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Post by scumbum on Jul 23, 2013 17:39:03 GMT -6
The Classic API VP28 has become a go-to pre amp at my studio. I started with a pair of VP 26 about year and a half ago and added a pair of 28s a few months back.
In line mode, the 28 kills! 4 clicks up on the input gain and 3 down on the fader will give you a sweet, musical "push". 2 clicks down on the input gain and and 3 clicks up on the fader gives you a lifted, airy vibe. Want a Iggy Pop/ Strokes type vocal sound? Try a VP28 in line mode last in your chain. Drive the input real hard and bring the fader down. The variety of tone available in a VP28 second to none. The HP filter w 6 and 12 db ..... also badass.
I want more.
I've attached a Harry Nilsson cover that was recorded with a heavy amount of VP26 (this was pre 28 at my studio). There was usually either a Manley Massive Passive or Chandler LTD 1 for EQ and a Hairball 1176 or a Langevin optical compressor. I believe that the VP26 was used for vocals (Soundeluxe U99), horns (Coles 4038), guitar (Royer r121), snare drum (sm57) and mono kit (ev 635a), Sounds real good ! That ending is crazy . That song definitely has a vintage vibe to it , I'm sure the VP26 helps alot . How did you mic the drums ? |
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Post by tonycamphd on Jul 23, 2013 17:50:56 GMT -6
Hey 4track - talk more about what you're talking about with phase shift. I was part of a direct comparison, ears and on a scope between a 1073 and the lc53a, direct through with no turns and and more again with mild to heavy turns, the lc53 was remarkably phase coherent at all settings, not so much with the 1073(lc53 was waaaaaay quieter also). More importantly, they sounded phase accurate to me, and i'm really a pain in the arse when it comes to that. my 2 cents |
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Post by captlourawls on Jul 23, 2013 19:01:26 GMT -6
That song definitely has a vintage vibe to it , I'm sure the VP26 helps alot . How did you mic the drums ? Thanks for the complment. We've just finished a collection of covers featuring artists we've worked with over the years. The drum track on "Gotta Get Up" was recorded using a modified Glyn Johns method. The toms and a some hats and ride were recorded as an overdub. The micing was as follows: Kick AKG d12e - chandler ltd 1, snare sm 57 - vp26, over coles 4038 - Tube Tech MP 1a -Massive Passive - Vari Mu, Out was same as over, under snare EV 635a (directly below snare, just above the floor, pointed at the kick beater) - Daking EQ- Distressor, room EV 635a - Daking pre/eq - hairball 1176. All recorded to a 24 track Otari Mtr 90 at 15ips Thats how we recorded "Gotta Get Up". We often put up a close (4ft out in front) stereo pair. usually audio technica 4050s or royer r121s. The room mic is actually in the kitchen just off the tracking room. Sometimes we'll put up a stereo pair of whatever dynamics we have around for room micing. Other times I like a mono overhead or 635a's as close tom mics. I change it up a lot. Gotta keep it fun. |
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Post by Johnkenn on Jul 23, 2013 19:07:57 GMT -6
View Attachment
The Classic API VP28 has become a go-to pre amp at my studio. I started with a pair of VP 26 about year and a half ago and added a pair of 28s a few months back.
In line mode, the 28 kills! 4 clicks up on the input gain and 3 down on the fader will give you a sweet, musical "push". 2 clicks down on the input gain and and 3 clicks up on the fader gives you a lifted, airy vibe. Want a Iggy Pop/ Strokes type vocal sound? Try a VP28 in line mode last in your chain. Drive the input real hard and bring the fader down. The variety of tone available in a VP28 second to none. The HP filter w 6 and 12 db ..... also badass.
I want more.
I've attached a Harry Nilsson cover that was recorded with a heavy amount of VP26 (this was pre 28 at my studio). There was usually either a Manley Massive Passive or Chandler LTD 1 for EQ and a Hairball 1176 or a Langevin optical compressor. I believe that the VP26 was used for vocals (Soundeluxe U99), horns (Coles 4038), guitar (Royer r121), snare drum (sm57) and mono kit (ev 635a), |
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Post by lolo on Jul 23, 2013 19:59:38 GMT -6
In line mode, the 28 kills! 4 clicks up on the input gain and 3 down on the fader will give you a sweet, musical "push". 2 clicks down on the input gain and and 3 clicks up on the fader gives you a lifted, airy vibe.
