I doubt you'll have a problem with clarity on the great river if it's acoustic and vocals. And don't use and sm57 on vocals unless you are doing rock.

No, no, no.....not muddy. Dan desgned the NV with that very goal in mind. To get that Neve 1073-like sound without the bottom end turning to mush when using it on many tracks.

Both are cool preamps but I'd get the nv. It is more versatile with the sounds you can tweak out of it. With the gain down it is pretty clean. Up and it gets big and neve-y. Then there is the impedance and loading switches to play with...

I'd go with the MP-1NV as well, over the RNP. Although they just different tools, you may get a lot more mileage out of the Great River.

Bowisc

for about $1500.00 I got both over the ME 2-NV ($1900.00 2ch.)..I felt the advantage of 2 pre choices was a better value over the 2-NV...I use the ME-1NV on vocals for sure and the RNP for stereo applications and cleaner needs...I'm happy with the results.

if you dont need a stereo pre, multiple colors, or can only spring for one, stretch a bit more and go with the ME 1NV you'll keep it forever... its really cool!

Thanks, I guess I'm torn between the 2 channels or one channel thing. I found the single channel GR for $940 at altomusic.com (they can get the 2 channel for $1815) - I saw the RNP down the street and it looks so...TINY. It's amazing how FMR pulled THAT off. I definatley need the FAT, larger than life sound so now I'm starting to lean towards the 2 channel GR

Go with the GR unit. The RNP is a step up from, say, a mackie, but after checking the unit out over a months period of time, it's not really anything special. If I was in a Neve, Api, SLL, Neotek room, I'd use the board pre's over the RNP. The GR unit will also retain it's value much, much better over time.

Originally posted by e-cue:
Go with the GR unit. The RNP is a step up from, say, a mackie, but after checking the unit out over a months period of time, it's not really anything special. If I was in a Neve, Api, SLL, Neotek room, I'd use the board pre's over the RNP. The GR unit will also retain it's value much, much better over time.

Geez, different strokes for different folks, I guess. The GR NV is very different sounding than the RNP, but both have an important place in our studio.

The RNP has an openness to the top end that I've never heard from any other preamp, while the GR is wonderful for that creamy sound and the variety of tone available.

The D.I. on the RNP has the most articulated bass sound I've ever heard from any D.I. I can't imagine having only one of those two preamps in our studio.

Yea I have to agree and disagree. The RNP is MUCH nicer than any mackie pre I have ever heard. I dont know about the GR, it is probibly better all around pre. But the RNP is very detailed and open, it really does sound like it has alot of iron in the path, dont let the size fool ya. I use it with a AT 4050 and it sounds great.

ON a second note, I have not heard the GR , But I have heard the Universal Audio 610, around ($1000) and it is the best pre I have ever heard. It is heaven, you should check that one out before you buy the GR.

Just my newbie opinion :tu:

Originally posted by nebula:

ON a second note, I have not heard the GR , But I have heard the Universal Audio 610, around ($1000) and it is the best pre I have ever heard. It is heaven, you should check that one out before you buy the GR.

nebula, i'm not in way questioning your taste or sincerity, but the danger in wholeheartedly recommending the UA over the GR is that the UA will sound really good on some things and suck on a whole lot of others, while the Great River will be a lot more versatile.

so the UA might be a good investment for someone who already has a few nice preamps, but as a first and only preamp, the great river would be a safer pick.

oh yea , I understand.

sorry, I just love that pre :p: