API, Focusrite or Neve

Cape · 29th April 2003, 01:51 AM

Now I know many will go straight for Neve, but in your honest opinion if you needed channels to cope with x-y acoustics, drum room mics and stereoing of a cab at different axis.##

What out of experience (namley 428 is very new) would you pick??

NathanEldred · 29th April 2003, 02:06 AM

Are those the only options, why those three in particular? And which "Neve" are you referring to...so many interpretations, and originals in various working conditions. Which API also?

BevvyB · 29th April 2003, 02:18 AM

Do a BIG search though these forums, it's been a hot topic many times before!

Cape · 29th April 2003, 02:19 AM

Your right there are a whole host of lovely's out there. I'm looking for a set of eight.

The focusrite ISA's have got me a bit, I'm still unsure of performance agianst the RED's, the meters on the ISA's are crazy. You have to boost to get a signal and then wham they're peaking. Nice sound, though.

So really the question should be what pre's do you think are cool that don't require cover (in the form of Limiting)?

Steve Smith · 29th April 2003, 05:25 AM

YMMV, but Focusrite's last ten years or so have been way less then stunning sonically.. There are some cool boxes out there, I like the looks of AIT 8 channel for instance, and 8 channels of API never hurt anyone.. 4 pairs of soild pres of varing color is also a great way to go depening on application.. hows that for vague?

mdbeh · 29th April 2003, 05:43 AM

If you're recording rock, and you're putting together basics, it's hard to go too wrong with API.

The 3124 (4 channel) is reasonably priced, and for a little more, you can get the 3124m+, which includes a basic 4x2 mixer. I've had one for a while, and it's proven to be quite useful.

I agree with SS that the recent Focusrite stuff is nothing special.

Original preamp (not 1272's) Neve modules have become crazy expensive, but if you're open to copies, there are a million options. I have a Great River MP2NV, and I like it a lot.

Wiggy Neve Slut · 29th April 2003, 12:44 PM

API 3124 of any flavour is one of th ebest investments a studio can make. Shit hot Mic pre's with gain and headroom for days that sound Fantastic and superb DI's... The go to for drums in my world... along with Neve's of course and this includes Neve flavours as well.

Do ya self a favour and order one today! (no im not sponsored by API.. but u just cant ket good shit slide when there is so much puss out there!)

PEACE
Wiggy

denial · 29th April 2003, 01:41 PM

For the rock stuff I work on, my pre's of choice are any Neve 10XX module, API 312/512 and a Telefunken V76.

The 1073 is very colored and excellent on drums, electric guitars and most vocals. The bottom end is huge and the tops are smooth. A big thick mid range too. If I only had one mic pre, this would be the one. Although the EQ is not surgical, it is exactly what I need most of the time. Absolutely brilliant choice. The problem with the Neve is you can never have enough of them. Brent Averill makes an excellent reproduction and I hear the Great River NV is very good too.

The API is a great all-rounder. Not as colored as the Neve but has some balls about it too. It works great on almost anything and for what doesn't work on the Neve, the API is usually excellent for. It sounds faster and brighter than the Neve providing a very forward sound. I find it very versatile and is excellent value. Great guys at API.

The V76 does the tube thing well. I'm not overly fond of valve mic pre's on drums and electric guitars as it has a tendancy to round off the sound, softening and taking off some edge but sometimes that is just what you need. The V76 is fantastic on vocals, especially female. The VIPRE is also excellent and has a similar flavour to it and should be considered.

No doubt there are other choices but that is where I like to start. YMMV.

littledog · 30th April 2003, 07:21 AM

Can't argue with any of the above, but often it is useful to have a really fast clean preamp or two as well as the highly coloured ones. I love my API 3124 (and yes, the DI's are fantastic) but I don't know that I'd want to have ONLY that flavor...

dave-G · 30th April 2003, 02:13 PM

Interesting..

Although I like them, I find fewer uses for the newer API pres when recording to digital; they can be a little too forward in the upper mids and can get a little "hard" sounding on some sources.. Neves (to overgeneralize) tend to be a little more gentle in this range and surrealistically huge in the bottom -- I love my Averill 1272s and miss my Averill 2074 combo units (note to self: never sell your gear)... and to further prove how mileage varies, I actually like the Focusrite Red 1 preamps on a variety of sources and use them pretty often.

-dave

Meriphew · 30th April 2003, 10:27 PM

Ditto the opinion on the API 3124. A good Fender Jazz bass ran through an API channel sounds phenomenal.

