Preamp for Heavy Guitar Only

LumenStudio · 14th March 2004

I know this topic is a dead horse, but I'll ask anyway (I have searched and read for many hours). If YOU were to buy one preamp for recording heavy electric guitars (to a DAW), which one of these would you buy? (I don't care about versatility, just guitars).

Chandler TG-2
Chandler LTD-1
Vintech Dual 72
Vintech X73i
Vintech x81
Great River 1NV

My current list of applicable gear:
conv: apogee psx 100 se (sounds slightly dark to me, i like)
pre: presonus MP20 (my current preamp for electrics)
pre: UA-610 (using for vocals with an ifet7, and bass)
Mics: SM57's, Senheiser 835s
Amps: Several Marshall 's and Mesa's
Guitars: esp custom, gibson les pauls, etc

Thanks!!!
Jon

**mwagener** · 14th March 2004

The best would be to get them all for a test inYOUR studio and compare yourself with YOUR mics.

That said I'd go for the Chandler TG-2 for heavy electric guitar. It has the midrange that makes electric guitar sit nicely in the track, I love it. The alternative for me would be the Chandler TG Channel. It's mono but you get the EQ, lots of color, fat sound.

Jam · 14th March 2004

I brought a TG2 after recommendations from slut luminaries as Mr Wagener, Mr Slipperman and various others. I have been delighted with it and not just for guitars. Even with the top pedigree advice ( mine included LOL !! ) you've still got to check it out at your place. I had one for a week before I got the credit card out.

Jam

heinz · 14th March 2004

phoenix drs-2

bassmac · 14th March 2004

I like my X73 - I think any Neve-ish type pre would probably make you happy.

blackcatdigi · 14th March 2004

Not on your list, sorry couldn't resist...

Royer 121 to Spider. Tape cranked.

DirkB · 14th March 2004

I'm recording a complete album at the moment where the dirt guitar combo is a SM57 into the Chandler TG2...

Best midrange I've ever heart. What I really like about this preamp, recorded dirt guitars seem to react to the slightest eq settings, f.e. 0.5dB at 800Hz or 1.2kHz makes a lot of difference...

Try this baby, you won't be dissapointed

.

Good luck,
Dirk

Jules · 14th March 2004

Dang!

I got Neve 1073 and now I feel left out!

NathanEldred · 14th March 2004

Quote:

Originally posted by LumenStudio

Chandler TG-2
Chandler LTD-1
Vintech Dual 72
Vintech X73i
Vintech x81
Great River 1NV

I've got all of those in the rack...they all work just about equally well on guitar amps as they all have plenty of color and mid range crunch whenever necessary. For instance on one of the last projects I did I switched between the TG-2, the Vintech 473 (same preamp as X81, X73) and the Great River NV depending on the amp we used (early JCM800, modded Sovtek MIG, Fender twin blackface with a pedal). One good way to narrow it down is to decide whether you need a high quality EQ...in which you could add the TG channel to the list as Michael pointed out. EQ is a useful tool, but if you are in the DAW and mix in the box, and aren't comfortable EQ'ing to tape, then a two or single channel preamp with no EQ would be fine. I mix on an analog console, so I get double usage out of an EQ because I use it for mix also. For bass DI also they all also work great.

LumenStudio · 15th March 2004

Thanks for the responses! Nathan, your point on deciding on an EQ is a good one. I have been debating an outboard EQ for guitar tracking, and what it would get me. I could probably get used to tracking with EQ on my guitar after a few mixes, by seeing the EQ points that I'm hitting on my DAW EQ for most of my mixes. (I'm only recording my own album, no other audio engineering work).

However, I hope with a solid pre I may have to do far less EQ'ing with proper mic placement. My thought is that I can use a two channel pre with two different mics and use that as an EQ by mixing the two to taste.

