Channel Strip or Just Pre-amp?

Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2004 4:39 pm

hi there
check out the millenia origin - just got mine after demoing for a couple of weeks - great pre - wonderful eq, (can be) transparent comp - you can choose whether tube or solid state at the pre, eq or comp - all are simultaneously changeable - also has the option of switching a transformer in or not - certainly my best vocal pre - have not even tried it on anything else yet, but i hear it's great on other than vocals too.
dan

Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2004 9:50 pm

I need something fairly uncolored. I will be using the pre on EVERYTHING, until I can get another nice one. How is the Focusrite 220 for an all-around pre? How does it compare with the Langevin DVC in terms of "color"?

thanks

Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 8:17 am

The origin can be as uncolored as you want - according to Millennia - there are over 130 combination settings on this pre with the punchin/outs for solid state, tube, transformer at all stages - with/without: eq, compression, deesing
a great "only going to have one" (we all say this) preamp
While I have lots of other great pres to use - I could realistically see getting by on this alone

Dan

Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 9:03 am

Re; the Avalon ... I've used these things before and while I liked the mic pre, the compressor left a bit to be desired ... also the EQ, I love the low and mid bands but the hi freq band does something weird to the sound ... makes it sound plastic like ... ugggh!

Re: the Millennia STT-1 Origin. I own one of these and it is just about as uncolored as things get, in the solid state mode with the transformers out of the path.

When you kick in the tube and the transformer things get a bit more interesting but not much .. Even in tube / transformer modes, the pre section is relatively neutral. Where things get interesting is when you switch the compressor and EQ section into tube modes also. Then things start to thicken up rapidly. Speaking of the EQ it is wonderful. Four bands with all the bells and whistles.

The OPTO comp in the STT-1 is killer! (To die for ...) I have UREI LA4's, an 1178 and a Manley EL OP as well as having previously owned a LA 2a and LA3's ... all were / are great ... but the comp in the Millennia is better IMO .... the compressor in the Origin is worth the price of the box alone. You can use the pre on one thing while using the eq and comp on something else. Lots of balanced and unbalanced in and out options on this unit and built like a tank. This ain't no RNP. Last it is a great investment that seems to be holding value well in the market. Used ones on E Bay are selling for almost as much as new ones. Millennia made me promise to offer mine back to them if I ever decided to sell it.

This channel strip is like the perfect mate. If your looking for somthing that is very clean but that can get a little dirty when you want, look at the STT-1.

Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 10:50 am

Not to get to far off topic, but UA will be announcing soon and showing at AES S.F. a new product that is a re-release of the LA3A. It may or may not include the 610 preamp as well.

Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 12:31 pm

The idea of the STT-1 sounds awesome. A little over budget thought I'm afraid.

Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 1:22 pm

AudioGaff wrote:

Not to get to far off topic, but UA will be announcing soon and showing at AES S.F. a new product that is a re-release of the LA3A. It may or may not include the 610 preamp as well.

KWEL! I loved mine, I don't know why I sold them now ... I shoulda hung on to them ... just goes to show, never sell anything

casey wrote:

The idea of the STT-1 sounds awesome. A little over budget thought I'm afraid.

casey,
Set a goal and then work to achieve it .... Think positive! If you set yourself up thinking it's beyond you, you will never get it but if you decide you want it no matter what, you will be surprised at how soon you find the way to get one. The power of positive thinking is stronger than most realize. This is straight from an existentialist, so don't think I'm getting spiritual and oohla-boolah on you ...

Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 2:35 pm

Great, I'm sold on the STT-1.

The quest to get it begins....

Any suggestions on where to look and what a good price would be?

thanks a mil.

-casey

Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 3:00 pm

Casey - i just spent a lot of time looking for my origin - email me if you want some info
dan
mcguin@globalfrontiers dot com

Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 3:50 pm

now i don't want to talk you out of the origin but have you seen the Thorax by Sebatron.I dont think they are 2600$

Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 7:00 pm

If you don't mind me saying so, you may want to look at this Manley too.
http://www.digitalprosound.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=27709

Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 3:44 pm

The Millennia STT1 is indeed awesome. I only record acoustic guitar and vocals using mainly a Brauner Valvet (and sometimes a TLM 103). Listening to a recording of a good ballad performance recorded with that combination is heavenly. It is very very clean. I'm in the market now for a second channelstrip that would give me an alternative for a little rougher stuff (always vocals and acoustic guitar, but up-tempo, heavier strumming guitar and, well, a little more shouting Smile

). I like the tubesheen of the Avalon 737, but I guess there are other preamps that also have that sheen but are better buys . Any suggestions most welcome.

Cheers, Bob.

Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 9:38 pm

I too recommend the Millennia STT-1 (Origin). It has plenty of gain, is very clean and transparent and is worth every pen and more some when you consider all that it has in it.
I also have a UA6176 which I love and two SPL Gain Stations that I just picked up on ebay. For a low budget, you might look at a SafeSound P1. I have one of those also and it is very clean with a great compressor and limiter in it as well.
SG

Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 6:22 am

I'm in the same market to buy a couple of channel strips. I'm torn between buying a pair of API 7600 or the Origin.

Now the Sebatron is mentioned. The Origin seems to be getting the vote.

Any other opinions?

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