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Thanks for the tip !
I'll have a look.

Just wandered if anyone has made a direct comparison between these 2 models ?

I am thinking that the Avalon would better suit our needs, as it has a great EQ + Comp, but then its difficult to decide as the Universal Audio 6176 has an amazing compressor... (so I've heard)

I guess the real test is to go out and compare the 2 side by side, but this is not possible for me, so I just have to go on the general consensus.

I will be using it along with a U47 mostly.... anyone know any special mic pres that suit the U47 and vintage mics (which is what we are using)

Many thanks for any info you have

Steve

Those two can't be directly compared because they each tend to lean on different ends of the sonic spectrum. The U47 should work well with any hi-end mic pre. It depends more on the exact application and sonic color your after.

NumodusFunk wrote: Hi Peeps,

Currently looking to spend up to £2500 ($4000) on a Mic Pre.

In two minds between the Avalon 737SP, or the Universal Audio 6176.

Can anybody recommend any of these models (or any others in the top spec price range)?

Any suggestions very welcome.

Thanks
steve

http://www.gordonaudio.com

big,clean,detailed and full sounding mic pre.

3 weeks trial period,with money back guarantee.

i love mine and i respect grant carpenter who builds these .

Just about any high end pre will work well.

The Millennia Origin for clean stuff...as well as the EW's pres.
Neve or API for flavor
737 for client shock and awe (it's not a bad pre either...I've used it with success when coupled to a high end compressor)

the 737 is a great pre but a weak very soft knee comp

it sound VERY clean for a tube pre .... but that might be good as some u47's are on the dull side

another great sounding altenative is the fairman trc handbuilt on principles from fairchild/pultec..... sounds warmer but just as smooth as the 737 (we have two of both... i know them well)

http://www.fairman.dk/p3.htm don't be fooled by the homepage.... this is serious s...

or.... tubetech http://www.primalgear.com/tubetechcomp005.html

smoooooooth

i'm sure one of these will make you more than happy

Why not get a preamp that was designed specifically to work well with tube era Neumanns? Something like a Siemens/TAB V72/76/78. Finding an original can take some effort, but the TAb-Funkenwerk new models seem to meet everyone's expectations.

Great Guys !

there is much info there for me to make a good decision.
Thanks for all your comments - looks like there are a few more models in the running now !!

Or something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3741369337&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT
A more "Neutral pre" with a simple EQ and then add a nice compressor as a seperate unit, perhaps a distressor, DBX 160VU, ect...

HERE IT IS!!

Revolution Recording Equipment REDD.47™
The Classic British Vacuum-Tube Microphone Amplifier

Originally designed under the direction of Mr. Len A. Page of the EMI Record Engineering Development Department (REDD), the REDD.47 amplifier was the sole active circuitry in the REDD.51 mixing desk. Having superceded the REDD.37, which utilized Siemens & Halske V72 amplifiers, REDD.51 represented the pinnacle of vacuum-tube mixing desk design.