Need Recommendations on a 4 ch. Pre Setup

[Daedalus77]

Oh, Geez. Here we go again.

I predict...

60% of responders will say the API, which is great bang-for-buck—not just in number of high-quality preamps in one unit, but because they're great all-rounders.

10% of responders will say Wunder, perhaps less, because fewer folks here have heard them. But this contingent will be nearly fanatical about the unique (boutique) tone of the Wunder.

20% of responders will claim getting a 500-form rack and slowly building it up with various preamps (and EQ and comps) is the best, most versatile, and—ultimately—most cost-effective route.

10% will say the habit of getting a million different preamps is a falacious (and uniquely American) tendency and you should just get more of what you've got and call it a day.

These figures may be wrong, as I'm usually wrong. But we'll see...

[chrisrulesmore]

Originally Posted by Daedalus77

Oh, Geez. Here we go again.

I predict...

60% of responders will say the API, which is great bang-for-buck—not just in number of high-quality preamps in one unit, but because they're great all-rounders.

10% of responders will say Wunder, perhaps less, because fewer folks here have heard them. But this contingent will be nearly fanatical about the unique (boutique) tone of the Wunder.

20% of responders will claim getting a 500-form rack and slowly building it up with various preamps (and EQ and comps) is the best, most versatile, and—ultimately—most cost-effective route.

10% will say the habit of getting a million different preamps is a falacious (and uniquely American) tendency and you should just get more of what you've got and call it a day.

These figures may be wrong, as I'm usually wrong. But we'll see...

Sorry, didn't realize this was not a legitimate thread...we can go ahead and resume a 30 page debate on which high-end converter totally 'blows away' all other high-end converters...

Seriously, I know there are a lot of 'recommend something' threads out there, but most of us don't have the luxury of trying out four or five different options and must unfortunately solicit feedback from others on this board.

-Chris

[in the red]

just go with the api and be happy

[Dave Peck]

If you want four channels of the same pre then Daking is another option.

DP

[walth]

You forgot GML. They make a great pre.

[NathanEldred]

Originally Posted by Daedalus77

Oh, Geez. Here we go again.

I predict...

60% of responders will say the API, which is great bang-for-buck—not just in number of high-quality preamps in one unit, but because they're great all-rounders.

10% of responders will say Wunder, perhaps less, because fewer folks here have heard them. But this contingent will be nearly fanatical about the unique (boutique) tone of the Wunder.

20% of responders will claim getting a 500-form rack and slowly building it up with various preamps (and EQ and comps) is the best, most versatile, and—ultimately—most cost-effective route.

10% will say the habit of getting a million different preamps is a falacious (and uniquely American) tendency and you should just get more of what you've got and call it a day.

These figures may be wrong, as I'm usually wrong. But we'll see...

Vintech 473 is a pretty essential 4 banger IMO...and it complements the Chandlers and the Great River very well since all three are quite different.

[phildub]

I just got an API 3124 and it's great. It really depends on your budget. I sold a Sytek to get the API and I'm not sorry one bit. I also have a Great River ME-1NV and it works well with it. The Great River is a little thicker, but I think I could deal with just the API. You should just get one, if you don't like it they hold their value well.

[jamroom]

daking buy it

[paulbystereo]

I'm going to go ahead and chime in for the 60% - get the API 3124+ It will be a nice complement to what you have and it's a fantastic value!!! I've got 8 channels and I <i> love</i> them!!!

[Audio Hombre]

Sorry, but I'm confused. You say you want different flavours (SCA) yet list Wunder's PA4? This pre would have a similar vibe to what you have now.

You already have 3 channels of color, so depending on your needs desires and prefs, it depends I guess but I think you should look at something a little more neutral in there, so maybe an SCA rack with 2x's C84 and 2 x's A12 would be perfect. Or, go for one of each: 1x: C84,J99,A12 and N72. You'll have plenty of tonal options now but if it was me, I think I'd start building that 8 rack space in pr's as I like to have pr's of pre's. Too bad you didn't have the 2NV.

Then again...

I suppose I would like to be able to track two guitars, bass, vox, and a drum kit (minimal micing obviously) all at once.

In this case, I really think you should get the PA4 or 3124. You should have 4 ch's of solid punchy pre's for your drums, at least.

[NathanEldred]

Originally Posted by Audio Hombre

Sorry, but I'm confused. You say you want different flavours (SCA) yet list Wunder's PA4? This pre would have a similar vibe to what you have now.

The Wunder doesn't sound like the Great River or the Germaniums (which is what he has now).

[Jim@SSL]

Alpha VHD pre?

Shipping started today thumbsup

Forgive the blatant plug......tutt

[Barilla]

http://www.davelectronics.com/bg2.htm

World class and exceptional value. Not to mention stellar reputation in acoustic circles.

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by in the red

just go with the api and be happy

Originally Posted by phildub

I just got an API 3124 and it's great.

Originally Posted by paulbystereo

I'm going to go ahead and chime in for the 60% - get the API 3124+

Originally Posted by Audio Hombre

I really think you should get the PA4 or 3124. You should have 4 ch's of solid punchy pre's for your drums, at least.

