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Ok, when I get my studio remodel finished this winter or spring, I need to buy one good solid channel for recording. Of course I'd really like to have more but I want to start with something really good. A magic bullet if you will. I am thinking of a UA 6176 or Vintech X73 and an additional compressor. Some other units I'm wondering about would be the Avalon VT-737 or SSL X Logic Alpha Channel. My main goal is to be able to capture a great vocal for my band on our next CD. Right now I have a Mackie 1202 vlz and a couple AT2020s. I will have a new board that will be a Tascam DM4800. I will use it mainly for the 32 channel firewire to my DAW and use it's inserts for the channel strip that I buy. Eventually I hope to have many nice channels for drums. What does anyone here think of the 6176 as a "magic bullet"? If it was a good choiuce for a soulful female rock singer, what would be a good complimentary mic? I was wondering about one of the AT 40XX mics. Not sure which one yet. Opinions anyone? Thanks.

Eric

Comments

AudioGaff Thu, 10/11/2007 - 20:25

The UA 6176 is a great unit. I guess i would even say it is a magic bullet. There are of course many other magic bullets. I certainly would take it over the Avalon 737 any day of the week.

To keep things simple and help those that search, let's keep this topic focused on mic pre advice and you can start another one for input on mic choices. And any computer or software related questions goes in the digital audio or DAW/computer forums.

The SSL stuff is way over priced for what you get. Plenty of other products that are as good, and many that are way better value for the money.

EricWatkins Fri, 10/12/2007 - 04:21

Thanks AG. I just want to make sure that I can achieve the sound I'm after which is sort of an Evanesence vibe. Can you make any kind of comparison between the 1176 and the LA-2A? Seems like every time I see a pro studio picture, there's a pair of LA-2As in the rack. But that's a huge price jump JUST for a compressor. Plus, with the 6176, I get a pre AND a compressor. Seems I could be way closer to having a pair of those price-wise. Will the 6176 also work good for overheads on drums? Otherwise, I'll initially be recording everything one track at a time so I can use it individually for vocals, bass, guitar or whatever else. The other thing I like about the 6176 is that the pre and comp are actually seperated so I can use just one or the other to mix and match if I want. I'm starting to ramble now. I just want to see if anyone has anything to say to sway me in another direction but I guess that I otherwise think that this is probably a good, permanent investment. Thanks again AG.

Eric

AudioGaff Sat, 10/13/2007 - 09:17

LA2A and th 1176 are very differnt from one another. Kind of like a soft matress and a hard matress. Often, they work well having them noth in the same chain.

As for over heads, ya they would work. While they would not be my first or second choice, if that is all you have, I would expect them to get the job done with excellent results.

I don't how many times I have say this to people, but don't be swayed just by peoples opinions. Find a way to to hear/use these units and come to your own conclusions.