All user reviews for the Phonic Helix Board 24 FireWire

Console Rack (kit included) complete with firewire interface (ie replacing a sound card), in 24-bit 96kHz max.

16 mono channels with each channel:
- Microphone preamp (XLR) with phantom power individually
- Line input (TRS)
- Insert
- Direct out jack (1 / 4 "TRS) for the first 8 tracks
--20dB pad for the first 4 tracks
- 3-band parametric equalizer, parametric mid
- To send 1.2 and 3.4 (or 5.6)
- Pan
- 60mm fader
- Indicators 20db, peak, channel "on" and solo.

4 channels in groups, with TRS outputs

6 Aux Sends mono, with TRS outputs and 4 stereo to return.

Effects section (lots of reverbs, delays, flanger and phaser), with a "Settings" button. The effects section fits on the 3. TRS output for the individual effect section.

RCA inputs and outputs

Digital S / PDIF (hand out)

MAIN OUT XLR / TRS stereo + mono output XLR / TRS filter for subwoofer. Output "control room" TRS.
In short, a very complete console. Everything is possible for the routing, you can really do what we want. The big plus is the connection to the computer that sends the 16 + runs out in the main sequencer. We therefore, in addition to a standalone mixer sound card 18 inputs, 2 outputs. Latency is very good: 5 ms on my old laptop (athlon 2400).
Ableton announces Live 24ms latency: 9 ms due to the table and the rest due to the software.

Cubase LE is included, which is very frustrating, as it is stuck at 4-track simultaneous recording, and the software and the same level as GarageBand, from the perspective of the possibilities!

UTILIZATION

The manual is very clear, in French.

After, yes it can get complicated, so the possibilities are great. If the buttons are arranged on each channel, the "hand" is very messy.

It is unfortunate that the phantom power switch for each channel is behind, but finally, maybe a safety.
The volume knob is also firewire behind damage.

The use of computer is immediate: it installs the drivers (even bother on a Mac), you plug that's it. The 18 tracks appear immediately on cubase.
After a month of use: [\ B]
I should add that the console is a good stability in terms of drivers. Sometimes when you change the sample rate, it must restart, but not every time! It's still a big plus compared to my Edirol, where everything had to be shut down and restart everything every time you move from one project to a project 44KHz 48KHz.

I did the test on both Cubase SL 3 and Ableton Live 5: simultaneous recording of 12 tracks in 24 bit 96KHz: no problem! I could not test more simultaneously, because right now, I'm still only playing! So I do the test by connecting together all I had on hand (4 synths connected at noon, four microphones to sing).

SOUNDS

There, I'm sorry, I only use it for a week, and I have not had time to test all situations. I will correct the notice in the future, but here's what I can say now:

- The A / D conversion is very good, no problem. Moreover, it seems that the sound card is the same as the Mackie Onyx. Nevertheless, one can notice the level of 0db firewire digital output is actually a level 10 db in analog. I think it's a safe for use in live, not to have digital clipping when levels are in orange.
So I tested: you may well push the input gain without peak until 7 or 10 db for each channel and not hear at all of saturation, and thus have a signal using the entire dynamic of the computer. after, we can lower the hand out to find themselves in the green.
Otherwise, there is nothing to record low in oversampling.

- You can not hear a normal volume of breath, but when increasing the gain of the headset output, means there's breath. The level of the breath is equivalent to that generated by my synth on (an organ Roland VR-760), so I do not think that the breath is audible under normal circumstances.

- The table makes noise, because of his fan, but I do not iron the condenser microphone, while the fan on my laptop, it passes into the microphone without any problems.

- For preamps, I'll be honest, I have not tested yet, since I use an external preamp. But when I do a sound recording with lots of microphones, j'update my opinion. On the site of phonic, they say that the characteristics are equivalent to those of Mackie. After that, it's just "technical".

