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Post by Mister Chase on Feb 1, 2017 0:33:33 GMT -6
I've sort of lusted after one of these for a while so I ordered a single channel to start. After trying a hairball gold and loving it,I decided to take the plunge.
Any other Hardy users on here?
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Post by Ward on Feb 1, 2017 1:06:13 GMT -6
John Hardy's genius is a thing of legend. Read more. |
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Post by rowmat on Feb 1, 2017 1:27:54 GMT -6
Don't own a Hardy but have used a Twin Servo some years back which prompted me to DIY 4x SCA J99's which are in the same camp.
If I only had a choice of one preamp to record everything I reckon a Twin Servo/M1/M2 could do it and not cause any angst.
Transparent but never sterile, big but never bloated, fast but never hard, sweet but never lame.
Great pre's!
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Feb 1, 2017 10:00:11 GMT -6
Hardy simply sounds like music.
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Post by Mister Chase on Feb 1, 2017 13:35:39 GMT -6
John Hardy's genius is a thing of legend. Read more.Exactly. That's what has me pumped! Just looking at the layout and design/manufacturing - the thing is a work of art, but a tank. |
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Post by Mister Chase on Feb 1, 2017 13:36:16 GMT -6
Don't own a Hardy but have used a Twin Servo some years back which prompted me to DIY 4x SCA J99's which are in the same camp. If I only had a choice of one preamp to record everything I reckon a Twin Servo/M1/M2 could do it and not cause any angst. Transparent but never sterile, big but never bloated, fast but never hard, sweet but never lame. Great pre's! That's what I am talking about! He really threaded the needle it seems. |
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Post by Mister Chase on Feb 1, 2017 13:36:44 GMT -6
Hardy simply sounds like music. Love it. The Jensen iron is really the icing on the cake. Great sounding transformers. |
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Post by rob61 on Feb 1, 2017 15:11:33 GMT -6
I have 4 channels of the M-2 (same as M-1 but with click stop recallable gain control). They are rich and euphonic, love them on anything when you want a rich but mostly neutral sound. If you want the highest audio quality while remaining pretty neutral, you've made a good choice.
John builds these with the highest quality standards. They are built like a tank. Of the 4 channels, I've had to replace two of the 990 op-amps over perhaps 10 years, so they can go out, just like API 2520s which need replacing occasionally as well. The first was under warranty, the 2nd was way beyond warranty. Other than that, its been trouble free and a pleasure to use.
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Post by winetree on Feb 1, 2017 15:44:20 GMT -6
I bought this years ago from Deane Jensen before Hardy started cloning or remaking them. I like to use it on tube mics. it reveals the true uncolored sound of the mic. It's great that Hardy is carrying on Deane's pet project.  |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Feb 1, 2017 15:46:37 GMT -6
I bought this years ago from Deane Jensen before Hardy started cloning or remaking them. I like to use it on tube mics. it reveals the true uncolored sound of the mic. It's great that Hardy is carrying on Deane's pet project. View AttachmentHave you ever seen the prices for Boulder Power Amps? Serious audiophile coin!! |
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Post by rowmat on Feb 1, 2017 15:53:25 GMT -6
I bought this years ago from Deane Jensen before Hardy started cloning or remaking them. I like to use it on tube mics. it reveals the true uncolored sound of the mic. It's great that Hardy is carrying on Deane's pet project. Have you ever seen the prices for Boulder Power Amps? Serious audiophile coin!! Yeah but the upside is Boulder's are 'rock' solid!  |
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Post by Mister Chase on Feb 1, 2017 17:38:24 GMT -6
I have 4 channels of the M-2 (same as M-1 but with click stop recallable gain control). They are rich and euphonic, love them on anything when you want a rich but mostly neutral sound. If you want the highest audio quality while remaining pretty neutral, you've made a good choice. John builds these with the highest quality standards. They are built like a tank. Of the 4 channels, I've had to replace two of the 990 op-amps over perhaps 10 years, so they can go out, just like API 2520s which need replacing occasionally as well. The first was under warranty, the 2nd was way beyond warranty. Other than that, its been trouble free and a pleasure to use. Rick but in a clean way sounds great. I've got a nice variety here, A Designs p1s, had some Vintechs, have a Sebatron Axis with NOS Mullards, CAPI vp28 and vp312, Sytek(though this may get sold to fund more Hardy) and last but not least, several channels of Phoenix DRS. I love all my children, but the Phoenix is sort of my go to that works almost always. The Nevey sounding stuff is rich to my ears, but in a softer, darker kind of way. I could definitely use some rich cleans. Guess I had better hope he keeps making those 990cs for a long time! |
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Post by Mister Chase on Feb 1, 2017 17:39:36 GMT -6
I bought this years ago from Deane Jensen before Hardy started cloning or remaking them. I like to use it on tube mics. it reveals the true uncolored sound of the mic. It's great that Hardy is carrying on Deane's pet project. Beautiful. I heard those are amazing. To be fair, the M1 and M2 are both John's own designs. The twin servo is Deane's design that he(John) took over after Boulder. |
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Post by aamicrophones on Feb 1, 2017 17:47:51 GMT -6
The John Hardy M2 is the preamp we use on our workbench to give all microphones the final QC before they go out the door.
