Benchmark MPA1 mic pre?

666666 · 25th February 2010

Benchmark MPA1....

This is supposed to be a super clean, super accurate, super quiet mic pre... perhaps along the lines of the GML...?

Anyone here have any experience with the Benchmark? Can you compare it to a GML?

I see that Benchmark has a 30 day free trial on their pre, I suppose if I'm curious enough I should just do the free trial, but would love to hear some reviews / opinions first.

Thanks

Benchmark MPA1

MichaelPatrick · 26th February 2010

I've heard the 4ch model. They are in the fast/transparent/quiet category and hold their own against any other top-quality preamp made. I have a Benchmark DAC and sometimes use a friend's ADC. I think all Benchmark stuff is well engineered, rugged, and sonically clean, but doesn't get a lot of praise on GS because it's not "boutique." The specs are phenomenal and real-world. Benchmark sells a lot to industry and less to small and home studios.

Dr Bob · 1st March 2010

I have one of their older (maybe oldest?) four channel units. It's very clean and transparent and I often use it on location for classical jobs. I have not heard any of the more recent units but I understand they follow the same sonic philosophy. I often use them along side Precision 8's and it seems to render detail a little better than the True Sys, at least to my ears. The resulting recordings have just a bit more depth, so I often use it on my main pair.

I don't think they are under-rated. People who use them seem to like them. I just think they are not very well publicized.

25th February 2010	#1
666666 Lives for gear Joined: Jan 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 2,564 Thread Starter	Benchmark MPA1 mic pre? Benchmark MPA1.... This is supposed to be a super clean, super accurate, super quiet mic pre... perhaps along the lines of the GML...? Anyone here have any experience with the Benchmark? Can you compare it to a GML? I see that Benchmark has a 30 day free trial on their pre, I suppose if I'm curious enough I should just do the free trial, but would love to hear some reviews / opinions first. Thanks Benchmark MPA1

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26th February 2010	#2
MichaelPatrick Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,254	I've heard the 4ch model. They are in the fast/transparent/quiet category and hold their own against any other top-quality preamp made. I have a Benchmark DAC and sometimes use a friend's ADC. I think all Benchmark stuff is well engineered, rugged, and sonically clean, but doesn't get a lot of praise on GS because it's not "boutique." The specs are phenomenal and real-world. Benchmark sells a lot to industry and less to small and home studios.

1st March 2010	#3
Dr Bob Gear nut Joined: Jan 2004 Location: Storrs. CT Posts: 81	I have one of their older (maybe oldest?) four channel units. It's very clean and transparent and I often use it on location for classical jobs. I have not heard any of the more recent units but I understand they follow the same sonic philosophy. I often use them along side Precision 8's and it seems to render detail a little better than the True Sys, at least to my ears. The resulting recordings have just a bit more depth, so I often use it on my main pair. I don't think they are under-rated. People who use them seem to like them. I just think they are not very well publicized.