What application here? Master Buss? |
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Post by captlourawls on Jul 24, 2013 0:15:56 GMT -6
In line mode, the 28 kills! 4 clicks up on the input gain and 3 down on the fader will give you a sweet, musical "push". 2 clicks down on the input gain and and 3 clicks up on the fader gives you a lifted, airy vibe.
What application here? Master Buss? On master bus the above mentioned might be a bit much. I was referring to an instrument buss (gtrs,keys horns...) It'd prolly be cool on master bus too. |
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Post by lolo on Jul 24, 2013 1:47:44 GMT -6
What application here? Master Buss? On master bus the above mentioned might be a bit much. I was referring to an instrument buss (gtrs,keys horns...) It'd prolly be cool on master bus too. Cool thats what I though. Finished a Demo a couple of weeks ago with my VP28's on the 2 Buss, just unity level and one click down on output. Great sound. Now I just WANT a couple of 500 series eq's for some extra mojo on my 2 Buss |
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Post by Johnkenn on Jul 24, 2013 8:25:12 GMT -6
I have the 528's and use them tracking and on the 2 buss...They really tighten the mix, seem to round the transients...
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Post by jcoutu1 on Jul 24, 2013 9:27:17 GMT -6
Anyone build a pair of VP28's with minimal DIY experience? How much time did it take? Any problems with the build? Any advice?
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Post by littlesicily on Jul 24, 2013 9:29:33 GMT -6
I just got my 1731 DOA's assembled and will shoot 'em out against the 2520 and RD's today.
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Post by tonycamphd on Jul 24, 2013 10:00:24 GMT -6
Anyone build a pair of VP28's with minimal DIY experience? How much time did it take? Any problems with the build? Any advice? Between the precision of Jeffs kits, and the perfectionist nature of a Chunger build thread(link below), you really can't go wrong if you know how to solder a cable together, just follow the directions, double and triple check yourself, and you'll have a killer pre! www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=48610.0 |
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Post by jcoutu1 on Jul 24, 2013 10:26:21 GMT -6
Wow. That link is perfect. I saw on the CAPI page that there was going to be a thread, but didn't see a link to it. Thanks man.
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Post by brianscheffer on Jul 24, 2013 13:04:55 GMT -6
The VP26 is a MUCH easier build, mostly because there's a lot less going on in it. You could do one of those first if you need a confidence builder. The VP28 isn't tough to put together, but it might be a little bit daunting if you don't have much experience. You'll just need to take it slow and be organized and careful. That said, I'm sure guys around here will answer your questions or bail you out if you hit a tough spot!