Cape · 1st May 2003, 01:43 AM

Arrr shucks, now I really don'y know what to do.

The reason I was looking in API's direction was to handle drums, and acoustic, classical guitar and amps. However this transient stuff worries me abit as I'm going straight to a 192.

When searching past post's they come across as not to coloured and had a bit of grit, what the doctor ordered!!.

I'll probably go for them this time.

I could handle having a test run with the Focusrite Red 1 and the API , but time is short and I'm new to the dealer, so I doubt they'd hand one over for couple of days.

Thanks for everyones input, you've really got me confused now....

Saucyjack · 1st May 2003, 02:45 AM

Quit ****ing around and be a true gearslut........
and do what I did...
get 2 channels of API and 2 channels of GR NV2.

mdbeh · 1st May 2003, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dave-G
Interesting..

Although I like them, I find fewer uses for the newer API pres when recording to digital; they can be a little too forward in the upper mids and can get a little "hard" sounding on some sources.. Neves (to overgeneralize) tend to be a little more gentle in this range and surrealistically huge in the bottom -- I love my Averill 1272s and miss my Averill 2074 combo units (note to self: never sell your gear)... and to further prove how mileage varies, I actually like the Focusrite Red 1 preamps on a variety of sources and use them pretty often.

-dave

OK, so watch me change my mind 3 times in the same thread...

I was recording drums last night (into PT) and I knew, knew I wanted the API on snare, but it just wasn't happening. Kind of like you described, it just sounded kind of hard and stiff without any tape to "sink" into. I switched the MP2NV and it sounded so much better... go figure.

Oh well, it'll switch around tomorrow again anyway.

dave-G · 5th May 2003, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mdbeh
OK, so watch me change my mind 3 times in the same thread...

Just so you're not the only one flippin'

Although I like the Red 1, I wouldn't necessarily buy another Focusrite product. Unless something's changed drastically (recently), the fact that Digidesign is the US distributor is IMO, an albatross to the support of the product. For example, if you have a bad phantom switch, you'll have to wait in the lengthy queue for ProTools tech support, explain to them that you have a bad phantom switch on channel 2 (for example) and then hear them tell you you can send it to their tech for a flat-rate repair (regardless of the simplicity or complexity of the problem) for $300. I don't know if other manufacturers do the same thing or not, but I don't like that, and it's especially frustrating when coupled with the experience of their overburdened software tech support area.

-dave (with still-broken Red1 phantom switch)

Cape · 5th May 2003, 10:44 PM

Picked up the API the other day, yumyum, I'm already dreaming of a rack of em, but that might be over kill in that area, but another four would be handy.
Just whats needed for drums.

I'm especially drawn to the kinda neon power button.

5th May 2003, 11:20 PM

Blue lights sound best!

Jules

dave-G · 5th May 2003, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jules
Blue lights sound best!

That's why it's hard to take Distressors out of NUKE-mode

-dave

pounce · 6th May 2003, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dave-G
That's why it's hard to take Distressors out of NUKE-mode

-dave

i have one client who was amused that i called the blue light on an avalon 747 an "evil" detector. it only goes blue when it detects evil in the music.

he didn't believe me, but it's now my stock answer.

answer also works on distressors.

Dot · 6th May 2003, 06:58 AM

I could imagine working without Neve or Focusrite, but not API. We've got a 3124 and a set of 4 528 pres w/ 550A EQ's. I regularly swap out the opamps in the 3124. We'll either run the stock opamps from '99, or vintage 2520 from Huntington, NY and Melville, NY. Also the Millennia MM-99 and an opamp made by Avedis at Brent Averill. I'm working on building a bigger collection of opamps, because it really is like getting a whole new pre for around $75.

jwh1192 · 6th May 2003, 08:33 PM

Great river MP2-NV...sweet and fat and you can kick it in the ass and it loves it...tons of headroom ..but wait there's more......lets keep bugging Dan for the EQ he is working on.....should be sweet....

peace john

Wiggy Neve Slut · 6th May 2003, 10:27 PM

Ok... as my name suggests i love my Neve...

But i got my Phoenix last week and im sold..

Awesome sound, flexibility and price... im a beleiver give me the phoenix bible and testify to the DRS series!

Cant wait for any other tasty treats that they have in the works.

