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Post by mike on Jul 20, 2023 8:35:37 GMT -6
I went Martinsound Martech Mss-10 for that sonic flavor type
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Post by Hudsonic on Jul 22, 2023 6:08:14 GMT -6
First recommend from me is Hardy M-1 because it is bullet proof and has such an excellent sound. If you want stepped gain switches, choose the Hardy M-2.
Both with the input and output transformers of course.
Made in Evanston, Illinois. Made right.
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Post by ironinthepath on Jul 22, 2023 20:42:28 GMT -6
First recommend from me is Hardy M-1 because it is bullet proof and has such an excellent sound. If you want stepped gain switches, choose the Hardy M-2. Both with the input and output transformers of course. Made in Evanston, Illinois. Made right. Hi Hudsonic, do you also have experience with Hardy's Twin Servo as well as the M-1 and M-2? Can you comment on the differences, sound wise? Thanks! |
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Post by winetree on Jul 22, 2023 21:09:33 GMT -6
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Post by Hudsonic on Jul 24, 2023 6:52:47 GMT -6
First recommend from me is Hardy M-1 because it is bullet proof and has such an excellent sound. If you want stepped gain switches, choose the Hardy M-2. Both with the input and output transformers of course. Made in Evanston, Illinois. Made right. Hi Hudsonic, do you also have experience with Hardy's Twin Servo as well as the M-1 and M-2? Can you comment on the differences, sound wise? Thanks! I do have and use the Jensen (Hardy) Twin Servo Sony Classical Edition which is a two channel super version of the Twin Servo. It uses two giant Swiss stepped switches to change the gain. With the Twin Servo distortion is even lower than with the M-1 and M-2 (measurable but not hearable to me!) Tonally richer by a small margin, detail is equal is all versions.
I never found the M-1 or M-2 to be "bunching gain" towards the top end of the travel of the pot, so I do not think that is the reason for buying the Twin Servo. Maximum output level is the same with Jensen Twin Servo and the M-1 and M-2. John himself recommends that customers buy the M-1 or M-2. I use all the Hardy preamps interchangeably.
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Post by Ward on Jul 24, 2023 10:11:55 GMT -6
Two preamps I have and use, meet your criteria and come immediately to mind. 1. matt@IAA QP5 2. Grace M101 |
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Post by plinker on Jul 24, 2023 12:27:50 GMT -6
I can't believe we're ONLY 4 pages into answering John's question!!!
;-)
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Post by thehightenor on Jul 24, 2023 12:36:38 GMT -6
Most of them have chip amps that can’t be pushed very hard. SSL Super Analogue pres are way better than what’s in a typical interface. So are Apogee but they can’t be pushed too hard. What’s in something like an RME might as well be Behringer. I actually took my own advice for once and compared the SSL amps to an API (the strip) / Helios. In short I like all of them, the Helios for the grit, the API has that upfront nature which is cool but the SSL amps built into this $2.5k(ish, not sure how much they're going for currently) are very high fidelity and sound great to be fair. Problem with doing this is now I'm staring at my rack thinking do I need these? I've been looking at a 500 channel strip but I'm not even sure that's necessarily going to be a benefit as I have HW inline on the insert loop. It's easier, saves money, saves cabling / patching and I could remove / sell the Stam 2A also because without an external amp I don't need it.
I still have a soft spot for RND's high end stuff but I'm not even 100% convinced that's necessary, some mic's worked better with the Shelford and others were about the same.
PS: I think my next upgrade might be some blanking plates.
PPS: I should probably just create my own forum, not much gear online.
