MA5 - Page 3

Bradahman · 9th April 2008, 09:03 PM

Any of you MA5 users have Neve's at your disposal? I am going to have to get me a MA5. I have free usage of Brent Averills and Calrecs from a colleague, and I love them and all, but I don't go gaga over them when they are not available and all I have for my session are my P1's and my Mutant. Just flavor. Even when I have the BA's and Calrecs, I will often times choose my P1. Just wondering if all of this excitement is a little over blown by a lack of exposure to the Neve sound. But don't worry, I am sold. I will bite. I have heard enough. I am going to be getting me a MA5.

AllAboutTone · 9th April 2008, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bradahman

Any of you MA5 users have Neve's at your disposal? I am going to have to get me a MA5. I have free usage of Brent Averills and Calrecs from a colleague, and I love them and all, but I don't go gaga over them when they are not available and all I have for my session are my P1's and my Mutant. Just flavor. Even when I have the BA's and Calrecs, I will often times choose my P1. Just wondering if all of this excitement is a little over blown by a lack of exposure to the Neve sound. But don't worry, I am sold. I will bite. I have heard enough. I am going to be getting me a MA5.

You want regret it, everyone should have at least 1 or 2 in the rack....

Bradahman · 9th April 2008, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllAboutTone

You want regret it, everyone should have at least 1 or 2 in the rack....

I know I won't regret it. I won't have to borrow preamps. I just don't think you are going to hear from me that this is the greatest preamp that I have ever used, or it's magic, or that I sold my other preamps... Looking forward to having one.

donkerce · 9th April 2008, 10:49 PM

I have 2 MA5s and an early 70's 1073. Did a pre shootout for a vocalist last week and couldn't tell the difference when A/Bing. Now, we ended up using a Shadow Hills, but still, it was impressive that I couldn't notice any real difference. Hats off to Avedis.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bradahman

Any of you MA5 users have Neve's at your disposal? I am going to have to get me a MA5. I have free usage of Brent Averills and Calrecs from a colleague, and I love them and all, but I don't go gaga over them when they are not available and all I have for my session are my P1's and my Mutant. Just flavor. Even when I have the BA's and Calrecs, I will often times choose my P1. Just wondering if all of this excitement is a little over blown by a lack of exposure to the Neve sound. But don't worry, I am sold. I will bite. I have heard enough. I am going to be getting me a MA5.

**TonyBelmont** · 9th April 2008, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bradahman

I know I won't regret it. I won't have to borrow preamps. I just don't think you are going to hear from me that this is the greatest preamp that I have ever used, or it's magic, or that I sold my other preamps... Looking forward to having one.

It's not magic... it's a preamp.

It will give you the 1073 sound in the 500 series format... it won't cure cancer.

Aearth · 9th April 2008, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

It's not magic... it's a preamp.

It will give you the 1073 sound in the 500 series format... it won't cure cancer.

I had this headache and after listening to the MA5 for only 5mins, the headache was gone........what an amazing pre. I wonder what the 28k button would fix?

nIC

seanmccoy · 9th April 2008, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

It's not magic... it's a preamp.

It will give you the 1073 sound in the 500 series format... it won't cure cancer.

And I was so close to buying one too! Which pre does cure cancer?

Bradahman · 9th April 2008, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

It's not magic... it's a preamp.

it won't cure cancer.

That's my point.

bobwarren · 10th April 2008, 12:01 AM

I tracked those gals with the loathed TLM103 (around here, anyway)! I've had decent results with good female singers with them. The mic is a bit bright so I used the EM Silver, a darker pre, for the lead vocal. The tracks sounded good and I liked the vibe with the instrumentation. I used the same mic for background vocals into the MA5. She could've sounded better with aa good comp, but it was a pretty remote gig and my racks aren't finished. Glad you folks liked it. I really think the MA5 has risen above the hype. Eventually, I'll get a couple more.

johnnyjellybean · 10th April 2008, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bradahman

Any of you MA5 users have Neve's at your disposal? I am going to have to get me a MA5. I have free usage of Brent Averills and Calrecs from a colleague, and I love them and all, but I don't go gaga over them when they are not available and all I have for my session are my P1's and my Mutant. Just flavor. Even when I have the BA's and Calrecs, I will often times choose my P1. Just wondering if all of this excitement is a little over blown by a lack of exposure to the Neve sound. But don't worry, I am sold. I will bite. I have heard enough. I am going to be getting me a MA5.

I have done many sessions on Neve and my friend has an 8034-8014 custom Neve loaded with 1073s and 1076s so I know the sound of Neve. Although very very close...I actually like the MA5 better!