It's a tough call as I have no outboard EQ at the moment. In my DAW I have the UAD-cambridge which isn't that bad (or so I think). I could in theory use my Apogee psx 100se to round trip to an outboard EQ.

The Chandler TG-2 has some very high recommendations in here, an on this thread. I'm interested to see a few more opinions, but the TG-2 is in the lead.

Thanks to all,
Jon

picksail · 15th March 2004

Being that you are a guitarist, it is interesting that haven't listed any API units. Hmmm?

Can't live without mine. And yes, I to am a guitarist.

Fletcher · 15th March 2004

Heavy guitar?

Fuk all that noise.

Neve 1058 modules [or 1057's]..

The kings of the genre.

100% total germanium glory.

Ribbon mics and 1058's... rule the planet.

No shit.

alphajerk · 15th March 2004

another TG2 vote.

doorknocker · 15th March 2004

Yet another vote for the Chandler TG-2, just did some recording with my Marshall Super Lead, the TG-2 is totally awesome

Andi

toledo3 · 15th March 2004

In general, I dislike the urei 610, but I do really like it on guitar. I have a buddy that made a some really great records in the 60's/70's, and they used urei 610's all over the guitar parts.... I have just grown accustomed to that sound as an ideal.

Obviously, all that has been previously mentioned is pretty kick ass as well.

NathanEldred · 15th March 2004

Quote:

Originally posted by picksail
Being that you are a guitarist, it is interesting that haven't listed any API units. Hmmm?

Can't live without mine. And yes, I to am a guitarist.

I'm a guitarist too, I never have liked API preamps on guitars. It's not soft enough in the midrange, or big enough in the lows...as compared to something based on a Neve or something similar.

jbuntz · 15th March 2004

Quote:

Originally posted by Fletcher
Heavy guitar?

Fuk all that noise.

Neve 1058 modules [or 1057's]..

The kings of the genre.

100% total germanium glory.

Ribbon mics and 1058's... rule the planet.

No shit.

Are there any modern germanium pres like this? What kind of color do germanium transistors impart?

Meriphew · 15th March 2004

Quote:

Originally posted by Fletcher
Heavy guitar?

Fuk all that noise.

Neve 1058 modules [or 1057's]..

The kings of the genre.

100% total germanium glory.

Ribbon mics and 1058's... rule the planet.

No shit.

How does the 1057 compare to the 1058?

LumenStudio · 16th March 2004

Fletcher,

Your post caused me to look back at where some of my favorite records were recorded (guitar-wise), and there seems to be the Neve word everywhere.

I found a few 8068 consoles in the fray (NRG, and Plant Studios
and another another (studio litho) had:

Neve BCM-10 Early 70's broadcast console with stereo mix, reverb, & foldback busses and direct outputs on each channel. Includes (7)1073 modules (2)1084 modules, and (3)1066 modules.

If I can't afford the real 1058's what would you suggest as a replacement (~$2000), given the consoles above?

It's looking like a 1073 type pre might be the best bet if I don't go with the TG-2.

Thanks,
Jon

NathanEldred · 16th March 2004

Quote:

Originally posted by LumenStudio

If I can't afford the real 1058's what would you suggest as a replacement (~$2000), given the consoles above?

It's looking like a 1073 type pre might be the best bet if I don't go with the TG-2.

2NV?

**TonyBelmont** · 16th March 2004

Try an Aurora Audio GTQ-2mkIII... Some of the best guitar sounds I ever got were using this preamp

... 2 channels for $2500.00

******//www.auroraaudio.net/aa_html/a...ucts_gtq2.html

LumenStudio · 17th March 2004

Wow, the GTQ-2 MKIII looks awesome. I have to really check all of these out in person. Thanks for all of the input everyone, I REALLY appreciate it.

Thanks
Jon

nlc201 · 17th March 2004

Quote:

Originally posted by LumenStudio
Wow, the GTQ-2 MKIII looks awesome.

It looks awesome.....and it sounds even better.....

