Phoenix DRS1 V. Grear River MP1 V. DAV BG1

[John The Cut]

I am looking into getting a good quality main pre-amp for vocals. I was set on the DRS1, but now Great River stuff is available in the UK I like the look of that as well, both units are comparably priced, whereas the BG1 is a little cheaper.

I would certainly like the vintage pre-amp sound, but I'm worried that my main vocal mic (AT 4047) and one of the Neve - esque pres would just be too dark sounding.

Would the BG1 be the best option?

Cheers.

[AdamJay]

while the DRS is indeed a neve based design, i personally find it to be among the brightest (in a very good way) neve-derived preamps.

to my ears its more open and airy than the Great River, but not quite as warm and liquid in the low to low/mids. anything you track throgh it will just stick out. The DRS-2 is my "money" pre. for vocals, guitars, and occasionally overheads.
i don't think its too dark as most things tracked through it rarely need any EQ as long as mic placement was good.

and i dont think it would be too dark combined with the AT4047.
both the GR and Phoenix make mediocre mic's sound grand.

to my understanding, the BG-1 is on the entirely opposite side of the spectrum.

DRS-1 is my recommendation.

[Thermionic]

Originally Posted by AdamJay

while the DRS is indeed a neve based design

Whoa there! The DRS preamps use topologies that are entirely proprietary to Phoenix, and have absolutely no Neve-based circuitry in them whatsoever.

I can only assume that people get this idea that Phoenix are related to the classic Neve designs because their TF1 Class A Output-Stage was originally conceived as a replacement for Class A/B modules used in Neve 8000-series consoles. The TF1 was fitted to consoles belonging to numerous luminary producer / engineers, and a decision was taken to build a preamp range off the back of this reputation.

David Rees (chief Phoenix designer) originally conceived the TF1 whilst working on the iconic discrete Neve designs in the late '60s / early '70s (he is most well known for the 2254, of which a great deal was developed in the peace and quiet of his home lab; he didn't do a bad job when you consider the current Neve comp is based around the 2254 - over 35 years since it was designed!).

Many thanks for the heads-up But please don't think Phoenix use Neve-based topologies; David's designs are massively evolved from these, and totally unique to Phoenix.

Regards,
Justin

[GYang]

All excellent pres. I would slightly prefer GR over rest mentioned here.

[John The Cut]

Thanks for the replies so far people. Justin, I sent you an email I'm still sold on the DRS1 and I think I will also get the BG1 later for a clean/colour pre combo

Gyang, care to elaborate on why the Great River is your favourite?

Cheers.

[AdamJay]

Originally Posted by Thermionic

Many thanks for the heads-up But please don't think Phoenix use Neve-based topologies; David's designs are massively evolved from these, and totally unique to Phoenix.

i see,
my apologies for the misinformation.

i didn't realize just HOW much evolved the designs are. and that probably has alot to do with why i think its the greatest preamp ever.

[RKrizman]

I have both the DRS-2 and the GR, and the DRS gets more use. Basically, when I got that one I stopped worrying about mic pres anymore. To my ears it brings out the best in whatever mic I use, and has a tangible, 3-D quality. I still like the GR on guitar amps, and my API's on most anything, but I'll reach for the DRS first.

-R

[T.RayBullard]

I use my BG1 on everything.Magnificent pre.

[ianfreefall]

Just got a BG1 - and it stands toe-to-toe with my ME-1NV. Very nice preamps, both of them. The BG1 is very clean and open (and stereo for great value - cost half of a single channel GR) and has gain by the shedload. Seriously, can't believe how much! The ME-1NV has more "character", whatever that is. Buy both, I say. brilliant!

[John The Cut]

I managed to get a great deal on a DRS-2. I've been using it for a few weeks now and I think its amazing. For me, especially on accoustic guitars, it just sounds 'produced'. I hardly need to mess with the sound at all once its recorded. My next purchase for the clean channels will be the BG1 with a BG6 limiter. Then I'm done, slutwise... for now... .. maybe