8ch. Millenia vs. 8ch. Grace design?

[IJouk]

Hi!
i need make a decision for buying 8ch pre for symphony(chamber) orchestra, opera and similar classical recording. Any comments for compare Millenia and Grace design?

[mpdonahue]

Both of these preamps are first rate.
We have 32 channels of each and I wouldnt feel slighted in the least taking either to a recording.
The sonic differences are far outweighed by the user interface. If you need remote control, then the grace is a fantastic solution. If you don't then the Millennia is very powerful and the switches are very reassuring for setting gains quickly.
We were waiting for the remote controlled preamps from Millennia, but schedule forced us to look for alternatives. The Grace was the available alternative.
The remote control is relatively easy to use and after a little time ascending the learning curve, it offers a lot of flexibility. I highly recommend getting the remote if it is an option for you.
I don't know if John has released his remote controlled preamp yet, but I'm sure it is also up to the task.
All the best,
-mark

[Baithak]

There is very little to choose sound wise between the two however:

1. I don't know if Grace offers the 130V option for DPA omnis. Millenia does and I have been a very happy user of that combo for about five years now.

2. The remote is now available for the Millenia. I saw a working version at AES this year.

3. Quality mics, 8 channels of either into a Genex 9000. For a location rig, it would be very difficult to go beyond this chain (ok maybe add a compressor or two as need be :-)

Baithak

[Don S]

It depends on your mics. I have both and prefer the Grace for smaller ensembles. I use mostly Schoeps FWIW.

[mpdonahue]

Originally Posted by Baithak

There is very little to choose sound wise between the two however:

1. I don't know if Grace offers the 130V option for DPA omnis. Millenia does and I have been a very happy user of that combo for about five years now.

Grace offers the 130v option on a channel by channel basis. We got it on 4 inputs, but rarely use it do to the cable length restrictions.

2. The remote is now available for the Millenia. I saw a working version at AES this year.

I would check actual delivery dates..... There is a big difference between showing at the AES and delivering product (How many years has Tascam showed the mythical X48? It always seems to be 3 months away......). We waited a year and a half for John to get his ducks in a row, but finally gave up and bought the Grace 802's.
Also, you need to check the actual pricing on the remote mic pre. I haven't seen any actual street prices.
All the best,
-mark

[Baithak]

Hey Mark,

I would quite happily agree with you regarding Millenia having miles to go before promises are kept. I would still be waiting for their two channel converter which I was led to believe was "just a few month away" a couple of years ago but as far as I know has still not been delivered.

One other thing: I got the distinct impression at AES that John is no longer involved at Millenia on a day to day basis ... I cannot recall the exact conversation but it seems that he may not be setting the priorities there any longer.

Thanks for the info on the 130V option for Grace.

To the OP, for location work, I would also check out the Spider package from CraneSong. I use it when I want to record both to PCM/DSD simultaneously. Very flexible product and it is a very good mix-down tool too.

Baithak

[klaukholm]

I would not hesitate to bring either to a job either. We use them for classical and film/videogame scoring.
We went with the old hv3d as the remote was unavailable.

[Dot]

If you're in Europe, also look into the Elberg MP-8.
http://www.elberg-elt.dk/english/index.htm

[klaukholm]

Dan,
tell us more about this unit.
They are more or less in town and I have not even seen one. Usually the danish radio gets a few units when good hardware is designed in-country.
I have only seen the DAD pres over there.

Do you know any of the guys at DR from your time in Copenhagen?

[Trebor Flow]

Every time I email John at Millennia with a question regarding my units, be it NOS valves or a tech question then I get a reply promoto.

The reply is always from John himself. I can't beleive it's someone else signing of as him. Why bother.

Trebor

[mixerguy]

I've used both extensively

both are awesome.

[mrhappyballoon]

Both are good. Have you looked at eight channels of Earthworks yet? Each channel has two outputs, and the lowest noise floor of any pre on the market. Incredibly clean sounding. Great for lagit stuff.

[ISedlacek]

I had been using Millennia preamps extensively for quite a long time and in the end I sold them all. A bit thin and edgy sound to my ears ... And I feel quite relieved now. If you do not limit you decision just to these two mentioned brands, it may be useful for you to check and directly compare other options as well. You may be quite surprised. YMMV, of course ...

[Plush]

Greetings Mic Amp Lovers,

Both Grace and MIL Media are good and well regarded. However, I can't help but think there are better alternatives.

They are:
DAV Electronics BG No.2 and No. 8
AND
Crookwood range of remote controlled mic amps.

Both of the above take the edge off the treble as compared to the laboratory clean mic amps that were asked about.

However, it IS difficult to get past the glossy ads and endorsements for Grace and MIL -Media. Oh, snore!

Unless the performance is really really good, any mic amp will do.

[lampmeister]

I bought another BG1 this week. I try only to buy things I know I'll still be using in 10+ years time. Ok, so they don't have as many led's as the Millenia...

Dave.

[Sounds Great]

Originally Posted by Trebor Flow

Every time I email John at Millennia with a question regarding my units, be it NOS valves or a tech question then I get a reply promoto.

The reply is always from John himself. I can't beleive it's someone else signing of as him. Why bother.

Trebor

I received the best customer service, directly from John (talked to him several times on the phone) than any company I have ever dealt with, bar none.

(and this was for a unit I bought used on Ebay)

[Sounds Great]

Also the HV3D-8 is an extremely solid built robust unit. First rate quality!

[IJouk]

Thanks, guys for so many replies!
I already have the DAV.
After couple month using it i began to feel tired of extraordinary sound. Now I need something more neutral and next to reality.
Igor

[minus-sounds.com]

Originally Posted by Dot

If you're in Europe, also look into the Elberg MP-8.
ELBERG-ELT

Any news on the Elberg MP-8 ?