Noobie here. yes, you have endured one novice question before and I ask for your patience again. . Have any of you ever used the gain in a vintage compressor like the LA4 to preamp a mic signal? I did this the other night as my Ward Beck's aren't powered yet and I had to test a new reverb so I ran my tube mic into the Urei and then to the reverb then to an XLR into Pro Tools.

I just got a pair of Urei LA 4 in my home studio when I patch it to my Mackie board... the sound that coming out is very bright and clean (lack of bottom also) I'm not sure that this kind of sound is the character of the LA 4 or not. Coz' when I listen to my old Urei 1178 I can tell unit have character not like LA 4. Do I miss anything like... little modification at the out put strip or.

There is pair of LA-4a's in my local gear-mega-store, black face. They are asking $2200 which appears to be way too much for it, from what I've been reading.

I have a lot of questions about the unit before I go in and try to evaluate it.

OK so after I get a good mic preamp to complete the signal chain I need a good compressor. I'd like to stay under 1000 if I can. I already have the FMR so I'd like an alternative that may add warmth. THe LA-4, SC2.2, and ART Pro VLA all seem in my price range, has anyone used them? Are they warm yet don't destroy the clarity? or are there others I am missing?