| "Toooobs" don't make the sound, toobs are just part of the engine. What you're hearing in an API or Neve is the transformers [which will have more to do with "the sound" than transistors or toobs] so if you're searching for a transformer sound you'll need to use a unit with transformers that have the character for which you're searching... that search can only be concluded through trying different units.
You might want to check out a "500 series" sized frame with some API modules, some "Vintage Design" modules [best Neeeeev knockoffs I've heard, YMMV], and maybe the Burl B-1 or a Purple "Biz" or three as all of those modules will give you more "mojo" than anything Avalon... on the other hand Avalon hardware is absolutely wonderful for "clear" recordings where you've created the "mojo" on the other end of the microphone and don't need the pre-amp to help create the "mojo" for which you seem to be searching.
Again... Your Mileage May Vary... this is just stuff I've found in my work that may have absolutely no bearing on your work.
Peace.
__________________ Fletcher
" I'm not really an asshole... I just play one on the internet" [ author unknown] R/E/P the Recording Engineer and Producer forums Mercenary Audio the small drinking company with a large audio problem mwagener wrote on Sat, 11 September 2004 14:33
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