox (in the same order). So I have my API 512c on slot 4/ input 4 and my Vintech VA573 on slot 5/input 5 to use them I would just plug my XLR Cables into Inputs 4 and 5. Welcome to the world of 500 series!! It's great, but a little bit addictive!! Cheers! - Ryan
ok thats what i figured, but i was just making sure, thanks man hopefully i can get some soon. Now that i know how DB25 cables work, i have more options for power supplies
For the external preamp are you putting into a un use port on lunchbox. I’m trying to setup my external preamp only have one. So I have a aux output and output. Now if I have a neve 1073 in lunchbox in slot number two, do I put the pre amp on output on port three or one. Or do I actually put it onto port two.
The open ports for XLR on the Lunchbox would be 7 and 8. 1 through 6 are the slots on the front. So for an external preamp you use the 7 and 8 Passthroughs, like in the video. Cheers -Ryan
Appreciate only have a six bay, so will use slot number six. Adding more slowly. Thanks now also if my preamp is already hooked into my Apollo, am I good just to leave that setup and just hook up the output and output?
Watch the video starting at 2:23 that shows you exactly how to connect External Preamps to the Lunchbox 6. You don't want to go through 1-6, you use 7 or 8. Cheers -Ryan
What if you were to mic up a drum kit with this set up with 4 mics (or any multiple mics), wouldn’t all 4 mic signals go through the same signal chain? What would happen if you liked what the lunchbox compressor was doing to the snare but not what it was doing to the kick? I have much more understanding now than before I watched this video but I’m still kind of confused haha
in this setup it is 8 separate Signal Chains. There aren't any compressors in this setup, just Preamps. But if you were to have compressors in the mix then it would be attached to a single track that way you could have a compressor on the kick only. otherwise you would have to do that work in post. Cheers -Ryan
TriCrow Studios thank you, that really helps! I was under the impression that each module flowed into the module next to it like a channel strip, so that’s what tripped me up Wow I can finally rest easy, that was driving me crazy hahaha Thanks again! :)
Thanks for this video. I'm curious though and trying to learn more. The Apollo is big$ and we're essentially by-passing all of the pres to use these modules. Is the big$ necessary for the A/D conversion, UA plugins etc? Are there cheaper interfaces out there with just as good conversion?
A/D Conversion on UA's stuff is great (especially from their 2nd Gen Apollos on). The big upside to them is overall quality and their UAD Plugs. The Apollo allows you to record them on the way in and then use them in post, which is huge. You could look for cheaper interfaces with good conversion rates... but you'd be losing out on the UAD Plugs and when it comes to having 8 Line Inputs on an Interface you are generally talking about more $ or shit quality. Personally, the only thing I would look for outside of UA would be Antelope's stuff, which is More $ than UA. When it comes to your Recording Signal Chain... you don't want to cheap out. But of course if you are investing in a Lunchbox then you are already spending a fair amount on Pre's, The Chassis, and Cables... so spending the money on a proper professional interface isn't going to be a big deal. Cheers -Ryan
Yes. I don't have this one anymore as I upgraded to the 16b a few years back. They're great interfaces, plug ins are decent, and the Luna DAW is good... when it works. It has been a nightmare for the last month and a half! Cheers -Ryan
+Satyros2os The passthrough function is more of a benefit for the DB25 INs/OUTs from the lunchbox. But yes the idea is to keep them all in the same place, cable management... which is HUGE when you have lots of outboard gear! Cheers - Ryan
Hello there! I require some help. If I were to buy an API Lunchbox and a db to male xlr cable, (8 male xlr) would I then be able to connect it to my Focusrite Scarlett 18i20? It has 8 mic preamps (xlr) on it. It is a usb interface as well.
You would be able to! You may have some issues with connecting them to the front panel, however, if you are getting the 6B Lunchbox you have 6 slots for preamps and you have 6 inputs on the rear of the 18i20. It may be a bit of a stretch to connect in the back AND the rear, though. Cheers -Ryan
Wouldn't a better setup be to have two of those patch bays? I feel like you should have a bay for input and a bay for output and then a separate patch bay that would be a "send to AI". Otherwise, you have to go behind the unit every time you want to setup a signal chain between slots. This way you could "Patch" in your signal chain between the in/out bays and then you would just send that signal to the input on the AI you want to?
