high end mic pre with integrated high end ADC?

[magibatalla]

I'm looking forward for Prism Sound to release their Orpheus and I'm planning my future project studio upgrade around that interface. As long as Orpheus only provides 8 channels of conversion (not being enough for some situations like drum set recording), I'm looking for a dual pre with integrated ADC to connect its output to the Orpheus' digital in's (spdif, AES). I've figured out many options and would like to know your opinion:

- AMS/Neve 1073 DPD: my primary choice as long as I don't own a Neve type preamp yet (and I'd love to...). On the negative side (besides its price against other high-end copies of this circuitry), I'm not sure wether I could connect its independent AES outputs (one for each channel) to the single AES input on Orpheus (in fact an AES-spdif adapter cable). Any knowledge on this issue? And what about the quality of those converters?

- API A2D: Better priced than the Neve above, the Api's are pres which I'd love to be among my arsenal too (I could buy a Vintech or other 1073ish pre for less money than the AMS if I didn't need the ADC). Having 2 channel spdif out, the Api will match the Orpheus easier. To my disappointment, I've read some bad reviews about the converters coming with this unit.

Does anybody know about the AES issue I described regarding 1073DPD+Orpheus? Do you think API converters would do the job? In most situations I could run the API pres alone through Orpheus converters, I'd have to rely on the API's converters when in need for more than 8 channels only. All comments are welcome! Thanx in advance .

[Slaytex]

In my opinion the API's are the best pres to start with for a lot of reasons.

They stack amazingly well in the mix, they work on everything, are a great bang for the buck pre and they really hold their value well.

[hurricaneE]

Originally Posted by magibatalla

- API A2D: Better priced than the Neve above, the Api's are pres which I'd love to be among my arsenal too (I could buy a Vintech or other 1073ish pre for less money than the AMS if I didn't need the ADC). Having 2 channel spdif out, the Api will match the Orpheus easier. To my disappointment, I've read some bad reviews about the converters coming with this unit.

Haven't you read the good reviews, too? -E

[diamondjim]

The converters are "top notch", check out the Pro Audio Review.
"So, the A2D has signature API preamps and a top-notch converter section"
API A2D Dual Mic Preamplifier/A-D, by Stephen Murphy

I have one and it sounds fantastic. Using with a Folcrom for makeup gain on my analog summing chain, as well as using it for recording acoustic instruments.

[allencollins]

Originally Posted by Slaytex

In my opinion the API's are the best pres to start with for a lot of reasons.

careful there. I hear through the grapevine that chandler makes the best preamp

EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


just goshing. I agree . I love the API sound

[magibatalla]

Thank you all for you opinions. I'm so glad to read good things about the converters coming with the A2D, this is the unit which makes the real deal for me. The bad review I read was from an actual user here at GS, which I trust more than a good review in a magazine. Having heard positive comments from actual users too is a great thing. So I think my decision about the ADC is done. Thanx again!

[Slaytex]

Originally Posted by allencollins

careful there. I hear through the grapevine that chandler makes the best preamp

EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You mean they don't?




I'd still like to check the Chandler stuff out some day. But as long as I got my API's I won't cry if I don't.