Symetrix 528E Voice Processor

by Symetrix

Product Details

• Item Weight: 8.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B0006HBP2O
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #61,820 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #58 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Signal Processors > Effects Processors > Vocal Effects Processors

Product Description

The 528Eis a complete, self-contained voice processor that performs six separate functions: microphone preamplification, de-essing (sibilance removal), compression/limiting, downward expansion, parametric EQ, and voice symmetry alignment. All six processors may be used simultaneously. Although we call the 528E Features:Works with any microphone (or line input)Enhances vocal intelligibilityIncreases perceived loudness and "presence"Great for voices as well as instruments and effectsReduces off-mic noiseReliable, proven design

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NICE PROCESSOR-GOOD PRICE!, March 22, 2011

By 

J. Landolfi "thewolf13" (NY, NY, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Symetrix 528E Voice Processor

the previous reviewer wrote a very good review of this unit, but why does he think that there aren't many choices when it comes to voice processors...how about Rane, Roland, Korg, TC Helicon, Focusrite, Avalon, ElectroVoice, Antares, Orban, Tascam, Aphex, Digitech, ART, Milennia Media, dbx, Shure, Joe Meek, TL Audio, Valley and on and on and on...and as far as being "the industry standard", this is a claim that several of the voice processor manufacturers make...it's all according to what you use it for and personal preferences I suppose...try the Symetrix AirTools 2X...if you want to go more high-end and still own a Symetrix Voice processor...

this unit shines in the broadcast world, as most Symetrix products do...it also has it's place in other settings such as the recording studio...BUT, it's first and foremost associated with voice-over and broadcast work because of it's neutral sound and extreme compression capabilities...if that's what you need the processor for, then you can't go wrong with the Symetrix...other units like the ones made by Rane, dbx and Aphex(e.g.), are also great for the same purposes...so there ARE choices out there and you should NEVER be taken in by the catch-phrase "industry standard", judge for yourself and make an educated decision based on your needs, knowledge and taste...

the Symetrix 528 can also work well during recording/mixing in the studio... especially during mastering where de-essing and compression are key to a pro recording...if you're looking for a processor that won't "color" your sound, this is it...for a more musical/colorful voice processor, there are a wide variety companies making them with a wide variety of prices...they all have their functions and can be utilized to fit almost any vocal situation...did I mention that the 528 (and most mic channel strips) can be used on instruments too...or how about room miking, overheads, etc...it's used primarily for vocals, but please don't assume that this or any other processor is that limited (no pun intended)...

overall, the Symetrix 528 has a very fair price-point and is what it is: a very effecient voice processor for broadcast work, as well as other applications...you can spend less and get less or spend more and get more...maybe, by their own declaration, Symetrix products are "the industry standard" in the broadcast world, but this isn't the unit that would be on a professional studios A-list...close, but not quite...I'm SURE it would be on their B+ list, which is a great endorsement of a product at this price with so much competition...

as far as having to download the manual...isn't that a good thing? I thought everyone wanted companies to "go green"...you have the options of printing it out, burning it to a disc or just saving it on your computer...I commend Symetrix and other companies who are doing this, it's about time...I certainly wouldn't be "warning" people as if it's a bad thing...

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Industry Standard, February 18, 2005

By 

FOX (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Symetrix 528E Voice Processor

Well, this is the industry standard. Just about every radio station has these, most recording studios that do voice over work have one too.

There really isn't much competition for mic processors, so you really don't have much choice. There used to be another one commonly used in broadcast stations, but they are no longer around.

You have as much compression as you could ever want. I don't see how anyone could use the highest setting, half way up gets me enough for the loud "monster truck" type commercials.

Microphone connects in the BACK, not on the FRONT of the unit like the DBX Provocal! (What were they thinking?!)

The downward expander is GREAT for getting rid of room noise, mouth noises, and making for a nice quiet background, but I wish they had a ratio control as well as threshold, so you could make the thing a bit more smooth.

I have a DBX 1066, and it's gate is a lot nicer. But that is not a mic processor.

I think the attack time should be quicker on the compressor, but no control available for that.

This has a three band Parametric EQ, and a DE-ESSer.

One warning. Symetrix does NOT include the instruction manual with this unit! They only put in a brief "quick start" guide and want you to download the full manual from their website and print it out yourself.

The manual is very well written, but too bad they can't throw a copy of it in the box with the unit without having to call and ask them to send it to you.