LumenStudio · 21st March 2004

Well I decided to go with the Chandler TG-2 and a Royer 121.

Which one of those would you buy first if you knew you were going to get both within two months?

Mics I already have:
sm57, a soundelux ifet7, senheiser 835s
pres I already have:
presonus mp20, ua610

Thanks!

DirkB · 21st March 2004

If you're talking about heavy dirt guitars, I'd go with the TG2 first and use the SM57...

Greetings,
Dirk

P.S. Good choice

BattleAngel · 21st March 2004

TG-2, definitely. You've got plenty of mics (57 and probably ifet) which will be suitable for heavy guitars, and the TG-2 will bring an overall upgrade in quality to your stable.

toolstudio · 29th March 2004

Chandler TG2 or Neve 1064 with AEA R84

My latest discovery

wolfgang

toolhouse studios, germany

radiant · 29th March 2004

Anybody here tried the Buzz Audio MA2.2 on heavy guitar? I bet it would be pretty awesome.

Kyle

crypticglobe · 29th March 2004

I tried all of those... I bought the Chandler LTD-1. Absolutely fantastic for any electric guitar amp. Before I bought the the LTD-1, I rented 1073 modules all the time. This is the same flava... but better than any of the rental modules I have had my hands on. I liked the TG-2 A LOT as well, but I wanted the EQ on the LTD-1. The Chandler to my ear was the best sounding of the lot... although they all sounded VERY good. The 2nd VERY close favorite was the GTQ-2... it was tough call... since you get two pre's for not much more than 1 chandler LTD-1.... but I really wanted all the EQ points.... and there was a slight magic with the Chandler... that I just couldn't stop thinking about.... and still haven't... even though I use it every day now.

That my 2 cents....

LumenStudio · 30th March 2004

Thanks everyone! I ordered the Chandler TG-2!

In continuing my improvements on my heavy guitar recording chain, I'm considering either the Royer 121 or the Little Labs IBP as my next purchase. (I have 57's, a Soundelux ifet7, and several other mics)

The IBP will allow me to phase align a 57 and one of my several other my other mics, give me reamp, etc.

The Royer would probably give me a one mic, done deal type of thing.

Any suggestions on following up my Chandler TG-2 purchase?

Or should I just go with the Chandler and a 57 and Senheiser e609 Silver, match the phase by aligning them correctly on the amp, and be done with it?

Thanks!
Jon

14th March 2004	#1
LumenStudio Gear addict Joined: Jul 2003 Location: Jersey Posts: 402 Thread Starter	Preamp for Heavy Guitar Only I know this topic is a dead horse, but I'll ask anyway (I have searched and read for many hours). If YOU were to buy one preamp for recording heavy electric guitars (to a DAW), which one of these would you buy? (I don't care about versatility, just guitars). Chandler TG-2 Chandler LTD-1 Vintech Dual 72 Vintech X73i Vintech x81 Great River 1NV My current list of applicable gear: conv: apogee psx 100 se (sounds slightly dark to me, i like) pre: presonus MP20 (my current preamp for electrics) pre: UA-610 (using for vocals with an ifet7, and bass) Mics: SM57's, Senheiser 835s Amps: Several Marshall 's and Mesa's Guitars: esp custom, gibson les pauls, etc Thanks!!! Jon

14th March 2004	#2
mwagener High End Moderator Joined: May 2002 Location: Music City USA Posts: 3,627	The best would be to get them all for a test inYOUR studio and compare yourself with YOUR mics. That said I'd go for the Chandler TG-2 for heavy electric guitar. It has the midrange that makes electric guitar sit nicely in the track, I love it. The alternative for me would be the Chandler TG Channel. It's mono but you get the EQ, lots of color, fat sound. __________________ Michael Wagener http://www.michaelwagener.com Next production workshop planned for July 15th through 21st, right after Summer NAMM in Nashville, Click here for production workshop DVD updates.

