Preamp suggestions for Jazz

[Cucco]

Originally Posted by MBishopSFX

I've used these preamps, pretty much in this order:

Millennia
Forrsell
GML
Hardy
API
Neve
Martech
Boulder
Grace
(Lately I've been using the UpState Audio Sonic Lens on everything. You can't buy these, YET.)

Hey Michael!

I just got a hold of two of your more recent (albeit classical) recordings where you used the UpState Audio pres. (For the record - Mozart Requiem and Howard Hanson w/ Symph #2) Both recordings are simply amazing! (As usual)

They do sound slightly different than those that you usually track with the Millennias. I found the bass to be more accurate (where I find the Millennias to sound pronounced - not bad, just quite pronounced) and the imaging to be superiour.

That's a hell of an accomplishment as I find most of your recordings (especially some of the newer ones) to be the benchmark of what TO do with classical.

Care to spill the beans at all about your new toys?? Inquiring minds want to know...

Thanks!

Jeremy

[mrhappyballoon]

I vote for:
D.W. Fern VT-2 (Maybe too Thick)
Avalon 737
Millennia STT-1
Great River MP-2NV

[Jim Easton]

I am a jazz musician but new to recording jazz. I use a Dav and a True precision 8 pre.

I am looking for one more 2 channel pre for sax and trumpet. I like the modern sound of Randy and Mike Brecker.

Any suggestions?

sound clip of the Dav and True pre
http://iacmusic.com/artist.aspx?id=48142

-jim




`

[Johns]

As the rest of this thread showed, there are tons of options. I am, however, in love with the Pendulum MDP-1.

[Dave Ferris]

I found this old thread and thought it would be good to give it ze bump. I'm looking at Hardy or Forssell for my piano and the Fearn VT-1 for vocal. I have nothing much more to add except, some good guys have posted in here and we could always use more jazz on GS.

[ajfarber]

Originally Posted by mrhappyballoon

I vote for:
D.W. Fern VT-2 (Maybe too Thick)

No, not too thick, just right! Gimme one!

All of the classic jazz before the late 60s/early 70s were recorded with valve mic pres. Come to think of it, everything was recorded that way back then.

Jazz can be recorded with any quality mic and pre-amp. I prefer tube and ribbon mics coupled with tube pres, but any good clean pre will do. The pre-amps in my RMR Fireface 800 are fine. I've used Hamptone, Avalon, Fern, UA and of corse whatever pres were in various desks around town. Classic Neve, AMEK, SSL, A&H, MCI, Otari, you know, whatever.

[leadplayer]

I record jazz (groups and big bands) all the time. My rig includes:
pre-amps --- Millennia (16 channels, 8 w/ DC input for ribbons)
AEA-TRP (4 chan.) DWFearn VT-2, Avalon 2022, Forsell SMP-2,
and BAE 1272 (2 chan). These service a host of ribbons (44,77,Coles,
Royer and classic Neumann U-47, 67's, SM-69tube, KM-84, KM-53's
etc.
The Fearn is a tremendous piece of equipment. My mastering room
hosts the VT-5 and VT-7 (worked by Doug specifically for my applications).
Great players come first!!!! But after that, a great mic into the VT-2 is
stellar way to achieve beautiful recording.

[ajfarber]

Originally Posted by leadplayer

I record jazz (groups and big bands) all the time. My rig includes:
pre-amps --- Millennia (16 channels, 8 w/ DC input for ribbons)
AEA-TRP (4 chan.) DWFearn VT-2, Avalon 2022, Forsell SMP-2,
and BAE 1272 (2 chan). These service a host of ribbons (44,77,Coles,
Royer and classic Neumann U-47, 67's, SM-69tube, KM-84, KM-53's
etc.
The Fearn is a tremendous piece of equipment. My mastering room
hosts the VT-5 and VT-7 (worked by Doug specifically for my applications).
Great players come first!!!! But after that, a great mic into the VT-2 is
stellar way to achieve beautiful recording.

Nice!

[Teddy Ray]

I quite love

MDP-1
DAV BG series

and Hamptone HVTp2...

all creamy, euphonic, and of course as open as anyone would need.

[tamasdragon]

Not much vote for buzz preamps. Why?
They are honest, with a slight larger than life sound, with very clear dynamics.
Tamas Dragon

[Phil Cibley]

Originally Posted by henryrobinett

I'm not at all interested in recreating Rudy Van Gelder.

At least not his piano sound anyway.

[Nobilmente]

DAV Broadhurst Gardens - no question.