- The type eq is not "British" as is the fashion now. It did not seem very efficient at, but I have not yet tested in real conditions. I think it does its job, no matter what: when you go up the treble, the treble rises ca. I'll admit I'm not a sound engineer!
After a month of use: [\ B]
I finally tested the preamp: it did not look ashamed. I think this is the level of the map that I also Edirol FA101. The amplification is less powerful and less crystalline ... good, do not linch me that the T1952 Beringer, a tube preamp which I find very good for its price, despite the comments can be seen. So: preamps correct, but not the high end. However, given the public to whom the table, this poses no problem.

Otherwise, I confirm, the circuitry sounds good.

OVERALL OPINION

I wanted to post a first review quickly, to meet the demands. Sorry if it seems a shallow can.

The table is heavy metal, but the buttons are plastic. I think if the frame is solid, I would not trust the buttons, I'll try to care for. Sure, it's less "pro" as more expensive tables.

Therefore, price / quality ratio unbeatable. You still have to realize that there is € 1000 savings compared to the same in Makie. I think the sound quality is good, and does not justify the difference.
Basically,
What you one less compared to Mackie: The talkback mic, the Perkins EQ, the mini meter bridge, the direct out from 9 to 16 ... and great design.
What you one more: an effects section, a subwoofer output ...

With the difference, you can buy stuff like compressors / gates, the quality preamp, microphones ... So if you're just an amateur like me, I see no reason to extend € 1800 instead of 750 € for my use.

I think this is an ideal table to play with the group and check-in rehearsal and in concert. After, when you are ready, it can make a great sound card to make an album.
However, for solo use (home studio), he missed the MIDI and digital inputs. That is why it can not substitute for an additional interface for MIDI.

In conclusion: do not listen to people who say that it is rotten Phonic: it looks not so good from the outside because of the finish, but to use, it works very well and I am still surprised to have a tool of this power at your fingertips.

Table lgre, fairly compact (rackmount)
multi effect intgrbr /> interace FireWire SERIES
4 subgroups
4 to 6 which used simultannent / track (swith to switch from March 4 to dparts dparts 5 6)
mono output with low pass filter Intgr (switchable on or off), circuit level and insert.
3-band EQ with a semi paramtrique (100h 8k band relatively strait)
possibility to rotate the rear panel of 90: use of rack table as possible without problem
connector to put a lamp lighting.
and attention is the norm dfault this table

COOLING FAN!

UTILIZATION

Operation is simple, my time, it is nothing special from a mackie or other bringher 1604vlz pro, alesis ... what a mixing desk ...

I quickly enregistrment audio test pc via the firewire port, it works nickel, but beware, the contact point is just APRS audio gain, so it benefitted the pert of the Eq, and it seems to me that this recovery circuit before insert ... short, home studio, it is not suitable ...

I do not see too much of intrt multi Indeed, the effects range from seedy misrable quality level can be spread on a system of crap, actually it is not the difference between a lexicon reverb or of the phonic, but the quality is better stuff to do without

but then the biggest dfault is the noise from the GNR fan !!!!! I do not take it anymore!! it makes more noise than my pc! a high-pitched noise and strident, rhaa, a horror.

APRS else is like a table full of other models on the Shma

in short, I put 5 / 10 because for the PA / recording, it is perfect (firewire + mono output / active filter with adjustable cutoff frquence + insert to put a limiter), but then in a home studio, it's really not made for a (still cause the fan)!

SOUNDS

Sound correct my taste, nothing more. before that I was the one phonic MU1805X, I found the sound of that table rounder, warmer. the helixboard my taste has a more aggressive, more "dry". mafois, for what I did (techno music) it is enough. mdium with the band enough Troit has makes it easy to enhance the power of a cot aggressive sound: the sound APRS rsultats obtained passage in a disto are really INTERESTED.

I will cons by the sound of the fan ...

OVERALL OPINION

I VAIT sell in the near future ... I am much more often in home studio that the outside. I can not stand the fan!! it is not for the home studio, working less than a cot washing machine, refrigerator, and a constantly lit tl actually, in this case the fan goes inappropriate ut.

if not for the sound / recording live, frankly, it is really good. Lgre; ngligeable which is not usable as a table position rack, small multi-effect that can dpanner ... is the one I choose for that use.

