One Chameleon, Two Porticos?

[filthyrich]

I'm new. I've been lurking for a while now. I have a motu 24 i/o going into a 24 channel tascam analog m2600. I then go into my computer.
I'm thinking of adding a one or two channel, fairly high-end preamp. I'm also considering the avalon to use for compression etc. I currently run two channels through dbx 266xl compressor and the dual 31 band dbx eq. Channel one also currently goes through a studio projects vt tube preamp. The other channels only use the Tascam M2600 preamps and eq's while recording.
I'm thinking I may invest everything into one nice channel and record the kick using it at first. I could then run each of the other drum tracks out of my computer into this "super channel" and record each drum track back into the project to get the sound I'm looking for. Guitar, bass and vocals could also be recorded using this one nice channel.
With this in mind, what one or two preamp solution would you recommend for around 2,000 dollars? I'm thinking either the neve portico 5012 or two channels of the chameleon 7602. I may also just do the avalon VT-737 for my one super strip.
Any advice would be great. By the way, I use a Studio Projects C-1 for vox and mostly record heavy rock/punk.

Thanks,
Rich

[Pepe Ortega]

filthyrich:
I own all units (portico 5012. avalon737 sp chameleon) and maybe Avalon 737 sp will be better as all around unit (you can use eq, compresion if needed) I prefer portico pres most of times. Avalon pre is very clean, but I have recorded lots of rock/punk bands since many years ago and everybody loves it. you can obtain very good sounds with chameleon eq´s.

good luck on your search.

[filthyrich]

Do you think that the Chameleon is a nice option?? Is the avalon compression and eq worth the extra 1000 above the chameleon as opposed to using my dbx compressor and eq?

[Pepe Ortega]

Originally Posted by filthyrich

Do you think that the Chameleon is a nice option?? Is the avalon compression and eq worth the extra 1000 above the chameleon as opposed to using my dbx compressor and eq?

all depends on your money..
avalon compresion is very different than dbx.. I own one 266 unit too. It´s eating dust since many moons ago.. dbx 266 is "low end" I think "grainy" and tipical IC sound for my taste... Maybe not everybody loves compression on avalon (slow attack), but sounds very good and clean. Chamaleon it´s a very good option for the money. Pre is ok but is not a neve or Api. Of course much better than pres in your tascam. (I owned a M3500 in 90´s) best part of chameleon are eq´s... I own 2 of them.. great on bass, snare some vocals and guitars..

[filthyrich]

so, I can get 2 chameleon labs for 1500, or one avalon with eq and compression etc for 1800 ish. So, in your (or anyone else's) opinion, does the compression (since chameleon also has eq) on the avalon paired with it's coloration (or lack of) make it worth the extra 1100 over one chameleon? Again, I would be using this for everything (drums, bass, vox guitars).

Also::::Is my idea of running each drum channel back out of daw through my "super channel" hold water? It seems like if I record the drums perfectly clean (no eq or compression) and run them through that one channel later..it would work like having 8-10 super channels in the end. The basic question is...do I really need 2 super nice preamps/chains or can I get away with putting all the money into one?

[Snatchman]

Originally Posted by filthyrich

so, I can get 2 chameleon labs for 1500, or one avalon with eq and compression etc for 1800 ish. So, in your (or anyone else's) opinion, does the compression (since chameleon also has eq) on the avalon paired with it's coloration (or lack of) make it worth the extra 1100 over one chameleon? Again, I would be using this for everything (drums, bass, vox guitars).

Also::::Is my idea of running each drum channel back out of daw through my "super channel" hold water? It seems like if I record the drums perfectly clean (no eq or compression) and run them through that one channel later..it would work like having 8-10 super channels in the end. The basic question is...do I really need 2 super nice preamps/chains or can I get away with putting all the money into one?

You will need two (2) " Super Channels" if you ever need to record stereo tracks..!...

[foldback]

I'm not a big fan of the Avalon, it's too clean or uncolored, nice but just not agressive or different.

The Portico preamp would be a good sluty choice.

The Chameleon is a cool sounding box and the price is great. You don't have to start with two of them unless you need two. These are not audiophile preamps, they've got color and attitude and I freakn' love it.

It's a preamp, it's a D.I., it's an eq, it's a line driver, it's a distortion. The 7602 does a lot and does it all pretty good. The EQ is really useful and great sounding, not clinical.

GC can get the price down to $650 for the preamp and power supply. Take your GC sales person out for a nice lunch and get him to bust out a killer deal on an 1176 compressor. Between that and the 7602 you'll have an extremely flexible preamp and compressor.

[filthyrich]

As another option to stereo: Couldn't I just copy each track that I want in stereo using my daw? That would give me the option of dumping out and back in to add whatever I want to the left or right side...right? Even in the final mix, couldn't I dump out the left side mix seperately through my one nice channel and then do the same with right for stereo cd printing? It seems like the panned 50% channels and others would just have a little less in each side etc etc. Maybe I'm making it too simple..but I just don't see the need for stereo unless I'm missing something huge. I have been recorded many times on nice ssl, neve-typish boards. I know that they quite often record us in stereo. I just don't see the need for stereo if recording into a daw with easy panning capabilities. Thanks. Sorry for the stupidity of the question if that is, in fact, the case.

[cdog]

My advice to you is sell everything you have. Really. Start over.

Begin with an API A2D and a Soundelux U195.

Thank me later, I accept beer.

[Snatchman]

Originally Posted by filthyrich

As another option to stereo: Couldn't I just copy each track that I want in stereo using my daw? That would give me the option of dumping out and back in to add whatever I want to the left or right side...right? Even in the final mix, couldn't I dump out the left side mix seperately through my one nice channel and then do the same with right for stereo cd printing? It seems like the panned 50% channels and others would just have a little less in each side etc etc. Maybe I'm making it too simple..but I just don't see the need for stereo unless I'm missing something huge. I have been recorded many times on nice ssl, neve-typish boards. I know that they quite often record us in stereo. I just don't see the need for stereo if recording into a daw with easy panning capabilities. Thanks. Sorry for the stupidity of the question if that is, in fact, the case.

No...I think this is just " dual mono"...( the same signal just panned L/R, nothing happening in the center image)

[AMIEL]

Dont like the Avalon stuff, no balls, too sterile, no personality!
I rather buy 2 Chameleon labs o the Portico.