| I've had the MA5 for about a week now, and contrary to other pieces of gear that I've gotten a kick out of using just because they sound different than what I've been using, the MA5 is by leaps and bounds one of the most musical, useful preamps I've ever heard in any size. Some of my favorite pres are the API 512c. I know how they sound, I know they work on almost everything, and well... they just sound "right" almost every time.
The MA5 is every bit as useful (on EVERYTHING) as an API, but to my ears, it tends to be more balanced overall, being less punchy in the mids, and having a nice smoothing coloration to everything that goes in. And the beauty is in how you can drive or not drive this pre using the input and output controls.
As for the 28k feature, well... you can pretty much keep it on for everything. I only turn it off when using a brighter mic or when I want a slightly (and I mean slightly) darker sound. To me, it basically allows more transients in (or out, I should say) when micing an acoustic, and on vocals, it adds a touch of shimmer/presence.
It's not a miracle worker, as they said above, but for all audio purposes, I cannot really imagine being happier with a preamp of any size or shape. It works very well, and it is definitely (and will remain) on my go-to short-list of pres to use.
I bought mine from Tony Belmont (High Profile Audio). He's a nice guy, and I'm glad he sold me on this. The Avedis guy must have REALLY done his homework on this one. This thing sounds incredible.
Brad |