Read this http://www.digitalprosound.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=19932

After hearing the DVC, I purchased it and could not be happier. The optic compressors really are the best I have heard. You bascially do not hear them. So your sound is not affected by the limiter. By the way I am Glenn and did the review on the link above. I would not say that the DVC sounds better or worse thant the 428. However with the optic compresoors built in and the limited EQ, for tracking vocals especially, it is incredible. It keeps the vocal performance more even and smooth without adding any artifacts to the signal. The pre's o the DVC are outstanding. My review has all the info you need.

I could tell you that the DVC is made in CA and the 428 is in China, but I am not sure what difference in quality that really makes. If you don't need the extra mic pre's, I would go for the DVC. By the way the limiter on the 428 only is a limiter when you get the converter card, and is not even close to what the DVC has.

I wasn't even counting on the limiters on the 428.

I'm just concerned about which of the above would have less of a cumulative effect when all sources in a mix go through them.

Thanks for the info. Nice review BTW.

Less cumulative effect.. I would say they are about the same on that. They both have a gentle character, which actaully to my ears makes the voice or bass sound better. If you want transparent, get a GML

I don't need real transparent, I prefer gear that has some character.

I was just wondering which of the two would be less prone to that cumulative effect you get with some gear that sounds great on one or two channels but makes for a very dark mix when used on every track, for example.

I would say neither one would give you that problem. The Focusrite though I would think is more geared for rock and pop if that helps. It has a brighter sound, while the Langevin has the classic sound that is breath taking.

I thought the Focusrite might be more geared for rock and pop (which wouldn't be a problem for this project).

Do you think the Langevin is more neutral> How do you think it sounds with elecrtic guitars?

I've heard the Focusrite is great for acoustic guitars.

I am sorry, but I love both mic pre's. I would not say one is better than the other. But since the DVC has two optic compressors that go for $1,500 alone, I would get the DVC.

Yeah, I know I won't be disappointed in either.

Just one thing: have you tried tracking loud, overdriven electric guitars with the DVC? It's just that I haven't seen anyone mentioning how it sounds for that.

I do it all the time. I record my Fender Twin with my Mesa/Boogie pre going through it. I use my Blue Blueberry in front of the grill and it sounds amazing with the DVC.

Great. I guess I'll just have to get the DVC :-)

I've got the 428, and have used it on projects with lots of tracks(For example, maybe 12 out of 20 might be from the 428), and I really haven't noticed a build-up effect. The Langevin is really nice, without doubt, and the compressors are worth the price of admission alone.

For me, it was the 4-channels that sold me, plus, each channel has balanced inserts which allow you to patch in any type of effect quite easily. Add in the variable impedence and the optional A/D, and it is really a great unit at a great price point.

But as Blueberry says, they are both great units, and you won't go wrong with either piece.

Good luck!

I agree with you, the 428 seems to be a very versatile solution.

The extra 2-channels won't really matter for now, but the variable impedance thing would be nice for adding sonic variety.

Decisions, decisions... :-)