http://www.focusrite.com

Had some Liquid Channel notes sitting around.

I've had a LC here for awhile. I tested it against Millennia HV-3 and it doesn't sound or more importantly act like the HV-3. the LC doesn't have the resolution or depth of the HV-3. I've also compared the LC to different API channels, Avalon, and others – sorry, it ain't there.

What I hear when I switch through the "preamps" on the LC is a change in the EQ curve. And that's about it. The preamps do sound good, but they still lack the depth and dimension of the analog pres they're attempting to emulate. The compressor section sounds like plug-in compressors – not real hardware compressors.

I think the LC is a versatile channel strip, and should be approached like that. And considering that it's $3K you'd have to ask yourself would you really get more out of an LC than you would three different real preamps that you could get for around $1K each – such as John Hardy M-1, API 512C and a Great River ME-1NV. With those three pres you'd really have some sonic versatility.

The LC reminds me of an impressionist. It's like an impressionist doing Johnny Carson or Humprey Bogart. Yes, there will be some similarities – but there's always the inherent sound of the voice of the impressionist that you can hear inside every impression they're doing. And then when you compare them to the real voice – it's obviously not the same.

I've sold some LC's. But I've been straight ahead when describing its capabilites to clients. Basically I say something on the order of, "Look, I'm not gonna bullshit you. The LC is not like getting 'forty [ or fifty ] classic mic pres and compressors' in a box – and anyone who tells you that is either lying, high, or they just don't know enough about mic preamps and how to listen to tell the difference. It's like getting one channel strip that will give you a lot of sonic versatility. If you approach it like that then there's a good change it could be a great tool for you."

I've been a fan of Focusrite since I used the Forte console at Electric Lady Studio in NYC in the late '80's. I've since used Red, Green and ISA series with great success. But we also have to keep in mind that the current company is not the same Focusrite that built the Forte– and Rupert Neve has had nothing to do with the company or its designs for years. And take the "Rupert Neve-designed" business with a huge grain of salt.

The LC might be a view into a future way of doing things – but that doesn't mean it's there yet. It might take another 5-10 years before a product like the LC nails it. It might take longer than that.