API 512c vs 3124mb+

[666666]

Why don't we throw the 212L in here too?

API pre comparison:

3124+
vs
512c
vs
212L

[Doc Mixwell]

API pre's sound like API pre's and its pretty gearslutty to try and compare "any difference in tone", so I think the choice is only about needs. There are slight design differences, but they sound identical.

[plexisys]

Because I also want the 1/4" line inputs

There is method to my madness

API pre's sound like API pre's and its pretty gearslutty to try and compare "any difference in tone"

You can never be too big of a slut More on that later.

[Doc Mixwell]

A 512c has a 1/4 input that I plug line signals into all the time, same as the 3124+ and 3124MB+. The 3124MB+ is the more flexible beast here, that i could not live without for drums and various routing tasks. I like patching processors [EQ, Comp, Effect] or SPL Transient Designers before the mix output on the way to tape for toms, keys, strings....Its also the BEEZ KNEEZ for keyboards and drum machines. I think its an incredibly useful preamp for sub-mixing top and bottom miking with drums. I also find using the Direct output of the channel and the AUX Return REALLY useful for cue mixing before the recorder.

[AllAboutTone]

Originally Posted by Roc Mixwell

API pre's sound like API pre's and its pretty gearslutty to try and compare "any difference in tone", so I think the choice is only about needs.

Yep mostly, i still desire the 512c or the 3124, its a transformer thingie

[IntenseJim]

Originally Posted by plexisys

Because I also want the 1/4" line inputs

There is method to my madness

You can passive DI your 1/4" line input into the XLR:
JAMS Audio - Nashville, TN

Radial JDI Duplex Mk4 stereo passive direct boxes

[Sonic Lush]

if you know you like the API sound, I guess it comes down to what format is going to give you the flexibility you desire.

I chose the 3124mb+ and it's been absolutely fantastic at allowing me to use it a number of ways from printing dry and processed tracks at the same time...to a mini PA mixer...four mic drumset...etc etc et al . Also you can use the output level control to pad the output in case you want to run it hot on the input and then turn it down ala Shure attenuator or ATTY to feed one or both of the main outs. yep, it's a real mixer.

I sound like a broken record but you gotta love that TRS stereo return that passes through the transformer balanced outputs.

sweet kit for sure.

definitely worth the extra $ to option up to the mb+

but it comes down to what do you need to do with the API?

good luck

[plexisys]

but it comes down to what do you need to do with the API?

I'll be opening a new studio mid next year. I already have 4 Neve and 8 Harrison MR4 pre/eqs and I'm going to add the APIs to the list. Just want to make the best choice as far as sound and flexibility.

You can passive DI your 1/4" line input into the XLR:

LOL as you can see from our website we won't need any DIs. These would be just to plug groups of keys in to one unit. Our own new DI is superior to anything out there with features that you can't get from any other DI.

[Sonic Lush]

I would recommend you search dear old departed Fletcher's many posts extolling the virtues of tracking with the mb+ (and if I recall Adam talks about this above, as well)

toms over and under with the IBP inserted with a transient designer and summed before tape....can't do that with your other boutique preamps. up to four mics summed to one track for gtr? that's wicked cool

I'm just saying.

for the most flexibility and control this is the bizomb or shitzen or whatever is cool these days.

sounds like you're going to have nice gear!

[Barry Lird]

Originally Posted by AllAboutTone

Yep mostly, i still desire the 512c or the 3124, its a transformer thingie

Seriously. This dude not only wants a septuagenarian fear-monger with an intellectually ******** running-mate to be president, but also feels like the need to call those who disagree with him "stupid." This on a gear board? Kinda weird. Sorry. That is all.

[plexisys]

sounds like you're going to have nice gear!

I think so. I learned along time ago that you don't need a lot of gear but you should have good gear. No need to chase the gear of the month. Just get gear that has a consistent sound. It's like the APIs, I'll get those because APIs are APIs no matter what studio they are in. People like them for the sound and they know they work.

For the basis of the original post I was seeing what was the most flexible system for the buck and it sounds like the 3124mb+ is the way to go instead of a lunch box.

[beats workin']

Hey ALL ABOUT TONE,
You YOU leave election night as well?
thank you

[Doc Mixwell]

Originally Posted by Sonic Lush

toms over and under with the IBP inserted with a transient designer and summed before tape....can't do that with your other boutique preamps. up to four mics summed to one track for gtr? that's wicked cool

Yup! The 3124MB+ is a serious tool for drums; and now with the Little Labs Red Cloud, 8810U8TERS pack, things are going to get interesting in our studio. I usually use barrel XLR PADS like the Shure A15as, before the mic inputs for toms, but this might be a better idea for a lot of applications. They will be useful before the inputs, on the insert point, and after the outputs of the MB+ so I can boil 2520's for metal vocals, etc....I'm pumped!!

The MB+ is helpful for multi-miking anything really, I often use the Mix Buss for acoustic GTR stereo placement, [with our Electrical Audio M/S matrix on the inserts] and I have been known to use the Direct Sends of the box as MULTS while recording the mix buss, so I can Patch them DIRECTLY into COMPRESSORS AND EFFECTS so I can record two separate textures onto separate tracks. This also might be handy for stereo encoding/decoding, as you can record four tracks and go back later if start slamming your head on the console when you listen back to your balance.

[Barry Lird]

Originally Posted by beats workin'

Hey ALL ABOUT TONE,
You YOU leave election night as well?
thank you

Why wait?