I have about $2,000 to spend on my interface / preamp, just unsure on what would be more beneficial... a [="http://www.uaudio.com UA[/]="http://www.uaudio.c… UA[/] [[url=http://="http://www.uaudio.c…"]LA610[/]="http://www.uaudio.c…"]LA610[/] Preamp / Compressor combo with a lower end interface (Firestudio Tube) or the new UA [="http://www.uaudio.com/apollo?utm_source=recording&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=apollo"]Apollo[/]="http://www.uaudio.c…"]Apollo[/] interface (which seems to have pretty good preamps anyways)?
In previous studios, I absolutely loved the sound we got from the UA LA610 preamp compressor combo, but we were also working with an [[url=http://="http://www.apogeedi… Apogee[/]="http://www.apogeedi… Apogee[/] ensemble interface and nice gear all around. This time I only have about $2000 to work with, so I can't really have both here. The http://www.PreSonus… PreSonus[/]="http://www.PreSonus… PreSonus[/] tube would be my low end choice. And I was also looking at the Echo Audiofire pre8. The new UA Apollo interface looks really sick, but I'm unsure.
I'm more interested in the preamp from the LA610 than the compressor (that's just a really good bonus!). With the exception of drums, I should only be recording one channel at a time (max 2).
What do you guys suggest?
Thanks in advance (I really do appreciate your help)
- Josh
Comments
Convertors are for sure a weak link in the chain so to speak, bu
Convertors are for sure a weak link in the chain so to speak, but not having the best converter dose not necessarily mean you have a week chain. Some are just fine.
I have not come close to looking at what all is out these days but I am sure some great stuff.
If you really like the 610 go for it, at the end of the day it has to make you happy.
Me, well being the 500 format slutz I am I would navigate to a lunchbox and build off that format.
I have not tried the Apollo, but based on the reviews and my exp
I have not tried the Apollo, but based on the reviews and my experience with the UA plugins is that it would give you the best total package right now. However, the 610 is best "gear investment" on your list. It's a tried and tested analog piece that will be usable for decades. (No digital gear fits that description.) Moreover, you've used it and liked it.
Yeah, I'm really stuck in the middle. I think I can save some mo
Yeah, I'm really stuck in the middle. I think I can save some money if I go the 610 route. There are a few used ones on ebay you can get for serious discounts! Is it difficult to replace the tubes?
The compressor would be nice, but I'm mainly interested in getting the preamps. How do you feel about the m610 or solo 610?
Also a note: the apollo comes with a 1176 compressor plugin (and I hear these come scary close to sounding like the real thing!)
hmm, one channel at a time yanks me towards the Lavry AD11 then
hmm, one channel at a time yanks me towards the Lavry AD11 then. Its stellar. Contrary to many, I'm a big believer in high quality converters because if they suck, add colour, aren't silky, are tinny NOT transparent, ... everything you run through your system will have the sound of that converter. So, ... mics, pre etc will be effected.
But, are you doing midi, do you need that as a part of your interface?
The Apollo looks to be the coolest, 8 channel, ITB rig going. I've not hear anything about their pre's.
Hope that helps.