I have a couple of Behringer digital desks. A big one X32 for bigger gigs. And a small one XR18 for smaller gigs. The little XR18 costs £500 and works as an interface and has Midas designed pre's that are surprisingly OK. I bet anyone could make an album with that little unit and a DAW and if looking to go minimal could still be happy with the sound. I use the big X32 in my writing space with Garageband and the pre production demos of songs I knock together sound pretty decent. My wife always says to me, is that song finished now :-) |
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Post by Pueblo Audio on Jul 24, 2023 13:51:14 GMT -6
Talking about clean, straight line mic pres that don't get harmonic distortion when a singer lays into them. Suggestions. I'm remembering why I sold my 1073s now... I think your question raises another. What qualifies a preamp as “High Headroom”? This is not concrete. When comparing the technical specifications, I suggest we need three criteria for an informed understanding. We would want to know the distortion figure into various loads at the claimed max level. For example, If a product lists a max level of +26dBu that’s not very helpful if we don’t know what the distortion is. If it’s 0.03% that’s acceptable, but if its 1.0% then that’s poor when clean is the goal and must be consider the headroom to actually be lower than claimed. Likewise, if a good reading is shown for modern 10k ohm load, what about when using with vintage gear? Can it drive 600 ohms without reduction of performance? Usually the max level will be lower for the same distortion figure. So how much lower? With at least those three properties accounted for, we can have a clearer picture of what a preamp’s headroom behavior might deliver. Numbers on paper help narrow the field but using a preamp in your own situation is the final judgment. |
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Post by Johnkenn on Jul 24, 2023 14:40:59 GMT -6
I went Martinsound Martech Mss-10 for that sonic flavor type I've had a couple of those. Nice pres, just wish they had an output stage. Don't think I'll be buying another one since people are asking well over $2500 for them now. |
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Post by Johnkenn on Jul 24, 2023 14:45:52 GMT -6
Talking about clean, straight line mic pres that don't get harmonic distortion when a singer lays into them. Suggestions. I'm remembering why I sold my 1073s now... I think your question raises another. What qualifies a preamp as “High Headroom”? This is not concrete. When comparing the technical specifications, I suggest we need three criteria for an informed understanding. We would want to know the distortion figure into various loads at the claimed max level. For example, If a product lists a max level of +26dBu that’s not very helpful if we don’t know what the distortion is. If it’s 0.03% that’s acceptable, but if its 1.0%then that’s poor when clean is the goal and consider that to be lower headroom than claimed. Likewise, if a good reading is shown for modern 10k ohm load, what about when using with vintage gear? Can it drive 600 ohms without reduction of performance? Usually the max level will be lower for the same distortion figure. So how much lower? With at least those three properties accounted for, we can have a clearer picture of what a preamp’s headroom behavior might deliver. Numbers on paper help narrow the field but using a preamp in your own situation is the final judgment. What's the wait time for a new JR2/2? And does it need the power supply? |
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Post by Pueblo Audio on Jul 24, 2023 14:53:33 GMT -6
I think your question raises another. What qualifies a preamp as “High Headroom”? This is not concrete. When comparing the technical specifications, I suggest we need three criteria for an informed understanding. We would want to know the distortion figure into various loads at the claimed max level. For example, If a product lists a max level of +26dBu that’s not very helpful if we don’t know what the distortion is. If it’s 0.03% that’s acceptable, but if it’s 1.0%then that’s poor when clean is the goal and consider that to be lower headroom than claimed. Likewise, if a good reading is shown for modern 10k ohm load, what about when using with vintage gear? Can it drive 600 ohms without reduction of performance? Usually the max level will be lower for the same distortion figure. So how much lower? With at least those three properties accounted for, we can have a clearer picture of what a preamp’s headroom behavior might deliver. Numbers on paper help narrow the field but using a preamp in your own situation is the final judgment. What's the wait time for a new JR2/2? And does it need the power supply? For the moment, 3 days. Free shipping;refund guarantee. Yes, the PS34 power supply is needed and is key. It’s THE sound of Pueblo. :-) I have tried to explain the importance of power supply here (scroll down)… puebloaudio.com/store/p1/PS34.html |
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Post by mike on Jul 24, 2023 18:50:21 GMT -6
I went Martinsound Martech Mss-10 for that sonic flavor type I've had a couple of those. Nice pres, just wish they had an output stage. Don't think I'll be buying another one since people are asking well over $2500 for them now. Yeah the prices on so many things have gone crazy, I looked at Reverb and out of the last 7 sold $2,500 was the lowest with 4k the highest, which is crazy to me. |
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Post by michaelcleary on Jul 25, 2023 19:18:34 GMT -6
Take a look at Earthworks ZDT (zero distortion technology) pres. Super clean and 3d. Also the original Non-NV Great River pres, single knob straight wire with gain. Not made anymore but can still be found, I'll never sell mine. Someone else mentioned the Neumann V402 pre which is super clean and big. I'll also throw in the MT 48 or Anubis as the pres are the same with lots of headroom but extras that you may not need.