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Post by scumbum on Jul 24, 2013 13:24:27 GMT -6
The VP26 is a MUCH easier build, mostly because there's a lot less going on in it. You could do one of those first if you need a confidence builder. The VP28 isn't tough to put together, but it might be a little bit daunting if you don't have much experience. You'll just need to take it slow and be organized and careful. That said, I'm sure guys around here will answer your questions or bail you out if you hit a tough spot! Yeah theres no way you'll get stuck and confused on how it goes together . You can always post a pic or ask questions here . The only problem you can have is not making good solder joints (poor soldering skills) . If you can solder you can do it . Just go really slow and TRIPLE check each part that its the correct one before you solder it in place . |
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Post by jcoutu1 on Jul 24, 2013 13:32:20 GMT -6
The VP26 is a MUCH easier build, mostly because there's a lot less going on in it. You could do one of those first if you need a confidence builder. The VP28 isn't tough to put together, but it might be a little bit daunting if you don't have much experience. You'll just need to take it slow and be organized and careful. That said, I'm sure guys around here will answer your questions or bail you out if you hit a tough spot! The problem with the VP26 is that is doesn't have the line in mode. I want the versatility of the pres and the line mode for mixing. I ordered a pair of 28's. Only 27 left now from the looks of it! |
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Post by scumbum on Jul 24, 2013 13:40:05 GMT -6
The VP26 is a MUCH easier build, mostly because there's a lot less going on in it. You could do one of those first if you need a confidence builder. The VP28 isn't tough to put together, but it might be a little bit daunting if you don't have much experience. You'll just need to take it slow and be organized and careful. That said, I'm sure guys around here will answer your questions or bail you out if you hit a tough spot! The problem with the VP26 is that is doesn't have the line in mode. I want the versatility of the pres and the line mode for mixing. I ordered a pair of 28's. Only 27 left now from the looks of it! Awesome !! You'll be very happy . As far as the build , its like building a Lego Castle set when you were a kid . The only difference is you gotta solder the pieces together . |
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Post by tonycamphd on Jul 24, 2013 13:52:34 GMT -6
The problem with the VP26 is that is doesn't have the line in mode. I want the versatility of the pres and the line mode for mixing. I ordered a pair of 28's. Only 27 left now from the looks of it! Congrats broman, you will dig! |
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Post by junior on Jul 24, 2013 14:10:48 GMT -6
The VP26 is a MUCH easier build, mostly because there's a lot less going on in it. You could do one of those first if you need a confidence builder. I'd say the VP312 is even a little easier than that. Either way, the kits are well documented and Jeff's always around to help if need be. Just work slowly and check things as you go - should be piece of cake!  |
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Post by dandeurloo on Jul 24, 2013 23:43:44 GMT -6
I have the 528's and use them tracking and on the 2 buss...They really tighten the mix, seem to round the transients... These really are a must have for me! I'm building more once they are in stock....JEFF! |
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Post by dandeurloo on Jul 24, 2013 23:45:13 GMT -6
Anyone build a pair of VP28's with minimal DIY experience? How much time did it take? Any problems with the build? Any advice? Between the precision of Jeffs kits, and the perfectionist nature of a Chunger build thread(link below), you really can't go wrong if you know how to solder a cable together, just follow the directions, double and triple check yourself, and you'll have a killer pre! www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=48610.0We need Chunger's here. He does great stuff. (oops! I hit edit on yours instead of quote...this moderator thing is awesome...I feel my ego expanding as we speak...) |
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Post by tonycamphd on Jul 25, 2013 9:47:24 GMT -6
Chung definitely takes the fear out of DIY, and the reason i went for it in the beginning, little did i know that my house would look like a bomb went off in a radio shack less than a year later!  |
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Post by Johnkenn on Jul 25, 2013 10:10:41 GMT -6
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Post by wreck on Oct 4, 2013 14:39:25 GMT -6
Finally adding some of the VP 312's to the rack. I've been wanting to do this since I heard someone compare OH's between the VP312 and the VP26. I typically use the VP28 on OH, but I recall there being some nice high end stuff on the VP312 sample I heard. This puts 5 CAPI's in the rack. The 5th is a VP26. That pretty much ends my need for pre upgrades, which seems sad. I guess I need to focus on the music anyway.
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Post by Johnkenn on Oct 5, 2013 11:04:39 GMT -6
Now you can try out different op amps  |
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Post by Guitar on Oct 5, 2013 21:44:08 GMT -6
VP312 is my fave of the original trio of preamps--haven't got my hands on a VP28 yet but would like to. The line input seals the deal on appeal. Also never tried the VP25.
I like the VP312 even better with a CMMI-8PCA input transformer from Cinemag, and forgetting the output attenuator and adding a 3124+ style DI. I've got a thread about it on gearslutz.
GAR2520 is my all around favorite op amp but I also am cool with the GAR1731 and seldom mentioned ML2520 from Whistle Rock Audio.
I am really excited about the LC53A right now! Trying to earn/save my pennies for at least a pair. It's crazy that these tiny things cost what a guitar does, but, that's how it is. I can't say that they're less useful! Pro audio is pretty rock n roll anyway.
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