PEACE
Wiggy

7rojo7 · 7th May 2003, 11:37 PM

I have 2 teleFunken V72s that seem to have enough headroom for kikandsnare, but don't cut it elsewhere on the kit. good for vocals too. millenia makes an 8 channel high speed jobbie for less than 4K before any mods. It's funny no one has mentioned mics. or where they should be placed and for what type of music. is it only me or...?

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29th April 2003, 01:51 AM	#1
Cape Gear maniac Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: London Posts: 192	API, Focusrite or Neve Now I know many will go straight for Neve, but in your honest opinion if you needed channels to cope with x-y acoustics, drum room mics and stereoing of a cab at different axis.## What out of experience (namley 428 is very new) would you pick??

29th April 2003, 02:06 AM	#2
NathanEldred Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: West Coast Central Florida Posts: 5,381	Are those the only options, why those three in particular? And which "Neve" are you referring to...so many interpretations, and originals in various working conditions. Which API also? __________________ Nathan Eldred Atlas Pro Audio- Boutique Gear, Consultation, Sales, & Distibution Home of the Atlas Juggernaut Preamp & 500 Series Revolver Rack USA Distributor for Buzz Audio, Exclusive Distributor for Atlas Pro Audio Gear and OSA Atlas Recording Studios, Inc. Recording/Mixing/Mastering Services

29th April 2003, 05:25 AM	#5
Steve Smith Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,394	YMMV, but Focusrite's last ten years or so have been way less then stunning sonically.. There are some cool boxes out there, I like the looks of AIT 8 channel for instance, and 8 channels of API never hurt anyone.. 4 pairs of soild pres of varing color is also a great way to go depening on application.. hows that for vague? __________________ Steve Smith - Unorignal, yet commonplace.

29th April 2003, 12:44 PM	#7
Wiggy Neve Slut Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,834	API 3124 of any flavour is one of th ebest investments a studio can make. Shit hot Mic pre's with gain and headroom for days that sound Fantastic and superb DI's... The go to for drums in my world... along with Neve's of course and this includes Neve flavours as well. Do ya self a favour and order one today! (no im not sponsored by API.. but u just cant ket good shit slide when there is so much puss out there!) PEACE Wiggy __________________ If i see another 'Which neve clone is better thread... im seriously gona go postal!!!!!!!"

29th April 2003, 02:18 AM	#3
BevvyB Mindreader Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: London Posts: 2,602	Do a BIG search though these forums, it's been a hot topic many times before!

29th April 2003, 02:19 AM	#4
Cape Gear maniac Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: London Posts: 192	Your right there are a whole host of lovely's out there. I'm looking for a set of eight. The focusrite ISA's have got me a bit, I'm still unsure of performance agianst the RED's, the meters on the ISA's are crazy. You have to boost to get a signal and then wham they're peaking. Nice sound, though. So really the question should be what pre's do you think are cool that don't require cover (in the form of Limiting)?

29th April 2003, 05:43 AM	#6
mdbeh Gear addict Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Chicago Posts: 428	If you're recording rock, and you're putting together basics, it's hard to go too wrong with API. The 3124 (4 channel) is reasonably priced, and for a little more, you can get the 3124m+, which includes a basic 4x2 mixer. I've had one for a while, and it's proven to be quite useful. I agree with SS that the recent Focusrite stuff is nothing special. Original preamp (not 1272's) Neve modules have become crazy expensive, but if you're open to copies, there are a million options. I have a Great River MP2NV, and I like it a lot.

29th April 2003, 01:41 PM	#8
denial Gear addict Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 497	For the rock stuff I work on, my pre's of choice are any Neve 10XX module, API 312/512 and a Telefunken V76. The 1073 is very colored and excellent on drums, electric guitars and most vocals. The bottom end is huge and the tops are smooth. A big thick mid range too. If I only had one mic pre, this would be the one. Although the EQ is not surgical, it is exactly what I need most of the time. Absolutely brilliant choice. The problem with the Neve is you can never have enough of them. Brent Averill makes an excellent reproduction and I hear the Great River NV is very good too. The API is a great all-rounder. Not as colored as the Neve but has some balls about it too. It works great on almost anything and for what doesn't work on the Neve, the API is usually excellent for. It sounds faster and brighter than the Neve providing a very forward sound. I find it very versatile and is excellent value. Great guys at API. The V76 does the tube thing well. I'm not overly fond of valve mic pre's on drums and electric guitars as it has a tendancy to round off the sound, softening and taking off some edge but sometimes that is just what you need. The V76 is fantastic on vocals, especially female. The VIPRE is also excellent and has a similar flavour to it and should be considered. No doubt there are other choices but that is where I like to start. YMMV.