I think you may have misunderstood the video. With this setup you do not need to go behind the unit ever again as each individual preamp is connected to the back of the XLR patchbay individually via the DB25 cable.. So in this instance when you plug your microphones via XLR cable into the front of the XLR patchbay (List Below Of The Ppeamps That Corresponds With XLR Input #s). You are connected directly to that specific preamp. This saves rack room and creates effective cable management, So In Shorter Terms (Sorry For The Long Ramble) You Plug Your Microphone Into The Front of the Patchbay which is connected to the Lunchbox (DB-2) which is connected to the interface (DB-25) I Hope this answered your question, thank you for checking out our video and please subscribe. - Kevin XLR Input #: 1. Lindell Audio 2. Radial 3. Warm 4. API 5. Vintech 6. Golden Audio 7. Twin Finity 1 8. Twin Finity 2
@@Crypticmaskguitar How to you chain them together? You went from the in to the patch bay but your output you sent from the DB25 straight to each input on the AI. Unless I missed something.
Theres 2 different DB25 cables, 1 DB25 cable has TRS jacks going into the apollo interface and the other DB25 cable has XLR going into the XLR patchbay - Kevin
@@Crypticmaskguitar exactly... Patch bay --> INTO Chassis INPUT The other is Chassis --> AI Not sure how you connect slot 1 to slot 2 in a chain because all of your outputs go directly to the AI Unless that's what your are saying is that they aren't always connected??
Here is the 2 Different DB25 Cables And Where They Go: DB25 to Female XLR Cable XLR plugs into back of Patchbay The DB25 Input for this cable is located at the bottom of the lunchbox DB25 to TRS Cable TRS plugs into Audio Interface The DB25 output is located at the top of the lunchbox So all of the preamps are on and ready to go as soon as you plug your microphone cable into the front of the patchbay, so if i record with the 710 finity for instance i will see that track number 7 is what will be recorded to on the apollo which matched the xlr input on the patchbay - Kevin
I only use my Lunchbox for Microphone Preamps. I've found quite a bit of success with the UAD2 plugins from Universal Audio, so unless I start splurging on LA2A's or some 1176's... I'll keep it that way lol. Otherwise you would need to look into what types of outputs your Audio Interface has so you can setup a send and return path for your mixes. I would HIGHLY recommend that you look into some good plugins for mix/master as it is MUCH easier for routing. Cheers -Ryan
The Patch Bay would actually INCREASE the amount of XLR Cables needed. The Patch Bay is used to clean up your setup and your room. The DB25 Cables will decrease the amount of XLR Cables as they work as a snake. The problem that you can run into without the Patch Bay is that you will need to run your cables from the rear of the Lunchbox unit so you will need to Label your Cables and it gets a little harder overtime you have to change out cables. The Patch Bay keeps everything clean and allows you to "HOT SWAP" Preamp Inputs... so if you are working with a vocalist and you have 6 preamps and you want to test them out... you can just move the XLR Input at the Patch Bay rather than going over to the mic and unplugging the cables from the Microphone and changing your cables there. Like I said CLEANER lol if you don't use DB25 Cables you will need 12 XLR Cables, if you don't use the DB25 Cables and you want to use the Patch Bay then it would be a MINIMUM of 13 XLR Cables. If you use DB25 Cables then you need the 2 sets of DB25 Cables and a Minimum of 1 XLR Cable. Cheers -Ryan
Thanks a lot for your help mate! I appretiate it! So if I only need 2 DB25 cables and 1 XLR cable, then it obviously sounds wiser to get a patch bay. Cause I was thinking about buying Vovox XLR cables, but those cables are very expensive. And I'm too fat to crawl underneath the studio desk lol. Well I can do it, but it's a PITA, and I can barely move, let alone patch a bunch of cables. So you have enlightened me with a new idea. It's a pitty I'm out of rack space lol! But I'll just get a patch bay anyway.
