|
|
Post by sozocaps on Jul 24, 2013 15:56:35 GMT -6
Unbiased feelings on preamps...
List what you USED IN A SESSION and what you think. I don't want someone to say ... I had that and it stunk but never was forced to use it and really see how it is.
I USE several Ill go first.
Great River MP-2NV Love it on male vocals. It does have an upper mid push but it is PERFECT for a male vocal. Works on Drums and Electric guitars well. DI is great. Dont like it on Acoustic wiith my microphone choices, too much transformer chick.
Avlaon 2022... Amazing on acoustic, overheads, female vocal , kick for a certain sound, snare for a certain sound honky with my u87 on male vocals.
Avalon 737, was ok , reminds me of the UA610 clips i hear. 2022 like 3x bigger though.
Apogee Track 2... possibly my favorite OVERALL preamp ever like it on anything but not best on everything.
Have some VP28's on the way...
|
|
|
|
Post by scumbum on Jul 24, 2013 17:56:18 GMT -6
Apogee Track 2... possibly my favorite OVERALL preamp ever like it on anything but not best on everything. That Apogee Track 2 looks cool , never seen it before . I like clean mic pres . I recorded a whole punk album with all Millennia mic pres . I also recorded two whole albums with the mics pres on my Digi 002 . For me nowadays , I just use CAPI , VP26 , VP312DI and Missing Link on everything . I do use Mackie VLZ Pro on Overheads with the Glyn Johns setup . From doing shoot outs between the Mackie pres and CAPI , the Mackie pre can hold their own except in the low end . The CAPI pres have a way more round and defined low end . Theres a shoot out in a Sound on Sound review , I think it was GML vs Mackie VLZ Pro , and he came to the same conclusion , the Mackie pres sounded good except the low end was its weakness . |
|
|
|
Post by littlesicily on Jul 24, 2013 19:13:12 GMT -6
Vocals=CAPI vp28, AML ez1073, RCA BA-21a, LaChapell 583s
Acoustic guitars= LaChapell 583s or ez1073
E.Gtrs= CAPI vp28 all the way.
|
|
|
|
Post by matt on Jul 24, 2013 19:23:47 GMT -6
I have not used a wide variety of pres, but I like what I have:
vocals, acoustic gtr: A-Designs Ventura
everything else: Slate Fox
So far on the Slate I have used mostly the vintage setting. The modern mode is super clean and might be good for 2-bus. Bought both blind and don't regret it at all.
|
|
|
|
Post by tonycamphd on Jul 24, 2013 19:34:53 GMT -6
I have blacklion pre's and soundcraft JW pre's, so i guess i'm not biased? in saying my favorite acoustic guitar chain is 1993 taylor, clone C12 w/tim campbell capsule, through a VP28 with leiber red dots, modded aphex 651 set to whackamole the jumpers. Sounds sickdiculous!!...IMunbiasedO  |
|
|
|
Post by Randge on Jul 24, 2013 19:56:49 GMT -6
Digging the Edwards Audio preamps I bought a while back. They are tube but super clean and after stacking a bunch of fiddles, I found how little noise floor they had. Lots of detail and exactly what I wanted to hear. They are very Ampex sounding without the murky cloud to thin out. I tried the CAPI VP-26 and 28 this week and was loving the sound of them too. Had a chance to put the new-old McCurdy pres I have finally gotten back in action through their paces too. Colored but in a very pleasant way. So nice to have the choices we have these days!
R
|
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Jul 24, 2013 22:07:04 GMT -6
I could've sworn I posted in this thread...Is somebody deleting my shit? (Paranoia will destroya)...
Anyway - Loving the VP28 on vox...Also loved the Heritage 1073 - incredible vocal pre (and of course the EQ) - might just have to pick up one of the pre only versions...IMHO I think it's the cream of the crop of the Neve clones...TB would tell you the Avedis - which I owned and thought it was good.
Jeff's Heider 312 and VP312 both kill on acoustic.
Used the Helios on everything for a couple years...Still love it, but decided the CAPI stuff sounded a little smoother for my applications. I'll still pick one up again eventually. The problem is - I don't need that many pres...