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Post by Ward on Jul 28, 2023 17:44:51 GMT -6
Take a look at Earthworks ZDT (zero distortion technology) pres. Super clean and 3d. Also the original Non-NV Great River pres, single knob straight wire with gain. Not made anymore but can still be found, I'll never sell mine. Someone else mentioned the Neumann V402 pre which is super clean and big. I'll also throw in the MT 48 or Anubis as the pres are the same with lots of headroom but extras that you may not need. I would dearly love to hear or even read about a comparison between the Neumann V402 and a Grace preamp! Worlds apart perhaps? Maybe so, but a similar goal - to not get in the way of the sound of the microphone and give it plenty of support, gain and headroom. |
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Post by ml on Aug 16, 2023 12:34:35 GMT -6
Which one did you end up going with Johnkenn ? |
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Post by Mark Kano on Aug 16, 2023 14:23:10 GMT -6
In both the Manley Core and Voxbox, the compressor is before the mic pre in the circuit. This allows you to really get to the sweet spot of the preamp without clipping or distortion. These are tube pre's yes, but they are very high headroom and quite forgiving in my experience. Iron input transformers on both I believe. Back when I had a CV4 and BAE I remember struggling to keep things from getting hairy on loud passages. You have a dynamic voice and I think one of these channel strips might solve the problem you're having.
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Post by Johnkenn on Aug 16, 2023 14:36:02 GMT -6
Which one did you end up going with Johnkenn ? Got the Millennia. It’s fine. Nothing that makes my head explode. |
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Post by drsax on Aug 16, 2023 15:18:49 GMT -6
Talking about clean, straight line mic pres that don't get harmonic distortion when a singer lays into them. Suggestions. I'm remembering why I sold my 1073s now... How about the best of both worlds with a Great River pre? The 500 series can be had for a very modest price and IMO this thing is up there with the best of the best. You get Neve-ish vibe with clean, high headroom, low distortion results. And the impedance and loading options, and input/output gain allow you to go cleaner or you can get some grit if you want. It’s world class and I have no idea why so many overlook these in recent years. They would be one of my desert island Pres. Not to mention the 1/4” DI which sounds amazing. |
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Post by Mister Chase on Aug 16, 2023 15:39:25 GMT -6
Which one did you end up going with Johnkenn ? Got the Millennia. It’s fine. Nothing that makes my head explode. I've only heard other files done with them. It many times seemed to clean and unflattering, but when the right mic hit the right source with it, it was amazing. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2023 10:54:18 GMT -6
Which one did you end up going with Johnkenn ? Got the Millennia. It’s fine. Nothing that makes my head explode. Clean enough for you? Not fuzzing out? Even with the Millenia higher order harmonic zing? |
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Post by Ward on Aug 19, 2023 10:22:51 GMT -6
Got the Millennia. It’s fine. Nothing that makes my head explode. Clean enough for you? Not fuzzing out? Even with the Millenia higher order harmonic zing? A very important (albeit leading) question! After re-reading the entire thread im left wondering if we’re still looking for headroom or not. Harmonic distortion, fullness and Neve-alikeness aren’t good friends with high headroom. |
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ericn
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Balance Engineer
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Post by ericn on Aug 19, 2023 11:16:01 GMT -6
Millennia + M49 = Peter Gabriel vocal chain no zing effect on that one and on the New Blood headroom for days.
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Post by thehightenor on Aug 19, 2023 12:10:37 GMT -6
Millennia + M49 = Peter Gabriel vocal chain no zing effect on that one and on the New Blood headroom for days. I want my money back! I have a Millennia STT-1 and no matter which LDC I use with it .... I STILL don't sound as amazing, unique and world class as Peter Gabriel. .... more rubbish gear again! |
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