Avalon VT-737sp vs. API A2D vs. SSL Alpha Channel vs. SSL Alpha VHD Pre

nafspark · 23rd April 2009

What are the pros/cons to these pres? (Below are my thoughts on them. Let me know if you have any better ideas--but I don't think I want to get into the lunchbox-style systems just yet.)

I've heard a lot of good things about the 737's, but I've also seen a lot of "meh" type reactions here on GS. I can pick up a used one for $1150. Its primary use will be vocals, followed by acoustic guitar and maybe bass (thinking about also grabbing a REDDI), as well as room mics and/or other mono sources. The downside to the 737 is that it has no A/D, which means I'll have to go through the line inputs on my M-Audio Profire 2626 instead of the digital ins. Option 2 would be to use it with some other kind of digital converter.

I've also heard a lot of good things about the A2D, but it seems like people are mostly using these on drum overheads. Is that right? Anything else they can be used on effectively? ~$1500 used. I know they do weird things with the clocking, but I figure I could clock everything else off the S/PDIF if it's an older one or just use the normal wordclock if it has the mod. I could use the converters in this with other pres like the 737, but I've heard the converters don't work well with other pres. Is that accurate?

I haven't used the Alpha Channel, but I have used the Alpha VHD and like it very much, especially for drums. I could get 2 of the Alpha Channels for $1500 used, which is what 4 channels of VHD go for new. Is having the EQ and filtering (and the A/D conversion) worth it to go for the channel strips? Keep in mind that I'd have to work some creative magic involving a S/PDIF distribution amplifier to clock the Alpha Channels off of, as well as some chain of gear to get the S/PDIF to ADAT optical so I could pull it into my Profire 2626 (only 1 S/PDIF input). The alternative would be to use the VHD pres and just run them into the line ins on the Profire. Thoughts?

Right now, I'm thinking of grabbing the 737 and the A2D and maybe 4 channels of the VHD pre, which should cover kick, snare, 2 channels of OH, 2 channels of toms, and a room mic. Additional channels could go through the Profire. Or, if I needed to save money, what would you guys think about skipping the VHD and using the A2D for OH, the 737 for room, and then using the Profire pres for the rest of the drum kit?

I'm really about to take a small demo-grade home studio and try to make something nice with it. I know I need to work on the room acoustics. I have some money budgeted for that (though not as much as I know I could spend--this stuff gets expensive fast), but I want to go ahead and get the gear now so I can learn all about what it likes and how it responds to different mics and sources and gain levels and how all that affects my mixes. I'm also trying to round out my mic locker as much as I can on my budget while I'm at it (yes, I'm getting an SM-7b), and I may yet throw in a Distressor for the heck of it.

Please, impart your wisdom upon this young, impressionable soul.

Thanks,

Nate

nafspark · 23rd April 2009

Bump for preamp opinions.

nafspark · 24th April 2009

No comments? If at first you don't succeed...

Rob Ellis · 25th April 2009

I use a 737 for voiceover work, and like it. Clean and plenty of gain.

But my needs are very basic compared to most of the musicians who post here, so take it for what it's worth.

The 737 may not be the most exciting pre-amp, but it is solid in my opinion.

edup · 17th May 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by nafspark

No comments? If at first you don't succeed...

to me the vt 737 sp is not top of the line like other neves and many brands, but it is what it is, it sounds good on everything you throw at him, that's my opinion , it's like an U87, they're not the best but they're really solid

pultech · 18th May 2009

The 737 is not anywhere near transparent as a mic pre. It has a sound, ans is versatile, but for the money, it is a lot to spend on a "character" pre when you are looking to build your main rig.
I would definitely take a hard look at the API.

23rd April 2009	#1
nafspark Gear nut Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 121 Thread Starter	Avalon VT-737sp vs. API A2D vs. SSL Alpha Channel vs. SSL Alpha VHD Pre What are the pros/cons to these pres? (Below are my thoughts on them. Let me know if you have any better ideas--but I don't think I want to get into the lunchbox-style systems just yet.) I've heard a lot of good things about the 737's, but I've also seen a lot of "meh" type reactions here on GS. I can pick up a used one for $1150. Its primary use will be vocals, followed by acoustic guitar and maybe bass (thinking about also grabbing a REDDI), as well as room mics and/or other mono sources. The downside to the 737 is that it has no A/D, which means I'll have to go through the line inputs on my M-Audio Profire 2626 instead of the digital ins. Option 2 would be to use it with some other kind of digital converter. I've also heard a lot of good things about the A2D, but it seems like people are mostly using these on drum overheads. Is that right? Anything else they can be used on effectively? ~$1500 used. I know they do weird things with the clocking, but I figure I could clock everything else off the S/PDIF if it's an older one or just use the normal wordclock if it has the mod. I could use the converters in this with other pres like the 737, but I've heard the converters don't work well with other pres. Is that accurate? I haven't used the Alpha Channel, but I have used the Alpha VHD and like it very much, especially for drums. I could get 2 of the Alpha Channels for $1500 used, which is what 4 channels of VHD go for new. Is having the EQ and filtering (and the A/D conversion) worth it to go for the channel strips? Keep in mind that I'd have to work some creative magic involving a S/PDIF distribution amplifier to clock the Alpha Channels off of, as well as some chain of gear to get the S/PDIF to ADAT optical so I could pull it into my Profire 2626 (only 1 S/PDIF input). The alternative would be to use the VHD pres and just run them into the line ins on the Profire. Thoughts? Right now, I'm thinking of grabbing the 737 and the A2D and maybe 4 channels of the VHD pre, which should cover kick, snare, 2 channels of OH, 2 channels of toms, and a room mic. Additional channels could go through the Profire. Or, if I needed to save money, what would you guys think about skipping the VHD and using the A2D for OH, the 737 for room, and then using the Profire pres for the rest of the drum kit? I'm really about to take a small demo-grade home studio and try to make something nice with it. I know I need to work on the room acoustics. I have some money budgeted for that (though not as much as I know I could spend--this stuff gets expensive fast), but I want to go ahead and get the gear now so I can learn all about what it likes and how it responds to different mics and sources and gain levels and how all that affects my mixes. I'm also trying to round out my mic locker as much as I can on my budget while I'm at it (yes, I'm getting an SM-7b), and I may yet throw in a Distressor for the heck of it. Please, impart your wisdom upon this young, impressionable soul. Thanks, Nate

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24th April 2009	#3
nafspark Gear nut Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 121 Thread Starter	No comments? If at first you don't succeed...

25th April 2009	#4
Rob Ellis Gear addict Joined: Aug 2008 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 358	I use a 737 for voiceover work, and like it. Clean and plenty of gain. But my needs are very basic compared to most of the musicians who post here, so take it for what it's worth. The 737 may not be the most exciting pre-amp, but it is solid in my opinion.

18th May 2009	#6
pultech Gear maniac Joined: May 2009 Location: Ocean Beach, New York Posts: 177	The 737 is not anywhere near transparent as a mic pre. It has a sound, ans is versatile, but for the money, it is a lot to spend on a "character" pre when you are looking to build your main rig. I would definitely take a hard look at the API.