Best preamp for emulation hardware plugins like Waves SSL, API, UAD NEVE.

eastwind · 23rd January 2009

Hi everyone. I wonder what kind of preamp is the best to use with emulation hardware plugins (Waves SSL, API or UAD NEVE, etc); if it's better to use a clean preamp like Avalon M5 or a colored preamp like a AMS NEVE or SSL Channel Strip?

Tunes 666 · 23rd January 2009

this debate has gone on for so long and it is simply down to personal preference.

here is my take... Generally all of them are very good plug ins and can do a great job.... not all of them are as close to the real hardware they try to imitate... but still have the same kind of character and still sound good.

I have a the Waves SSL and UAD and they are both great, allthough if your focus is getting the closest emulations then UAD tend to lead the way.

slopeshoulder · 23rd January 2009

Are you asking what kind of preamp to use with those plug ins?
I like the idea of using a preamp that is in the same family as the plug in. I use Pendulum with Waves SSL (not that they're simliar beyond a certain cleanness, and I do use my Great River with SSL too, but not driven real hard), a Great River with UAD Neve (would liek to get a BAE), and would like to buy a pair of API pre's and the Waves API bundle soon. Then I supplement with other UAD "outboard" and it all seems to make sense and cohere.

eastwind · 26th January 2009

""Are you asking what kind of preamp to use with those plug ins?""

Yes, that what I mean. I want to know if it's better a clean signal or a colored signal to have the best emulation result.

B-sharp · 8th October 2010

Just get the best sounding preamps (to your taste) that you can afford. It will translate to the better overall sound. I love the sound of Neve preamps. CLA said that he favors the sound of music that was tracked through Neve before it hits his SSL board.

rashman · 8th October 2010

Yes. Just get the best Pre which you like and can afford.

23rd January 2009	#1
eastwind Gear interested Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 27 Thread Starter	Best preamp for emulation hardware plugins like Waves SSL, API, UAD NEVE. Hi everyone. I wonder what kind of preamp is the best to use with emulation hardware plugins (Waves SSL, API or UAD NEVE, etc); if it's better to use a clean preamp like Avalon M5 or a colored preamp like a AMS NEVE or SSL Channel Strip?

23rd January 2009	#2
Tunes 666 Gear maniac Joined: Mar 2006 Location: London Posts: 178	this debate has gone on for so long and it is simply down to personal preference. here is my take... Generally all of them are very good plug ins and can do a great job.... not all of them are as close to the real hardware they try to imitate... but still have the same kind of character and still sound good. I have a the Waves SSL and UAD and they are both great, allthough if your focus is getting the closest emulations then UAD tend to lead the way. __________________ Screaming Circles

8th October 2010	#5
B-sharp Gear addict Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 375	Just get the best sounding preamps (to your taste) that you can afford. It will translate to the better overall sound. I love the sound of Neve preamps. CLA said that he favors the sound of music that was tracked through Neve before it hits his SSL board. __________________ Luckily we are not ultimately making mixes for high-end audio-engineers!

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23rd January 2009	#3
slopeshoulder Gear maniac Joined: May 2006 Posts: 294	Are you asking what kind of preamp to use with those plug ins? I like the idea of using a preamp that is in the same family as the plug in. I use Pendulum with Waves SSL (not that they're simliar beyond a certain cleanness, and I do use my Great River with SSL too, but not driven real hard), a Great River with UAD Neve (would liek to get a BAE), and would like to buy a pair of API pre's and the Waves API bundle soon. Then I supplement with other UAD "outboard" and it all seems to make sense and cohere.

26th January 2009	#4
eastwind Gear interested Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 27 Thread Starter	""Are you asking what kind of preamp to use with those plug ins?"" Yes, that what I mean. I want to know if it's better a clean signal or a colored signal to have the best emulation result.

8th October 2010	#6
rashman Gear maniac Joined: Jun 2005 Location: Tehran Posts: 236	Yes. Just get the best Pre which you like and can afford.