Tonelux MP1a

[not_so_new]

Hey all

I am thinking of picking up a pair of Tonelux MP1a's. Anyone care to share their experience?

I assume they are API'ish sounding (for obvious reasons) and I am not sure I want to go in that direction, I like more into the Neve'ish color and vibe. With the addition of the output fader on the MP1a is it a little more pushed like a Neve kind of box?

I like all the other features of the MP1a so I am really curious how it stacks up in tone between "Neve" and say an API 512.

Thanks

[jumpnyc]

It has more of a mid-range presence and smoothness to my ears then my 512a. I love it. But I LOVE API sounding gear. The Tilt knob is amazing as well as the fader. I have 2 mic pres, 2 comps and 2 eqs from Tonelux - all amazing amazing units. But....I would say that my heart would be with an api desk vs. a neve if push came to shove. But It would be Tonelux over API in the same contest ;-)

[not_so_new]

Originally Posted by jumpnyc

It has more of a mid-range presence and smoothness to my ears then my 512a. I love it. But I LOVE API sounding gear. The Tilt knob is amazing as well as the fader. I have 2 mic pres, 2 comps and 2 eqs from Tonelux - all amazing amazing units. But....I would say that my heart would be with an api desk vs. a neve if push came to shove. But It would be Tonelux over API in the same contest ;-)

Interesting..... thanks man.

So in general it has it's feet more firmly in the API camp as I expected. Not that this is a bad thing at all it's just that I like the slower / darker Neve thing a little more (of course we are splittin hairs here, quality is quality and I don't think the difference between Neve and API is all that night and day - 180 degrees either).

I might still give it a try. Actualy the "Tilt" thing has really peeked my interest.

[Paul_G]

Hey N.S.N.

I don't own them but when we were demoing them we were extremely impressed.
They are really present and open in the mids but really big sounding overall.
I would love about 8. They don't sound like our api's to me.
Great all rounders and really, really exciting on drums.

Paul G

[not_so_new]

Originally Posted by Paul_G

Hey N.S.N.

I don't own them but when we were demoing them we were extremely impressed.
They are really present and open in the mids but really big sounding overall.
I would love about 8. They don't sound like our api's to me.
Great all rounders and really, really exciting on drums.

Paul G

Thanks Paul.

On my next project (starting up really soon here) I really want to get back to the "one preamp for the whole project" stuff that I used to do when I was on a desk in the good old days. No real reason other than to try something "new" or at least different from what I have been doing for the last 7 or 8 years anyway.

I guess that means I am looking for a good all around pre that can do drum room, guitar, bass, vocals etc. while imparting a good bit of color on each track (I really like color).

I was going to go with the MA5 but I have been having a few problems with my order and I have the open space in my Tonelux rack so.....

Maybe I will give the MP1's a try.

[Paul_G]

I have a couple of MA5's and they do sound pretty solid but the Tonelux just sounded big in a magical, colourful way.
I would definitely recommend checking them out at least.
Have you used the MA5?
Paul G

P.S. I love your Mencken Quote.

[not_so_new]

Originally Posted by Paul_G

I have a couple of MA5's and they do sound pretty solid but the Tonelux just sounded big in a magical, colourful way.
I would definitely recommend checking them out at least.
Have you used the MA5?
Paul G

No I have not tried the MA5. I was going to check it out because it has a "Neve" vibe (I hate the "Neve" vs "API" stuff but that is the only way I can think of describing the sound).

Anyway in your eyes would you say that maybe the Tonelux preamp was a little deeper sounding than the MA5 perhaps? Not "deeper" in frequencyies, "deeper" as in a sound you can get your arms around, something richer. That's how I interpret your magical comment.

P.S. I love your Mencken Quote.

Thanks, I do too. He said a lot of GREAT and profound things in his day.

H. L. Mencken Quotes

[jumpnyc]

As far as I can say - these are absolutely some of the best pre's I've had the pleasure to work with. I would say if you are an audio fiend, you will probably like them. But they are not NEVE mic pre's. They are their own thing - and damn fine, if you ask me YMMV

[Paul_G]

Yes I preferred the sound of the Tonelux pre. I was a little underwhelmed by the MA5 as it has been SO raved about here on gearslutz. Don't get me wrong it is a great pre but I just expected more I guess. Maybe I just need to get to know it a bit better.
I have never used an api board so I'm definitely NOT qualified to comment on the api sound but pre wise I'm not really a huge fan of the 3124 sound. It sounds middly, small and unexciting to me. It has been reliable though. Still, each to their own etc....

Cheers

Paul G

[not_so_new]

Originally Posted by jumpnyc

As far as I can say - these are absolutely some of the best pre's I've had the pleasure to work with. I would say if you are an audio fiend, you will probably like them. But they are not NEVE mic pre's. They are their own thing - and damn fine, if you ask me YMMV

Originally Posted by Paul_G

Yes I preferred the sound of the Tonelux pre. I was a little underwhelmed by the MA5 as it has been SO raved about here on gearslutz. Don't get me wrong it is a great pre but I just expected more I guess. Maybe I just need to get to know it a bit better.
I have never used an api board so I'm definitely NOT qualified to comment on the api sound but pre wise I'm not really a huge fan of the 3124 sound. It sounds middly, small and unexciting to me. It has been reliable though. Still, each to their own etc....

Cheers

Paul G

Thanks guys.

What I am looking for is color and vibe. I don't really like straight wire with gain preamps, I want my gear to impart a vibe on my recordings. Paul I feel the same way about the 512's, they are nice (great in fact) but not "exciting" if you know what I mean.

Would you guys characterize the MP1a as "color" or "clean"? I assume with the output fader they can probably do a little of both but I figured I would ask. Are they "exciting" or "real" you think?

Thanks guys.

[Tony Shepperd]

I own a pair of MP1's and I like them a whole lot.
But if you are looking for a Neve sound, then buy a Neve pre.
There is nothing that sounds like a Neve, except a Neve.

[not_so_new]

Originally Posted by Tony Shepperd

I own a pair of MP1 and I like them a whole lot.
But if you are looking for a Neve sound, then buy a Neve pre.
There is nothing that sounds like a Neve, except a Neve.

Point well taken.

[Mike O]

I would describe the Tonelux as 'hifie' API; really moving in the opposite direction from what you describe. But words are not music and I would also encourage you to give a listen. Anyone you can buiy Tonelux from will help make that happen.