Wow, that's a hell of a question. The 230v part of the question was the easiest to answer, all you'll need is the proper transformer, or the transformer wired properly in your +24vdc operating PSU, and your +48vdc phantom power supply, and you're all set.

As for the 'aftermarket Neve-alike' stuff, I reckon it's a matter of taste and needs. The "converted line amps" [1272's etc.] became popular when the 'vintage equipment' dealers ran out of "input modules" [1073, etc.] to sell, so we started modifying the line amps for mic level use.

Some are better than others, your opinion of whether or not one will actually be useful, or more useful for your needs is unfortunately a rather personal decision that you're going to have to make on your own.

I'm sure it's pretty obvious which of the 3 you mentioned I'd prefer, but you may get other stories and experiences from other users. The fact of the matter is that until you try/use this stuff in your studio, on your music, all of these opinions are pretty much irrelevant.

Best of luck with your search.

Go with the Vintech, you will be very happy...especially for the price :D

I just finished puting one together myself with no knowledge of electronics prior to reading a book. No eq though just the 1272 unit. Based on the plans I found from the http://www.sowter.com web site and used their transformers. I compared it to the original 1272 and it sounds very similar. A little bit frustrating at times but saved me about half the price and I learned something new.

That being said, I like Brent Averill's stuff very much.

Originally posted by atlasproaudio:
Go with the Vintech, you will be very happy...especially for the price :D

But tell me where to find it....
Like I said, can't get it over here...
(Can't find it on YOUR site either :confused: )

Originally posted by gie:

But tell me where to find it....
Like I said, can't get it over here...
(Can't find it on YOUR site either :confused: )

Click the link to Nathan's website. I'm sure he knows how to change the voltage to 220 and you know how to wire up the appropriate end on the IEC cable for your country.

Originally posted by Fletcher:
Click the link to Nathan's website.

Yep... I did... but no Vintechs or other NEVE pre's...

What am I looking for???
I do a lot of live-recordings for RADIO... So I spend a lot of time inside Mobile-Rocording facilities. My favorite truck had an old NEVE desk in it.. Of wich I really liked the Pre's and the EQ's.
I said "had" cause 1 year ago the company replaced the NEVE with a DDA (because their service guy was tired of fixing the NEVE over and over again....)
I loved the PRE's on a lot of stuff on a lot of occasions... (Most female vocals, some bases, some kicks, a lot of snares, and almost on every guitar.)
I want that feeling back!!! :D

So I'm not looking for the clean/transparant type of thing... I'm looking for the "NEVE-tone" ;)
[if there ever is/was such a thing]

Fletcher thanX for your advice so far... Hope you can help me a little bit further, cause (like I said before) they don't sell any of the stuff mentioned before, so I can't really try/test everything...

ThanX again !

BTW: Is the AMEK System 9098 Dual Microphone Amplifier also something I should consider?

If you are looking for a Neve sound, then you need to get a Neve pre. I bought a pair of 1089 pre-EQs from Brent Averill and they sound amazing. Brent does excellent work. I've purchased lots of stuff from him, and I would highly recommend him. Go to his site at http://www.brentaverill.com/ and see for yourself.

Steve Holt
http://www.inner-music.com/

The 9098 pre's seem crystal clean to my ears. I love em, but I don't use em for a particular 'sound'. Just clean gain.

(of course the eq RULES in the eq version... once again because it's so clean)

If it were me, I'd get the Great River. There's a model with meters & TRS snd/rtn's for eq/comps.

GIE:

Try this adress: http://www.goldenagemusic.se

It's in Sweden and they probably have the 230-version.

Richard

Originally posted by Richard Hjemmen:
http://www.goldenagemusic.se
It's in Sweden and they probably have the 230-version.

Richard: ThanX for the tip. I've send them an e-mail... See where that will get me.

by MMazurek:
The 9098 pre's seem crystal clean to my ears. I love em, but I don't use em for a particular 'sound'. Just clean gain.
(of course the eq RULES in the eq version... once again because it's so clean)

MMazurek: Yep, your absolutely right. Yesterday I went to a studio wich had the 9098's (both the dual-mic and the EQ- versions)
It's not the kind of sound I was looking for in this thread... But MAN... they really sound awesome :(

ThanX everyone!

I'm going to make up my mind... at least I'll try :D ;)