Why did they do this????

[Ryandowdall]

Ok...API Vision 560. Why are the sliders all at a 45 degree angle? It weird to work with. The controls a very jumpy and it's hard to see if you've boosted or cut stuff or if it's at unity. I don't understand why they didn't keep it horizontal like every other plug in and hardware unit. It would be awesome if they remade the 560 standalone in native.

 

[Neotrope]

maybe to match the vision hardware????

https://www.apiaudio.com/docs/files/vision_chan.pdf

 

[Ryandowdall]

That's interesting. Never knew API did it too. Always saw it horizontal on all the desks....Still a bummer every time I use it!

 

[Joe Porto]

That's interesting. Never knew API did it too. Always saw it horizontal on all the desks....Still a bummer every time I use it!

Done to get more throw in the space provided.

 

[Matt Hepworth]

Yep, hardware match, and for the reason Joe mentioned, I'm sure.

 

[phoier]

The Vision desks use the L modules from the late 80's. The 560L had 45 degree sliders. They also sound different from the 560's from the 70's. At least I believe the API Vision 560L EQ sound different from the UAD API 560. Cleaner somehow. But you're right. I also find them too jumpy. They're not jumpy on the 560. But the trick is to hold down shift while adjusting. Then they wont jump.

 

[Ryandowdall]

Never knew the L's were different. Hopefully the 560 gets ported soon for me ha!

 

[Neotrope]

Never knew the L's were different. Hopefully the 560 gets ported soon for me ha!

I only know this as I had the same reaction originally, thinking it was space saving thing to have longer sliders where they would be shorter if actually horizontal. Then saw actual console based on and went ... ohhh, right. duh. So, not just you who went wha?

 

[Ryandowdall]

If I were them I would have just made the plugin bigger/wider and made it horizontal. it's so much easier to read and use.

 

[squeakyanimal]

If I were them I would have just made the plugin bigger/wider and made it horizontal. it's so much easier to read and use.

I would have too, but so much of UA's brand is "As Authentic As We Can Make It, Warts And All." It's part of the reason their stuff is so great, but sometimes it does seem a little weird

 

[Neotrope]

Yeah. I do like the passion for making things as close to original as possible, both in sound and interface, as it makes it easier for users and us oldtimers transitioning from hardware to software, or buying the software where we can no longer justify cost of the hardware. So, keeping the controls the same makes it easier for existing users of the hardware to "remember" mentally and visually a prior setting "by eyeballs" more so than by numerical data. Also why "modern" metro-style simple interfaces like Valhalla are not as useful for that mental reconnect. I love using the classic reverbs, and various devices "as they were" rather than just pasting in numbers on a keyboard or turning a random dial with no relation to anything IRL. Besides, diagonal sounds better, API said so (kidding).

 

[klasaine]

I didn’t even notice that sliders were oriented diagonally.

 

[chrisharbin]

I like it.