I had a look at the Switchcraft patchbays. However, I'm not sure if they sell Switchcraft patchbays in Norway. I found some other companies though, like DBX.
Cable Management, mostly. I currently have 12 External Preamps and about 30 or so Microphones... this allows me to avoid tripping hazards and plug in whatever mic(s) I need to whatever plugin. Hope that answers your question. Cheers! -Ryan
On your Interface or whatever preamp that you have (as long as it has a Hi-Z Input). If I DI a Bass Guitar then I will usually use the HI-Z on my Vintech VA573 or API 512c as the 573 gives it some colouration. So whatever works best for you. Cheers -Ryan
Nobody ever shows the connections on their gear, due to it being a pain I'm sure but this is the kind of thing I've been wanting to see, thanks!
It is a HUGE pain hahaha It usually takes me 4-8 Hours to re-do everything in my Studio Desk Setup! I try to do a few videos Whenever I take apart my gear to either add something or move things around! Cheers - Ryan
I think it has to do with pride or arrogance/ignorance. When I post something "stupid" like routing or connection issues on a group such as Cubase Pro on FB, I get completey ignored by everyone. And then you see other pro engineers posting some bs that isn't even relevant or a question, like what plug-in they are testing out, or what they did today, expecting me to care, and expecting an answer from everyone, as if they are more important than me. So I can't ask a stupid question like how many cables I need for my 500-series lunchbox or something like that on groups like that, cause you'll essentially get ridiculed. So it's nice to be able to finally talk with someone who doesn't expect me to know everything when it comes to how to connect stuff.
This is the only one vid on youtube for about this subject!!! Thank you for your time and your knowledge sir !!! I have a question and need some inlight to it.. Can you use a lunchbox like this with preamps ,eq's and comp's for mixing in the DAW as you make use of the plugins at already recorded multiple tracks(different settings per tack)? Or you can only use it for real time recording? I use rme 802 and plugins and i was thinking if i could get better quality at my mixes if this senario is possible.. Buy the real things and not use the copy plugins.
this is why he did the routing. Now you can put every device as "external device" (so it named in Ableton) and put it everywhere you want
Great video there! I'm new to the world of lunchboxes and in the planning phase of building my home studio. This is too good! Subscribed!
Awesome super easy explanation my friend ! I am just starting to researching adding a lunch box to my setup and this was first video I watched and I have full grasped the routing , so thank you very much !! Going to SUB now ❤
Thank you for sharing this. Definitely helpful to actually see you had a hook all of this up
Hi thanks for this video! Does the pass through work the same way on other 500 racks... I have the RND R6 with 7-8 pass through... It hurts my brain a little bit thinking about it. Thanks for the info!
Awesome video, short and straight to the point!!! Subscribed!
Great video, thanks for posting it. I‘ve always wondered how that pass through works. I have just bought my first patchbay (a trs one). My lunchbox so far has 2 compressors, an eq and a tape simulator. Am I correct in thinking that instead of using a DB25 to female xlr on the lunchbox input, I could use a DB25 to trs which would plug into my patch bay, and then patch in and out of the modules in my lunchbox via my trs patch bay?
That is correct. Itt's simply just a cleaner way to connect your cables. Cheers -Ryan
Awesome, thanks mate!
You answered all my questions in one video, thanks.
Great Video. The only issue is, there is no way to add this to a 1/4 " patch panel because input to DAW are used. So I can't patch any other outboard gear.
That was extremely helpful. Appreciate it dude
Good setup! Hey for mixing what’s ur fixed for delays with the apollo. I use protools. Cheers
Hey man, this is a very nice video and helped clear a bunch of confusion I had about rigging it up. I had a quick question regarding the Apollo and was wondering if you can also track vocals with UAD plugins such as Autotune, Reverb, etc once they come into the interface
The Apollo allows you to use plugins on the way in and in post. So yes, without any problems. Cheers -Ryan
I like this kinds of videos, if you're ever connecting something complex, you should record it :)
been looking for video like this...thanks for making it
Great video thanks!
