Advice on Pre/EQ combo for tracking keys/synths for an 'old school' sound

[tsd]

Originally Posted by Jazzpunk

If you had to pick a mic/pre EQ combo for DI tracking of Rhodes and analog synths with the specific intent of capturing a Herbie/Stevie/Les McCann vibe what would you pick?

I have read every API vs. Pacifica vs. BAE vs. Vintech vs. 'insert pre here'

I think you might find that alot of those killer rhodes sounds are acheved by micing up an amp... but i also think that any of the boutique gear you mentioned will do the job really well. This is a taste thing, so the only way to know is to try them... sorry

FWIW, i generally use API pres at home, and Neve 1066's or a custom tube pre/DI at work for my keys... also, last time i tracked a wurly, i used a custom tube DI into a pultec into an old LA2A then into a Neve 1066... i think you would have liked that sound!

[Jazzpunk]

Originally Posted by tsd

... also, last time i tracked a wurly, i used a custom tube DI into a pultec into an old LA2A then into a Neve 1066... i think you would have liked that sound!

That really wasn't nice!

[u b k]

i think an old school sound is gonna require more than a pre/eq. tape ought to be invited to the party. an 1176, la2a, even a 160 is a welcome friend. a sweet old fender amp and an re20, sm7, 440, 67... something that oozes character. real plate reverb, or a good spring. or both.

you can fake it with plugs, but it'll never chime and vibe like it's 1973 in a dark smoky room full of sad joy, flawless imperfection.


gregoire
del
ubk
.

[Jazzpunk]

Thanks for the additional thoughts on the signal chain ubk.

[hawaii82]

well I've used the Pacifica with great result with a Rhodes..

Usually for recording old skool Keys I use my Sebatron VMP 4000e...crunk the DI ,put the EQ switch to "Deep" and piss in my pants...
my 2cts

[Jazzpunk]

Thanks Hawaii,
Never heard of the VMP 4000e-have to look into it further.

[Mark Adams]

you can fake it with plugs, but it'll never chime and vibe like it's 1973 in a dark smoky room full of sad joy, flawless imperfection.

How true. I've never felt the plugs were any where near as good.
I've been searching for a long long time to get anywhere near that kind of
vibe.
All this technology seems to be taking us away.