I bought an 8801 a few days ago and have tried it on bass and guitar thru the DI and using a Rode NT1 to record my Martin acoustic guitar thru the mic pre. I'm pleased with the results and after using it for only a few hours. Haven't tried the expander / gate section in anger yet but I have used the compressor to tame the dynamics a little and the eq on the mic to add a bit more presence to the upper mids. The recordings sound big, warm and balanced. I was after an old AMEK CIB but couldn't find one second hand but this is basically the same thing. I wouldn't want the portico stuff to be honest, if I was going that route I'd opt for the api lunchbox. In summary though I think it's great on acoustic guitar, gtr / bass thru the DI and I couldn't be happier. I'm buying another one to use for mixdowns and will probably get it with the digital option.