I def didn't understand what was going on here. 😅
Your 2 microphone cables went to the 2 grey preamps, right?
And then, your preamps went to the lunchbox, right?
2 signals in, but 8 cables going back to the Audio interface. Not sure why... 🤔
I thought the 500 series were all linked in series. Unless you actually went a step ahead to isolate each 500series, right?
And lastly, why TRS cables back to the Audio Interface?
Sorry for the number of questions, I'm just super confused on what is going on 😅
Thanks!
There are 6 Preamps in the Lunchbox and 2 External Preamps. They all work Seperately in the Lunchbox. You can use Compressors, Preamps, EQs, etc... in Lunchboxes , however you’d be best to use another Patchbay (TRS) for proper routing.
Preamps output at Line Level, not Mic Level so you would benefit from using TRS rather than XLR. XLR From the Mic to the Preamp, TRS from the Preamp to the Interface. Cheers -Ryan
What do you do for compressors when you want to track with them?
You can add a patch bay to this set up. Cheers -Ryan
Hey man! Super helpful video! I do have a question though. Im new to the 500 series world, is it possible to use more than one module on a track? How would i go about running into a preamp and then into a EQ or Compressor? Cant find any info online!
On the back of the Lunchbox you would just simply go from the output of one into the input of the next.so if you want to use the first 3 of your modules then you would simply go from the output of #1 into the input of #2, then from the output of #2 into the input of #3. Obviously you would start in the Input of #1 and end on the output of #3. It's pretty easy to do. It's just a matter of finding whatever chain works best for you. And of course making sure you have short XLR patch cables haha. Cheers -Ryan
@@Crypticmaskguitar Awesome! Seems easy enough! In the patch bay would I then choose whatever input i end on? Like, if i linked 1-3, I would then run channel 3 out of the patchbay into my interface? Trying to wrap my head around it without actually having the equipment in front of me!
You may have to bypass the patch bay in this scenario, well at least the way that it is set up here. The way that I have it set up is for my Microphone Inputs... so you would want to begin on the first input in that scenario. I'd do a video for this type of setup, however, I don't have the Lunchbox 6 anymore. I have the Lunchbox 8P now. Cheers -Ryan
Shayne Long , pretty sure there are jumpers inside the lunchbox that let you run consecutive slots into one another for that purpose?
Have you figured this out yet? been looking everywhere for a solution.
Informative
I have an avalon 737 so... what about the line input , the return can I still use the mic input to put the actual mic and the out and the line in as you set it ? Using the db25 hope the question isnt too confusing thanx in advance!!
Hey man! First want to say, thank you so much for making this video! I couldn’t find anything regarding the setup of one of these and it’s really helpful. I’m considering getting into this world, but I have a quick question : I’ve got an Apollo Twin at the moment, and the preamps in the twin sound pretty good as is, and UAD has a lot of emulation technology plug ins with unison. So I have to ask, what is the purpose of bypassing (In your case as well) your stock Universal Audio preamps and going with an external, analog one. Is the sound that much cleaner and full with an analog pre than just sticking with the UAudio Pre’s?
A few reasons. Tactile interfaces are a little more preferred to me for a preamp. I trust the quality of actual circuitry that my Mic is going through as it is sort of the main thing that my sound is being processed with. Another reason is DSP. The UAD Preamps just suck out available DSP. If your twin is a DUO then you basically can only use one preamp at a time and barely anything else. The preamps from UAD are pretty good, Have quite a few of them but I really prefer external preamps. Cheers -Ryan
So if I understand this correctly, the XLR inputs 1-6 are for each individual 500 series module, and then 7 and 8 are for the two UA preamps; likewise, the TRS outputs 1-6 and 7 and 8 are going into the audio interface. So let's say I had a compressor and an EQ module in slots 3 and 4 of the lunchbox, how would I route the output of the first UA preamp into the input of the compressor and then through the EQ before going back into the audio interface?
