Telefnken V72 $35

Hands down for what you mention.

I have a neve 1272, and have used the APIs. I would really like to check out the V72. Trust recorderman on this one, but I have to add that I love my avalon 737 for everything. At those prices I would try them all. I have always been quoted closer to $100 for high end pres.

Originally posted by RecorderMan:
Telefnken V72 $35

Hands down for what you mention.

Recorder man please tell me why the v72,s for this particular project,i,m looking to buy some pre,s for an acoustic,fuzz guitar,percussion type of thing but i want it sounding quite warm and sizzly.i could pick up some v72,s quite cheaply.julian

I have produced some recordings in a studio which has all of those I would say go with the API's . The V72's are going to be a little to low on the gain and probably a little noisey . The HV3 is to clean for what you are looking for. as for the 1272 it is not a "classic" neve design so Api would be my choice,

by the way the best rock and roll piano sounds was a 9' yahama grand ( 2) 57's and a V72 unbelieveable. I do love the V72 but it is a one trick pony ( one awsome trick )
but if you want a "beatles " "white album" sound go with the V72

hope that helps .

PS I am no fan of the avalon 737 sorry Hack

haven't used the others so can't compare, but I have a V72 and it is loaded with character. I also have some great Quad8 pres, had a TLA eq2 and an Amek 9098. All of which are great but the V72 sounds totally different. Kind of gritty and raw. It's true that it's a bit low on gain though.
I've heard that it's sound is not really from the tubes, but from the great transformers, which makes me wonder if the later V72A is just as good. It's much cheaper, not being valve. Anyone tried one?
Good luck on the project - I guess you can't go far wrong with any of those!

I'm not sure why everyone always writes off the Neve 1272's. In my experience, although not a 'classic' design, they sound pretty nice! I've tracked a bunch of stuff with the 1272's and think they work great in many applications and they certainly have a Neve sound. I'm also a fan of the API 312's.. All depends on the 'flavor' you are looking for.. Different stroke for different folks...

-Jay

I never would say a 1272 sounds bad . I would love to have a few.

So what got rented? David

I think since you are doing organic acoustic stuff the Millennia HV3 is the best choice. These are used by Gary Paczosa, who records Alison Krauss, Nickel Creek and many others. He uses HV3's and SST 1s on almost all of his recordings and Millennia actually made him a run of matched Origins.. (lucky devil!) I posted an example of the Millennia’s on the Audio Streaming page in both the comparisons and in the song "The Lucky One". Check it out! Kurt

Nothing yet..the sessions aren't for a few weeks. I just wanted to get some input upfront from everyone....I am leaning towards the Millennia now since I love the clean sound on the Union Station recordings....I will keep you "posted"...

Ray

Hi Ray,

You must be renting from Auraphic. Rick's a great guy to work with. I just wish he had more stuff...
For a rock type vocal, a classic Neve like the 1073 is great. I think the V72 is a little darker sounding. Haven't had a chance to try the APIs yet. I'd love to. I've heard them described as "muscular" and "brawny". You might be looking for something more subtle than that.
My Great River is based on the pre from the Neve 1073, and I love it for just about everything that doesn't need to be transparent. It adds a nice sheen to vocals.
Maybe he'd bring 'em all, and let you make a quick 5-minute test and then pick one? You can't learn everything in 5 minutes, but it might be better than picking "deaf", so to speak.

Sean

I'd say the Millennia for clean, clear and open, the API for broader, wider and harder.