There are just so many...and most of them are pretty damn good.
|
|
|
|
Post by inthemix on Jul 24, 2013 22:09:54 GMT -6
The Vintech dual 72 is awesome for electric guitars, but I can use my Vintech x73i through a distressor recording about anything and get great results.
|
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Jul 24, 2013 22:17:21 GMT -6
I might be the only one...but I've never really gotten into the Chandler pres. LOVE the looks, but man, just not that impressed.
|
|
|
|
Post by tonycamphd on Jul 24, 2013 22:36:26 GMT -6
Used the Helios on everything for a couple years...Still love it, John, being a drummer and a huge Zeppelin fan, i'm dying to try the helios pre's, have you ever tried em on drums? and if so, what's the skinny? |
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Jul 24, 2013 22:43:07 GMT -6
No - I haven't...my studio is just vox and overdubs...I would imagine they would be pretty cool on overheads...That 10Khz boost is sweet and forgiving...They don't have a lot of head room, though, so you have to gain stage them correctly. Honestly, one of the reason I sold mine was because I thought the VP312 sounded similar, but a little better for my applications. The EQ is killer on acoustics...Never really felt it on kick or snare when mixing though...tried it once and it just didn't work for me. Much rather have a 1073 in that scenario.
But I am kind of obsessed with them...In fact, damnit, you just made me want one again...
|
|
|
|
Post by tonycamphd on Jul 24, 2013 22:47:37 GMT -6
No - I haven't...my studio is just vox and overdubs...I would imagine they would be pretty cool on overheads...That 10Khz boost is sweet and forgiving...They don't have a lot of head room, though, so you have to gain stage them correctly. Honestly, one of the reason I sold mine was because I thought the VP312 sounded similar, but a little better for my applications. The EQ is killer on acoustics...Never really felt it on kick or snare when mixing though...tried it once and it just didn't work for me. Much rather have a 1073 in that scenario. But I am kind of obsessed with them...In fact, damnit, you just made me want one again... I've heard so many people use the word "woody" to describe the way they sound, did you get wood from the way they sounded? |
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Jul 24, 2013 22:48:07 GMT -6
I think the big thing about the Bonham sound were the rooms...and the compression. I hear more of the Helios on the acoustics...and on The Who acoustics...I believe all the mid 70's Who stuff was Helios...
|
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Jul 24, 2013 22:55:09 GMT -6
No - I haven't...my studio is just vox and overdubs...I would imagine they would be pretty cool on overheads...That 10Khz boost is sweet and forgiving...They don't have a lot of head room, though, so you have to gain stage them correctly. Honestly, one of the reason I sold mine was because I thought the VP312 sounded similar, but a little better for my applications. The EQ is killer on acoustics...Never really felt it on kick or snare when mixing though...tried it once and it just didn't work for me. Much rather have a 1073 in that scenario. But I am kind of obsessed with them...In fact, damnit, you just made me want one again... I've heard so many people use the word "woody" to describe the way they sound, did you get wood from the way they sounded? I've heard that, and yes...strangely, that's a good description. They're really open on top and then when you get them a little hot, it's like they introduce this "buzzy", "woody" harmonic. They can be a little hard to dial in because they don't have a lot of headroom...I usually used a compressor after to be able to not over load them (with vox) and use the compressor for makeup gain. I think this is the reason everybody raves about them on acoustic - the acoustic guitar doesn't have a huge dynamic range, so you're able to drive the input more into harmonic distortion without crapping the pre out (and they will crap out)... |
|
|
|
Post by matt on Jul 24, 2013 22:55:24 GMT -6
I think the big thing about the Bonham sound were the rooms...and the compression. I hear more of the Helios on the acoustics...and on The Who acoustics...I believe all the mid 70's Who stuff was Helios... So, the Compex 760 played a big-ish part then. Hmmm. I've always particularly loved the fatness of the Houses of the Holy album. Even on CD, I hear a roundness on the low end that is missing somewhat on their other early stuff. Eddie Kramer did that album, I think. |