Edit: Never mind, I just read a helpful reply you left to another person where you explained that it would be done on the rear of the lunchbox, makes sense!
Congrats for the nice helpful video. Can be used a Mixer insteed of two preamps .I'm looking forward for your reply
Same principals, so it should work just the same. Cheers -Ryan
@@Crypticmaskguitar Thanks Man ..Cheers and stay safe
Thanks, really helpful. Same principle I guess for connecting to Apollo Twin USB (Minus DB25 cable and patchbay plus ind.cables)?Actually not sure this would work for me? I would only want to use module EQ and compressor. Apollo unsion mic pre plugs are good. Irrespective, excellent vid.
Thanks for the video bro. One question, are these DB25 inlcuded in the lunchbox?
They are not included with the unit but they can be ordered at any music store or amazon, please subscribe and hope to hear again from you soon
- Kevin
Solid video man. I had a question regarding this to say, an RME or Lynx AD/DA converter. Since you are in essence bypassing the preamps in the Apollo if I’m not mistaken, would the setup be similar? I have a few 500 series preamps and an 8 channel preamp.
Should be the exact same. You are going Line Input and bypassing the Preamps. Cheers -Ryan
hey there thanks for the great introduction to the lunchbox. I was wondering if this would work my interface. I'm using a Lynx Aurora 16 with DSUB ins and outs.
Yes. It would fit perfectly. I'd recommend the Lunchbox 8, unless you have a lot of External Preamps that aren't 500 series. I'm currently using an API Lunchbox 8 with a Universal Audio Apollo 16b. Cheers -Ryan
Thanks for that! That's great to hear I can have better cable management with the Lunchbox 8. I don't have a lot of external preamps yet, so I think I'm gonna go in this direction with the Lunchbox 8 like your set up. Did you get a Patchbay with DSUBs as well? Really appreciate your help.
No DSub Patchbay or anything. Just an XLR Patchbay and that's basically for ease of use and cable management. I'm not much for physical EQs and Compressors, I find the UAD Plugs pretty satisfactory. Cheers -Ryan
@@Crypticmaskguitar Ahh i see. So you are using mainly preamps? That's true. I'm using the UAD firewire satellite DUO. The plug-ins are amazing.
Yeah just Preamps. The 16b is a Quad, I've got an Octo Satellite, and an Apollo Twin Duo. I've got DSP for days lol Cheers -Ryan
i havent bought the lunchbox and im already having my head blown.. am looking forward for this :)
Thanks for Watching! your head will only re-blow itself as time goes on hahaha! Cheers - Ryan
Thank you so much
Great demo, I have a very similar set up - Apollo + 710 + Radial W8 + Patchbay. I'm left with one question... At apox 2:25.. Output to Output...(creating a pass-through) I get the concept but.. you would need a male to male XLR... no? I'm sure I'm missing something..
Haha it's messed up for sure. Pretty much the pass through is telling you where to connect the XLR Cables on your external device. So you would connect "Output" from the Lunchbox to the "Output" on the external device. So the external device would be the one that uses the Male XLR and the Lunchbox would get the Female XLR. The "Output" on the Lunchbox's Passthrough is actually an Input for the External Devices Output. It is VERY odd, for sure! Cheers -Ryan
You dont actually need a patchbay? Would it work if you use XLR to TRS cables and connect 500 series rack straight to your audio interface?
It’s a major hassle, but absolutely it will work. The patchbay allows you to maneuver much easier. Otherwise making changes can be very painful. Cheers -Ryan
@@Crypticmaskguitar I dont have much devices yet. Maybe for the future. Or just putting them in a chain and just by-passing. Cheers and good luck
will this method work for my rack compressor as well? using a vintage king rack 500 and it has the 7 and 8 channels when used with db25
As long as the Vintage King has the Pass Through then you should be fine. Cheers -Ryan
I'm relatively new to recording especially with 500 series. I'm a little confused on how to route multiple modules into a single input in Pro Tools. For example if I wanted to record a vocal going into a preamp > EQ > compressor > pro tools track input. How would I do this?
