Ok, so everyone says that Neve mic pres 'color' the sound. What kind of color is it?

[Analizemodmusic]

Would someone please describe the characteristics/qualities that a Neve mic preamp distorts/adds to the sound coming from the mic? Are we talking eq curves, textures, harmonic overtones or what? What particular applications would that kind of coloring be useful for? Please describe in detail.

Obviously, other pres do this as well and some more so than others, correct?



I am currently in the market for mid to high end mic pres mainly for primarily vocal but also guitar applications. The only pres I have seriously tested out are the UA 6176 and the Avalon 737. Between the pres alone I could not tell much difference at all. Please keep in mind before replying that I have a relatively untrained ear when it comes to mic pres. The Eqs and compressors is where I noticed a huge difference between the 2 units. What should I look for in a quality sounding mic pre for vox. I currently own a Rode NT-1a and hate it but love a Neumann U87ai and am tempted to purchase one but not before trying out more mics. I sing top 40 mainstream/mod rock style vox. Think: Aaron Lewis, Chester Benington, Chad Kroeger, Finger Eleven, Hinder, Nirvana, 311, Trapt, Hoobastank, Chevelle, Jimmie Eat World, Switchfoot, Green Day and others. Young, but manly rock melodic vocals.

[basskater87]

the color is blueish green

[Studioklocka]

eh...blueish & green sounds real mellow and wood-like to me.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by Analizemodmusic

I am currently in the market for mid to high end mic pres mainly for primarily vocal but also guitar applications. The only pres I have seriously tested out are the UA 6176 and the Avalon 737. Between the pres alone I could not tell much difference at all. Please keep in mind before replying that I have a relatively untrained ear when it comes to mic pres. The Eqs and compressors is where I noticed a huge difference between the 2 units. What should I look for in a quality sounding mic pre for vox. I currently own a Rode NT-1a and hate it but love a Neumann U87ai and am tempted to purchase one but not before trying out more mics. I sing top 40 mainstream/mod rock style vox. Think: Aaron Lewis, Chester Benington, Chad Kroeger, Finger Eleven, Hinder, Nirvana, 311, Trapt, Hoobastank, Chevelle, Jimmie Eat World, Switchfoot, Green Day and others. Young, but manly rock melodic vocals.

I gather you are going to have CLA,TLA, Andy Wallace, Mike Shipley and JJP mix
your vocals right?

Alot of the sound of the guys you mentioned in your list is mixed by these guys.

If this is the case it doesn't really matter if you use a real Neve or not.

[evangelista]

Lemme break it down for you:

neve - brown
api - medium/light blue
ssl - white
chandler/emi - gun metal grey
tele v72 - desert sand yellow/tan

I'm only half joking.

[soupking]

Originally Posted by evangelista

Lemme break it down for you:

neve - brown
api - medium/light blue
ssl - white
chandler/emi - gun metal grey
tele v72 - desert sand yellow/tan

I'm only half joking.

That is the coolest!


I'd have to say that

Quad Eight - Deep Orange

That must be why it blends well with my v72's.

Additionally, I think the transistor-based Altec stuff kind of has a crystalline color.

[Jules]

Originally Posted by Analizemodmusic

Are we talking eq curves, textures, harmonic overtones or what?

Please describe in detail.

All of the above.. You are just going to have to try one out and see if you like it.. Try renting / borrowing one perhaps..?