I've heard them both and bought the Portico. That said, it's a tough call. The Chameleon is not quite up to par against the Portico on the preamp side of things but having the EQ and two channels of it, would be nice.

If it's for utility recording i.e. a lot of different instrument sources, I might opt for the Chameleon. If it's for gold channel vocals or acoustic instruments the Portico is the one. I mean the Chameleon sounds very good on vocals but there is that suspended feeling of sound that the Portico has which makes it so great.

Again, tough call.

I don't think it can be said better than that.

However, I bought two 7602 because I wanted the EQ.

Thanks guys....after days of self torture I've decided on option C....SCA pres. I've got a little DIY blood and decided this might be my best best.

The SCAs are a great choice. You can't go wrong there.

Good luck and have fun!

Did you only get the N72s or did you get something else?

I'm going to start with 2-N72's and 2-A12's. I've heard many people say that they love the N72's on kick and snare, and the A12 for OH's. I'm going to try that, and then I'll know which I want more of.

I think that down the line I'd end up with a 4 N72, 2 A12 and pair of the C84 or J99.

If the A12 is what I like on drums I'll get for of those and have only 2 of the N72. I know API is the sound for rock, but I'm a pretty big fan of Neve character on drums as well. I like a rounded punchy snare, but at the same time I like aggressive attack....so it's a toss up.

I've been looking at a DIY tube pre called the "Slow Blow" but I need to find someone to build the PCB layout from the schem because I don't trust myself designing a board for something tube!!!!! That could mean my life if I screw that up.