Preamp Shootout!! ADL600/XMAX/API

[drummin4christ]

I did a simple preamp shootout with Kick and snare that i thought everyone would enjoy. I recorded everything matching levels as precise as possible, then normalized all the tracks to the exact same db level.

Preamps used was API 3124, ADL600, and the XMAX preamps built into the Presonus FireStudio and Digimax FS.

See if you can choose which is which.

[drummin4christ]

Here are some picture of the Kit and preamps.

[lucasmusic]

1. XMAX
2. API
3. ADL

[lpkyer]

My favorite would be A, then B, then C !

[megl]

I can't tell which is which, but after a quick headphone-listen, I like number 3 the best

/megl

[Slaytex]

This is hard to tell on the speakers here at work. I can only relate to the API's as I have them. I assume the ADL is 3 because I've heard it has a big creamy bottom, which to me 3 has.
I may come back later tonight when I listen to them on my studio monitors.

1.) XMAX
2.) API
3.) ADL

After listening again at a higher level I changed my answers.

[drumzealot]

Quite frankly, after 3 listens of each sample, all three sound the same to me.

[AllAboutTone]

Your kick/ snare mp3.1 sounded the best overall on my end, did not really dig the snare on any but hey its mp3.

[Sword in Hand]

I've listened several times and they all sound practically identical. I will say that number three sounds slightly heavier... but it's being played a little slower, so this might change the perception of things. 1 has a little more resonance in the kick and two is slightly faster in its recovery; it has a dry quality.

My guess:

1. API
2. XMAX
3. ADL600

[Sword in Hand]

They all would be a fine choice for these purposes.

[AnAverageJoe]

Originally Posted by drummin4christ

I did a simple preamp shootout with Kick and snare that i thought everyone would enjoy. I recorded everything matching levels as precise as possible, then normalized all the tracks to the exact same db level.

Preamps used was API 3124, ADL600, and the XMAX preamps built into the Presonus FireStudio and Digimax FS.

See if you can choose which is which.

Hey I have the ADL600, but have not tried it on drums... I see you have the MP20 and the Eureka, Can you give me your Opinion on those pres?

[Dan DeTora]

Originally Posted by Sword in Hand

They all would be a fine choice for these purposes.

Agreed. #1 and #2 sounded pretty damn similar to me. #3 seems a bit beefier, which is the sound I prefer. But yea, any of these preamps would work.

I'd be curious to hear a stereo OH shootout with these pres.

[Farout]

I (too) think they all sound the same!
I can't tell one from the other, and I tried listening to them a few different times as well!

[Akoppenheffer]

And we anxiously await the results... To the one member about the Eureka: for the money I think it sounds great. The MP20 though, not sure. It looks nice though. I have always been pleased with Presonus gear.

[mltamisin]

What converters did you use? I've noticed with cheaper converters you can't differentiate between subtle differences so much with preamps. I once did an OH test with KM184's and Portico's, Great Rivers, and API's and I couldn't tell the difference using the 002 converters......switched to the Apogee's and then the differences where very clear. This seems to be the case here b/c they all sound really close.

[drummin4christ]

Originally Posted by AnAverageJoe

Hey I have the ADL600, but have not tried it on drums... I see you have the MP20 and the Eureka, Can you give me your Opinion on those pres?

I like the Eureka a lot. The compressor is real nice and the unit is very clean. I have the AD/192 card for them and the converters sound nice. The eq works good, not my favorite, but works good.
The mp-20 is very dark to me. I like it on direct keys and sometimes I pick it over the ADL600 for acoustic guitar.

Originally Posted by mltamisin

What converters did you use? I've noticed with cheaper converters you can't differentiate between subtle differences so much with preamps. I once did an OH test with KM184's and Portico's, Great Rivers, and API's and I couldn't tell the difference using the 002 converters......switched to the Apogee's and then the differences where very clear. This seems to be the case here b/c they all sound really close.

I used the converters in the FireStudio. I know that the converters aren't top of the line, but I can tell a huge difference from this unit and the firepod. They put the new jetpll word clock and it makes these converters sound pretty darn good.
I will also say that for me, it's harder to tell the difference in pre's when listening to drums verse a vocal track or acoustic track, but I thought this test would be fun anyway.

I will reveal after we give some more people the chance to chime in.

[Goliath|Audio]

Surprisingly not much difference at all. I may be dreaming, but something just didn't seem right.

[5down1up]

no.1 for me !

[AvS]

They sound to similar for me to care for what is what.

[Akoppenheffer]

Tell us!

[Pr.tiouz]

Pretty similar and don't hown any of them, but based on what people say here i will guess :

1 Presonus, basic
2 Api, definition punch
3 ADL, more bottom

i like 2 the best

[FossilTooth]

1 was kinda dull.

2 had a hair more edge little more pronounced sustain and rattle in the snare.

3 was a little bigger and perhaps more even.

For all intensive purposes they sounded very similar little imac speakers. Once you stack them across 12 channels of drums the differences might become become more apparent.

[hurd300403]

yup. totally agree with the general feedback...
1. xmax
2. api
3. adl

if i'm right then it's a sign the audio treatment in my new room really paid off


heres hoping!!

[AllAboutTone]

mp3.1 is the best, did not really like the snare on any though.

[drummin4christ]

Here is the result!!!

1. ADL600
2. XMAX
3. API 3124

I originally did this to see how the XMAX pres compared to my "High end" pres. I was really surprised at the outcome and blown away by how much I like the stock Presonus pres.

[hurd300403]

well i'll be...that's actually REALLY great news seeing as how i own a digimax fs and it has the same pres!

won't be purchasing the adl 600 anytime soon tho.... tho would love to own that api.



nice test!

[area51]

Originally Posted by drummin4christ

Here is the result!!!

1. ADL600
2. XMAX
3. API 3124

I originally did this to see how the XMAX pres compared to my "High end" pres. I was really surprised at the outcome and blown away by how much I like the stock Presonus pres.

Hi, do you can post some vocals and or acoustic guitars too, please.

[Akoppenheffer]

These threads are awesome.

[mcsmitty]

know it's after the results, so only i know for sure that i'm not fibbing, but having just did the listening test, i actually got all three right! first time ever on that. go me.

the API just sounded a lot more focused... and i figured the XMAX would be a bit woolier than the ADL (better be, given the price difference).

[Nu-tra]

Not to Hijack but I wonder how the ADL would be for a summing amp for my folcrom.