When Studio projects had a forum here at Ro, the bus was that the upcoming sp828 would be comparable to the sytek but 8 pres instead of 4- so far no one has posted a comparison to my knowledge.

I've been wondering about this one too, but last time I checked it still hadn't released yet. PMI/SP seems to have a hard time getting product released in a timely fashion - the small format Toft mixer, E series mics, high end cables for the T3 tube mics, higher end two channel pre, SP828, etc. Many of which have been talked about for a few years now but so far haven't materialized. I own a number of SP mics and even had a pair of the VTB-1's until recently - it's all great value for the money and I appreciate their desire to "get it right" before releasing to the public. But if it takes too long to "get it right", you miss the window of opportunity and folks'll move on.

I'd hate to see that happen to Alan & Company. They're really great to work with on the rare occassion you have a problem with their gear. Their customer service is some of the best I've ever experienced for ANY product line.

I think the SP 828 is available .... and I have read comments that it sounds very much like the Sytek with the B B option ... and half the price for twice the channels ... as well as a 2 channel mix bus . This means you can sub mix selected channells to a mix bus ... a great feature that makes the SP 828 at mix as a summing bus (for all you Digidesign users who hate the summing in PT.)

Looks like they are indeed shipping, or about to ship. A quick check of a number of online gear shops does indeed show them for sale - though no one seems to have them in stock - "more expected soon" is typically in the availability section. Oh well, great news in any case and I stand corrected - at least with regard to the 828.

Now if they could just get that VTB2 out the door.........

stonewall40 wrote:
Both are the same price. I'm now confused, I'd settle for better quality with less inputs.

I don't think that is right ... A quick check of 2 different sources shows the MPX 4 "streeting" at $889 (I have heard as low as $750) while the SP 828 "streets" at under $600.

When you consider that the SP offers 4 more channels and a 2-bus mixer for summing channels during recording and mixing, it is a no brainer IMO ...

Both pres use the same type of op amp chips ... but I cannot speak to any other differences ... but I understand the SP 828 was intentionally designed to be very close to the MPX 4 ...

I don't think you will hear a significant difference between either one.

I didnt realize the s828 wasnt shipping yet. This is all good guys, thanks for the info. I guess I'll wait a while and be patient for the release AND the reviews.
Much appreciated!