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Post by littlesicily on May 28, 2014 16:08:59 GMT -6
I've owned many different tube pre's over the years. Some of the standouts are:
V72 (great on many sources)
RCA BA-21a (gorgeous sound that shames a lot of newer tube pre's)
LaChapelle 583s (incredible on voc and acgtr)
UA 610 reissue (great on bass and some acgtr)
DW Fearn VT-1 (very hi-fi)
Roberts / AKAI M8 moddified preamp
and so on...
But, as my mic collection has grown to have more tube mics (u67, km54, other tube LDCs) I find I keep going back to transistor preamps like Neve and API (vp28) flavors for the focus and immediacy they provide. Also, I find running thru the STA-Level can give me all the goo I need when tracking.
Not sure why I *think* I'm missing something by not having some vintage / boutique tube preamp in my rack. I find myself looking on ebay at the same list above like I'm gonna find something I haven't already tried.
What are your opinions/experiences with mic/ pre/comp combinations... specifically for vocals and guitars?
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Post by lolo on May 28, 2014 20:18:34 GMT -6
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Post by littlesicily on May 29, 2014 5:53:19 GMT -6
Hadn't heard those. Wondering if I want some v72's again. But, probably... don't need 'em. |
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Post by svart on May 29, 2014 7:57:52 GMT -6
Honestly, I don't really think about it much. I've had a few tube preamps and while I could A/B them with other preamps on the same exact source and hear the difference, if I were to listen to two different performances from the same vocalist, that difference would be the same or less than the difference between the performance itself. I ended up selling my tube preamps mainly due to space and simply not using them very much.
If I were to get another tube preamp, I'd probably get something very colorful with a lot of character.
Maybe a nice Redd47 clone or something?
I'll also throw this out there.. If you are looking for something with serious character, why not a germanium preamp?
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Post by tonycamphd on May 29, 2014 8:56:19 GMT -6
Tube pre = punch IMV, I'd usem on bass, kicks, snare, i don't think of vox when I think of tube pres, I always lean too the tube mic is enough there, of course if I used an fet for vox I could use one, no rules as always. I currently have a pair of 24v 51x G9 tube pres waiting to be finished
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Post by littlesicily on May 29, 2014 11:01:53 GMT -6
If I were to get another tube preamp, I'd probably get something very colorful with a lot of character. Maybe a nice Redd47 clone or something? I'll also throw this out there.. If you are looking for something with serious character, why not a germanium preamp? The Redd47 (was looking at the Drip) is one I've not tried. Hmmm, maybe. I think I've come to the same conclusion as Johnkenn and others... that preamps are not the foremost concern in the path. Important, yes. I've been saying that switching out a mic makes more difference than a pre...so I guess that's where I ought to keep focusing my gear-related energy. I was just wondering what others were using and I appreciate the feedback. |
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Post by Ward on May 29, 2014 14:49:18 GMT -6
V72?
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Post by littlesicily on May 29, 2014 14:51:59 GMT -6
I remember liking v72's on e.gtrs. Didn't use it as much on vocals. Are u a fan of those, Ward? |
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Post by Johnkenn on May 29, 2014 17:08:21 GMT -6
Sal, you ever try the Mercury stuff? Pretty cool.
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Post by Ward on May 29, 2014 18:51:50 GMT -6
I remember liking v72's on e.gtrs. Didn't use it as much on vocals. Are u a fan of those, Ward? Yes, I would call myself a fan of those based on what I have heard in person and from colleagues but I do not own any at this time. However, I will be remedying that this year. From what I've heard, the V72 is perhaps the finest tube powered preamp on the market. Does it beat an old RCA B6? Well, not really...but who can get those and how do you deal with maintenance and THE NOISE? Mercury are doing great work and should be rewarded accordingly. |
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Post by littlesicily on May 29, 2014 20:54:05 GMT -6
Sal, you ever try the Mercury stuff? Pretty cool. I haven't, Johnkenn. I'd like to, though. |
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