14th March 2004	#7
DirkB Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2003 Location: Netherlands Posts: 1,722	I'm recording a complete album at the moment where the dirt guitar combo is a SM57 into the Chandler TG2... Best midrange I've ever heart. What I really like about this preamp, recorded dirt guitars seem to react to the slightest eq settings, f.e. 0.5dB at 800Hz or 1.2kHz makes a lot of difference... Try this baby, you won't be dissapointed . Good luck, Dirk __________________ -progress takes away what forever took to find- Dave Matthews

15th March 2004	#12
Fletcher member no 666 Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 10,108	Heavy guitar? Fuk all that noise. Neve 1058 modules [or 1057's].. The kings of the genre. 100% total germanium glory. Ribbon mics and 1058's... rule the planet. No shit. __________________ CN Fletcher Professional Affiliations: R/E/P Professional Recording Engineer and Producer forums - serious hobbyists welcome SoundPure.com mwagener wrote on Sat, 11 September 2004 14:33 We are selling emotions, there are no emotions in a grid Roscoe Ambel once said: Pro-Tools is to audio what fluorescent is to light

15th March 2004	#14
doorknocker Lives for gear Joined: Nov 2002 Location: Basel, Switzerland Posts: 6,206 1 Review written	Yet another vote for the Chandler TG-2, just did some recording with my Marshall Super Lead, the TG-2 is totally awesome Andi __________________ 'Ever since the Supreme Court overturned the Snare Act, it has been legal to use any mic you like on snare.' - joeq http://www.doorknocker.ch/

14th March 2004	#3
Jam Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2003 Location: South East England Posts: 1,463	I brought a TG2 after recommendations from slut luminaries as Mr Wagener, Mr Slipperman and various others. I have been delighted with it and not just for guitars. Even with the top pedigree advice ( mine included LOL !! ) you've still got to check it out at your place. I had one for a week before I got the credit card out. Jam

14th March 2004	#4
heinz Lives for gear Joined: Mar 2003 Location: chicago Posts: 1,025	phoenix drs-2

14th March 2004	#5
bassmac Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 683	I like my X73 - I think any Neve-ish type pre would probably make you happy.

14th March 2004	#6
blackcatdigi Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: upstate, sc Posts: 1,739	Not on your list, sorry couldn't resist... Royer 121 to Spider. Tape cranked.

14th March 2004	#8
Jules Gearslutz.com admin Joined: Apr 2002 Location: A Yank in London, UK Posts: 17,808 1 Review written	Dang! I got Neve 1073 and now I feel left out!

15th March 2004	#11
picksail Lives for gear Joined: Nov 2002 Location: Hollywood Posts: 3,632	Being that you are a guitarist, it is interesting that haven't listed any API units. Hmmm? Can't live without mine. And yes, I to am a guitarist.

15th March 2004	#13
alphajerk There is only one Joined: Jun 2002 Location: asheville NC Posts: 5,260	another TG2 vote.

15th March 2004	#15
toledo3 Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Funky Town FL Posts: 1,304	In general, I dislike the urei 610, but I do really like it on guitar. I have a buddy that made a some really great records in the 60's/70's, and they used urei 610's all over the guitar parts.... I have just grown accustomed to that sound as an ideal. Obviously, all that has been previously mentioned is pretty kick ass as well.

16th March 2004	#19
LumenStudio Gear addict Joined: Jul 2003 Location: Jersey Posts: 402 Thread Starter	Fletcher, Your post caused me to look back at where some of my favorite records were recorded (guitar-wise), and there seems to be the Neve word everywhere. I found a few 8068 consoles in the fray (NRG, and Plant Studios and another another (studio litho) had: Neve BCM-10 Early 70's broadcast console with stereo mix, reverb, & foldback busses and direct outputs on each channel. Includes (7)1073 modules (2)1084 modules, and (3)1066 modules. If I can't afford the real 1058's what would you suggest as a replacement (~$2000), given the consoles above? It's looking like a 1073 type pre might be the best bet if I don't go with the TG-2. Thanks, Jon

