[FossilTooth]

At first I liked 1 quite a bit more than 4, but after a while, 1 ended up sounding a little 'hard' to me.
It's tough when the most present piece of gear is first, as it really colors your opinions.

Of course I know what all the pres are now, but I had read this thread in order, so I was in the same boat as anyone else. Having never used the Pacifica or Buzz, I opted out of guessing which was which.


#1 (Vintech) Had the most personality, but maybe just a little too much. Very articulate, bold and occasionally hard. Maybe too modern and almost (gasp) Rode-y.

#4 (Pacifica) seems to have a better balance than the Vintech, but it wasn't quite as powerful and in your face or present. It didn't have a personality that can get in the way of itself like the Vintech. My guess is that it would be better for a wider variety of signal sources. Very well balanced. If I was going to buy one of the four it might be this one.

#3 (buzz) A lot of people complained about the midrange on this one. I thought that was the most interesting part about it..... unconventional. Could be cool on certain things. Not for everyone.

#2 (Great River) isn't a bad pre at all, but it sounded weak and cloudy on this particular voice. Somehow chesty and thin at the same time! I've picked it over other pres on other instruments and voices, but it's dead last for me on this test.

I think everyone can agree that the Vintech was the boldest and most present of the bunch.... maybe too much so for some. It's funny to know that I was in a vocal session last week, where we auditioned the Vintech x73, but didn't use it because it sounded too murky on that particular voice with that mic, on that song!

It just goes to prove that the sound source and the context are the most important things, and will often surprise you.