|
|
|
Post by tonycamphd on Jul 24, 2013 23:13:15 GMT -6
I think the big thing about the Bonham sound were the rooms...and the compression. I hear more of the Helios on the acoustics...and on The Who acoustics...I believe all the mid 70's Who stuff was Helios... So, the Compex 760 played a big-ish part then. Hmmm. I've always particularly loved the fatness of the Houses of the Holy album. Even on CD, I hear a roundness on the low end that is missing somewhat on their other early stuff. Eddie Kramer did that album, I think. ever notice the incredible "woody" sound on the song remains the same? Just sick and bonham(and JPJ) is absolutely killing it!! AML sells a DIY compex f760 called the ez f760, i have one here, but haven't started in on it yet, a couple guys at groupdiy have finished them and say "yeeeees" they're about a 1K to build yourself. Back to ubiased preamps(though i dont think the OP sozo minds a little zep talk  ) |
|
|
|
Post by matt on Jul 24, 2013 23:46:12 GMT -6
So, the Compex 760 played a big-ish part then. Hmmm. I've always particularly loved the fatness of the Houses of the Holy album. Even on CD, I hear a roundness on the low end that is missing somewhat on their other early stuff. Eddie Kramer did that album, I think. ever notice the incredible "woody" sound on the song remains the same? Just sick and bonham(and JPJ) is absolutely killing it!! AML sells a DIY compex f760 called the ez f760, i have one here, but haven't started in on it yet, a couple guys at groupdiy have finished them and say "yeeeees" they're about a 1K to build yourself. Back to ubiased preamps(though i dont think the OP sozo minds a little zep talk ) Yes, there is something happening on Houses that is a little different than the Andy Johns vibe, which is killer, but captured/mixed with a different technique, on different/varied gear. I have wanted a Helios-based recording chain, but I wonder if you wanted to really capture that sound (yeah I know, you can't) you would have to use a Helios console, a Compex or similar on at least the drum bus, and go to tape. And resurrect JHB and hire JPJ for the rhythm section. And rent out Headley for a few weeks. And write a set of timeless songs. Easy. |
|
|
|
Post by tonycamphd on Jul 25, 2013 0:02:56 GMT -6
ever notice the incredible "woody" sound on the song remains the same? Just sick and bonham(and JPJ) is absolutely killing it!! AML sells a DIY compex f760 called the ez f760, i have one here, but haven't started in on it yet, a couple guys at groupdiy have finished them and say "yeeeees" they're about a 1K to build yourself. Back to ubiased preamps(though i dont think the OP sozo minds a little zep talk ) Yes, there is something happening on Houses that is a little different than the Andy Johns vibe, which is killer, but captured/mixed with a different technique, on different/varied gear. I have wanted a Helios-based recording chain, but I wonder if you wanted to really capture that sound (yeah I know, you can't) you would have to use a Helios console, a Compex or similar on at least the drum bus, and go to tape. And resurrect JHB and hire JPJ for the rhythm section. And rent out Headley for a few weeks. And write a set of timeless songs. Easy. Yes, fun trying though, i think drummer, drums/tuning, and room are the biggest parts of capturing the sound, everything else is down the list? |
|
|
|
Post by wreck on Jul 25, 2013 8:41:09 GMT -6
In the early days I used a lot of cheap(er) stuff like, Digi 003, Art, DMP3 and Mackie.
Digi always sounded lo-fi to me. Hi end just seemed to roll off.
Art lacked low end and had a harsh character to it when I tried to boost the highs.
DMP3 was really pretty balanced. The best of the cheaper stuff. But it was a little close to the Mackie problem.
Mackie just has a certain thing going on that is not consistent with a "finished" sound for me. I hear the term clinical thrown around often and I tend to associate that term with the Mackie sound. It's clean, but, for me, it's not that warm, pleasant finished sound.
Then I tried some better stuff, like UA 2-610, Focusrite 428, GAP 73 and CAPI.
UA was fun at first, switching tubes, etc. Natural tube compression. It was good, but never blew me away. Sold it.
