I need 4 channels of mic pres. Classic API?

[dandeurloo]

Originally Posted by foldback

Hi NYJam, just noticed today is your first day here, welcome

Yeah, welcome. heck of a thread to jump into.

Anyway, I have used Altrans in a number of projects as well. I compared them to a number of the same type of transformers for my neve and I was honestly shocked at how great they sound. I would agree that in most cases price means something but in the case of Altrans and even some Edcors its not the case.

If you want to spend some cash on transformers grab some Sowters. Those sound great and cost a bunch as well. Not always better then some of the cheaper options but they do always cost more!

But yeah, buy some CAPI pres and never look back!

[NYJam]

Originally Posted by foldback

Hi NYJam, just noticed today is your first day here, welcome

I don't know what's in your Purple compressor but I do know about Altran. Besides making power transformers they make audio transformers. This is clearly spelled out on their web site.

I looked at the thread on DIY you mentioned. The prices you quoted were from another thread and not specifically about the Altran input transformer Ed was mentioning. Frankly with the price of nickel these days I'd be surprised if you could buy mumetal shielded enclosures for $16 each in qty's of 250 much less complete OEM input transformer parts.

Altran would be happy to quote you if you could supply them with the specifications you want and are able to meet their minimum order requirements. That is pretty much the case with any transformer manufacturer.

Altran is able to build to UL specifications, that's not an easy or simple task. I would not disparage them for being a power supply transformer manufacturer. Each type of transformer has unique construction attributes. Many high-end tube audio power amplifiers have extremely complex output transformers that are much more difficult to manufacture than mic or line input transformers for audio applications.

Actually the need for high quality audio transformers is a pretty small niche industry compared to the demand for power supply transformers.

Altran must do a good job if they're an American company and still in business today.

I don't work for any of these manufacturers but I know them all. In todays market you've got to be a very good US manufacturer to be able to stay in business.

If you think $16 in 250 piece lots is cheap, how about $1 in 10,000 lots from overseas (with a cheap steel shield can instead of mumetal). Now that's a punch in the stomach.

Great to have you here on GS!

Thanks. Glad to be here. Thought I fell into a shark tank. Honestly, I would have felt better with a pricier part in my $1600 compressor. I don't like it any less. But, it seems like these are cheapy transformers. Doesn't mean they suck, but not exactly exciting news to hear.

[monkeyxx]

Originally Posted by NYJam

Thanks. Glad to be here. Thought I fell into a shark tank. Honestly, I would have felt better with a pricier part in my $1600 compressor. I don't like it any less. But, it seems like these are cheapy transformers. Doesn't mean they suck, but not exactly exciting news to hear.

think of the mark up you'd have had to pay for with a Jensen or a Sowter in there

[sodiumcycle]

If you are going the DIY route on API copies and want non-500 series modules google for whistle rock audio. He is selling PCBs for cheap and you can get the other required components (transformers, discrete opamp) from classic api. I think overall cost would be around 125 per channel plus power supply build cost.

[monkeyxx]

oh yeah his op amps are nice too!

Originally Posted by sodiumcycle

If you are going the DIY route on API copies and want non-500 series modules google for whistle rock audio. He is selling PCBs for cheap and you can get the other required components (transformers, discrete opamp) from classic api. I think overall cost would be around 125 per channel plus power supply build cost.

[timeghost]

Wow, I didn't really expect this.

But I did find out one of my old friends just recently built some VP26's. I went to test them today, which is why I'm just getting around to posting.

Jeff, you have an awesome product. I believe once those VP28's come out, you will have a new customer.

[lectric]

I do not know if the VP26 are like the old or new api but I think they are awesome preamps and sound very nice with my other preamps A-Desings, Phoenix Audio and Great River.

[antichef]

I run two 3124+'s, and I love them. They beat the crap out of whatever's next in the chain, so as a practical matter, you should price in an attenuator (I suppose the same would be true for a clone without an output trim). I wound up using the Little Labs Red Cloud unit, because it's got 8 channels and detents, which make me feel like I'm in control of the levels.

[foldback]

The API 3124 remains my number one choice for getting signals into my Apogee converters.

