Focusrite Red series for toms and hi hat?

jameslugo · 16th February 2004

Hey everyone,

Would a Focusrite Red 1 (4 preamps) be good for rock drums? I'm buying something before Sunday and someone is selling a Red 1 for $1700 in mint condition. I've been looking at Averill's 312, which either way I'm digging it but I thought 4 nice pre's for under 2K. I've owned Focusrite and always thought it was OK but I'm really looking to only get great gear from now on (no more building the Ark with Elmers Glue and Duct tape). lol

dave-G · 16th February 2004

Unfortunately, this is a decision you're going to have to make yourself.

Although it sometimes seems popular to bash the Red, I actually find the Red 1 preamps to be pretty useful. They're clean and clear, but with an subtle "soak" factor... a "soft" touch (probably from the Sowter input transformers, IIRC). The API, on the other hand is going to give you a more aggressive tone, which may or may not appeal to you. I tend not to like the APIs except on things that need a little more grrowl in the upper mids...

Try 'em both in a session -- If you're in LA, it shouldn't be too hard to try out Brent's 312's.

And if you can't try the Red before you buy it, you can most likely get your $1700 (or close to it) back easily by selling them on Ebay (or such).

-dave

jameslugo · 16th February 2004

thanks

jbuntz · 16th February 2004

Syteks, maybe all stock so you can do 3 toms and have a really fast pre for hi hat would be a perfect choice for toms and hi hat for a lot cheaper and some may even think better. Not much soak on these though.

toledo3 · 16th February 2004

Personally, I am using syteks on drums- but if there is one thing that the reds really excel at is drums. I would certainly not hesitate to try them out, they really are great for hard rock drum sounds.

5down1up · 16th February 2004

last drumsession :

amek 9098 dma , focusrite red , focusrite isa 428 & v72s

i would pick the isa 428 if you have an eye on the focusrite stuff .

worked & sounded nice

squeegybug · 17th February 2004

Red 1 vs ISA 428 was discussed pretty recently - I can recommend the 428 for sure, lots more options and very musical sound. You can buy it new for around $1500.

Steve

PRS1JAZZ · 17th February 2004

I am a huge Focusrite ISA fan myself..... but if I were you I would drop another 500 and get the API 3124. It is really a great piece!

jameslugo · 17th February 2004

Thanks. I think I'm just going to keep this simple and stay with API and Neve. I'm obsessed with gear

denial · 17th February 2004

For rock drums I'd stick to the Neve's and API. I wasn't a big fan of the RED 1 for this application. I like some color and grit on drums.

I'd also recommend the Universal Audio 2108.

jameslugo · 20th February 2004

Well, I went for 2 Brent Averill API 312's and a 6 space lunchbox with rack ears today. Sounds great, used it on snare and bass DI. I was moving towards actual API's but nobody had them in stock and API said they are 2 to 6 weeks away from being able to ship anything. Avedis was very honest about the differences in preamps and I felt very strong on his word. They do sound punchy and pro. Plus I really want to build out this lunchbox and the whole nobody stocks API and they are no always available kinda weirded me out. So I now have a Chandler LTD-1, 2-Avalon VT 737sp's and 2-BA API 312's. Very Rock & Roll!!! Plus a Focusrite Octopre that I'm tring to sell, if anyone needs one. Next is two more 312's and a Chandler TG-2.......

16th February 2004	#1
jameslugo Gear maniac Joined: Jan 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 175 Thread Starter	Focusrite Red series for toms and hi hat? Hey everyone, Would a Focusrite Red 1 (4 preamps) be good for rock drums? I'm buying something before Sunday and someone is selling a Red 1 for $1700 in mint condition. I've been looking at Averill's 312, which either way I'm digging it but I thought 4 nice pre's for under 2K. I've owned Focusrite and always thought it was OK but I'm really looking to only get great gear from now on (no more building the Ark with Elmers Glue and Duct tape). lol __________________ James Lugo Vocal Asylum 6381 Hollywood Blvd. Suite 700 Los Angeles, CA 90028 323.462.4722 http://www.VocalAsylum.com

16th February 2004	#5
toledo3 Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Funky Town FL Posts: 1,304	Personally, I am using syteks on drums- but if there is one thing that the reds really excel at is drums. I would certainly not hesitate to try them out, they really are great for hard rock drum sounds. __________________ www.vimeo.com/georgetoledo www.myspace.com/xsongs "what me worry?"

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16th February 2004	#2
dave-G Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 2,486	Unfortunately, this is a decision you're going to have to make yourself. Although it sometimes seems popular to bash the Red, I actually find the Red 1 preamps to be pretty useful. They're clean and clear, but with an subtle "soak" factor... a "soft" touch (probably from the Sowter input transformers, IIRC). The API, on the other hand is going to give you a more aggressive tone, which may or may not appeal to you. I tend not to like the APIs except on things that need a little more grrowl in the upper mids... Try 'em both in a session -- If you're in LA, it shouldn't be too hard to try out Brent's 312's. And if you can't try the Red before you buy it, you can most likely get your $1700 (or close to it) back easily by selling them on Ebay (or such). -dave

16th February 2004	#4
jbuntz Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,716	Syteks, maybe all stock so you can do 3 toms and have a really fast pre for hi hat would be a perfect choice for toms and hi hat for a lot cheaper and some may even think better. Not much soak on these though.

16th February 2004	#6
5down1up Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Germany Posts: 2,006	last drumsession : amek 9098 dma , focusrite red , focusrite isa 428 & v72s i would pick the isa 428 if you have an eye on the focusrite stuff . worked & sounded nice

17th February 2004	#7
squeegybug Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2004 Location: MO USA Posts: 2,153	Red 1 vs ISA 428 was discussed pretty recently - I can recommend the 428 for sure, lots more options and very musical sound. You can buy it new for around $1500. Steve

17th February 2004	#8
PRS1JAZZ Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2003 Location: Worcester, MA Posts: 911	I am a huge Focusrite ISA fan myself..... but if I were you I would drop another 500 and get the API 3124. It is really a great piece!

17th February 2004	#10
denial Gear addict Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 493	For rock drums I'd stick to the Neve's and API. I wasn't a big fan of the RED 1 for this application. I like some color and grit on drums. I'd also recommend the Universal Audio 2108.

20th February 2004	#11
jameslugo Gear maniac Joined: Jan 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 175 Thread Starter	Well, I went for 2 Brent Averill API 312's and a 6 space lunchbox with rack ears today. Sounds great, used it on snare and bass DI. I was moving towards actual API's but nobody had them in stock and API said they are 2 to 6 weeks away from being able to ship anything. Avedis was very honest about the differences in preamps and I felt very strong on his word. They do sound punchy and pro. Plus I really want to build out this lunchbox and the whole nobody stocks API and they are no always available kinda weirded me out. So I now have a Chandler LTD-1, 2-Avalon VT 737sp's and 2-BA API 312's. Very Rock & Roll!!! Plus a Focusrite Octopre that I'm tring to sell, if anyone needs one. Next is two more 312's and a Chandler TG-2.......