Onyx pre Vs GAP Pre 73???

Captain Proton · 30th October 2009

Hi guys, I've been reading lots on the GAP Pre 73 modded and un modded.

I also have a Mackie Onyx 1620 mixing desk which I think is above the usual Mackie desk sonic capability....but.... how much better do you think the Gap Pre 73 would be than the Onyx pre amp.

I would like to run a lot of my vintage synths through the pre amp for recording.

Anyone have any experiance of both.... I'm hoping the Gap Pre 73 will blow the Onyx away. Haveused a Neve pre amp before and it was lovely sounding but was some time ago.

Cheers

Snatchman · 30th October 2009

Don't know which would be " better", but probably different sounding since they are different designs..( S/S vs Transformers)..

Captain Proton · 31st October 2009

Sure they are different, but there is a lot of hype from people who have bought the GAP Pre 73 and I was just thinking that a dedicated Pre amp would give me a better sound than the built in ones on the Mackie Onyx.

I will be looking for a vintage sound to go with my vintage analog synths, hearing that the di on the GAP73 is awesome as well.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

DevlinC · 31st October 2009

I don't have one, but you're not going to get anything else like it for the cost, and considering the near universally high praise for it I think it won't be anything except a joy, mod or no. It's definitely on a purchase list for "someday", so if you're thinking about it just go for it. I'm sure someone will buy it off you if it doesn't work out for you.

**Blast9** · 31st October 2009

I don't have the GAP73, but I have the (unmodded) Chameleon 7602 (mic pre plus EQ) - same idea as the GAP73... Chinese Neve style pre.

-

I have an Onxy Satellite,and I was told the Onyx desks have better analog components than the satellite.

The Onyx is a great clean/crisp "shiny-sounding" pre - hi-fi sound, lots of headroom.

-

The CL 7602 sounds fat, smooth and clear... aggressive when you drive it

The Onyx sound s little bit thinner and brighter than the CL, although it isn't harsh sounding at all.

Conversely the CL doesn't sound "rolled-off" in the top end.

David C. · 2nd November 2009

I love the line in on the GAP for synths, makes em sound big and full and cool!

30th October 2009	#1
Captain Proton Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 957 Thread Starter	Onyx pre Vs GAP Pre 73??? Hi guys, I've been reading lots on the GAP Pre 73 modded and un modded. I also have a Mackie Onyx 1620 mixing desk which I think is above the usual Mackie desk sonic capability....but.... how much better do you think the Gap Pre 73 would be than the Onyx pre amp. I would like to run a lot of my vintage synths through the pre amp for recording. Anyone have any experiance of both.... I'm hoping the Gap Pre 73 will blow the Onyx away. Haveused a Neve pre amp before and it was lovely sounding but was some time ago. Cheers

30th October 2009	#2
Snatchman Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2004 Posts: 3,325	Don't know which would be " better", but probably different sounding since they are different designs..( S/S vs Transformers).. __________________ Thanks for your time and ears!

31st October 2009	#5
Blast9 Moderator Joined: Dec 2003 Location: London Posts: 4,597	I don't have the GAP73, but I have the (unmodded) Chameleon 7602 (mic pre plus EQ) - same idea as the GAP73... Chinese Neve style pre. - I have an Onxy Satellite,and I was told the Onyx desks have better analog components than the satellite. The Onyx is a great clean/crisp "shiny-sounding" pre - hi-fi sound, lots of headroom. - The CL 7602 sounds fat, smooth and clear... aggressive when you drive it The Onyx sound s little bit thinner and brighter than the CL, although it isn't harsh sounding at all. Conversely the CL doesn't sound "rolled-off" in the top end. __________________ :: New Album "Rooms" out now http://www.andymitchellmusic.com :: twitter > http://twitter.com/mitchellmusic - http://www.twitter.com/theyardbirds

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31st October 2009	#4
DevlinC Gear Head Joined: Sep 2009 Location: London, England Posts: 65	I don't have one, but you're not going to get anything else like it for the cost, and considering the near universally high praise for it I think it won't be anything except a joy, mod or no. It's definitely on a purchase list for "someday", so if you're thinking about it just go for it. I'm sure someone will buy it off you if it doesn't work out for you.

2nd November 2009	#6
David C. Gear addict Joined: Jun 2009 Location: Race Horse and Bourbon State Posts: 357	I love the line in on the GAP for synths, makes em sound big and full and cool!