16th March 2004	#21
TonyBelmont Moderator Joined: Feb 2004 Location: Boston,MA Providence,RI Posts: 15,919	Try an Aurora Audio GTQ-2mkIII... Some of the best guitar sounds I ever got were using this preamp ... 2 channels for $2500.00 *****//www.auroraaudio.net/aa_html/a...ucts_gtq2.html __________________ Tony Belmont* We Sell Gear! High Profile Audio.....PluginDiscounts.com I may on occasion talk about some of the products I am a dealer for in my posts.. and that's OK! I sell them because I like them. Not vice versa. It's more fun to talk about things you know and love, then things you don't.

17th March 2004	#22
LumenStudio Gear addict Joined: Jul 2003 Location: Jersey Posts: 402 Thread Starter	Wow, the GTQ-2 MKIII looks awesome. I have to really check all of these out in person. Thanks for all of the input everyone, I REALLY appreciate it. Thanks Jon

21st March 2004	#24
LumenStudio Gear addict Joined: Jul 2003 Location: Jersey Posts: 402 Thread Starter	Well I decided to go with the Chandler TG-2 and a Royer 121. Which one of those would you buy first if you knew you were going to get both within two months? Mics I already have: sm57, a soundelux ifet7, senheiser 835s pres I already have: presonus mp20, ua610 Thanks!

21st March 2004	#26
BattleAngel Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2003 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 954	TG-2, definitely. You've got plenty of mics (57 and probably ifet) which will be suitable for heavy guitars, and the TG-2 will bring an overall upgrade in quality to your stable.

29th March 2004	#27
toolstudio Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2002 Location: Germany Posts: 821	Chandler TG2 or Neve 1064 with AEA R84 My latest discovery wolfgang toolhouse studios, germany

29th March 2004	#28
radiant Gear addict Joined: Aug 2003 Location: Liberty, TX Posts: 437	Anybody here tried the Buzz Audio MA2.2 on heavy guitar? I bet it would be pretty awesome. Kyle

29th March 2004	#29
crypticglobe Lives for gear Joined: Mar 2004 Location: Nashville Posts: 2,523 2 Reviews written	I tried all of those... I bought the Chandler LTD-1. Absolutely fantastic for any electric guitar amp. Before I bought the the LTD-1, I rented 1073 modules all the time. This is the same flava... but better than any of the rental modules I have had my hands on. I liked the TG-2 A LOT as well, but I wanted the EQ on the LTD-1. The Chandler to my ear was the best sounding of the lot... although they all sounded VERY good. The 2nd VERY close favorite was the GTQ-2... it was tough call... since you get two pre's for not much more than 1 chandler LTD-1.... but I really wanted all the EQ points.... and there was a slight magic with the Chandler... that I just couldn't stop thinking about.... and still haven't... even though I use it every day now. That my 2 cents.... __________________ Steve Lamm Cryptic Globe Recording CGR Studios - Engineering, Mixing, and Production Cryptic Globe Recording - Custom PC DAW Systems! Ask me about my Custom Mac!!

30th March 2004	#30
LumenStudio Gear addict Joined: Jul 2003 Location: Jersey Posts: 402 Thread Starter	Thanks everyone! I ordered the Chandler TG-2! In continuing my improvements on my heavy guitar recording chain, I'm considering either the Royer 121 or the Little Labs IBP as my next purchase. (I have 57's, a Soundelux ifet7, and several other mics) The IBP will allow me to phase align a 57 and one of my several other my other mics, give me reamp, etc. The Royer would probably give me a one mic, done deal type of thing. Any suggestions on following up my Chandler TG-2 purchase? Or should I just go with the Chandler and a 57 and Senheiser e609 Silver, match the phase by aligning them correctly on the amp, and be done with it? Thanks! Jon

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