variety vs "what works"

[bnath]

..:


Ahh. another vs thread. But this one's different, sorta..

So, I recently picked up an API 3124mb+ and am completely smitten with it. But I'm in need of another couple pres to keep me going for now. So, here's what I've got right now in terms of pres: MP2NV, Sytek 4 channel, GT Vipre, TAB v62 and v62a, api 3124mb+, Manley dual mono, and a Joe meek something or other..

Anyhow, I've got a fair amount of color, and the majority of what I do falls within the "rock" macro-genre, so color isn't a bad thing at by any means. And, as I've mentioned, I'm really impressed with the API 3124mb+.. so what I'm wondering is whether I should just stick with what seems to be working for me and pick up another set of API pres, or if I'd be better served going for a different flavor altogether... current considerations for "clean-ish" pres are the GML 8304, John Hardy m1, or the Avalon 2022.

I'm curious what you folks might recommend, and what your experiences have been.. is variety overrated?

b :*

[bnath]

oof..

[LittleDogAudio]

Seems like you have quite the pallet of color going on.

I think your idea of complimenting it with a clean pre is a good way to go. Although the idea of buying more API's is always a good choice it seems like you are leaning the way of cleanliness.

Of the 3 you listed I like the John Hardy the best.
I have a 4 channel M1 and it makes me smile all day long when I want clean.

I also have a Millennia HV3-b 8 channel and it's something to look into. In fact, depending on your budget I would suggest the Millennia STT-1. Not only a tube/solid state pre but a very nice compressor/eq to boot.

Yes I do sell both,but I'm giving you my opinion on pieces that I own and use every day. No slutting intended.

Chris

[StuartMac]

I'd look into the DACS Micamp if I were you. A totally different flavour, fantastic for acoustic sources, and I got my best-ever overhead sound through one recently.

Alternatively I'd recommend the Buzz MA2.2, which is equally impressive, if not even more so.

[Ruudman]

I think preamp-variety is overrated.
I'm with the thoughts of Mr. William Wittman.


ruudman

[LittleDogAudio]

I agree insomuch that switching out preamps on the same source, gets you much less variety than turning a knob on an amp or moving the mic a few inches either way.

That's why I like the Hardy and Millennia's, because I don't have to worry about "countering" the process of the mic pre with eq or such. These typres of "transparent" mic pre's tend to make me work harder at getting the source- and the micing of said source- perfect.

my .02
Chris

[bnath]

Originally posted by LittleDogAudio
That's why I like the Hardy and Millennia's, because I don't have to worry about "countering" the process of the mic pre with eq or such. These typres of "transparent" mic pre's tend to make me work harder at getting the source- and the micing of said source- perfect.

my .02
Chris

Interesting, but in this case wouldn't a tranformless design make even more sense?

Great replies eveyone. I'll need to look into the millenia and the DACS. Still hedging on the 3124 vs any of these... I suppose I should just sell everything, mortgage an API legacy and be done with it!

b :*

[bnath]

Originally posted by Ruudman
I think preamp-variety is overrated.
I'm with the thoughts of Mr. William Wittman.
ruudman

Yeah, this is what I'm wondering about.. care to expand?

b :*

[Jules]

Working with a mixed pre set up, one can wonder if one is missing out on the benefit of having a song recorded ALL with the same type of pre, one that imparts a signature sound accross the whole recording..

But then one can drive oneself mad with too much 'double think'

Or one can always book into a nice all Neve / Helios /API / SSL studio cant one?

[NathanEldred]

I love preamp variety. Look at my studios preamp list...sure, a great record can be made on one type of preamp, probably even shit preamps if the song and performance is good because the public only cares about the tune for the most part (I've always cared about audio quality since I was serious about music around 12 years old). But if I was only running a studio and recording to meet the 'bare minimum' or 'just to get by' I would have a much more simple setup and be content to probably mix in the box with average converters and average preamps. I'm doing this for my own enjoyment in addition to it being a commercial venture. I want to walk into every session knowing that I've got a large variety of tools that make my job easier and more rewarding. I like to be able to tailor the sound of the source with the preamp, it's almost as important as mic choice. Preamps can be bright, dark, or in between, lots of color, clean or again in between. If I choose exactly what needs to be done via mic and preamp, then when I pull up the faders it's already very much of the way there.

[Kestral]

I like to keep it simple and just use one preamp at a time.

When I had the Summit MPC-100A preamp/compressor, that's all I used to bring in every track. It was good enough to get me a national TV nomination and International Songwriting Competition nomination (I'll find out in Feb and Mar respectively if I win).

And now I use my Neve 1073 and vintage UA 1176 for all my tracks and that's it. I've heard the line about how if you run everything through the same type of preamp, then it's not good. But wasn't that how all the great classic records were made? On full Neve/SSL/Helios consoles with few external different preamps?

It's funny but in "real life" studios, I never hear anyone complain about this - we just use what's there to get the job done and that's it.

Where all the ******age comes from is the Internet folks (no offense meant to present company of course *grin* ) and music store salespeople - they're the ones who say, "Oh, you can't use the same synth over and over again - you need variety!" Bullsh-- I say, tell that to Enya or Wendy Carlos in their early works. Or "Oh, you can't use the same preamp for everything". My response? When your track record gets even 1/10th of mine (which is very miniscule in comparison to many people here), then you can start giving me advice.

[subspace]

I cut most live tracks through the pres in my desk. It's never bothered me much because I've found another way to get different colors into the mix. I'll actually use different microphones for each instrument. I don't just put a U87 on everything, I'll even use a mix of dynamics and condensers at the same time! Let's try and keep this little tip between us pros though, alright?

[bloodstone]

Originally posted by Ruudman
I think preamp-variety is overrated.
I'm with the thoughts of Mr. William Wittman.


ruudman

I have a Soundcraft Ghost. I also have four channels of Joe Meek, two of Drawmer 1969, and two Langevein DVC.

I've done album length sessions using the pres on the Ghost to keep things simple and save time and money. I've also done album length sessions using the outboard stuff, pairing mic/pre combos that from experience seem to yield good tracks.

The finished product I've produced tends to sound better when I use the outboard stuff. There is definitely a noticeable subtle difference.

If I had a better console, I think I'd tend to agree more with the above comments about mic pre variety being overrated. YMMV as always.

[Fletcher]

If your gut is telling you to go for some "cleaner" pre's... the GML 8304 is my favorite of the ones you've listed... but as always, YMMV.

[neve1073]

Originally posted by subspace
I cut most live tracks through the pres in my desk. It's never bothered me much because I've found another way to get different colors into the mix. I'll actually use different microphones for each instrument. I don't just put a U87 on everything, I'll even use a mix of dynamics and condensers at the same time! Let's try and keep this little tip between us pros though, alright?

Nice. Good point.

[Ruudman]

Agree.
If you have a decent desk, then you have the right tool in order to
make great albums. It doesn't have to be Helios, but I wouldn't mind either.

Did I say desk, or talent...?

Anyways..


ruudman