can't decide on a 500-series pre

D Pinder · 19th October 2005

Ultimately, I need only one pair, so the rest can be single channels. In no particular order of preference:

1. API 512c
2. Shadow Hills Mono GAMA
3. OSA L-3
4. Purple Audio "the Biz"
5. BAE 312A

Leaning towards the boutique end of things to start off, as prices seem to be rising. That's the problem with 500 racks—you are compelled to fill them up.

zimv20 · 19th October 2005

i love my BAE 312a's and recommend you give 'em a try. my caveat is that i've used exactly zero of the other pre's you've mentioned.

Amplove · 19th October 2005

As far as resell value is concerned, API will give bring you more cash if you decide to sell. So, you could buy the API and if you don't like it, you can sell it and almost get all your money back. I have 2 BAE 312's and 2 API 512c's. I love em' both. Before the API's, I bought 2 of the Purple Biz pre's but they both made so much damn noise in my rack that it was unbearable. Especially the feature that doubles the gain (which is awesome) gave me tons of interference noise. I had to send them back and swap them for 2 API 512c's. The API's are very similar to the BAE's except they have a bit more gain which is very handy for my low output ribbons. Selling point on the API's for me besides the fact that they're REAL API's, is the XLR inputs on the front of the module. Very very handy. Especially since my 1/4" patchbay doesn't like phantom power. This way, I can bypass it and plug straight into the module.

BAE's are super smooth and sweet too. Next up for me are the Shadow Hills pre's!

Shhhh...very very soon we'll all have the opportunity to have a Quad Eight flavored pre-amp that'll fit in a "500 series" box. And it's not painted black. Different color in the box. I can't wait.

Hope some of that helps.

Jason

D Pinder · 20th October 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amplove

As far as resell value is concerned, API will give bring you more cash if you decide to sell. The API's are very similar to the BAE's except they have a bit more gain which is very handy for my low output ribbons. Jason

Right—APIs are the only well known quantity of the bunch for me, so I definitely know what I'm getting into there. For sure, I want at least one channel in my rack. I think I'm being swayed by the novelty of having something new available for this form factor. This wouldn't be so agonising if I could afford a few modules at the outset.

So what's the deal with the Purple? Has anybody else had this problem? Sounds odd for a company of such high regard.

max cooper · 20th October 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amplove

The API's are very similar to the BAE's except they have a bit more gain which is very handy for my low output ribbons. Selling point on the API's for me besides the fact that they're REAL API's, is the XLR inputs on the front of the module. Very very handy.

The API's are also the only ones with metering.

Vasypher · 20th October 2005

I'd go with the API units, they prove themselves time and time again.

parasitk · 20th October 2005

If you want a Mono Gama, you're going to have to be prepared to wait at this point - just letting you know.

VO-Guy · 20th October 2005

I've got the OSA L3 and LOVE IT! As far as the Purple Biz goes, I've having to return mine as well for the same reason. Alot of clicks and pop's when the Dual's engaged. It's a shame too because it really sounds great, except for the clicks and pop's of course.

tvanveen · 20th October 2005

For those with Biz problems...which rack were you using them in?

I have a couple on their way to me now for use in an OSA rack.

NathanEldred · 20th October 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvanveen

For those with Biz problems...which rack were you using them in?

I have a couple on their way to me now for use in an OSA rack.

Check your PM.

chriscoleman · 20th October 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by max cooper

The API's are also the only ones with metering.

The Purple Biz has input and output meters in the form of color-changing LED's.

Amplove · 20th October 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by VO-Guy

I've got the OSA L3 and LOVE IT! As far as the Purple Biz goes, I've having to return mine as well for the same reason. Alot of clicks and pop's when the Dual's engaged. It's a shame too because it really sounds great, except for the clicks and pop's of course.

Unfortunately, I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who had problems with the Biz pre's. I WAS using them in my BAE 6 space rack. I have had interferance problems with one of my BAE units and I'm going to have to address that eventually with Avedis and Brent. The Biz was really nice sounding except in dual mode. Even in dual mode, it was great. Really big and huge with a ton of gain on tap but it was really really noisy. Even at low gain settings. Also, it was like there was a built in gate. As soon as the signal would fade and drop below a certain level, it would clip it off and the signal would shut out completely. This was really bad and lame as shit. And both units did this. I was so excited to get them and so bummed when I realized that they were not working out as I had planned.

As far as metering on the Biz and the API, while I think the API's and BAE's are a no brainer and you can't go wrong with either (even the BAE units when appearing on ebay, get snatched immediately). The metering on the API's is not something I couldn't live without. I mean, afterall, what ends up going to tape is not what I can visually see on the meter but what sounds good to my ear. I certainly don't need a weird little led display to tell what's going on. If I can hear it and it's sounding clear and loud, then I'll print it. Don't let that be the selling factor. I think it's more eye candy than anything. Don't get me wrong, it can help the situation but sound IS more important ultimately.

BAE = Absolutely the most incredible customer service I've ever experienced besides Peter from A Designs. They foooking rule and their products are genius and simple and will last the test of time. Quality sound and quality workmanship...plain and simple. Resale value is good. People everywhere understand the quality and you can see that on ebay...especially when the old API card that they rack up are being sold. People want em'.

API = Name recognition, respectable company with a lineage that is understood and obvious to everyone. Quality sound. Resale value is fantastic.

