Which Tube Pre?

Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 8:03 pm

Okay, I'm back again to ask for some more help. I'm looking to get a nice tube pre to use on an upcoming funk/soul project.

I already own a Sebatron 4000e, maybe something to compliment this? Here's what I'm thinking:

Manley Mono and a Mojave Audio MA200 mic
Manley ELOP
Milennia Media STT-1
UA 1176 or UA 610 (I already have the 4110 so I'm leaning away from UA, but not completly opposed)

OR...
I know these aren't tube units, but I've heard great things about API:
API lunchbox w/ two 512's to start
API 3124

I guess I'm looking to hear what you all think would be the best use of my money. I need more vintage sound and I'm always open to other suggestions.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 8:23 pm

Maybe get the UA 6176 and kill two birds with one stone -- and save some rack space? That's a pretty old school sound.

FWIW, having a tube in the chain isn't necessarily the be-all-end-all or the best solution for every situation. Plenty of old records were recorded using solid state gear.

Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 9:08 pm

Yes, I'm aware that it won't be the end-all-be-all. But it can be close! I'll take a look at the 6176. Thanks for the suggestions.

Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 9:58 pm

The 6176, API 312's and Vintech Dual 72's (Neve 1272) are pretty good. I like them, anyway.

Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 11:02 pm

Hamptone HVTP2. 2 channels of all tube pre. I use the Seb. and the Hamptone. Love them both for different things.
fiddler

Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2006 8:40 am

how about the telefunken v72? i want one...

Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2006 4:54 pm

I think the 6176 is a good choice right now. Especially since I don't own a full channel strip, only pres. Maybe not, though, if I can get a good deal on a VoxBox or Mono...Why is this so difficult?!?!?

Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2006 5:02 pm

backinthelab wrote:

I think the 6176 is a good choice right now. Especially since I don't own a full channel strip, only pres. Maybe not, though, if I can get a good deal on a VoxBox or Mono...Why is this so difficult?!?!?

Well, the 6176 gives you the 610 pre and 1176 comp in one box -- and they can be used together or separately. I think it's a good bet.

Try test-driving a unit, if you can. Some people find the 610 a little dark or murky for their tastes. That's what I like about it. Plus, I don't consider it murky myself.

I've never heard anyone complain about the 1176 though. It's considered a staple.

Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 8:59 pm

I've got the Pendulum SPS-1 for Acoustic Guitar (handmade Jim Olson). The sound on this pre is second to none. Gregg Galtieri makes his pre's by hand. Check out the MDP-1 and do a little Googling: http://www.pendulumaudio.com/MDP-1.html

They are a little on the high $$ end but as quiet and sweet as anything on the market methinks.

Happy gear hunting.

Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2006 1:16 pm

I'm giving the 6176 a go. It should be here next week sometime, just in time to track some vox! I'll let you know how it sounds!

Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2006 2:21 pm

LJT wrote:

I've got the Pendulum SPS-1 for Acoustic Guitar (handmade Jim Olson). The sound on this pre is second to none. Gregg Galtieri makes his pre's by hand. Check out the MDP-1 and do a little Googling: http://www.pendulumaudio.com/MDP-1.html

They are a little on the high $$ end but as quiet and sweet as anything on the market methinks.

Happy gear hunting.

I have both the Pendulum Audio SPS-1 and MDP-1a. I wouldn't go so far as saying the SPS-1 is "second to none." It's an excellent pre for studio micing, but it is really desinged for live use with acoustic guiar pickups/mics, hence all the "gigging" features in the unit. It's the total feature package that makes the SPS-1 what it is.

The MDP-1a is another story. World class for sure.

Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2006 8:13 pm

Pendulum and Millennia both make great sounding 'natural' voiced tube preamps. On the character side of things check out the Mercury M72 and M76, both are hand made in California and based on the Telefunken preamps, excellent stuff.

Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2006 6:27 pm

[/quote]

I wouldn't go so far as saying the SPS-1 is "second to none." It's an excellent pre for studio micing, but it is really desinged for live use with acoustic guiar pickups/mics, hence all the "gigging" features in the unit. It's the total feature package that makes the SPS-1 what it is.

[/quote]

Excellent points! I should have qualified my post better. When I said second to none, I didn't mean as a mic pre. I meant as a universal setup for recording/amplifying six-string (steel) acoustic guitar exculsively. Amplifying/Recording acoustic guitar is so tough IMHO. The dynamic range of the instrument, and complex overtones are so difficult to catch. And most acoustics that have electronics are harsh and muddy in the 800-1khz range. The Baggs transducer with an SPS-1 in a good handmade like the Olsons gives me a good shot at a good sound (like David Wilcox, James Taylor, Patty Larkin). Quiet, smooth, true: http://www128.pair.com/loredo/olson/audio/jt_lesn.mp3

Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2006 9:31 pm

Thanks guys, excellent suggestions! I'll have some good reference next time I make another purchase.

One thing that surprised me was that no one stuck with any Manley products. Any particular reason why?

Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 2:47 pm

The pre on the Manley VoxBox that we have at the studio is too... something. I don't like it, in any case. The only thing we use the VoxBox for is the Pultec EQ on kick drum.

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