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anonymous 14 September 2004

sorry for doing this to you guys. i know there are tons of posts on pre's but i need something specific for me before i go to the u.s. tomorrow and buy something that will leave me unsatisfied and with no money. any help is greatly appreciated.

with that said, i want a mic preamp(tube, of course) that goes well with a Neumann TLM 103 and use it mainly for alternative vocals(coldplay) indie(vines), and pop (say, matchbox twenty to or whatever). was looking at 737sp but started backing off when reading posts. heard good things about the GV MP2NV, API 512, Focusrite RED-7, and Sebatron .

please recommend something with GREAT COMPRESSION(important) and warmth. thank you in advance

Juan

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KurtFoster Tue, 09/14/2004 - 20:52

OK, first mic pres and compression are different things. If you want a mic pre with a compressor that is a different thing too. The Avalon VT-737SP is a complete channel strip with mic pre, EQ and compressor stages.

API, Neves, GR MP2NV and Focusrite Red range are all solid state pres. The API and the Focusrite Red are OP AMP (an all in one chip thing) designs. Of the ones you mentioned only the Sebatron and the Avalon are tube. All of these pres sound great however.

When someone says Alternative/ pop to me I think first of APIs and Neves (which the GR MP2NV is a variant of). But out of the group of pres you bring to the table only the Avalon VT-737SP is what you are asking for ... complaints about the Avalon are the compressor isn't the greatest and I personally don't care for the plastic like sound of the high EQ band. This aside, I really suggest YOU listen for yourself to the Avalon before you make a decision. I have a feeling it is exactly what you want.

Another alternative to the Avalon VT-737SP would be a Millennia STT-1 ORIGIN or Pendulum Audio's Quartet II.

AudioGaff Wed, 09/15/2004 - 00:24

Can't go wrong with the API. For tube, the Manley is a great tube axe and my all time favorite tube mic pre is the D.W Fearn.

Universal Audio has the 6176 with is the 610 tube mic pre and 1176 compressor in one box that is very tube sounding and is nice combo that can be used separately. And they just annouced the new box with the 610 tube mic pre and a LA2A derived tube compressor all in one box.

I'm not a really a fan of the 737 box but as Kurt says, you need to try one as it indeed may be right for you. My API stuff sounds more phat and tube like than the 737 does to my ears.

anonymous Wed, 09/15/2004 - 14:18

AudioGaff wrote: Can't go wrong with the API. For tube, the Manley is a great tube axe and my all time favorite tube mic pre is the D.W Fearn.

Universal Audio has the 6176 with is the 610 tube mic pre and 1176 compressor in one box that is very tube sounding and is nice combo that can be used separately. And they just annouced the new box with the 610 tube mic pre and a LA2A derived tube compressor all in one box.

I'm not a really a fan of the 737 box but as Kurt says, you need to try one as it indeed may be right for you. My API stuff sounds more phat and tube like than the 737 does to my ears.

wow...that LA-610 looks very cool. universal audio is on point!

anonymous Fri, 09/17/2004 - 10:05

I was doing this search a few weeks ago..
After much research, I decided to go with either an API or a 'Neve-type' preamp.. Was originally looking at some more hi-fi stuff, and opted to go for the rock n' roll standards.

Ended up trying a 1073-style unit .. the Vintech X73i. Price is great, and while I haven't spent TOO much time with it, so far - it sounds amazing. I'll post my findings after I spend more time with it - but my early impressions are very very positive.
"-)

AudioGaff Sat, 09/18/2004 - 21:44

Ya, I have a pair of X81's. They get the most use on vocals, electric guitar, snare, kick, toms. Tips & Tricks? Just the good old high gain, low output for more harder iron and growl sound, or low gain, high output for clean and warm color. Which source gets what is dependant on the song, style and arrangement.

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