Cheers, Dave Thomas
aamicrophones.com
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Post by rowmat on Feb 1, 2017 18:10:12 GMT -6
I have 4 channels of the M-2 (same as M-1 but with click stop recallable gain control). They are rich and euphonic, love them on anything when you want a rich but mostly neutral sound. If you want the highest audio quality while remaining pretty neutral, you've made a good choice. John builds these with the highest quality standards. They are built like a tank. Of the 4 channels, I've had to replace two of the 990 op-amps over perhaps 10 years, so they can go out, just like API 2520s which need replacing occasionally as well. The first was under warranty, the 2nd was way beyond warranty. Other than that, its been trouble free and a pleasure to use. Rick but in a clean way sounds great. I've got a nice variety here, A Designs p1s, had some Vintechs, have a Sebatron Axis with NOS Mullards, CAPI vp28 and vp312, Sytek(though this may get sold to fund more Hardy) and last but not least, several channels of Phoenix DRS. I love all my children, but the Phoenix is sort of my go to that works almost always. The Nevey sounding stuff is rich to my ears, but in a softer, darker kind of way. I could definitely use some rich cleans. Guess I had better hope he keeps making those 990cs for a long time! I tried to buy John's 990c's (I really did) but the shipping date continually kept blowing out over several months. In the end I had no choice but to look for a decent quality alternative and found these... www.sonicimagerylabs.com/products/Model990Enh-Ticha.htmlAlso Hairball Audio do a very good DIY 990 op amp... www.hairballaudio.com/blog/resources/post/diy-je-990-discrete-operational-amplifier |
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Post by Mister Chase on Feb 1, 2017 19:29:08 GMT -6
The John Hardy M2 is the preamp we use on our workbench to give all microphones the final QC before they go out the door. Cheers, Dave Thomas aamicrophones.com Testify! |
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Post by Mister Chase on Feb 1, 2017 19:29:59 GMT -6
Rick but in a clean way sounds great. I've got a nice variety here, A Designs p1s, had some Vintechs, have a Sebatron Axis with NOS Mullards, CAPI vp28 and vp312, Sytek(though this may get sold to fund more Hardy) and last but not least, several channels of Phoenix DRS. I love all my children, but the Phoenix is sort of my go to that works almost always. The Nevey sounding stuff is rich to my ears, but in a softer, darker kind of way. I could definitely use some rich cleans. Guess I had better hope he keeps making those 990cs for a long time! I tried to buy John's 990c's (I really did) but the shipping date continually kept blowing out over several months. In the end I had no choice but to look for a decent quality alternative and found these... www.sonicimagerylabs.com/products/Model990Enh-Ticha.htmlAlso Hairball Audio do a very good DIY 990 op amp... www.hairballaudio.com/blog/resources/post/diy-je-990-discrete-operational-amplifierI understand. Perhaps I will just order them extra and store them away, that way I have them way ahead of time. I do use Hairballs 990 in their Gold kit. Perhaps I'll compare them. |
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Post by ericn on Feb 1, 2017 19:52:38 GMT -6
Rick but in a clean way sounds great. I've got a nice variety here, A Designs p1s, had some Vintechs, have a Sebatron Axis with NOS Mullards, CAPI vp28 and vp312, Sytek(though this may get sold to fund more Hardy) and last but not least, several channels of Phoenix DRS. I love all my children, but the Phoenix is sort of my go to that works almost always. The Nevey sounding stuff is rich to my ears, but in a softer, darker kind of way. I could definitely use some rich cleans. Guess I had better hope he keeps making those 990cs for a long time! I tried to buy John's 990c's (I really did) but the shipping date continually kept blowing out over several months. In the end I had no choice but to look for a decent quality alternative and found these... www.sonicimagerylabs.com/products/Model990Enh-Ticha.htmlAlso Hairball Audio do a very good DIY 990 op amp... www.hairballaudio.com/blog/resources/post/diy-je-990-discrete-operational-amplifierYes John's a small operation and very much at the mercy of his sub contractors so it can be a long wait but well worth it ! |
