Avedis MA5 vs. API 512c Direct Recorded Rock Guitars Comparison

[DreamSound]

Hey guys, finally got my Avedis MA5 and my friend's API 512c pres. I don't know what do you all do when you get new gear but I personally improvise whatever comes to mind and record to compare the new results..

I just did a rock guitar improv using same settings. All with raw signal (no EQ, Compression or effects), two tracks for guitar hard left and right, one for bass and 12 tracks for my standard unprocessed drums:

Custom Ibanez w. Active EMG's > Mesa Mark IV > Palmer Speaker Simulator PDI-03 > 512c or MA5 > RME FF800

For this particular situation I think the API 512c worked better letting the drums cut through the mix. What do you think:

1. Guitar and Bass on MA5 (http://www.atilanoart.com/dreamsound2/1avedisma5.mp3)

2. Guitar on API 512c, Bass on MA5 (http://www.atilanoart.com/dreamsound2/2api512c.mp3)

3. Guitar and Bass on API 512c, different improv. (http://www.atilanoart.com/dreamsound2/3api512c.mp3)

I can post the same settings with my A-Designs P1 if you'd like.

**EDIT - I turned up the bass on all of them so you can hear the MA5 on bass but sorry no processing or mixing so the bass its a bit muddy

[AllAboutTone]

The MA5 Guitar stuff sounds real, has great life to it compared to the 512 stuff, however i cannot hear the bass period in any of the tunes.
I think it could be mixed better before making any statement. imo
But what you did with the guitar/MA5 , put it this way i can tell that its a MA5.

btw i have not tired a MA5 on bass.

[Zuewi]

Yeah P1 would be cool if you have the possibility to add!
Will check the files out as soon as I'm at home.

[Aurora T.]

Thank you!

P1 would be nice too!!!

[AllAboutTone]

I have already did my own MA5/P-1 A/B test, the MA5 excels far better on guitars and vocals, the bass i cannot speak for, i have not had time with any other instruments.

Do the test yourself to decide for feelings between the 2.

[eddierodriguez]

the p1 rock them all on guitars.

i´m a little disappointed about the ma5. it´s ok on some sources, but i thought it would be near to a 1073...

the 512c really suck for my needs compared to p1, mono gama and lachapell 583s.

[DreamSound]

OK guys below is your request for the Pacifica:

4. A-Designs P1 version, MA5 on bass (http://www.atilanoart.com/dreamsound2/4adesignsp1.mp3)

I'll be more than happy to post other requests

[lpkyer]

ouch the P1 really kills on guitar.....not very fond of the MA5.
the API sounded more like a record too.

Thank you very much for the test..

[Zuewi]

Umm... the M5 Guitar sounds very cool and "in the face". The API is a bit smother and easier to listen. P1 has more highs than the others and the sound feels a bit more hifi and not as tight in the mids/lows.
Bass is hard to judge cause the performences are very different.
Generally for modern sound i'd go with the M5 for oldschool the API is the way to go. P1 maybe for intro uses

if you want to make some more I'd suggest a bass comparison (only bass playing)
Some drum comparison with thight kicks and snares would be also interesting :D

Thanks

[DreamSound]

Zuewi, right on, that's what I hear too. It's funny when you listen to a clip so many times you can't hear that much of a difference but after five days I hear CLEAR differences on each one.

I will make some bass per your request soon. I'd like to do some vox comparisons too.

My pleasure guys

[Brad McGowan]

Thanks for sharing the clips. It's really hard for me to get past the speaker simulator box though. It just sounds so fuzzy and cheap compared to miking a real cabinet. Do people actually use those things on records?

Brad

[infopimpster]

Yeah... I'd love to hear an SM57 pressed into the grill cloth straight in... and no bass... just to really isolate variables.

[big65pbass]

i hope to try the MA-5 soon....i gotta say, though, i LOVE my 512c's

[AllAboutTone]

for guitars the API is the weaker link on this shootout and my own with P-1s and MA5s, its just not the best preamp for guitars, it can be thin sounding. However the OSAs are much better then API for me. Better sounding harmonics.