30th April 2003, 07:21 AM	#9
littledog Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Boston area Posts: 872	Can't argue with any of the above, but often it is useful to have a really fast clean preamp or two as well as the highly coloured ones. I love my API 3124 (and yes, the DI's are fantastic) but I don't know that I'd want to have ONLY that flavor...

30th April 2003, 02:13 PM	#10
dave-G Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 2,096	Interesting.. Although I like them, I find fewer uses for the newer API pres when recording to digital; they can be a little too forward in the upper mids and can get a little "hard" sounding on some sources.. Neves (to overgeneralize) tend to be a little more gentle in this range and surrealistically huge in the bottom -- I love my Averill 1272s and miss my Averill 2074 combo units (note to self: never sell your gear)... and to further prove how mileage varies, I actually like the Focusrite Red 1 preamps on a variety of sources and use them pretty often. -dave

30th April 2003, 10:27 PM	#11
Meriphew Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Seattle USA Posts: 2,181	Ditto the opinion on the API 3124. A good Fender Jazz bass ran through an API channel sounds phenomenal. __________________ www.myspace.com/meriphew

1st May 2003, 01:43 AM	#12
Cape Gear maniac Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: London Posts: 192	Arrr shucks, now I really don'y know what to do. The reason I was looking in API's direction was to handle drums, and acoustic, classical guitar and amps. However this transient stuff worries me abit as I'm going straight to a 192. When searching past post's they come across as not to coloured and had a bit of grit, what the doctor ordered!!. I'll probably go for them this time. I could handle having a test run with the Focusrite Red 1 and the API , but time is short and I'm new to the dealer, so I doubt they'd hand one over for couple of days. Thanks for everyones input, you've really got me confused now....

1st May 2003, 02:45 AM	#13
Saucyjack Lives for gear Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Knoxville,Tn Posts: 569	Quit ****ing around and be a true gearslut........ and do what I did... get 2 channels of API and 2 channels of GR NV2. __________________ If you really want to make orginal results,work fast and cheap,because there's more of a chance that you'll get somewhere that nobody else did. Brian Eno

5th May 2003, 10:44 PM	#16
Cape Gear maniac Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: London Posts: 192	Picked up the API the other day, yumyum, I'm already dreaming of a rack of em, but that might be over kill in that area, but another four would be handy. Just whats needed for drums. I'm especially drawn to the kinda neon power button.

5th May 2003, 11:20 PM	#17
Jules Guest Posts: n/a	Blue lights sound best! Jules

6th May 2003, 06:58 AM	#20
Dot Lives for gear Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: on the beach in warm, sunny SC Posts: 826	I could imagine working without Neve or Focusrite, but not API. We've got a 3124 and a set of 4 528 pres w/ 550A EQ's. I regularly swap out the opamps in the 3124. We'll either run the stock opamps from '99, or vintage 2520 from Huntington, NY and Melville, NY. Also the Millennia MM-99 and an opamp made by Avedis at Brent Averill. I'm working on building a bigger collection of opamps, because it really is like getting a whole new pre for around $75. __________________ Dan Richards The Listening Sessions Yackin' about gear and recording techniques at Studio Forums

6th May 2003, 08:33 PM	#21
jwh1192 Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: los angeles Posts: 611	Great river MP2-NV...sweet and fat and you can kick it in the ass and it loves it...tons of headroom ..but wait there's more......lets keep bugging Dan for the EQ he is working on.....should be sweet.... peace john

6th May 2003, 10:27 PM	#22
Wiggy Neve Slut Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,834	Ok... as my name suggests i love my Neve... But i got my Phoenix last week and im sold.. Awesome sound, flexibility and price... im a beleiver give me the phoenix bible and testify to the DRS series! Cant wait for any other tasty treats that they have in the works. PEACE Wiggy __________________ If i see another 'Which neve clone is better thread... im seriously gona go postal!!!!!!!"

7th May 2003, 11:37 PM	#23
7rojo7 urumita Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Spoleto, Italy Posts: 1,274	I have 2 teleFunken V72s that seem to have enough headroom for kikandsnare, but don't cut it elsewhere on the kit. good for vocals too. millenia makes an 8 channel high speed jobbie for less than 4K before any mods. It's funny no one has mentioned mics. or where they should be placed and for what type of music. is it only me or...? __________________ love and light

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