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Post by robo on Feb 18, 2024 11:18:57 GMT -6
Wow that's really a good deal I have been on the hunt for stereo mic pre on the fence between IAA (QPP/QP5)c and Stam ( 1073MPA) dragging my feet as I haven't had any time ( in the middle of a home renovation project) most of my purchase from last year still sealed in box, but man $500/channel with EQ. Only hesitation was an issue Phoenix audio had with their OPAMPs and maybe something else. Not sure if it affected the orginal versions or MK2 units. Based on what I have read these seem to exist somewhere between API and Neve ? Anyone have experience with the DRS-4 MKII ? I just bought one, but I’ve used a single channel Phoenix pre for years. They are top-notch preamps. They get associated with Neve because the designers came from that company, but it has its own sound. Similar in that it sits things into the track (rather than in front like API and others) and is drive-able, but with deeper subs and sweeter highs. I have a BAE and like the vintage Neve sound, but prefer the Phoenix for most things. I haven’t used the eq’s in those channels yet, but based on what I’ve heard they have a particularly cool midrange. Very well chosen eq points, IMO. That said, the QPP is a great preamp. My favorite for drums. They are broadly similar to the Phoenix. Both sort of sound like you went to tape. The Phoenix might have a bit more lead-vocal shimmer, and the QPP has a bit more meatiness. Can’t go wrong with either, though neither is a Neve, if that’s what you’re looking for. |
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eq
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Post by eq on Feb 18, 2024 12:18:46 GMT -6
Thanks ! Just purchased I think I got the last one.
It really should have been a "no brainer" but so many other ideas/brands had me going down the internet rabbit hole ... IAA/Stam/AML/Pope Audio/CAPI ....
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kcatthedog
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Post by kcatthedog on Feb 18, 2024 13:18:13 GMT -6
Now, says, out of stock: enjoy !
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Post by robo on Feb 18, 2024 13:26:12 GMT -6
Thanks ! Just purchased I think I got the last one. It really should have been a "no brainer" but so many other ideas/brands had me going down the internet rabbit hole ... IAA/Stam/AML/Pope Audio/CAPI .... Congrats! It’s an incredible deal. We probably got the last two  |
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Post by bluesholyman on Feb 24, 2024 8:44:08 GMT -6
Just an update, decided the WA73EQ is going back - this unit has noise and scratchies on the pots and while it was an ok price, it really should be noise free. I'll save up for the heritage or something better at this point and just live with the Carbon pre's for the time being.
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Post by ironinthepath on Feb 24, 2024 8:59:54 GMT -6
Sorry to hear you weren't happy with the WA73EQ - the pots might just be an aging/humidity thing and be something that can be cleared up with some tech TLC. Noise in a "healthy" 73-style preamp isn't the world's lowest either, just FYI. For me, even with the WA73EQ, it was only something that was problematic with direct use of ribbon mic with acoustic guitar or vocals (relatively low SPL sources) needing high gains- it just wasn't optimized for that (also, make sure the output knob all the way up). I also tried it with ribbons using a Cloudlifter (the Z model with variable impedance) and was able to get usable sounds that way. Being honest, I felt that my Vintechs are also not optimized (same basic circuit topology) for direct use with ribbon mics (but still overall clearly preferred the Vintech).
In any case, I totally recommend saving the extra money and getting the right tool for the job, preferably one that will bring a smile to your face when you hear it. My only warning is that noise-wise (with ribbon) you may experience similar dissatisfaction with higher-end 73-style preamps and it's possible you'd want a cloudlifter or similar with any of those models - or it may be best to look into a preamp that better fits with the ribbon.
Good luck with the purchase!
-Chris
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kcatthedog
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Post by kcatthedog on Feb 24, 2024 9:09:55 GMT -6
Hmm, sounds like it needs some bench time.
Mine and my friend’s weren’t noisy.
Good luck with your search and as above, a cloud lifter would help.
