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1radicalron · 26th July 2009

I have recently had an extended audition of the Gordon Model 5. (A friend loaned me his for several months) - A good friend indeed!
I own and use a GML 8302, Millennia HV3D, John Hardy M1, and a Earthworks Lab 102. - I like "Clean Pre's. I do also own and use Neve, API, Telefunken, Langevin etc.... But that is another discussion entirely.
In a word = the Gordon M5 is "Incredible" I have used it non stop for weeks. Everything from Drums, Guitars, Trumpet, Saxophone, Upright Bass, Flute, Percussion and countless other things.
It is Very Fast, and Very Full. I have not found any weakness in this Pre. Even the D.I. inputs sound Incredible!
Having said that, I wont be selling any of the other Pre's. But I do plan on buying a Gordon M5 to add to my arsenal.
As to which of the other Pre's sounds closest to the Gordon. It would have to the GML. But the Gordon has just a bit more 3 dimensional sound to it. The Millennia HV3D is a slightly different beast. While it is not as linear in the frequency response, The HV3D is incredibly fast on transients. The upper Midrange is very forward. = It is my absolute favorite for Recording a Drum kit!
The John Hardy M1 is a completely different beast. While it is known for having a "Clean" sound. It uses Op Amps and Trannys - The M1 sound is slightly more colored than the Gordon M5, But it is much less colored than say an API. The M1 can actually make something sound better, while retaining the clarity of the source! Upright Bass is a good example. The Tranny add's a low end bloom that compliments the sound in a very pleasing way. The Gordon M5 is very linear - It just seems to gives you more of everything that is there, compared to other Pre's.

If I absolutely had to chose only 1:

#1 Gordon M5
#2 John Hardy M1
#3 Millennia HV3D
#4 GML 8302

As usual, Your Mileage May Vary. Just thought I would share what I have heard over the past several weeks.

26th July 2009	#18
1radicalron Gear nut Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 103	Gordon - GML - Millennia - John Hardy - Earthworks I have recently had an extended audition of the Gordon Model 5. (A friend loaned me his for several months) - A good friend indeed! I own and use a GML 8302, Millennia HV3D, John Hardy M1, and a Earthworks Lab 102. - I like "Clean Pre's. I do also own and use Neve, API, Telefunken, Langevin etc.... But that is another discussion entirely. In a word = the Gordon M5 is "Incredible" I have used it non stop for weeks. Everything from Drums, Guitars, Trumpet, Saxophone, Upright Bass, Flute, Percussion and countless other things. It is Very Fast, and Very Full. I have not found any weakness in this Pre. Even the D.I. inputs sound Incredible! Having said that, I wont be selling any of the other Pre's. But I do plan on buying a Gordon M5 to add to my arsenal. As to which of the other Pre's sounds closest to the Gordon. It would have to the GML. But the Gordon has just a bit more 3 dimensional sound to it. The Millennia HV3D is a slightly different beast. While it is not as linear in the frequency response, The HV3D is incredibly fast on transients. The upper Midrange is very forward. = It is my absolute favorite for Recording a Drum kit! The John Hardy M1 is a completely different beast. While it is known for having a "Clean" sound. It uses Op Amps and Trannys - The M1 sound is slightly more colored than the Gordon M5, But it is much less colored than say an API. The M1 can actually make something sound better, while retaining the clarity of the source! Upright Bass is a good example. The Tranny add's a low end bloom that compliments the sound in a very pleasing way. The Gordon M5 is very linear - It just seems to gives you more of everything that is there, compared to other Pre's. If I absolutely had to chose only 1: #1 Gordon M5 #2 John Hardy M1 #3 Millennia HV3D #4 GML 8302 As usual, Your Mileage May Vary. Just thought I would share what I have heard over the past several weeks.