Phonic Helix Board 18 Universal

Compact and complete. See the features on the site phonic.

Two superb dazzling blue LED tells you that the table is on and is connected to usb / firewire: I invite everyone to put a cover on it to avoid becoming blind ...

UTILIZATION

Do not worry, you just mug up a bit in order to master all the routing functions.

I use firewire on a mac, it is plug and play, no driver is required (it also runs on Linux!).

To use the USB, a driver is required on the computer but my brother (windows 7), all works well.


A small flat on the table color: dark gray, not very pretty, especially the inscriptions are not very readable ...

SOUNDS

Transparent sound, EQ well, very little wind.

The effects are good, not configurable, but compensates by providing phonic 10 presets for each type of reverb, which makes finding the Shoe Fits.
Possibility for delay effects, set the duration echoes or by pressing a button or by connecting a footswitch.

OVERALL OPINION

Table / sound card that I use very complete recently, I had a peavey with 10 mic inputs and integrated multi-effect plug + usb.
Phonic has a generally better quality (less breath better integrated effects) and a more complete connectivity (multitrack recording! Both outputs for returns, more functions and cart com), even though it only has 8 mic.

For the price of Cygnus (260 €), this is a great case, I'm delighted!

See the website of the brand ... exhaustive on the subject.

I will add just the features expected of such products are there.

UTILIZATION

Manual in English / Spanish / Chinese ... Personal is the English who served me. Being seasoned in the use of a mixing desk I had little need to consult the manual. Only for certain routing option ... but it's still simple and logical.

This product has "two faces":
- The first is an analog mixing desk all that is classic with its I / O, its sends / returns, its edges, its Control Room etc ... A good table, complete.

The second is that of a card USB Audio / Firewire 16 outputs / 2 inputs. That's the whole point of the machine, up to 16 simultaneous recording tracks ... Well! Routings allow many many fantasies (supply several sound, feedback, listen live or DAW etc..).
I use it via a Mac (Firewire) with Logic or GarageBand. It's simply impeccable. Imperceptible latency, clarity converters. A good sound card without a doubt.

SOUNDS

The opinion below is for studio use, I do not live with this console:
I used the Mackie, the Soundcraft, Behringer's ... The Phonic is in the right average. Do not push the gain of single slices as having good external preamps for my recordings, I find the overall transparency of the table excellent. The stereo channels have switches +4 / -10 practice is based on what comes in, they are also devoid of breath on unity gain settings. A small multi-effect is included. No use to me but I tested it and was pleasantly surprised. It's better than Behringer, it blows least. In live use, this multi-effects must troubleshoot. The Equalisers are usually so discreet and do not distort the sound, some will see a lack of "personality", I like because I believe that it is only by very small key you need to correct her. It must be mastered to the outlet, upstream. And computers are miracles today, if you need treatment, I performed digitally.
Side audio card 16/2, I appreciate the transparency of converters (24/96). Dynamics is well respected. There is also no breath, no coloration. A knob can boost or decrease the gain of which is sent Firewire (or USB). Very convenient to adjust to the dynamics mm of what goes into the computer.

OVERALL OPINION

Phonic is not one of the most recognized brands in the field of sound, yet in 35 years they make good products. Long before Behringer, they made available to musicians of properly designed equipment and not too expensive. But unlike Behringer has become a monster production (the catalog is awesome!), They just control what they do. Sound. Well designed, manufactured correctly. Of respectable mid-range.
This table is quite in this spirit. There are better but much more expensive. In a home studio setup or small production studio that Phonic find its place and usefulness. The live must also suit him as it has everything one needs to integrate analog desk, but now I have not tested. For less than 600 euros, providing quality / price is very good ... I recommend it.