Thanks for Watching! 500 series can be a little tricky when you are looking to route things through each other. Ideally you'd want to get a patch bay. That way you can route your signal through the appropriate chain. It's also a little hard to explain, but, you would want to Use the last part of your chain as your input. So if you were going Pre > EQ > Compressor you would have your input as the compressor and you would daisy chain everything through your patch bay. Hope that was a good enough answer for you. I've always found that a little rough myself, that's why I love my Universal Audio Apollos haha their plugins are great for EQ, Compression, Limiting, etc... and you don't have to chain anything using cables. Cheers - Ryan
Awesome thank you, that's what I sort of figured. I appreciate it!
What about a set up guide for lunchbox and interface only?
Do you mean with Individual cables instead of DB25? It's the same steps. Cheers -Ryan
So, did you use these eight mic preamps to add 8 channels to your interface?
So how do you know which 500 series module you're using with each input? say you want to use the vintech 573 would that be input 5 on the patchbay? and input 7 and 8 on the patchbay would be the 710 twin-finity? Just making sure i'm understanding this, since i'm looking to get a small 500 series rack, instead of using my interface pre's.
Thanks for Watching! You are correct! All you would do is set your inputs on the corresponding outputs on the patchbay. So you would make sure that outputs 1-8 on the Patchbay go to inputs 1-8 on the Lunchbox (in the same order). So I have my API 512c on slot 4/ input 4 and my Vintech VA573 on slot 5/input 5 to use them I would just plug my XLR Cables into Inputs 4 and 5. Welcome to the world of 500 series!! It's great, but a little bit addictive!! Cheers! - Ryan
ok thats what i figured, but i was just making sure, thanks man hopefully i can get some soon. Now that i know how DB25 cables work, i have more options for power supplies
For the external preamp are you putting into a un use port on lunchbox. I’m trying to setup my external preamp only have one. So I have a aux output and output. Now if I have a neve 1073 in lunchbox in slot number two, do I put the pre amp on output on port three or one. Or do I actually put it onto port two.
The open ports for XLR on the Lunchbox would be 7 and 8. 1 through 6 are the slots on the front. So for an external preamp you use the 7 and 8 Passthroughs, like in the video. Cheers -Ryan
Appreciate only have a six bay, so will use slot number six. Adding more slowly. Thanks now also if my preamp is already hooked into my Apollo, am I good just to leave that setup and just hook up the output and output?
Watch the video starting at 2:23 that shows you exactly how to connect External Preamps to the Lunchbox 6. You don't want to go through 1-6, you use 7 or 8. Cheers -Ryan
Cool vid. Thanks !
What if you were to mic up a drum kit with this set up with 4 mics (or any multiple mics), wouldn’t all 4 mic signals go through the same signal chain?
What would happen if you liked what the lunchbox compressor was doing to the snare but not what it was doing to the kick?
I have much more understanding now than before I watched this video but I’m still kind of confused haha
in this setup it is 8 separate Signal Chains. There aren't any compressors in this setup, just Preamps. But if you were to have compressors in the mix then it would be attached to a single track that way you could have a compressor on the kick only. otherwise you would have to do that work in post. Cheers -Ryan
TriCrow Studios thank you, that really helps! I was under the impression that each module flowed into the module next to it like a channel strip, so that’s what tripped me up
Wow I can finally rest easy, that was driving me crazy hahaha
Thanks again! :)
Thanks for this video. I'm curious though and trying to learn more. The Apollo is big$ and we're essentially by-passing all of the pres to use these modules. Is the big$ necessary for the A/D conversion, UA plugins etc? Are there cheaper interfaces out there with just as good conversion?
