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Which Tube Pre?

anonymous
Submitted by anonymous on

Okay, I'm back again to ask for some more help. I'm looking to get a nice tube pre to use on an upcoming funk/soul project.



I already own a Sebatron 4000e, maybe something to compliment this? Here's what I'm thinking:



Manley Mono and a Mojave Audio MA200 mic

Manley ELOP

Millennia Media STT-1

UA 1176 or UA 610 (I already have the 4110 so I'm leaning away from UA, but not completely opposed)



OR...

I know these aren't tube units, but I've heard great things about API:

API lunchbox w/ two 512's to start

API 3124



I guess I'm looking to hear what you all think would be the best use of my money. I need more vintage sound and I'm always open to other suggestions.



Thanks in advance for any help!

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anonymous
anonymous

backinthelab wrote: I think the 6176 is a good choice right now. Especially since I don't own a full channel strip, only pres. Maybe not, though, if I can get a good deal on a VoxBox or Mono...Why is this so difficult?!?!?



Well, the 6176 gives you the 610 pre and 1176 comp in one box -- and they can be used together or separately. I think it's a good bet.



Try test-driving a unit, if you can. Some people find the 610 a little dark or murky for their tastes. That's what I like about it. Plus, I don't consider it murky myself.



I've never heard anyone complain about the 1176 though. It's considered a staple.

Mon, 03/13/2006 - 15:02 Permalink
anonymous
anonymous

I've got the Pendulum SPS-1 for Acoustic Guitar (handmade Jim Olson). The sound on this pre is second to none. Gregg Galtieri makes his pre's by hand. Check out the MDP-1 and do a little Googling: http://www.pendulumaudio.com/MDP-1.html



They are a little on the high $$ end but as quiet and sweet as anything on the market methinks.



Happy gear hunting.

Tue, 03/14/2006 - 18:59 Permalink
Profile picture for user sdelsolray
sdelsolray

LJT wrote: I've got the Pendulum SPS-1 for Acoustic Guitar (handmade Jim Olson). The sound on this pre is second to none. Gregg Galtieri makes his pre's by hand. Check out the MDP-1 and do a little Googling: http://www.pendulumaudio.com/MDP-1.html



They are a little on the high $$ end but as quiet and sweet as anything on the market methinks.



Happy gear hunting.



I have both the Pendulum Audio SPS-1 and MDP-1a. I wouldn't go so far as saying the SPS-1 is "second to none." It's an excellent pre for studio micing, but it is really desinged for live use with acoustic guiar pickups/mics, hence all the "gigging" features in the unit. It's the total feature package that makes the SPS-1 what it is.



The MDP-1a is another story. World class for sure.

Fri, 03/17/2006 - 12:21 Permalink
anonymous
anonymous



I wouldn't go so far as saying the SPS-1 is "second to none." It's an excellent pre for studio micing, but it is really desinged for live use with acoustic guiar pickups/mics, hence all the "gigging" features in the unit. It's the total feature package that makes the SPS-1 what it is.




Excellent points! I should have qualified my post better. When I said second to none, I didn't mean as a mic pre. I meant as a universal setup for recording/amplifying six-string (steel) acoustic guitar exculsively. Amplifying/Recording acoustic guitar is so tough IMHO. The dynamic range of the instrument, and complex overtones are so difficult to catch. And most acoustics that have electronics are harsh and muddy in the 800-1khz range. The Baggs transducer with an SPS-1 in a good handmade like the Olsons gives me a good shot at a good sound (like David Wilcox, James Taylor, Patty Larkin). Quiet, smooth, true: http://www128.pair.com/loredo/olson/audio/jt_lesn.mp3

Sat, 03/18/2006 - 16:27 Permalink