I think direct me to a Mackie SR24-4, is the only (I found that matches what I need

a +

Everything has already been said. Nevertheless, for this award is very complete!
I especially like the 8 direct outs, microphone preamps and 16, inserts and 4 to, and the tunable filter for the subwoofer.

In short it is very complete! For not too expensive ...

UTILIZATION

It is a good table. It is complete so you have to get used to, but nothing particularly complex.

For Firewire: It's great, it installs, plug, it works! Happiness!

The only bug I had qe is linked to an oversight on my part: I had not uninstalled my old drivers multimix (one month that I had returned the blow I had zapped!). And when I uninstalled this crap, more problems ...

No compatibility issues with my little Behringer UCA 202.

SOUNDS

Not too good then I tested again, but I do not expect any miracles. Phonic's bottom line. The little I have done, it is not worse than the multimix.

In any case, unless in very large type (Midas, Neve, Mackie, Soundcraft or a lesser extent ...) need to dream, It does not sound really good.

So I put him on May 1 honest.

I read that the fan is very noisy ... I used an AKG C1000S, a Behringer B2, and MB78 Beta Tbone. RAS!

It all depends on how to place the microphone, and the config of the room.

OVERALL OPINION

I received it today.

I like the fact it is complete, the firewire working properly, the kit comes with the Racker.

I like the sound less, but it is very honest in this price range.

I replaced a multimix this console, I'm not disappointed. It's no comparison to the use and comparable in sound.

Everything has already been said! yes it is rack ...
against it by the cheap and it shows! the knob is fragile and does not support as much impact or snap!
but that price was good, he must be on something catches up!

UTILIZATION

Installation could not be more simple, directly recognized by Cubase
Utlisation easy, at least we've touched a console ...
English manual but it is more anectotique than anything else.
Small weak point! for mounting is bad enough, the screws are tiny and everything is super well-calibrated! with patience and some tablets xanax it will pass anyway

SOUNDS

Good for the sound to say that!
no breath, unless to use it very badly!
no fan noise!
The preamps are not bad for the price but not expect from a luxury that price ... is sufficient for recording or rehearsal demo item!! to do better, be other preamp! especially singing, is feeble.
The sound is clear and I think that's the main quality of this table! ca respects her and makes it possible for small budgets to deal sounds good.
As for built-in effects, for me, they are anecdotal and are useless if not to send a reverb on the vocals in a cafe-concert when using live ... for registration, it is better to use a good plug-ins even freeware, ca give better

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for two weeks
what I like most is ca ease of use and the fact that is exactly what we want ... bang for our buck. the sound is really interesting for the price
what I regret is that it is so fragile! I'm almost afraid to carry it! Notice to mobile home studio, if you buy this table, the rack or buy directly flycase good, otherwise it will not last long, I like the preamp, but not too good, the price must also be justified ...

Perfect value for money
with experience, I would do this choice

I chose this table features that are generous considering the price ...
and everyone can find them in the descriptions of sale ... so I will not amuse myself everything you list ...
WARNING ... this advisory .. MK2 version that is to say that there is more micro-switches and separate power ..... the fan so loud for some .... disappeared ....... it heats a little ....
FURTHER, it is under the console switches (hidden by a plate) that can affect every corrections to the fire-wire.

UTILIZATION

Commissioned in Germany, the doc was in English ... which is not so bad but a little slow to understand its use ....
otherwise the configuration is very easy and all functions are well-appointed (this is a due diligence of any user because the table is not perfect ... otherwise there would be only one brand ... lol)
ben good ... a little breakdown of the power supply ... and back home ..... thomann less than six months after the purchase .........

SOUNDS

Plug, aluminum ... not breathing .... if only knob pushing the "main" thoroughly and straining his ears ..... my computer internet is next to vacuum ... lol
equalizer is very effective ... shame there was no complete parameter ... (nen not ask too much)
With regard to transparency (I guess ...), preamps I think they lack a bit of fishing (it's not so obvious), which is quite overtaken by a computer or additional PREAM ... or both (each has his kitchen)

the dynamics of general output is very coorecte

OVERALL OPINION

Received January 3, I love the look and compactness of the table with his duties for a price not very expensive (€ 689)
the effects processor is a little weak for my taste ... it deserves more features and settings ....
this product is certainly not comparable to well known brands .. but I had the opportunity to work on the soundcraft, mackie ..... and it's not that confusing ...
remains to be seen how it will age .......
I use it in my home studio ... and I intend to test it live soon ....
continued ...