ISA - still impressed with these but the midrange character I want is not really there. They will get the job done though.
GAP - generally just use this for bottom snare or bass DI or kick. Not well balanced so use it on low end or high end only.
CAPI - When I put the VP28's on OH instead of the ISA's the drums came alive for the first time in my recordings. Changed everything for me. I attribute this to the mid-range character of these pres. Also great on guitars and vocals. At the price point, there is no reason to buy anything other than VP's for the style of music I do. I'd really like to get some more.
|
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Jul 25, 2013 8:53:18 GMT -6
The CAPI stuff has really settled my gas in the preamp arena...although I do want another Heritage...oh, and another Helios...
|
|
|
|
Post by wreck on Jul 25, 2013 9:00:26 GMT -6
The CAPI stuff has really settled my gas in the preamp arena...although I do want another Heritage...oh, and another Helios... Agreed - I haven't been able to make the Heritage jump yet, but it is a goal to have one in the arsenal. The new pre only version has brought it closer to doable for me. Have to get another lunchbox first or get a 10/11 slot to replace my 6 shooter. |
|
|
|
Post by jcoutu1 on Jul 25, 2013 9:05:24 GMT -6
Millennia HV3C - Fast, clean pre. I know a lot of people don't like these, but I love the clarity for some sources. Really dig these on acoustic instruments and overheads with a pair of KM184's. They seem to pair nicely together.
UA 610 - Thick and wooly. I've have good results with kick and bass DI. I've tried it on vocals, acoustic/electric guitars, and snare and haven't liked the results.
Vintage Neve 1073 - Thick with the ability to get dirty. Complete opposite of the Millennaia. I've used these on vocals, snare, and acoustic guitars and been happy with the results.
API 512c - Fast and mid forward (as you know). Love them on guitar...drums all day. Haven't been happy with them on vocals or acoustic guitar.
Avalon VT-737sp - Can add some thickness with the gain and output knobs. I've been happy with them on snare or vocals.
True Precision - Quick clean tone, but somewhat soulless.
Grace 101 (I think) - Quick and detailed. Clearer than the True to my ears, but I liked it more.
SSL E and G - Jack of all trades, master of none?
Sony MXP3036 - Serviceable, but average. Good enough to make a record with though.
Joe Meek VC1 - This thing has a tone to it. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Doesn't blow me away on anything, but it's serviceable.
Presonus Digimax - Nothing special, no real tone, but was never used for money tracks.
Digi002 - I was never satisfied with these. They always felt closed off and covered with a blanket.
Midas Venice - Still getting to know these, but I've been happy with the results on acoustic and electric guitars so far.
Trident 80B - Bought it for a session, shipping was delayed and it came after the session so I haven't used the pres, only the EQ. Will report back on the pres once I put it through it's paces.
Also have a pair of VP28's en route. Looking forward to getting those built and trying them out.
|
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Jul 25, 2013 9:08:21 GMT -6
The CAPI stuff has really settled my gas in the preamp arena...although I do want another Heritage...oh, and another Helios... Agreed - I haven't been able to make the Heritage jump yet, but it is a goal to have one in the arsenal. The new pre only version has brought it closer to doable for me. Have to get another lunchbox first or get a 10/11 slot to replace my 6 shooter. My only question is whether the pre is all I want...Honestly, with the convenience of ITB EQ, I was too lazy patch it in most of the time...but it was nice to have for tracking bass, acoustic and vocals. |
|
|
|
Post by svart on Jul 25, 2013 9:15:39 GMT -6
I've used the standards, 1272, 312, SSL9k, SSL4k, etc. All work very well for most everything, that's why they are studio standards.
|
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Jul 26, 2013 8:01:04 GMT -6
I tried out the Millennia, Electrodyne and Neve 1073 LB (500 versions) a while back...I thought the Neve was really, really nice...Better than I thought it was gonna be. Actually sounded like a 1073 - big bottom, strong mids, really defined/detailed top. Wasn't blown away by the Electrodyne in comparison and didn't like the Millennia at all.
|
|
)