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Post by niklas1073 on Feb 24, 2024 9:35:38 GMT -6
Regarding ribbons and noise. Just came home from a days tracking session, among other things passive ribbon into BAE73, no noise issues what so ever. Even had a ribbon as room mic for drums and worked great. But sure that also comes down to what ribbons you use and how much juice they require. So I am sure you’ll be able to find a 73 style hopefully in your budget to do the trick for you with acceptable noise levels. The component qualities will also play a role in it for sure.
EDIT: went thru some tracks and the only noisy ones was my sontronics SDC tracks. They rate at are 18dbA. Everything else no noise floor to mention.
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Post by ironinthepath on Feb 24, 2024 12:14:07 GMT -6
If using a ribbon alone and trying to capture nuanced quiet stuff (vocals, fingerpicked acoustic, etc.), the pre matters a lot more in my experience. If it's part of an ensemble of mics, especially with louder stuff, much less of a big deal. Just my opinion though. EDIT: but I should clarify that I am just a serious hobbyist, make my living in (audio) electronics as an EE.
-Chris
I've posted this before elsewhere, but this is an example of where pre matters from my perspective (this is a Millennia pre if I recall correctly):
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Post by bluesholyman on Feb 25, 2024 13:32:58 GMT -6
Hmm, sounds like it needs some bench time. Mine and my friend’s weren’t noisy. Good luck with your search and as above, a cloud lifter would help. With my Lewitt mic, it was pretty quiet, IIRC. The ribbon was another story, but that is largely the ribbon being a 70 year old ribbon. The pots definitely have spots where through the sweep you hear noise as the wiper moves across some buildup. It didn't clear up working the dial, so I think it does need some bench time. I had expected it to be in better condition, but this one seems to be older, at least to have that kind of potentiometer noise. In either case, I can return it so I will - I don't like buying projects - I want tools that work the way they are intended, good price or not. |
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kcatthedog
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Post by kcatthedog on Feb 25, 2024 20:10:09 GMT -6
A little deox could set the pot straight, but of course, do what you prefer !
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Post by bluesholyman on Feb 25, 2024 20:37:50 GMT -6
A little deox could set the pot straight, but of course, do what you prefer ! DeOxIt is my friend, but I'd rather get a better piece of kit. |
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Post by miscreantrecords on Jun 9, 2024 3:22:38 GMT -6
Hey Friends. I purchased a WA73EQ today and I'm loving it so far. Sounds amazing. Feels good. We cool? I would recommend it. Attachments:
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kcatthedog
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Post by kcatthedog on Jun 9, 2024 6:10:42 GMT -6
I had the 2 channel and enjoyed it too, but hardly used the eq, just hpf when tracking. Eventually, replaced with a daking 2 channel pre: more euphonic.