A/D Conversion on UA's stuff is great (especially from their 2nd Gen Apollos on). The big upside to them is overall quality and their UAD Plugs. The Apollo allows you to record them on the way in and then use them in post, which is huge. You could look for cheaper interfaces with good conversion rates... but you'd be losing out on the UAD Plugs and when it comes to having 8 Line Inputs on an Interface you are generally talking about more $ or shit quality. Personally, the only thing I would look for outside of UA would be Antelope's stuff, which is More $ than UA. When it comes to your Recording Signal Chain... you don't want to cheap out. But of course if you are investing in a Lunchbox then you are already spending a fair amount on Pre's, The Chassis, and Cables... so spending the money on a proper professional interface isn't going to be a big deal. Cheers -Ryan
Appreciate the advice.
Is that the Apollo 6x?
No that was the first Apollo 8. Cheers -Ryan
@@Crypticmaskguitar thx do you still use the Apollo series?
Yes. I don't have this one anymore as I upgraded to the 16b a few years back. They're great interfaces, plug ins are decent, and the Luna DAW is good... when it works. It has been a nightmare for the last month and a half! Cheers -Ryan
So the passthrough function allows you to keep all your inputs in one place (the lunchbox) rather than going behind each piece of gear?
+Satyros2os The passthrough function is more of a benefit for the DB25 INs/OUTs from the lunchbox. But yes the idea is to keep them all in the same place, cable management... which is HUGE when you have lots of outboard gear! Cheers - Ryan
+TriCrow Studios Cool , great video Ryan. Keep it up!
DUDE. HOLY SHIT. THANK YOU. You rock!!!!
Hello there! I require some help. If I were to buy an API Lunchbox and a db to male xlr cable, (8 male xlr) would I then be able to connect it to my Focusrite Scarlett 18i20? It has 8 mic preamps (xlr) on it. It is a usb interface as well.
You would be able to! You may have some issues with connecting them to the front panel, however, if you are getting the 6B Lunchbox you have 6 slots for preamps and you have 6 inputs on the rear of the 18i20. It may be a bit of a stretch to connect in the back AND the rear, though. Cheers -Ryan
Thank you very much! The xlr cables are 3 metres long, so space will not be a problem! :)
Where did you get the rack kit to mount both of your 710s?
each 710 comes with a rack mount kit to mount 2 together. At least they did when I bought them. Cheers -Ryan
Wouldn't a better setup be to have two of those patch bays? I feel like you should have a bay for input and a bay for output and then a separate patch bay that would be a "send to AI". Otherwise, you have to go behind the unit every time you want to setup a signal chain between slots. This way you could "Patch" in your signal chain between the in/out bays and then you would just send that signal to the input on the AI you want to?
I think you may have misunderstood the video.
With this setup you do not need to go behind the unit ever again as each individual preamp is connected to the back of the XLR patchbay individually via the DB25 cable.. So in this instance when you plug your microphones via XLR cable into the front of the XLR patchbay (List Below Of The Ppeamps That Corresponds With XLR Input #s). You are connected directly to that specific preamp. This saves rack room and creates effective cable management, So In Shorter Terms (Sorry For The Long Ramble) You Plug Your Microphone Into The Front of the Patchbay which is connected to the Lunchbox (DB-2) which is connected to the interface (DB-25) I Hope this answered your question, thank you for checking out our video and please subscribe. - Kevin
XLR Input #:
1. Lindell Audio
2. Radial
3. Warm
4. API
5. Vintech
6. Golden Audio
7. Twin Finity 1
8. Twin Finity 2
@@Crypticmaskguitar How to you chain them together? You went from the in to the patch bay but your output you sent from the DB25 straight to each input on the AI. Unless I missed something.
Theres 2 different DB25 cables, 1 DB25 cable has TRS jacks going into the apollo interface and the other DB25 cable has XLR going into the XLR patchbay - Kevin
@@Crypticmaskguitar exactly... Patch bay --> INTO Chassis INPUT
The other is Chassis --> AI
Not sure how you connect slot 1 to slot 2 in a chain because all of your outputs go directly to the AI
Unless that's what your are saying is that they aren't always connected??