ADDITIONAL NOTICE to February 28, 2007:
live repeat it went very well ..... drum set with plug prodipe Claude, bass, acoustic and electric guitar + microphone 3 songs ..... a whole weekend .... no lights signs of weakness ........ RAS
home studio working on three days with artist ...... the first two days ... perfect .... the third, it should be noted that the drivers jumped out and this easily when moving from one software ...... another flaw in windows? ... of drivers? (No update yet on the site phonic) or just the table that could absorb any cuts electricity:-I
or false manipulation on my part to follow ....

good! ptits problems ... the drivers are not bad, because my computer defaults to the driver of the integrated card .. so it resolved that side .... But sometimes I listen in full (never in recording sessions for now ..) I lose the audio and this is manifested by the emission of a very sharp ... then after a minute or anything ... .... I have yet to test if it comes to the table, but I doubt it .....
I have yet to see the updates .. if anyone has the same problem and solved it, we contacted .......

drivers are still unstable and the failure of ...... alim bothers me a little shame ... because I was very happy until then ........ I hesitate to repair and leave with change ... or against something more expensive ...... I'll pay the brand or quality ?..... we'll see .....

component quality is not there you ..... shame!

SO

return to sender .... and recovery against mackie1640 .... END ....

Phonic Helix Board 24 FireWire MKII - 24 input Mixer DFX FireWire MKII.

Mixers Helixboard intgrent 24Bit/96 kHz FireWire interface for high quality of the signal DISPATCH indpendamment slices into your computer for your favorite software. Always'coute musicians Phonic adds this new version the possibility to select the'endroit per console o prlever the signal!

Pr rcuprez you sound directly at the exit of prampli, Post: it''s the signal processed by the whole band and enslaved the fader is sent to the tracks in your software.

CHARACTERISTICS:

- 16 slices with mono: Mic / Line symtriques (XLR + Jack), food fantme, CONTRL Gain, 75 Hz high pass filter with switch, insert, direct out (January 8 slices ) and legalization 3-band semi-mdiums Settings,
- 4 dparts auxiliary For 1 / 2 and Aux 3 prpost ddi processeurd''effets Intgr and possibility to switch 3 / 4 in 5 / 6 for each,
- CONTRL volume of 60 mm fader, pan CONTRL, On / Off switch with tmoin of'activation, slecteur group (1 / 2, 3 / 4, L / R) mode tmoin solo and in increments of saturation,
- Processor'effets numrique Stereo 32/40 bit including 100 programs (including Reverb, Chorus, Delay, Tap Delay, Phaser) with slecteur Program tmoin saturation and signal Bypass switch,

- Enter and exit 2Track Stereo RCA player or recorder (CD, MD, MP3, etc ...) with CONTRL volume
- 2 between pedals: one for the bypass of the CONTRL'effet the'autre for CONTRL'effet the BPM Tap Tempo,
- Headphone (Stereo Jack 6.35 mm) and Control Room (2 Jack 6.35 mm) with volume CONTRL and slecteur source (2track, FireWire, group 1 / 2, group 3 / 4 and Main)
- 6 auxiliary outputs (Jack 6.35 mm) with CONTRL dpart level and solo switch costs at headphone Aux,
- 4 Stereo Auxiliary Inputs (Jack 6.35 mm), with CONTRL slecteur Main level / group for'Aux 3 (internal effect) and single-player mode for cost of all the feedback'auxiliaires,