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Ox Han
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Post by Ox Han on Jun 9, 2024 20:14:38 GMT -6
I tried the warm without eq and did not like it at all. The heritage ha-81a takes the crown for me. It hasn’t been beat on kick for my drums when using a single kick mic even against the bae 1028 
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Ox Han
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Post by Ox Han on Jun 9, 2024 20:18:33 GMT -6
I tried the warm without eq and did not like it at all. The heritage ha-81a takes the crown for me. It hasn’t been beat on kick for my drums when using a single kick mic even against the bae 1028 Not sure why the picture I linked from Google drive is not showing. It’s the heritage ha-81a racked with bae 1028s. |
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eq
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Post by eq on Jun 10, 2024 11:15:05 GMT -6
I tried the warm without eq and did not like it at all. The heritage ha-81a takes the crown for me. It hasn’t been beat on kick for my drums when using a single kick mic even against the bae 1028 That's pretty impressive considering the the huge price difference between those two |
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Ox Han
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Post by Ox Han on Jun 10, 2024 19:39:49 GMT -6
I tried the warm without eq and did not like it at all. The heritage ha-81a takes the crown for me. It hasn’t been beat on kick for my drums when using a single kick mic even against the bae 1028 That's pretty impressive considering the the huge price difference between those two The ha-81a is truly the best budget pre/eq I’ve used, not just best budget neve clone, and it really does hold its own. Kick drum is the one place I’ve found it does best and hasn’t been beat. The bae 1028 is a bit different on kick, but not better. The 1028 is of course good on kick. it’s subjective. The 1028 can beat it out on other sources, but the ha-81a is never bad and won’t leave my studio even if the 1028s stay. It is that good regardless of price I can’t speak to build quality and longevity. The ha-81 doesn’t have tubes, so I don’t think it will have any fried board problems like budget tube amps. Only time will tell |
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Post by kamekage on Jul 7, 2024 6:42:32 GMT -6
Wow that's really a good deal I have been on the hunt for stereo mic pre on the fence between IAA (QPP/QP5)c and Stam ( 1073MPA) dragging my feet as I haven't had any time ( in the middle of a home renovation project) most of my purchase from last year still sealed in box, but man $500/channel with EQ. Only hesitation was an issue Phoenix audio had with their OPAMPs and maybe something else. Not sure if it affected the orginal versions or MK2 units. Based on what I have read these seem to exist somewhere between API and Neve ? Anyone have experience with the DRS-4 MKII ? Late reply but hope it helps: I actually just sold a Phoenix Audio with the ZenPro mod. It is great. I would say the description of it being between API and Neve is spot on. It has a Neve-leaning girth to it (not as thick as something like a Vintech for better or worse), but a midrange forwardness that reminded me of API-style pre's I've used. Build is solid and the look is awesome (I love black units, though I bought black knobs to replace the red ones  - absolute gem, especially for a 1U item. Wish it had both mic and line jacks on the back to complement the XLR and TRS outputs, with an insert, but hey - can't have it all. If you need 2 channels of pre with EQ for around 1K - don't hesitate on this one (unless the separate inputs matter for your setup). |
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eq
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Post by eq on Jul 8, 2024 14:12:08 GMT -6
Wow that's really a good deal I have been on the hunt for stereo mic pre on the fence between IAA (QPP/QP5)c and Stam ( 1073MPA) dragging my feet as I haven't had any time ( in the middle of a home renovation project) most of my purchase from last year still sealed in box, but man $500/channel with EQ. Only hesitation was an issue Phoenix audio had with their OPAMPs and maybe something else. Not sure if it affected the orginal versions or MK2 units. Based on what I have read these seem to exist somewhere between API and Neve ? Anyone have experience with the DRS-4 MKII ? Late reply but hope it helps: I actually just sold a Phoenix Audio with the ZenPro mod. It is great. I would say the description of it being between API and Neve is spot on. It has a Neve-leaning girth to it (not as thick as something like a Vintech for better or worse), but a midrange forwardness that reminded me of API-style pre's I've used. Build is solid and the look is awesome (I love black units, though I bought black knobs to replace the red ones - absolute gem, especially for a 1U item. Wish it had both mic and line jacks on the back to complement the XLR and TRS outputs, with an insert, but hey - can't have it all. If you need 2 channels of pre with EQ for around 1K - don't hesitate on this one (unless the separate inputs matter for your setup). 😂 all good on the late reply ! After posting I realized it was a no brainer and purchased the last unit (or maybe next to last unit) ASAP ! I think they had a few more afterwards. I really love what I am getting sonically running this into the Bettermaker SPE. I am debating on what next to get looking for another pre preferably stereo something darker thicker wondering if a TG2 might do it or a BAE 1073 ? What is replacing the Phoenix Audio unit you sold ? Thanks ! |
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- absolute gem, especially for a 1U item. Wish it had both mic and line jacks on the back to complement the XLR and TRS outputs, with an insert, but hey - can't have it all. If you need 2 channels of pre with EQ for around 1K - don't hesitate on this one (unless the separate inputs matter for your setup).