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I'm considering a Neve 1073, and a UA 1176LN compressor. Any idea how this signal path would sound with a u87ai on vocals. Recording mainly rap, reggae and r&b vocals.

Any recomendations for the u87 mic? preamps or comps.

I currently use the Avalon 737sp. I got some extra cash now and i know i can get something a lot better out there.
honest advice please.

Comments

anonymous Sun, 06/26/2005 - 01:50

Not to be a total dick or anything...

But you list this type of gear and then wonder how it would sound?

If you knew anything about this gear or pro audio, you would already know how it sounds. It sounds like you have more dollars than sense. IMHO.

On the surface, you appear to be the type that buys a Maranello Ferrari and burns up the clutch or wraps it around a telephone pole taking it off the dealer lot.

If I am mistaken, forgive me.

The fact that you want to use this gear for rap makes me want to...

Well, I'll just leave the rest of that comment to myself.

"Something stinks in Denmark, Horatio."

Guest Sun, 06/26/2005 - 04:37

Avalon wrote: neve 1073, and a UA 1176LN compressor. with a u87ai on vocals. Any recomendations for the u87 mic? preamps or comps.

Well, Neve is awesome stuff (wish I had some). And just about all the UA stuff is killer as well. As far as pre-amps, have you looked at the Vi-pre? It's pretty exp. but you said you want to get something better than the Avalon 737sp.
Also maybe look at the Millennia TD-1 or the Millennia STT-1. I hear they are the bomb!

anonymous Sun, 06/26/2005 - 09:45

Thanks for the replies, i think i'm going with the neve, i wish i could rent one first, but can't find it for rent. I'll take the risk. I think its around $3000 for the re-issue 1073

Sebatron Thorax, sounds interesting... i'll look that up.

As for the compressor, i'll see how the avalon's comp works with the neve first.

John Stafford Sun, 06/26/2005 - 11:35

As far as I know, Missy Elliott uses the 1073 with a U87 if she knows in advance what's going to happen, but if the session gets a bit wild, she uses the Sony C800G instead. I think the reason is that when artists are seized by inspiration and run up to the mic to improvise, the Sony consistently does a good job, but when the singer is carefully positioned, and she can set everything up in advance, the U87 gets the sound she wants.

I don't know how up to date this info is, but if you like the sound of the MANY records she has produced, then the Neve is a good starting point. I don't know what other gadgets she uses, but I think she's a great producer :D

Good luck with it!

John Stafford

Davedog Sun, 06/26/2005 - 11:43

I have found the U87 to be one of the most mic-pre sensitive mics around.So any change in preamp with this mic is going to be significant.You should really like the Neve-alike for this.The Vintech stuff is really a good Neve-like sounding box.I always liked the U87 through an API but this may be a little too gritty for your purpose. Best of luck.

anonymous Sun, 06/26/2005 - 22:48

The Neve/U87 combo is pretty much the most common combo I see out there. You really can't go wrong with them and I'd imagine you'll prefer that neve over your 737.

Other pre's that in my experience have sounded good with the u87: Vintech 1272, Calrec (don't remember what model), Vipre, and avalon 2022.

anonymous Mon, 06/27/2005 - 18:11

Yeah I've rented the avalon 2022 before, really impressed.
That Sebatron pre looks tempting though, i've been reading up on that. The Neve Portico looked like a good choice at first glance, but that silk button thing and the way its advertized makes it seem amaturish.

So far i think the 1073 is a safe bet. I read somewhere that Doctor Dre uses it as well, but who knows, lots of mainstream guys may be gettin' paid in some way to mention gear/ brandnames ect. Hard to belive anything these days.

back to the sebatron, i read some really nice reviews on this futre producers site. Theres this one review by a guy named Kurt Foster, he tried it with a u87 into a manley, he REALLY liked it.

John Stafford Tue, 06/28/2005 - 00:30

David French wrote: I like you, John! Few are we who see beauty in Missy E. and Debusy simultaneously.

Yes, it was deliberate.

Likewise David :D

Come to think of it, I'm sure Missy and Debusy simultaneously could sound great :wink: Once she gets that Clair de Lune groove going anything could happen!

BTW can't remember if I posted that I loved the piano on your Brahms recording. (where's the thumbs-up emoticon gone?)

John

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