FiveFish SC-501 Mic Pre (API VPR Alliance)

[rumleymusic]

thumbsupthumbsup

Two thumbs way up owel. Your preamps are the best.

Nice touch on the Jensen Transformer.

[owel]

Thanks Daniel!

[Rednose]

I'm interested, it's a nice price.
What difference would you say the xformers would make?
Thanks.

[owel]

With *only* the output trafo addition, it adds some beefiness to the low end. Most especially noticeable on kicks. Also adds +2dB to output levels.

With *both* the input and output trafo addition, adds an additional +6dB to output levels. Same as above, beefiness to low end, plus the input trafo adds it's own sonic flavor... the way I can describe it "gelling everything together in a pleasing way", smoother highs, richer sound... thanks to the harmonics contributed by the input trafos.

Now, if you want a fast transient preamp, with very little to no coloration, crystal clear, what you hear is what you get - get it without the trafo options.

[dbjp]

Unbelievable price.
I've gone out of the 500 series but this is tempting, particularly as I've only ever read positives about Five Fish.
Hmm.

[owel]

Originally Posted by dbjp

Unbelievable price.....

Yup, because, I only sell direct**. So you pocket the savings. Quality-wise, there is no skimping here.

**In the near future, if I stop selling direct, expect to pay 50% more. But I don't think people would like that... or maybe they do?

[Rednose]

Hey, thanks for the info.
I'm looking for a pre for Kick and vocals.
I have: 512c, OSA MP-1, and Solo 610 among others.
My kick mics are: D112, Beta 52a, 421.
My vocals mics are:
U87, Blueberry, Sm7b among others.
My fav pre EVER was a rented Neve 1272.

What will your pre bring to the party?
I definitely like the price!

[psychonaut4]

For the record. Besides my Digi003. I own a Five Fish X-72, Chandler Germanium Pre, Universal Audio 4-710D, And a SSL Alpha Channel. When doing Pre-amp shoot-outs for vocals the X-72 wins everytime.

[owel]

Originally Posted by Rednose

Hey, thanks for the info.
I'm looking for a pre for Kick and vocals.
I have: 512c, OSA MP-1, and Solo 610 among others.
My kick mics are: D112, Beta 52a, 421.
My vocals mics are:
U87, Blueberry, Sm7b among others.
My fav pre EVER was a rented Neve 1272.

What will your pre bring to the party?
I definitely like the price!

Red, here's a song purely done with the SC1 preamp and various mics. SC1 used for drums, kicks, oh, cymbals, bass, electric, acoustic, etc. It's recorded by Farview Recording also located in IL.
SC-1 Preamp on Everything - Farview Recording Studios

vocals sample, solo and in-context within the mix. using Neumann mic and Oktava.
Vocals using SC-1 Mic Preamp

Neumann U87 on vocals, cartoon theme song on French Nickelodeon TV
Neumann U-87, Apogee Converters and SC-1 Mic Preamp

Neumann U67 on vocals, rough mix,
Neumann U-67, API 525C, Weiss ADC-1 and SC-1 Mic Preamp

and a jazz ensemble, using 2 room mics in a small 10x18 room
On-Location Stereo Match Pair Recording SC-1

** all above recordings submitted by FiveFish SC-1 customers.

[owel]

Originally Posted by psychonaut4

For the record. ....When doing Pre-amp shoot-outs for vocals the X-72 wins everytime.

Thanks psychonaut! thumbsup thumbsup

[psychonaut4]

You got it! Thinking about another Pre soon. Maybe even an eq or 2. Right after I pick up some new compressors. Which brings me to my next question. Do you have plans for a compressor? Need a tester?

[lobsterinn]

Originally Posted by owel

**In the near future, if I stop selling direct, expect to pay 50% more. But I don't think people would like that... or maybe they do?

Uh-oh...really?!? Any chance you could give customers a heads-up if you end up doing this?

I don't have the $$ at the moment, but I really do want another couple of your pres at some point.

[Kranity]

I received my X-12s this month and they are just wonderful. Eyeballing these SC-501s pretty hard. Great work Owel! IMO, keep it direct for sure. For someone like me, the convenience and the incredible savings is unmistakeable- it made choosing your preamps a no-brainer.

[junior]

Another vote for selling direct... Oh, and a vote for offering the MX5 in a DIY kit! Pretty please???

[Spiritworks]

I have four X12MK500 - gonna get four more.