What Preamp/EQ/Comp is a good setup, API Lunchbox?

rids · 19th August 2005

I'm trying to figure out what outboard gear I should buy. I have a FMR RNC and plan to get a Distressor in the future but not yet. I was thinking about possibly getting a API lunchbox and put a API 550 eq and 2 512c Preamps ( and possibly the API compressor).

My background is making electronic music like Industrial, Big Beat and Techno Rave. But I also want to get into more traditional instruments like bass and 12 string guitars. I want to get some good quality outboard gear to get my vocals and other gear sounding more richer. I like quality gear that is cheaper, but I feel that good outboard gear is the most important part in music setups, so I am willing to pay more for better quality gear.

Although right now I don't want to spend anymore than 3000. I noticed the AMEK Purepath are fairly reasonably priced for what it offers, a Preamp/Eq/comp all in one. Although I'm not sure how good those are.

Any suggestions on what to get? I'm not looking for a all-in-one box, so combinations of gear is nice also, but then there is my price limit to deal with.

Nick

absrec · 19th August 2005

API is awesome stuff. If you go API though, you might want to look for the older modules. I've heard they have a little bit of an edge on the newer stuff. But here's another idea. I am a huge fan of the Brent Averill stuff. He has lunch boxes and 312 pres as well as the Avedis EQs. Those things are the hot tip! Those E15s don't have a bad frequency on them and they are agressive as hell. The frequencies are actually ones that were suggested to him by people who have been cutting and mixing hit records for years. Hands down the best value going, IMHO...

(And no, this is not a paid advertisement, just a more than satisfied customer.)

rids · 23rd August 2005

I was looking at the Breant Averill 1272 preamp and the BAE312. I've also been considering the Chandler LTD-1 and Great River MEQ-1NV as well. It's a tough decision, but I wanted to get a nice pre and Eq for around the 2300 LTD1 price tag. Then I'd buy two for a stereo pair. A lot people seem to like the Chandler TG-2 preamp a lot. The Vintech X73i looks up to par as well.

Do you know how good the LTD-1 Eq section is?

It really doesn't seem like one could go wrong with any of these. I'm just looking for one with the most character to it.

superburtm · 23rd August 2005

I used the x73i recently and found the EQ to be quite crappy..horrble top

and bottom.. the mid band was ok. I would not buy one but that's just one mans opinion.

usamike · 8th September 2005

I don't know how it sounds, but vintech always looked a little cheesey to me.

Tone Laborer · 19th September 2005

Funny , I thought they looked like they were buildt like tanks. Vintage and classy. One man's ceiling....

19th August 2005	#1
rids Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2005 Location: Between Harmony & Irregularity Posts: 2,178 Thread Starter	What Preamp/EQ/Comp is a good setup, API Lunchbox? I'm trying to figure out what outboard gear I should buy. I have a FMR RNC and plan to get a Distressor in the future but not yet. I was thinking about possibly getting a API lunchbox and put a API 550 eq and 2 512c Preamps ( and possibly the API compressor). My background is making electronic music like Industrial, Big Beat and Techno Rave. But I also want to get into more traditional instruments like bass and 12 string guitars. I want to get some good quality outboard gear to get my vocals and other gear sounding more richer. I like quality gear that is cheaper, but I feel that good outboard gear is the most important part in music setups, so I am willing to pay more for better quality gear. Although right now I don't want to spend anymore than 3000. I noticed the AMEK Purepath are fairly reasonably priced for what it offers, a Preamp/Eq/comp all in one. Although I'm not sure how good those are. Any suggestions on what to get? I'm not looking for a all-in-one box, so combinations of gear is nice also, but then there is my price limit to deal with. Nick

19th August 2005	#2
absrec Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,138	API is awesome stuff. If you go API though, you might want to look for the older modules. I've heard they have a little bit of an edge on the newer stuff. But here's another idea. I am a huge fan of the Brent Averill stuff. He has lunch boxes and 312 pres as well as the Avedis EQs. Those things are the hot tip! Those E15s don't have a bad frequency on them and they are agressive as hell. The frequencies are actually ones that were suggested to him by people who have been cutting and mixing hit records for years. Hands down the best value going, IMHO... (And no, this is not a paid advertisement, just a more than satisfied customer.) __________________ If you don't spank it, you can't crank it!

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23rd August 2005	#3
rids Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2005 Location: Between Harmony & Irregularity Posts: 2,178 Thread Starter	I was looking at the Breant Averill 1272 preamp and the BAE312. I've also been considering the Chandler LTD-1 and Great River MEQ-1NV as well. It's a tough decision, but I wanted to get a nice pre and Eq for around the 2300 LTD1 price tag. Then I'd buy two for a stereo pair. A lot people seem to like the Chandler TG-2 preamp a lot. The Vintech X73i looks up to par as well. Do you know how good the LTD-1 Eq section is? It really doesn't seem like one could go wrong with any of these. I'm just looking for one with the most character to it.

23rd August 2005	#4
superburtm Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2005 Location: LOS ANGELES Posts: 3,602	I used the x73i recently and found the EQ to be quite crappy..horrble top and bottom.. the mid band was ok. I would not buy one but that's just one mans opinion.

8th September 2005	#5
usamike Gear addict Joined: Apr 2005 Location: LA Posts: 479	I don't know how it sounds, but vintech always looked a little cheesey to me.

19th September 2005	#6
Tone Laborer Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2005 Location: Austin,Tx Posts: 1,421 2 Reviews written	Funny , I thought they looked like they were buildt like tanks. Vintage and classy. One man's ceiling....