They are very much like the API in sound quality but not exactly the same. As good though. I am working on getting some of the other pres you mentioned. As soon as I have something solid to report I will post it. Once I have some of these other pres in hand I will post comparisons for all to hear and judge for yourselves.

I have already posted some examples of the JLM in action.

(Dead Link Removed)

(Dead Link Removed)

Originally posted by longgone1:
I was wondering how the 8 channel JML pre amp standes up to other pres like API's John hardy's and Great river's. and are they a big step up from the sytek pre's?
thanks

you'd be quite surprised how well the syteks hang with those you mentioned...quite!

Syteks are a great bargain for the money, but they are no API's.

You have to be much more conservative with the levels - not nearly the headroom. And they don't sound anything like API's. The API can actually enhance your sound. With Syteks you are talking more about them not hurting the sound any.

If you want the API type sound but cheaper, or something from very close to something near the API sound that will also fit in an API 500 series frames, then look to OSA modules. http://www.oldschoolaudio.com There you will find a variety based on the API design with different components that are used to give different flavors. I've heard a few of them and they are very good. I still prefer the real API, but this is a good way to get another flavor that will fit into the empty slots you may have still open.

Swanie makes the point. Sytek is a pre based on the Neotek console pre. It is supposed to be very neutral and not impart a sound of it's own. If you want to hear just the mic, then this type of pre is the way to go. If you want a pre that "enhances" the sound, then look to the Sebatron, JLM -TMP8, API, John Hardy and Great river types. I think a lot of the sound these mic pres impart have to do with their use of transformers in the input path. Like they say, the sound is in the iron.

I would be using the pres for everything so would it be worth it to get 2 syteks or should I opt for the JLM. Just wondering which would be better on most things. thanks

It depends on what you want. Do you want attitude and color? JLM.

Do you want transparency and accuracy?
Sytek (with reservation on my part due to headroom issues).

Are you recording classical and orchestral works? Then you would want pres that are accurate and transparent.

If you are recording Rock and Pop music, some color and attitude is in order..

Thanks Kurt,
I have been doing mostly rock and pop stuff but I do have the occasional choir recording coming up. I think what I'll do is get the JLM and then save for a cleaner pre maybe a millennia or something.

Oh the JLM can be very clean if you don't drive it too hard. It gets more attitude when you drive it harder and the as the built in limiters kick in, it is said that it gets very Neve like sounding. I can't attest to this because I asked for the one they sent me to have the limiters disabled, somthing I now wish I hadn't done. In spite of that, I am finding the TMP 8 to be a very versitle pre amp. Having 8 channels is a real plus too.

Between the JLM TMP 8, the Sebatron vmp 4000e and my Amek Neve 9098s, I am very well off in the front end department.

If you want pristine quality and clarity I would suggest the True Systems P8 for 8 channels and the P2 analog for the 2 channel.The P2 is also a great DI.

how does the stereo phase correlation display work on the P2 analog? and does it work well? that would be a good asset. I'll look into that one.

Originally posted by Kurt Foster:
... Once I have some of these other pres in hand I will post comparisons for all to hear and judge for yourselves...

Yes! I love mic and preamp comparisons! Thanks, Kurt. :D