Skip to main content

All you high-end mastering guru's -

Which box do you prefer the Weiss or the Z-Systems? I was looking at using Algorithmix linear EQs (and still might) but if I were to go external, I'm looking for something as smooth as a baby's arse and user friendly.

I've had the opportunity to hear/use both, but not extensively and not side-by-side, so I'm hoping you guys have some input. FWIW, I really liked the ergonomics of the Z-Systems stuff (Z-Q2).

I'm also curious about their entry level EQ - the Z-qualizer? Anybody have any dealings with this? In general, I'm a big fan of their stuff, so I can't imagine it's a POS.

Thanks!

Jeremy

Comments

anonymous Mon, 07/04/2005 - 11:27

I use the Z sys EQs almost daily, been very pleased with the results.

Ergonomically they could be a little better, but they're quite usable.

The price is more reasonable than the Weiss.

But I have noticed the "Big Name" Mastering labs use the Weiss.

Does it sound better... I dunno... might just be that name brand appeal. 8)

Michael Fossenkemper Mon, 07/04/2005 - 20:42

The weiss is a great eq, so is the algo plug. nothing beats the weiss as far as interface in outboard digi eq's. the weiss can be a great surgical tool. the z-sys eq's are great broad brush stroke eq's. very musical sounding. the nice thing about the weiss is that it has 2 modes. more more "musical" one more surgical. The z-sys is a bit more affordable. between the 2, I choose the weiss. But i know a lot of guys that are very happy with the z-sys. Both companies will send a demo unit if you want, and if you have an credit card with a large limit.

Ammitsboel Tue, 07/05/2005 - 05:17

The first thing I would like to say is that there is no way around a natural EQ sound other than going analog. But it certainly depends on what you consider the greatest loss.

The Zsys sounds like "warm digital", it's like a digital pultec with more control. It has a slight gain problem though if you use the master gain more than +/-1db.
The Weiss sound more transparrant. I consider the price fair and not to high when comparing to the Zsys.

I think the Weiss is useable on many different projects where the Zsys has more color and is therefore more limited in this area.

Best Regards
Henrik

anonymous Wed, 07/06/2005 - 01:08

I had the z-Qualizer for a while and eventually sent it back: great sound, but dodgy user interface with jittery encoders. To be fair, as I usually say when this comes up, z-Systems are aware and working on it so the z-Qualizer you buy today may be fine.

As an alternative suggestion, in recent months I've found the digital (as distinct from the convolved) EQ in my Sintefex 2000 to be quite outstanding - plus it costs a lot less than a Weiss and has a number of other tricks too. The general effect of the digital EQ is very z-Systems-like to my ears, at its best as a broader brush, but what a brush! http://www.sintefex.com

Cucco Mon, 07/11/2005 - 09:12

Hey, we'll have none of that monkey business around here :lol:

Okay, so everyone seems to be weighing in very heavily towards the Weiss, but the obvious point is that it costs quite a bit more. Is it truly worth the difference in price? Or is it the dream gear and the Z-Sys is still a viable alternative.

Don't worry, I'm not fishing for "the answer I want to hear." If the answer is a resounding "WEISS," I'll go buy the Weiss. Again, I have heard them both, but not had the opportunity to use them extensively. The bad news is that I couldn't A/B them, so while I'm personally comfortable with either of them, I definitely respect the opinion of those who are wiser than me.

BTW - Joe:

I hope you don't mind, but I've printed out pictures of your new studios and take them into the bathroom with me when I'm bored. :wink: Nice Digs!!

Jeremy

TrilliumSound Mon, 07/11/2005 - 09:41

Cucco wrote: Is it truly worth the difference in price?

Jeremy,

Personally, the difference in price has nothing to do with "better" accordingly to your taste, of course but if it's sounds better, it is always the way to go, no matter what it cost. Now, the budget sets the rule; if you have the $, go for it. If you don't, wait till you can afford it. There is no compromise in quality but there is some in how and when to get it.

MTCW

Richard

Ammitsboel Tue, 07/12/2005 - 07:47

joe lambert wrote: It's going well thanks. I've been doing a wide variety of work from rock bands, Indie bands, Hip Hop.. That's the way I like it. The website is getting there little by little. We are going to add a vertual tour this week. It looks cool.

How are you doing?

Thanks, I'm doing well too.
I've thought of morphed into the technical site and artistic baground of mastering. I will be building my new chain and room over the next 2 years.

I'm looking forward seeing the virtual tour!! Your place looks very nice.

Best Regards
Henrik

Cucco Wed, 07/13/2005 - 07:43

Yes.

I mean, no.

Wait, yes.

Definitely - I don't know.

Actually, I think I'm going to go with the Weiss, but in the mean time, I'm going to see if I can somehow get both units in the studio side by side and compare them. I'm hoping they'll send out a demo with a CC# as collateral.

TrilliumSound Wed, 07/13/2005 - 07:56

Cucco wrote: Yes.

I mean, no.

Wait, yes.

Definitely - I don't know.

Actually, I think I'm going to go with the Weiss, but in the mean time, I'm going to see if I can somehow get both units in the studio side by side and compare them. I'm hoping they'll send out a demo with a CC# as collateral.

Yeah, that would be the best to get both side by side! Let us know!

Richard

x

User login