AllAboutTone · 10th April 2008, 04:31 AM

Well i have never been able to afford any Neve gear so the MA5 is sort of magic and a dream come true for me. I did manage to do some electric guitar testing today and i was very impressed. I like all my 500 series pres and they all have there place. Even tho the MA5 could handle anything i still choose to mix and match, thats why i bought a lunch box.

Cody · 10th April 2008, 08:09 PM

Thanks bob! Glad to have an idea of what the EM Silver produces as well. Of course, the talent sounds great too.

Kevinlane · 11th April 2008, 05:14 PM

Just to put in my 2cents.

I got into the 500 format so I could mix and match, basically to find a pre that's best for ME!

(and it needs to be almost magical for that chore) I wanted a pre for vocals, and if I bought a stereo one, it would need to good for OHs too.

Well, I have tried a GRiver, a P-1, Biz, Em Blue, and in the MA-5 I have found what I'm looking for, a pre that can make that "difference"

So I will be selling my GR ME1-NV, too similar, but it ain't the MA-5.

I've been using the P-1s for OHs, will try the Bizs on next drum tracks, but I have a feeling that I will be buying another MA-5.

tws · 11th April 2008, 07:12 PM

I'm not directing this to KevinLane as he has found his pre's for himself, but this is more a general opinion of mine.

While the MA5 and the Great River are in the same "classification" as far as sound types, I still find them quite different. I preferred the great river to the MA5 on the last vocal session I tracked, but it all just depends. I love the two MA5's that i have but let's not let the current new hype of this pre deter anyone from getting the GR. It's not an either or situation, they are both good to have, and the GR is an extremely solid and versatile pre.

pixelhead · 11th April 2008, 07:35 PM

I just got my Lunchbox and joined the 500 club. I thought I would post a few samples of the different pre's. All vocals where cut through a Peluso 2247 SE with no compression. The MA5 Sample is short in the beginning (Pilot Error). I also engage the 28k button on the second sentence of the clip. The Great River is not the 500 version. It is the rack mount version.

Enjoy

500 Pres

undermind · 11th April 2008, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pixelhead

I just got my Lunchbox and joined the 500 club. I thought I would post a few samples of the different pre's. All vocals where cut through a Peluso 2247 SE with no compression. The MA5 Sample is short in the beginning (Pilot Error). I also engage the 28k button on the second sentence of the clip. The Great River is not the 500 version. It is the rack mount version.

Enjoy

500 Pres

Thanks for posting that. I've been wanting to hear these exact pre's head to head. I'll take a good listen when I'm not on a laptop..

**TonyBelmont** · 11th April 2008, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tws

While the MA5 and the Great River are in the same "classification" as far as sound types

Quote:

Originally Posted by tws

I still find them quite different.

They are quite different. They shouldn't be paired up in the same family of sounds. The Great River is more on the clean-er side to my ears.

AllAboutTone · 11th April 2008, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevinlane

Just to put in my 2cents.

I got into the 500 format so I could mix and match, basically to find a pre that's best for ME!

(and it needs to be almost magical for that chore) I wanted a pre for vocals, and if I bought a stereo one, it would need to good for OHs too.

Well, I have tried a GRiver, a P-1, Biz, Em Blue, and in the MA-5 I have found what I'm looking for, a pre that can make that "difference"

So I will be selling my GR ME1-NV, too similar, but it ain't the MA-5.

I've been using the P-1s for OHs, will try the Bizs on next drum tracks, but I have a feeling that I will be buying another MA-5.

I told you it was worth the gamble and you got a great deal, as for the other post about GR, well GR stuff is great stuff but what turns me off about the 500 series that it takes up 2 slots, all my slots are valuable to me.

rarseman · 11th April 2008, 10:29 PM

I will get mine on Wednesday; highly excited
should of got a 2nd one
Thanks Tony

Bradahman · 11th April 2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnyjellybean

I have done many sessions on Neve and my friend has an 8034-8014 custom Neve loaded with 1073s and 1076s so I know the sound of Neve. Although very very close...I actually like the MA5 better!

neve 1081 reissue

So, anyone buying these are wasting cash??? And the originals should be dropping in price really soon. You could buy several Ma5's for the price of one.

**TonyBelmont** · 11th April 2008, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rarseman

I will get mine on Wednesday; highly excited
should of got a 2nd one
Thanks Tony

tone delux · 11th April 2008, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

It's not magic... it's a preamp.

It will give you the 1073 sound in the 500 series format... it won't cure cancer.

i like this statement.

anguswoodhead · 12th April 2008, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanmccoy

So if one had to sum up the difference between the 512 and MA5, would it be that the API is aggressive and the Avedis is aggressiv-er? What preamps are people putting in their lunchboxes when they want high transparency, say for acoustic or classical stuff? Or will the 512 and MA5 cover that just as well, with only the mic and technique changing?