Here is the 2 Different DB25 Cables And Where They Go:
DB25 to Female XLR Cable
XLR plugs into back of Patchbay
The DB25 Input for this cable is located at the bottom of the lunchbox
DB25 to TRS Cable
TRS plugs into Audio Interface
The DB25 output is located at the top of the lunchbox So all of the preamps are on and ready to go as soon as you plug your microphone cable into the front of the patchbay, so if i record with the 710 finity for instance i will see that track number 7 is what will be recorded to on the apollo which matched the xlr input on the patchbay - Kevin
how do you use this (the units), in a daw such as on your mixes
I only use my Lunchbox for Microphone Preamps. I've found quite a bit of success with the UAD2 plugins from Universal Audio, so unless I start splurging on LA2A's or some 1176's... I'll keep it that way lol. Otherwise you would need to look into what types of outputs your Audio Interface has so you can setup a send and return path for your mixes. I would HIGHLY recommend that you look into some good plugins for mix/master as it is MUCH easier for routing. Cheers -Ryan
Your interface. I'm looking into a "Universal Audio Apollo 16"
Thanks for this video bro
If I choose to not use a patchbay, do I then need 12 XLR cables for my 6 slot API lunchbox, If I buy 6 modules? (6 inputs and 6 outputs = 12 cables?)
The Patch Bay would actually INCREASE the amount of XLR Cables needed. The Patch Bay is used to clean up your setup and your room. The DB25 Cables will decrease the amount of XLR Cables as they work as a snake. The problem that you can run into without the Patch Bay is that you will need to run your cables from the rear of the Lunchbox unit so you will need to Label your Cables and it gets a little harder overtime you have to change out cables. The Patch Bay keeps everything clean and allows you to "HOT SWAP" Preamp Inputs... so if you are working with a vocalist and you have 6 preamps and you want to test them out... you can just move the XLR Input at the Patch Bay rather than going over to the mic and unplugging the cables from the Microphone and changing your cables there. Like I said CLEANER lol if you don't use DB25 Cables you will need 12 XLR Cables, if you don't use the DB25 Cables and you want to use the Patch Bay then it would be a MINIMUM of 13 XLR Cables. If you use DB25 Cables then you need the 2 sets of DB25 Cables and a Minimum of 1 XLR Cable. Cheers -Ryan
Thanks a lot for your help mate! I appretiate it! So if I only need 2 DB25 cables and 1 XLR cable, then it obviously sounds wiser to get a patch bay. Cause I was thinking about buying Vovox XLR cables, but those cables are very expensive. And I'm too fat to crawl underneath the studio desk lol. Well I can do it, but it's a PITA, and I can barely move, let alone patch a bunch of cables. So you have enlightened me with a new idea. It's a pitty I'm out of rack space lol! But I'll just get a patch bay anyway.
Rack Space can definitely be an issue lol Take a look at the Switchcraft XLR Patch Bays! Cheers -Ryan
I had a look at the Switchcraft patchbays. However, I'm not sure if they sell Switchcraft patchbays in Norway. I found some other companies though, like DBX.
Right On. My XLR Patch Bay is made by ART. Cheers -Ryan
amp xlr to out channel 8 on lunchbox
what is the reason do you connect this way?
Cable Management, mostly. I currently have 12 External Preamps and about 30 or so Microphones... this allows me to avoid tripping hazards and plug in whatever mic(s) I need to whatever plugin. Hope that answers your question. Cheers! -Ryan
Where do i plug a guitar or keyboard?
choose a HI-Z input. That is if you were going to plug it in rather than Mic It up. Cheers -Ryan
@@Crypticmaskguitar on my interface correct?
On your Interface or whatever preamp that you have (as long as it has a Hi-Z Input). If I DI a Bass Guitar then I will usually use the HI-Z on my Vintech VA573 or API 512c as the 573 gives it some colouration. So whatever works best for you. Cheers -Ryan
huh🤯
api mic pre and twin mic pre such overkill i love it xD
This is just a Basic Setup... still missing 4 other preamps. I wouldn't say overkill, though. Cheers -Ryan
lol @ the doc brown namedrop.
thank you very much
You are welcome