DIY Hairball Audio - Problems

[Arthurelletson]

I havnt listened to the clip as I am posting on my phone, but check the wiring of the output transformer to make shure that is correct.

[simsung]

By disconnecting the meter bridge it works ... so think i know where the problem is.
now it could make a comparison of my 3 preamps:

- Lola
- Vintage Design M581mk2
- RME Fireface

Interface is RME Fireface.

which is which?

[tvent]

I don't know any of these preamps since I haven't used them but I am interested in the outcome since I was thinking of building a Lola or two myself.

I listened and of the three, here are my opinions:

#1 seemed to be a bit heavy on the low/low-mid end and a bit dark. It actually "felt" good to me, and I liked it - but it might be a bit too much for some situations.
#2 ...I did not like #2. It sounded thin and lifeless. I also seemed to hear noise that I didn't think should be there.
#3 seemed to be the best all-round to my ears. I felt it had just the right amount of low/low-mid weight and added a clarity in the mids that didn't seem to be there with #1.

Again, sorry I can't really say which is which since I've never used any of the three, but I'm sure interested in finding out the results when you reveal them.

Question: What microphone were you using?

Thanks!

[simsung]

ah you re right - i forgot the mic: its a AT4040

[elektrovolt]

I'm with tvent..
#1 is very dark, usable but not for everyday work.
#3 is flat, thin and lifeless.
#2 is indeed the best all-round of the three. Quite a difference, they all sound very different. So, which one is which pre?

[simsung]

finally the problem is solved and my lola runs perfectly!

1: VintageDesign 581mk2
2: RME Fireface
3: Hairball Lola

[elektrovolt]

your answer is exactly what I thought. That Lola thing sounds great.

what was the solution for your problem?

[simsung]

since i knew that the problem is at the meter bridge i checked all transistors and polarity - everything was fine. so next step was the solder joints.
and there were some joints where there is a possability that its not connected properly.
i just redid everything that wasnt 100% - and that was it.
one small wrong soldering killed the whole beast.

[Neily]

Lola = my favorite preamp ever.

[tvent]

Thanks for the results and glad they turned out the way they did.
I'll be saving up for a couple of Lola's now!
Thanks!

[simsung]

you gonna enjoy them!!!

[cowrange]

Originally Posted by Neily

Lola = my favorite preamp ever.

+1

Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using Tapatalk

[2b-3]

Just built my first of two. This is a great sounding preamp.

Does a nice job of bringing dynamics to life, and sounds wonderful on condensers as well. the output attenuator lets you drive the unit harder if you want some great harmonics, ranging from fullness to over driven effect. the clean sound is - well, everything you'd expect it to be.

Compared to the an API like the vp26, I'd say there seems to be a bit more fullness in the bottom end, without it sounding in any way exaggerated.

I can't wait to record drums through this thing.

Add to that the fact that Mike seems like a genuinely nice guy.

I'm happy