Classic API, Neve, Chandler Pre Amp Sound Ref?

[noharmlessrock]

In the process of researching mic pre's to track my mpc 2500 to a digi002 rack, I think it would be super helpful to have a CD reference to illustrate the classic hip hop pre amp
sounds. i.e. the kick in "can you werk wit dat" by DJ Quick is a classic use of the ______ pre amp, the keys sounds like they were tracked with a _____ pre amp. etc

http://www.myspace.com/djquik

from what I can tell, the pre amp culture isn't "try before you buy," so this additional info would really help me make an informed decision. many thanks


side note stylistic question...
In the wierd work flow dept, I also enjoy programming techno on my MPC. As a lot of this genre is programmed via software, does any know if some of the more established artists in this area (daft punk, booka shade) track their drums and keys with mic pre's?

[Stitch333]

3D Audio Inc-Homepage

[Jazzpunk]

If you're tied to the 002r, I'd suggest the API A2D;

http://www.apiaudio.com/a2d.html

This choice would allow you to completely bypass the pres on the 002r. It'd be a shame to invest in another high end pre only to have it still running through the A/D on the 002r

[khameln]

Originally Posted by noharmlessrock

In the process of researching mic pre's to track my mpc 2500 to a digi002 rack, I think it would be super helpful to have a CD reference to illustrate the classic hip hop pre amp
sounds. i.e. the kick in "can you werk wit dat" by DJ Quick is a classic use of the ______ pre amp, the keys sounds like they were tracked with a _____ pre amp. etc

The problem with that is that there are too many variables to actually have a solid a/b... The specific drums that were recorded, the specific engineer that recorded them, the specific pieces of a certain brand of gear that were used, the way they were set, who the tracking engineer was and how the stuff was recorded, the levels that they were recorded at, the type of tape and tape machine they were printed to, the mixing engineer and how the stuff was mixed, which eq was used, anything else in the recording chain, the mastering process...

So it would be hard to listen to certain commercial recordings and go "oh yeah, that's what I want" because if you use the *same* pre and change even just a few of the variables listed above, you end up with a totally different sound.

If there's anywhere you could go to hear it in person or sit in on a tracking session, that would likely give you more useful information.

Also, some people here have convinced owners of certain pres to run a file and print it for them as a test. That's really helpful because you know the audio file you give them and what it sounded like originally, so it's pretty clear to you what the difference is. If there's anybody you know (or can find on the internet) that works in a studio and would be willing to take a minute and process a file for you, you'd have a better shot at hearing the naked result of the pre instead of the tracking/mixing/mastering process as a whole.

Anyway, good luck!

[EspionageWHW]

Originally Posted by Jazzpunk

If you're tied to the 002r, I'd suggest the API A2D;

This choice would allow you to completely bypass the pres on the 002r. It'd be a shame to invest in another high end pre only to have it still running through the A/D on the 002r

The API A2D... I find myself dreaming about this box, . I really want to get it, but I just got the DIGI 003r and I wonder how the a2d's mic pres and A/D converters compares to those of the 003r? (Maybe it's just me but I think the 003r doesn't sound half bad at all)

Will it be a substantial enough difference to justify the $1,700.00 for the A2D? Cause my ST66 through the 003r sounds decent indeed.

Perhaps my $1,700.00 is better spent elsewhere?
My gut tells me that the API is probably the way to go, but I have never heard it in action, so I don't know what to do.

[halfguard]

i hear ya, im at that point right now. ive picked up the phone a couple times to order the api then put it down, wondering if this is the best place to spend this money. i know it is, but i need so many things.......

[noharmlessrock]

Originally Posted by Jazzpunk

If you're tied to the 002r, I'd suggest the API A2D;

API A2D Dual 312 Mic Preamps with Digital Output

This choice would allow you to completely bypass the pres on the 002r. It'd be a shame to invest in another high end pre only to have it still running through the A/D on the 002r

As I am somewhat new to the mpc to pre-amp to 002 rack signal path, how would one exactly bypass the pre's on the 002 rack? Does the A/D converter offer additional ways to accomplish this?

I really appreciate all the feedback on this question. I also realize that much of the sound of the records does have to do with the engineer, the board, etc, and it was probably an ambitous question to ask....BUT...

I would like to close with a Tony Belmont quote "I've been known as a fan of API preamps for years, and have used them to track major label hip hop artists in the past. This unit gives you the same preamp that countless hit records have been recorded with plus the added bonus of a world class converter!" If anyone has any insight on this comment... please do tell! :)

[Franco]

Originally Posted by noharmlessrock

how would one exactly bypass the pre's on the 002 rack?

Through the SPDIF connection on the 002r.

[parkay909]

Most commonly used "rap preamps" are the input channels of the SSL 4000g+. In the studio its all about setting up and getting sounds quick. When clients are paying $300+ and hour they want everything to be up and running before they get there so thats why console pres are choice #1 in most cases.

Honestly you really cant go wrong though with Neve, API, SSL, or any other high dollar or vintage preamp. They all sound pretty good in that range.

SSL pres are pretty expensive and for the same ammount of money youd probably get more bang for your buck with a rack of APIs or some Neves or Chandlers, etc. To bypass the Digi 002 pres just use the line ins. You will be fine if you are feeding them at a decent level (no overloads) with one of those expensive pres you wanna buy.

Also, you may be barking up the wrong tree. I don't mean to sound pretentious, but if you are looking to recreate a sound you heard on a record, forget it. There are so many factors involved other than what mic pre was used. Concentrate on starting with good samples that you like or good keyboards or whatever. After that any of the preamps I have mentioned will get you good sound. Honestly unless you are DJ Quick you wont get the DJ Quick sound. Originality is what sells beats. Please accept my disclaimer that I am not trying to sound or be pretentious by that remark. Also in my experience the sound was more about the artist and less about the engineer if the engineer was good or doing their job right.

Find yourself a music store with a knowlegeable salesman (i.e. someone thats a former engineer not a career gear hocker) and ask them for advice.

Reputable = Mercinary audio or GC pro (there are a lot of other good pro audio dealers out there those are just the first 2 that poped in my head, sorry to the rest of yas)- people that sell to professionals but have time to sell to up and coming engineers.

[parkay909]

Also dont be afraid to rent a piece of gear before you buy it. If you cant find a local rental house there are plenty of places that will fedex you gear if you have a credit card. Also most good studios rent their gear out too.