I haven't read the whole thread so I'm not sure if anyone has answered this yet.
Clean & Transparent but still with great character - JLM Audio Dual99v (500 series) by Joe Malone - this things are 'HOT'
Menu

AllAboutTone · 13th April 2008, 02:25 AM

Someone post some clips of a 1073 vs MA5, i wanna hear it.

bobwarren · 13th April 2008, 01:33 PM

If you do a search, johnkenn did a fantastic comparison of the two (and others).

yrlk · 13th April 2008, 03:27 PM

I've had the MA5 for about a week now, and contrary to other pieces of gear that I've gotten a kick out of using just because they sound different than what I've been using, the MA5 is by leaps and bounds one of the most musical, useful preamps I've ever heard in any size. Some of my favorite pres are the API 512c. I know how they sound, I know they work on almost everything, and well... they just sound "right" almost every time.

The MA5 is every bit as useful (on EVERYTHING) as an API, but to my ears, it tends to be more balanced overall, being less punchy in the mids, and having a nice smoothing coloration to everything that goes in. And the beauty is in how you can drive or not drive this pre using the input and output controls.

As for the 28k feature, well... you can pretty much keep it on for everything. I only turn it off when using a brighter mic or when I want a slightly (and I mean slightly) darker sound. To me, it basically allows more transients in (or out, I should say) when micing an acoustic, and on vocals, it adds a touch of shimmer/presence.

It's not a miracle worker, as they said above, but for all audio purposes, I cannot really imagine being happier with a preamp of any size or shape. It works very well, and it is definitely (and will remain) on my go-to short-list of pres to use.

I bought mine from Tony Belmont (High Profile Audio). He's a nice guy, and I'm glad he sold me on this. The Avedis guy must have REALLY done his homework on this one. This thing sounds incredible.

Brad

AllAboutTone · 14th April 2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yrlk

I cannot really imagine being happier with a preamp of any size or shape. It works very well, and it is definitely (and will remain) on my go-to short-list of pres to use.

Brad

You bought it
You Tracked with it.
You posted your results.
Welcome to the Avedis Club

btw, your entire post was great and right on the $$ with what i am hearing as well.

undermind · 14th April 2008, 07:06 PM

I am absolutely dying to get some news on the new shipment of these.. Seems like they were getting them out fairly quickly for a little while, but the last gap between shipments has been a big one.. GAS'ing!

**TonyBelmont** · 14th April 2008, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by undermind

I am absolutely dying to get some news on the new shipment of these.. Seems like they were getting them out fairly quickly for a little while, but the last gap between shipments has been a big one.. GAS'ing!

Honestly, it really depends on where and when you ordered them... The next shipment is pretty much irrelevant. It's where you are in the cue for your shipment.

If you ordered them from us, then you can expect no more than a 2-3 week wait.

I can only speak for High Profile Audio's backorder situation. We have bought (and continue to buy) most of the allocations of MA5's months in advance, so our wait times have been extremely consistent...

undermind · 15th April 2008, 04:56 PM

looks like I'm all set.. The delay was because I had the black faceplates on order..

10th April 2008, 04:31 AM	#71
AllAboutTone Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA Posts: 1,466	Well i have never been able to afford any Neve gear so the MA5 is sort of magic and a dream come true for me. I did manage to do some electric guitar testing today and i was very impressed. I like all my 500 series pres and they all have there place. Even tho the MA5 could handle anything i still choose to mix and match, thats why i bought a lunch box. __________________ I can never be Happy again unless our city get a Hockey team back Music and Hockey is my life, 1/2 is gone.

10th April 2008, 08:09 PM	#72
Cody Gear Head Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Calgary Posts: 34	Thanks bob! Glad to have an idea of what the EM Silver produces as well. Of course, the talent sounds great too. __________________ Team Lightning http://myspace.com/lionsandtigersandbears

11th April 2008, 05:14 PM	#73
Kevinlane Gear nut Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Branson Mo Posts: 86	Just to put in my 2cents. I got into the 500 format so I could mix and match, basically to find a pre that's best for ME!(and it needs to be almost magical for that chore) I wanted a pre for vocals, and if I bought a stereo one, it would need to good for OHs too. Well, I have tried a GRiver, a P-1, Biz, Em Blue, and in the MA-5 I have found what I'm looking for, a pre that can make that "difference" So I will be selling my GR ME1-NV, too similar, but it ain't the MA-5. I've been using the P-1s for OHs, will try the Bizs on next drum tracks, but I have a feeling that I will be buying another MA-5.