Notice a trend... This is a no-brainer, the API is the best value, and sells used for almost exactly the same price as a new one. You can't loose with the 3124+.... even if decided you didn't want it anymore, you could get your money back... even years from now.

There's a reason it is one of the most popular pieces in audio...

[Aearth]

Originally Posted by Daedalus77

Oh, Geez. Here we go again.

I predict...

60% of responders will say the API, which is great bang-for-buck—not just in number of high-quality preamps in one unit, but because they're great all-rounders.

10% of responders will say Wunder, perhaps less, because fewer folks here have heard them. But this contingent will be nearly fanatical about the unique (boutique) tone of the Wunder.

20% of responders will claim getting a 500-form rack and slowly building it up with various preamps (and EQ and comps) is the best, most versatile, and—ultimately—most cost-effective route.

10% will say the habit of getting a million different preamps is a falacious (and uniquely American) tendency and you should just get more of what you've got and call it a day.

These figures may be wrong, as I'm usually wrong. But we'll see...

Yes you're right on the money there with those satistics, but the API 3124+ for the reasons you describe is the way to go. I have the 3124+ also 2 x API Lunch box full of different modules (other brands), also different rank pres. You won't regret getting 3124+.

Nic

[chrisrulesmore]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

Notice a trend... This is a no-brainer, the API is the best value, and sells used for almost exactly the same price as a new one. You can't loose with the 3124+.... even if decided you didn't want it anymore, you could get your money back... even years from now.

There's a reason it is one of the most popular pieces in audio...

Thanks for the response guys. On your collective recommendation I ordered a 3124 yesterday from my local dealer. I really really wanted to do a lunchbox type setup as I still don't have what I would call a great vocal channel, but no matter how I figured it, the lunchbox option would have cost an extra 600-700 bucks which could be put towards something else.

With the arrival of the API, I'll be up to 7 channels of high-end pres. As soon as I can swing it I'm going to ditch the 1 ch. Great River for a 2 ch. Pacifica for overheads and vocals leaving me with a pretty well rounded 8 ch. setup.

Til next time...

-Chris

[digibird]

Originally Posted by chrisrulesmore

Thanks for the response guys. On your collective recommendation I ordered a 3124 yesterday from my local dealer. I really really wanted to do a lunchbox type setup as I still don't have what I would call a great vocal channel, but no matter how I figured it, the lunchbox option would have cost an extra 600-700 bucks which could be put towards something else.

With the arrival of the API, I'll be up to 7 channels of high-end pres. As soon as I can swing it I'm going to ditch the 1 ch. Great River for a 2 ch. Pacifica for overheads and vocals leaving me with a pretty well rounded 8 ch. setup.

Til next time...

-Chris

You're gathering a nice bunch of pres, but the only reason to sell a 1 channel Great River is so you can buy the 2 channel Great River. And get the Pacifica, too, of course, just get it later.

[Audio Hombre]

Originally Posted by NathanEldred

The Wunder doesn't sound like the Great River or the Germaniums (which is what he has now).

Please don't put words in my mouth. I said it has a similar vibe to other neve type pre's. That response was more directed to the fact that I thought he could use something in a cleaner vein, compared to what he already has. But reading again, I saw that he wants to track alt / indie bands off the floor as much as possible so the 3124 or PA4 were no brainers for that need.

Originally Posted by digibird

You're gathering a nice bunch of pres, but the only reason to sell a 1 channel Great River is so you can buy the 2 channel Great River. And get the Pacifica, too, of course, just get it later.

I totally agree which is why I said this

Originally Posted by Audio Hombre

Too bad you didn't have the 2NV.

digibird is spot on imho. Don't feel compelled to ditch the GR for a Pacifica based on all the stellar press it gets around here. I've never used one but I have heard one and while I think it's a great buy, the GR is easily equally as valuable a tool. I have a lot of use with the GR 2NV and it's great, so 1 more channel, or sell the single and buy the 2NV and you're all set.

But anyways, good call on the 3124. It's a lock you'll love it for the stuff you're going to do.

[NathanEldred]

Originally Posted by Audio Hombre

Please don't put words in my mouth. I said it has a similar vibe to other neve type pre's.

Right, and it's not really "similar".

Originally Posted by Audio Hombre

Wunder's PA4? This pre would have a similar vibe to what you have now.

He has a Germanium and a Great River 1NV...to my ears those two versus the Wunder, the Wunder is VERY different. So I was just expressing my opinion based on my own empirical reality.

[chrisrulesmore]

Originally Posted by digibird

You're gathering a nice bunch of pres, but the only reason to sell a 1 channel Great River is so you can buy the 2 channel Great River. And get the Pacifica, too, of course, just get it later.

Well I'll wait and see...I know it is blasphemous to say, but I've never been completely enamored with the Great River and this is the second one I've owned. It does sound incredible on bass, but I generally end up going with the Germanium on just about everything else.

-Chris

[tcause]

Originally Posted by NathanEldred

The Wunder doesn't sound like the Great River or the Germaniums (which is what he has now).

tick!... and just to try make up the predicted quota for Wunder loving fanatics... count me in. The Wunder is a whole lot of love.