Hey everyone! Welcome back to the blog. Today, I’m sharing my comprehensive six-week update on the Flock Audio Patch XT. Many of you have been following my journey with this system, and I’ve received loads of questions. Well, today's post is for you. I’ll dive into the nitty-gritty details of my experience, showcasing everything I’ve discovered so far. So, if you’re considering adding the Flock to your studio setup, this might just help you out!

First Impressions and Installation

To kick things off, I’ve been using the Flock Audio Patch XT for about six weeks and it’s been nothing short of impressive. If you missed the earlier videos check here for the unboxing and setup guide where I teamed up with my good friend David SJ to install it seamlessly in the studio.

Installation Experience

The installation process was surprisingly smooth. We created a detailed video of that if you're curious about how it all came together. You can watch that here.

Day-to-Day Functionality

Let's talk functionality. This is where the Flock has truly shined. From seamless integration to stellar performance, here’s what I find to be the most significant highlights.

Reliability and Performance

To date, I’ve run the Flock XT through four client mix projects—all without a hitch. The app has been rock solid, no crashes or random freezes, and honestly, I stress-tested it with hopes of finding the limits. Whether working quickly or swapping hardware in and out, this system has proven its mettle with flying colors.

"In the early testing, I tried to get the application to crash...It hasn't."

Speed and Efficiency

The most significant upside? How it has accelerated my workflow. Imagine the cumbersome days of manually patching in and out being a thing of the past. With Flock, it’s all digital, which means I never leave my mixing sweet spot!

A/B Comparison Magic

Here's where it gets even better. You can A/B test various hardware combinations right from your chair. Want to swap an LA2A for an 1176? Easy peasy! Just do it from the app without leaving your desk. It's quick, efficient, and above all, inspires creativity.

Getting Creative

This system has pushed the boundaries of creativity for me. Here's how:

• Exploration: I find myself trying out pieces of gear I hadn’t used in months.

• Experimentation: With A/B options so easy, I’m more inclined to step outside my go-to setups.

• Learning: I’m learning my gear better, figuring out which works best for different scenarios.

By reducing the time spent on physical patching, I focus more on the sound itself and less on the mechanics of patching and repatching.

Addressing Common Concerns

Every new piece of gear comes with its rumored issues and grievances, so let’s talk about the ones I hear most.

Fan Noise

Yes, the Flock unit has a fan, but it’s not as obtrusive as some make it out to be. In my soundproofed setting, the fan’s presence is minimal—a mere whisper at 30 decibels.

"If you're someone who had the unit less than five feet away from you... it might be an annoyance."

For those worried about tracking acoustic sessions, you have options to adjust or turn off the fan because the software includes an emergency mode where the fan only activates when needed.

Coloration of Sound

Does the Flock XT color your audio? The short answer for me is no. Some online have speculated about the VCA design possibly coloring the sound, but in practice, I haven't noticed any change.

"If it's coloring the sound in some way, it is so unbelievably subtle..."

Living with the Flock

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. If you can afford it, and you’re looking to streamline your studio workflow, the Flock Audio Patch XT is a worthwhile investment.

Long-term Reliability

While I haven’t used it long enough to speak definitively on long-term reliability, Flock has a good track record, and its longevity in the market is reassuring.

Final Thoughts

To anyone sitting on the fence, my advice: try it for yourself. There's only so much a blog or video can convey—your own experience will be the true test. With its efficiency, reliability, and workflow enhancements, the Flock Audio Patch XT has proven to be an invaluable tool in my studio.

If you’ve got questions or comments, leave them below—I’d love to hear your thoughts and continue this conversation. Don’t forget to check out the upcoming videos for real-world mixing examples using the Flock. Until next time, keep mixing and making music magic!

Let me know if there's anything specific you'd like to dive deeper into, or if you want to see a particular configuration tested. Happy mixing!