Analogue Mastering Equipment & Reference A/D D/A Converter System

Written by David Mackie Scouller at Dynamic Mastering Services

My first purchase was the Lynx Hilo Reference A/D D/A Converter System. This was installed around 6 weeks ago and is the hub for all conversions that take place in the studio. ​

This undisputed World class converter system allows me to hear and record music with a pristine, open, transparent quality which is of the utmost importance when used for mastering. As well as feeding audio to my Bryston powered PMC IB1S's the Hilo is used to send and receive music from my analogue chain.

Secondly I have the Foote Control Systems P3S ME Class A Stereo Mastering Compressor. This unit has been causing quite a stir in mastering circles Worldwide and quite rightly so. It is currently considered to be one of the best sounding and most versatile compressors available today with it's different compression styles and switchable Cinemag transformers (Class A circuit). I have followed Roger Foote's development of this unit for several years. Roger listened to feedback from mastering professionals and made improvements based on their everyday use of the unit. The P3S ME is now in it's most mature state which made it an ideal time to purchase and experience first hand it's silky smooth sound.

Finally I have the Gyraf Audio - Gyratec XIV Parallel-Passive Stereo Valve Equaliser. Your music passes through nothing but transformers, valves and passives. This is REAL valve audio gear. This unit was designed by Jakob Erland and can be found in the best Mastering Houses in the World. Resolution Magazine considered this to be "the finest sounding EQ - ever". In use this EQ sounds superb! It is everything you would expect from a true analogue piece. It's silky, it's smooth, it adds width and that sonic magic from the transformers and valves making the music come alive. To quote Resolution Magazine once more "Using the G14 it feels as if you've gone from colouring in with crayons to painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling."

Analogue Mastering Equipment & Reference A/D D/A Converter System