- 4 subgroups with slecteur Left, Right,
- 4 output groups 1, 2, 3, 4 (6.35 mm Jack)
- Output Stereo DSP EFX OUT (signal directly from the multi-purpose) in 6.35 mm Jack,
- 2 Stereo Master output jacks and XLR symtriques 6.35 mm, with insert, CONTRL volume fader per 60 mm,
- 2 VU meters diode 12 segments,
- Output Mono / Sub XLR + Jack 6.35 mm gain, slecteur Main / Aux 4, insert and low pass filter cutoff frquence adjustable (from 60 160 Hz),
- Power supply 48 V fantme gnrale switchable with tmoin of'activation,
- BNC connector for power supply of 12V'une lamp collar sign,
- Interface FireWire Bit/96kHz 24 (2 connectors for'insertion in a string) to: DISPATCH the signal each slice to the indpendamment'ordinateur over a pair to Stereo choice (For 3 / 4, or Group Master 1 / 2) and monitoring in Stereo,

- Switch per prpost to choose if the prlve signalpr EQ or Post Fader,
- Comes with Steinberg Cubase LE,
- Compatible with Systmes'exploitation of Mac OS X and Windows XP
- Position the bay depending on the type adjustable rear Of Use,
- Kit'querres rack mount 19 provided
- Sun & weight: 446 x 212 x 432 mm, 9.8 kg.

UTILIZATION

Use as any other mixer ...
Manual in German, English, Spanish, Japanese ... but not in French

SOUNDS

The console is quite transparent
No wind for me
EQ could be better ...

OVERALL OPINION

- It's been 8 months that I use rgulirement and I'm pretty happy ... Despite the small problem I had in dpart ...

- Very practical ... but not air trs solid ... better not walk too much ...

- Report qualitprix ... it's okay ... not expect a sound of a high quality product ... but honestly ... for that price ... can not ask too much ...

- If I had to change the hardware I think I would take anything ... better quality ... but with a different budget ...

Ras

UTILIZATION

Ras

SOUNDS

Ras

OVERALL OPINION

I'll leave that one notice ... because unfortunately I could not use even if only a small second table. I'll command the MKII version in Mistergooddeal (for not advertising), as does the thomann was over and the price too lev cheez concurrents.bref, APRS ahurrissant quite a delay (phonic limited stock! !) I finally reu my table! .. I dguste the moment, and decent in my little studio ... j'instale all, and I plug the 220v and I could see the color of led! ... but that second one penny ... and find myself in the dark ... believing that n'tait not the table I head for another take and even scnario rsultat .. I sent the table and mister told me that she can change me ... I recommend the table .. and have nothing after a month I recall ... result, phonic had no stock and now it is available only beginners in May ... j'espre you have more than
chance! : D (I put a psk I liked the color of the LED TT ')

I add a CA to say that I finally bought THE MACKIE ONYX 1640, And I think it is best to wait to buy this table that the question of budget PHONIC .. I comlprend, but the quality e is l!!

CHARACTERISTICS See below.

I put a good note, because this table is complete enough for me, it gives me a lot of possibilities!

UTILIZATION

So that's my story,
when did Reut (there over a year now), I had a lot of problems to install it (my o 0 / 10):
<ul>

dcrochage Permanet

standard latency (several seconds)

Routing I / O almost impossible

detection may not

...

</ul>

short, a lot of misery, he had me send him a computer with knowledge in home studio for a short pres solve the problem:

Now:
<ul>

dcrochage rather rare (like once or twice in 10 hours trvail), when this happens: stop playback, change the buffer, wait 30 seconds, and off again-or-when the plug was still close and repeat the operation.

latency still exists: the solution is very complex: the registration, simply pass a sound output to an input and a reset after recording the track as a benchmark with the "sound"

referring to the routing is good, there is just the output that PRID the name of my old sound card, but hey it works ...

the dtection is automatic since.

</ul>

sail for the installation really very painful, but my table with a few pitfalls of running, I can be had less luck with my config, know all the same I have a Belkin FW card with Texas Instrument chip ...

ps: manual very clear.

SOUNDS

It sounds, some will tell you that the phonic prampli are not great, it may be true, but it's really good bf.

OVERALL OPINION

most of this console is that for the price it offers 16 tracks simultaneous recording was also going to find for this price!

here I find it really very complete: eq para medium, line / mic, insert, at * 4, * 4 bus, LED indicators, filters, all for each! + 8 direct out of the 8 first tranche (not m'enfin has served it's always!).