11th April 2008, 07:35 PM	#75
pixelhead Gear addict Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Downers Grove, IL Posts: 407	I just got my Lunchbox and joined the 500 club. I thought I would post a few samples of the different pre's. All vocals where cut through a Peluso 2247 SE with no compression. The MA5 Sample is short in the beginning (Pilot Error). I also engage the 28k button on the second sentence of the clip. The Great River is not the 500 version. It is the rack mount version. Enjoy 500 Pres __________________ Chuck electrowerks music

11th April 2008, 10:29 PM	#79
rarseman Gear maniac Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 155	I will get mine on Wednesday; highly excited should of got a 2nd one Thanks Tony __________________ Yul

9th April 2008, 09:03 PM	#61
Bradahman Gear maniac Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: honolulu Posts: 195	Any of you MA5 users have Neve's at your disposal? I am going to have to get me a MA5. I have free usage of Brent Averills and Calrecs from a colleague, and I love them and all, but I don't go gaga over them when they are not available and all I have for my session are my P1's and my Mutant. Just flavor. Even when I have the BA's and Calrecs, I will often times choose my P1. Just wondering if all of this excitement is a little over blown by a lack of exposure to the Neve sound. But don't worry, I am sold. I will bite. I have heard enough. I am going to be getting me a MA5.

10th April 2008, 12:01 AM	#69
bobwarren Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 683	I tracked those gals with the loathed TLM103 (around here, anyway)! I've had decent results with good female singers with them. The mic is a bit bright so I used the EM Silver, a darker pre, for the lead vocal. The tracks sounded good and I liked the vibe with the instrumentation. I used the same mic for background vocals into the MA5. She could've sounded better with aa good comp, but it was a pretty remote gig and my racks aren't finished. Glad you folks liked it. I really think the MA5 has risen above the hype. Eventually, I'll get a couple more.

11th April 2008, 07:12 PM	#74
tws Gear interested Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 23	I'm not directing this to KevinLane as he has found his pre's for himself, but this is more a general opinion of mine. While the MA5 and the Great River are in the same "classification" as far as sound types, I still find them quite different. I preferred the great river to the MA5 on the last vocal session I tracked, but it all just depends. I love the two MA5's that i have but let's not let the current new hype of this pre deter anyone from getting the GR. It's not an either or situation, they are both good to have, and the GR is an extremely solid and versatile pre.

13th April 2008, 02:25 AM	#84
AllAboutTone Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA Posts: 1,466	Someone post some clips of a 1073 vs MA5, i wanna hear it. __________________ I can never be Happy again unless our city get a Hockey team back Music and Hockey is my life, 1/2 is gone.

13th April 2008, 01:33 PM	#85
bobwarren Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 683	If you do a search, johnkenn did a fantastic comparison of the two (and others).

13th April 2008, 03:27 PM	#86
yrlk Gear maniac Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 189	I've had the MA5 for about a week now, and contrary to other pieces of gear that I've gotten a kick out of using just because they sound different than what I've been using, the MA5 is by leaps and bounds one of the most musical, useful preamps I've ever heard in any size. Some of my favorite pres are the API 512c. I know how they sound, I know they work on almost everything, and well... they just sound "right" almost every time. The MA5 is every bit as useful (on EVERYTHING) as an API, but to my ears, it tends to be more balanced overall, being less punchy in the mids, and having a nice smoothing coloration to everything that goes in. And the beauty is in how you can drive or not drive this pre using the input and output controls. As for the 28k feature, well... you can pretty much keep it on for everything. I only turn it off when using a brighter mic or when I want a slightly (and I mean slightly) darker sound. To me, it basically allows more transients in (or out, I should say) when micing an acoustic, and on vocals, it adds a touch of shimmer/presence. It's not a miracle worker, as they said above, but for all audio purposes, I cannot really imagine being happier with a preamp of any size or shape. It works very well, and it is definitely (and will remain) on my go-to short-list of pres to use. I bought mine from Tony Belmont (High Profile Audio). He's a nice guy, and I'm glad he sold me on this. The Avedis guy must have REALLY done his homework on this one. This thing sounds incredible. Brad

14th April 2008, 07:06 PM	#88
undermind Gear addict Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Puget Sound, WA Posts: 432	I am absolutely dying to get some news on the new shipment of these.. Seems like they were getting them out fairly quickly for a little while, but the last gap between shipments has been a big one.. GAS'ing!

15th April 2008, 04:56 PM	#90
undermind Gear addict Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Puget Sound, WA Posts: 432	looks like I'm all set.. The delay was because I had the black faceplates on order..