Some of my favorite features:

Sound - It never sounds bad on anything
D.I. Music Instrument input, switch selectable, minimum stuff in signal path
Headroom - Tons of it
Compact - four incredible preamps in one rack space
Metering - the level meter is indispensable for me
Build Quality - feels very heavy duty
Resale value - typically sells for $2000 on ebay even in bad economy
Reliable - never had a problem with it, bought it new in 2006

I've compared my 3124 to a lot of different preamps. My favorite studio drummer out here in LA has a variety of Neve and API vintage gear that Avedis customized. Back when I signaled my intent to buy the new API unit my drummer told me not to get the API (go for vintage), but when we directly compared it to his preamps using the same mics in his studio his eyes and ears were opened a bit wider, the new API easily held it's own for tone. They are slightly different sounding but neither was better, both rocked!

I have a lot of preamps, some were in the $4k+ price range, some I built for practically nothing from "stuff" laying around my warehouse. I like experimenting with different sounds but when I am really ready to track some vocals or guitar for a serious recording effort I go for the 3124 feeding an 1176, it never fails to sound good.

Good music to all.

[Peterson Goodwyn]

Originally Posted by NYJam

Thanks. Glad to be here. Thought I fell into a shark tank. Honestly, I would have felt better with a pricier part in my $1600 compressor. I don't like it any less. But, it seems like these are cheapy transformers. Doesn't mean they suck, but not exactly exciting news to hear.

The original 1176 Rev A uses a crappy input transformer from a company that never specialized in audio transformers. I sure hope nobody intends on paying good money for one of those!

[NEWTON IN ORBIT]

Originally Posted by Peterson Goodwyn

The original 1176 Rev A uses a crappy input transformer from a company that never specialized in audio transformers. I sure hope nobody intends on paying good money for one of those!

Haha! Probably true. Was it the UTC's though? They certainly made audio signal transformers.

However, if it gives it a sound people can't live without, really doesn't matter if there is a doorbell transformer in there or not.

Doesn't matter what it is if it sounds good right?

john

[Peterson Goodwyn]

Sorry, after some research it appears that the Rev A used a Peerless input transformer. So, while Peerless did make audio transformers, it was a crappy little thing.

[Doc_]

Altran will custom wind transformers too your liking...top shelf stuff at great prices,they are located in Chicago...

Altrans are what is used in the Mix Master 20,the mic amps in this unit sound fabulous...

[Neily]

I am so getting me some of these new two stage pres!


Sweet jesus I love classic api....

[a zombie]

Some people like a cold bologne sandwich with the crust removed, and some people like a nice, juicy BLT on sourdough.

I'm going with the BLT.

...with a side of CAPI

[Shed]

Had to chime in here too. thumbs up for CAPI. I don't understand a darned thing about parts,pieces, resistors, caps blah blah. These pre's sound great. Thats what I wanted. got what I wanted. going to buy more. Jeff is great guy. Like he said in an earlier post, you can ask him anything. he replies.

Another HAPI CAPI customer!

[drBill]

Originally Posted by a zombie

I'm going with the BLT.

...with a side of CAPI

Better yet, a Double Double!

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/high-...hort-clip.html

[Bopkit]

i bought a DIY 4x312 single rack space unit that a local guy had put together with stuff from CAPI.

2 channels had EA and 2 channels Cinemag transformers. 2 op amps were originally DIY 1731 (i've now replaced with original Melcors) and 2 are DIY 2520.

i have set it up so the Cinemags are paired with the 2520 and the EA with the Melcors.

these pre's sound wonderful! in particular the 1731/EA channels have become my go-to pre's.

i also have Millennia HV3D, Hardy M2, Focusrite Red6 and Chandler Germanium to choose from.

[RoundBadge]

I want!
Hey Bill is your assembly tech in LA?
I'm interested in a pair of these.
could you pm me the details and pricing if possible?

[retone]

If you can afford the api you wont look back
they are good for not only drums
they excell at this
but great for gtrs.. acc.. vox.
you probably know that from the other GS posts...

the lunchbox may be a good option also because you can interchange and build as you go..

[monkeyxx]

good point

I think my customized VP312, which is more like a 512c, is the most versatile all purpose preamp I own. It really does sound good on anything. Sometimes the N72 can be a little soft, or the VP312 can be a bit bright almost thin. They are all really good at certain things, however. The 512-ish is right in the middle, though.

[jrod9900]

Interesting thread. A buddy of mine got me turned onto the CAPIs. I dig em. They sound great. I have picked 512s when A/Bing a time or two on a certain source for a particular sound, but the CAPIs win a lot too. They are so smooth. I'm not a techie guy, but these things just sound great.

The value of these suckers is second to none. You get a lot of bang-for-your-buck. I'm probably gonna end up with another pair on down the road. I currently just have a pair of VP26s. Love them on guitars, bgvs, lead vox, drums, etc... Just can't really make them sound bad.

JROD