The good cot of this console that I like: the bracket 16 are identical or not DGRD begins with XLR / RCA jack to finish, no, this console is fully !

Final sail if I would do this choice?
yes, I think ... what the studio fire me look a lot easier to set up, with double the price for 16 tracks, and adding a console to better manage the returns, and CR ind hung!

It's been 4 years it turned into a barn home studio / rehearsal room isolation but rather damp, and she wanders on stage. She seems fragile but yet does absolutely not default since purchase which is beginning to be distant. So there (fingers crossed), reliable models, just to make a balance with the other review below.

16 mono in
Rackable
Including basic FX
6 aux send with switch 5 / 6, 4 groups, 6 aux return
Eq para mid etc. ...
in short, everything has been said here.

Compact and complete, firewire Moreover, at this price is quite unique at the time it was even sensational. Feeling of weakness and overall quality at its price make me put an 8 Objective but very honorable.

UTILIZATION

"It was our first console, and as many say, it was a bit lost.
The average manual.
-The usual functions are accessible and understandable. The use of firewire for example with a sonic or cubase pro 6, is delicate and fastidious. The secret, he still had to know: Regression in Windows XP Service Pack 1, and then it starts to resume service over obediently. Updating of asio4all. I say this because the advice can be had before has this problem. XP SP2, Vista worse, render the console unusable on our dual core.
-The latency is hardly noticeable and therefore track record in multi happens generally in good condition. It was also right as we review below, this bug shrill sound. Reboot the PC and presto it goes. It is fairly trivial, since many models are out of our home studio, and it has to face.
So 7-because to achieve a satisfactory result had to look pretty, try, understand, and be patient and Zen, open-minded and do not give up our efforts have paid this price, we have still a nice multitrack console / recording. It is the job that comes in, what.

SOUNDS

Console transparent, almost too neutral, forcing prices to a class not expected to Allen & Heath. But in any case there are any recordings of live performances that sound like, and do not pity, to be happy having regard to budget / features.

The agaliseur not catch up too bad the weaknesses of his stuff pluggués detected in short, it does its job without straw.

As in most consoles "valid" no breath within any pull back. Normal, whatever.

So, I have found for soundtrack other than our various events with the Phonic, she finally made a good job, whatever the critics. Again good value price / functionality.

OVERALL OPINION

-More than 4 years of experience in sometimes a little rough for the fragile material, it is good without any weakness yet. She looks fragile, it was twisted a knob, but still works, it has not yet released (fingers crossed) and has not wandered badly. I think it's not ideal for this type of console, more at ease wedged in a comfortable home studio ^ ^.
- Did you try many other models before getting this one? 16 tracks console Peavey massive and well off (I have over the ref. Top), MG 10 / 2 Yamaha which I use for my services in parallel with smaller band live.
-Pros: Firewire (once defeated ..), 6 Aux send, 6 return. Compact (a plus for the next rack, a lower accessibility ..) Generally effective for a low price. Effects included even if basic.
-Cons: Appearance fragile. Compact (so yes it is more convenient for me a very wide console to handle. All connections to the back, but I prefer the bottom over (to taste). There is little help to implement efficiently with a PC a novice is clearly screwed up. It lacks a bit of color on the knobs, I sometimes dizzy when I make 3 scales in the evening and need to replace all potentiometers in orders in 10 minutes between each performance for the group Next.

I put him still an 8 because its price above the place of race condition on the cheap (Berhinger, T mix, Lem, etc. ..) because it offers better price for a neighbor, and therefore very low. After face of big brands, it is pitiful, but it is 4 times more expensive .. Yes 4 times the equivalent made in quality.

In hindsight I do not regret my choice, she taught me to mix, I got hold of it, and now I understand most of its competitors without much toil. She did her job with us, often tested, and it has not finished their service, if its components are agreements ^ ^. For the time RAS over 4 years of use grew. I think about taking a 32-track now, with support for larger benefits (small fish become big).