ISA 428 or API 3124 plus?

[Grasshopper]

I mainly do rock bands. I already have an Amek 9098 dual mic pre and an Apogee Rosetta 800. I like both of them a lot. However, the other "things" I use for "mic pres" need to be upgraded. (I dare not say the "B" word ) What do you feel are the differences between the 428 and the 3124? Hopefully I'll be able to demo them both but in case I can't I'd like to know what you guys think.

[HudHudson]

I like the APIs over the Focusrites for rock but they both have their place depending on what you're tracking and which mics you're using. The 428 is nice if you need ADCs but I still prefer the APIs if I could only have one or the other.

[djui5]

Rock +API= Heavennnnnnnnnnnn

[cdog]

API

[lucey]

definitely the 3124 over the 428... focusrite is a name without a sound

although the 3124 is not my fave API pre unless you add the transformer output option ... then you have something that rocks and punches

[TriTone Digital]

The easiest question I've heard all week! API, hands down. Use them both all the time.

D

[Wiggy Neve Slut]

API any time..

While the 9098 is a decent pre i dont think it can really hold a cnadle to an API of any description... Especially for ROCK!!!!!

WIGGY!

[theHive]

I am going through his same debate right now. I am trying to decide between ISA 220 and API. My thinking is that with the onboard compressor, EQ, and De-esser the ISA 220 has more options and would therefore be more versatile. On the other hand, the API 3124 is simply a rocking pre with very little options. I'm looking to track rock guitars and rock vocals through the new pre I choose.

So even given the additional options on the ISA 220, it sounds like the API is still the way to go?

[blackcom]

3124+ and ISA428 are the only high-end preamps I've got.

I'd say, get the API. It has a very agressive sound that stands out in the mix. Works good on distorted guitars, bass, drums, male rock vocals...

However, it doesen't work very good with female vocals or keyboards at instrument input.

Anywayz, the ISA428 is also a cool peamp... It goes a litle higher in the freq, works better with keyboards, female vocals, and in my opinion works better with acoustic instruments and overheads. The impedance switch can also have an impact at some sources but not all. ....and it has 8 good ADC!

[lucey]

Originally posted by theHive
the API 3124 is simply a rocking pre with very little options. I'm looking to track rock guitars and rock vocals through the new pre I choose.

So even given the additional options on the ISA 220, it sounds like the API is still the way to go?

there are other options folks...

for guitars, vocals TG2
for drums, vocals GTQ2 or Vin 473

[midiman123]

A question: Isnt the ISA 220 a more "neutral" amp if you want to use it on all kinds of music, and if you use it on several different sources?

The API sound on guitars, bass, drums etc.etc might be a bit to "thick" if its used on a lot of channels in the wrong type of music?

I love the sound of API on guitars, but if you ask somebody on this board about anything regarding focusrite, they say things like: its crap, or something like that..
He, he... really..

A true professional enginer knows that its far from bad, its a mather of taste.
Try one out for yourself, and let YOU be the judge my friend....
Sometimes a transparent amp is The thing to use....

[DirkB]

Originally posted by midiman123
A question: Isnt the ISA 220 a more "neutral" amp if you want to use it on all kinds of music, and if you use it on several different sources?

The API sound on guitars, bass, drums etc.etc might be a bit to "thick" if its used on a lot of channels in the wrong type of music?

I have the TG2, some 312's and also sometimes use the ISA220 (my buddy uses it live, he's a singer). While the ISA220 certainly is a nice piece of gear for all the options you get (I like the eq), the TG2 and 312's are a step up in the audiospectrum (compared to the 220 preamp) and to be preferred on just about any rock signal in my opinion. Personally, I don't like the one box does all.
Oh, and I don't care much for the compressor in the 220.
I you want rock: get some API preamps and a Distressor or 2 and you're happening...

With regard to the API being too thick when used on a lot of channels, well, maybe you've done a little too much forum reading. Some of the best records ever were cut entirely on API boards (hey the coolest studio in Europe, Galaxy, has one of the largest API desks that sees quite some tracking).

Greetings,
Dirk

[lucey]

Originally posted by midiman123

A true professional enginer knows that its far from bad, its a mather of taste.
Try one out for yourself, and let YOU be the judge my friend....
Sometimes a transparent amp is The thing to use....

If only Focusrite was "transparent" you'd have a bit of a point. The point being that anything in your rack at work time is fair game and may have a use.

As far as "transparent" it was in that class once but things have evolved. Now there are far more beautiful clean pres available (Millenia, Avalon, Martech, GML, etc) And there are the clean/warm pres like Phoenix, Hardy, etc. And there are better color pres galore ...

If you own Focusrite, fine ... but why buy it new? Focusrite "sucks" because it's a mid-evolution op amp design that has a history of overheating in it's best models and is overpriced in all models due to branding.

Focusrite "sucks" because that green line in Sam Ash "Pro" was a clear attempt at selling mid fi on a high end moniker. Classless marketing that lost it's reputation, or what was left at that time.

Focusrite "sucks" even though the ISA EQ is a nice eq with a unique sound ... but the pre amps are simply nothing to get excited over if other options (like buying new) are possible. Maybe in the past, but not now. And he is asking about pre amps, not eq.



I've never heard the Mastering line yet thrillfactor and others says those clearly do not suck ... but ISA pres? Not so good in today's market.

Sweetwater is one of the ones trying to keep the image high ... yet Focusrite should be seen less like high end and more like Toft's stuff, mid fi pre and a nice eq ... except Toft is less money!

[Hiwatt]

I had an isa428 for about three months. The design and features were all great... variable inpedance, di's, balanced switchable inserts, etc. The things I did not like about it were the meters, the unit got very hot, and the sound of the pre's were too far on the clean side of things for me. Not to mention it was basically designed to be a high end interface for daws. So I was paying for extras that I was never intending on using. I took it back and got a Great River instead and have never looked back. I do mostly rock and blues music. I tend to like pre amps with character, and lots of color. Clean has its place but not before color for me.

Since you are doing rock I would definatly say go for the api's.

[squeegybug]

Well, for all the Focusrite bashing that goes on here, there sure are a lot of 428s in that "Let's see some pix..." thread... Somebody likes 'em. 428 is a very nice all-round preamp, if there is such a thing. Not a centerpiece color device though.

Steve

[DirkB]

Originally posted by squeegybug
Well, for all the Focusrite bashing that goes on here, there sure are a lot of 428s in that "Let's see some pix..." thread... Somebody likes 'em. 428 is a very nice all-round preamp, if there is such a thing. Not a centerpiece color device though.

Steve

Well, I think the 428 is regarded as a usefull tool when needing more quality preamps. If it is comparible to the 220 preamp (which I know) than no, it does not match up to my API and Chandler preamps.

Greetings,
Dirk

[Playback]

The Focusrite is really nice for Acoustic instruments and for Overheads or Hi-hat on any kit wheather it be rock or Jazz.
But it you want a Kick ass pre get the ApI for Rock!!!