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Post by LesC on Feb 1, 2017 19:56:10 GMT -6
The John Hardy M2 is the preamp we use on our workbench to give all microphones the final QC before they go out the door. Cheers, Dave Thomas aamicrophones.com Welcome Dave! How would you describe the sonic differences between the M2 and your own MT8016 pre? |
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Post by Mister Chase on Feb 1, 2017 20:21:26 GMT -6
Yes John's a small operation and very much at the mercy of his sub contractors so it can be a long wait but well worth it ! I actually heard this has improved as of late. I ordered through a dealer, and heard that they plan to ship next week. I am still prepared to wait 6. |
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Post by EmRR on Feb 1, 2017 20:25:15 GMT -6
I had a wait time approaching 8 months on some 990C's if I recall correctly.
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Feb 1, 2017 20:30:02 GMT -6
Yes John's a small operation and very much at the mercy of his sub contractors so it can be a long wait but well worth it ! I actually heard this has improved as of late. I ordered through a dealer, and heard that they plan to ship next week. I am still prepared to wait 6. Good to hear! This sounds weird for the guy who stresses loyalty to your gear pimp, but Hardy is one of the few I suggest buying direct , if for no other reason a conversation with John is worth the price alone! |
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Post by aamicrophones on Feb 1, 2017 21:34:09 GMT -6
Hi Thanks for letting me join your cool Forum. Its much mellower than GS.
Both our MT8016 and the M1 (ours is actually an M1 not an M2) have no Pre-transformer padding. So, in both preamps the full output of the microphone is reaching the input transformer.
There is not a significant audible difference on voice between the two preamps when we are testing microphones on the workbench. In the studio I prefer the MT8016 on Kick, Snare and vocals.
The John Hardy uses a transformer with 6db of voltage gain which has a ratio of 2:1. We use a transformer with a ratio of 6:1 which has about 15db of voltage gain.
This means we get more transformer sound or transformer "compression" than the M1. The MT8016 is more coloured sounding while the John Hardy is more "modern HiFi" without sound clinical or lifeless.
John makes a M1 "miniature" MPC3000 module that fit my Sony MXP3036 console and I will probably buy a couple from him now that the Canadian dollar is starting to increase.
The M1 uses a single 990 op amp stage with a Servo feedback circuit. The MT8016 uses two 32db OP275 gain stages in tandem with negative feedback and dual gain pot.
I really liked the M1 the one time I used a pair with our CM12se microphones over a Yamaha C7 Grand Piano. It had some nice sparkle plus transparency on the piano and acoustic guitar as well.
I finished up 3 of our new CM48T 3-pattern tube microphones today and they sounded pretty awesome through the M1. The MT8016 sits somewhere between the M1 and a 1073?
Cheers, Dave Thomas
aamicrophones.com
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Post by LesC on Feb 1, 2017 23:22:31 GMT -6
Thank you for the detailed answer!
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Post by rowmat on Feb 1, 2017 23:22:50 GMT -6
I understand. Perhaps I will just order them extra and store them away, that way I have them way ahead of time. I do use Hairballs 990 in their Gold kit. Perhaps I'll compare them. Yeah I wouldn't wait until you need them. Just order them and when they eventually arrive stick them in your spares cupboard! |
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