Get em' both or get the one that is closer to your budget. The BAE's are a bit more affordable due to size of company and lack of advertising/bells and whistles but don't let that fool you. Just as good a product.

J.

tvanveen · 20th October 2005

I hope Purple is aware of this and has it figured out...I have 2 biz's on the way that were burned-in last Wednesday and shipped Friday (hopefully).

VO-Guy · 20th October 2005

I hope so too, it really did sound great. I'd love to have another one in the rack but not until that's fixed.

**TonyBelmont** · 20th October 2005

I would get the API's first, then probably the Brent Averill's....

D Pinder · 21st October 2005

Okay, so I bought 1 channel of GAMA, but it won't be ready for 4-5 weeks. If it really kicks ass, I'll make it a pair. I think I felt like the reasonable price was going to go away if I hesitated, and they told me the price of transformer metal is going up, hence the price hikes. I'm not worried about 512s sufffering the same fate and there are a lot of them in the channel. In the mean time though, I might pick up an API or an L-3 (or 312A, who knows) in the next month. Thanks to all for your reasoned comments.

Amplove · 21st October 2005

Well, right on. I guess the Gama pre IS the coolest lOOking out of the bunch. I can't wait for the A-Designs Pacifica pre for our 500 racks. thumbsup

J.

D Pinder · 21st October 2005

Pick up a BAE 312A. Very nice!
L-3 is on order.

StuartMac · 7th March 2006

I just wanted to resurrect this thread. I've never heard the Purple Biz, and was just doing a bit of research when I came across the comments here regarding clicks and noise. This would possibly have put me (and others) off trying them out, so I figure it's worth pointing out that Andrew has an announcement on the Purple website acknowledging the problem and stating it has now been rectified. If your Biz pres display this fault, get in touch with Purple.

Hope nobody minds me resurrecting an old thread, but I think it's best to clarify some of the info here.

rids · 7th March 2006

That's good to know. They look sweet too.

Anyone know if the Mono Gama's price already went up. I would like to get one some time. The Pres I want: A Designs P1, OSA L3, Mono Gama and the Biz.

I wonder how colorful the Biz can get?

D Pinder · 7th March 2006

Ahh, this old thread. To update, I now happily own a Mono GAMA, 312a and OSA L-3. The A-Designs cards are next: a pair of P-1s for sure,

SLy_drums · 7th March 2006

My pair of Biz pres arrived today !
I must go to the post office and test them immediately, I guess I'll post some samples ...

19th October 2005	#1
D Pinder Gear maniac Joined: Apr 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 207 Thread Starter	can't decide on a 500-series pre Ultimately, I need only one pair, so the rest can be single channels. In no particular order of preference: 1. API 512c 2. Shadow Hills Mono GAMA 3. OSA L-3 4. Purple Audio "the Biz" 5. BAE 312A Leaning towards the boutique end of things to start off, as prices seem to be rising. That's the problem with 500 racks—you are compelled to fill them up.

19th October 2005	#2
zimv20 Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,627	i love my BAE 312a's and recommend you give 'em a try. my caveat is that i've used exactly zero of the other pre's you've mentioned. __________________ She's tidied up and I can't find anything

20th October 2005	#8
VO-Guy Gear maniac Joined: Jun 2005 Location: Canton NC Posts: 216	I've got the OSA L3 and LOVE IT! As far as the Purple Biz goes, I've having to return mine as well for the same reason. Alot of clicks and pop's when the Dual's engaged. It's a shame too because it really sounds great, except for the clicks and pop's of course. __________________ Russ McLamb Voiceovers www.russmclamb.com

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19th October 2005	#3
Amplove Gear maniac Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 278	As far as resell value is concerned, API will give bring you more cash if you decide to sell. So, you could buy the API and if you don't like it, you can sell it and almost get all your money back. I have 2 BAE 312's and 2 API 512c's. I love em' both. Before the API's, I bought 2 of the Purple Biz pre's but they both made so much damn noise in my rack that it was unbearable. Especially the feature that doubles the gain (which is awesome) gave me tons of interference noise. I had to send them back and swap them for 2 API 512c's. The API's are very similar to the BAE's except they have a bit more gain which is very handy for my low output ribbons. Selling point on the API's for me besides the fact that they're REAL API's, is the XLR inputs on the front of the module. Very very handy. Especially since my 1/4" patchbay doesn't like phantom power. This way, I can bypass it and plug straight into the module. BAE's are super smooth and sweet too. Next up for me are the Shadow Hills pre's! Shhhh...very very soon we'll all have the opportunity to have a Quad Eight flavored pre-amp that'll fit in a "500 series" box. And it's not painted black. Different color in the box. I can't wait. Hope some of that helps. Jason

20th October 2005	#6
Vasypher Gear nut Joined: Dec 2004 Location: Los Angeles, Ca. Posts: 88	I'd go with the API units, they prove themselves time and time again.

20th October 2005	#7
parasitk Gear maniac Joined: Jun 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 232	If you want a Mono Gama, you're going to have to be prepared to wait at this point - just letting you know.

20th October 2005	#9
tvanveen Gear addict Joined: Aug 2005 Location: DC Posts: 312	For those with Biz problems...which rack were you using them in? I have a couple on their way to me now for use in an OSA rack.

20th October 2005	#15
TonyBelmont Moderator Joined: Feb 2004 Location: Boston,MA Providence,RI Posts: 15,927	I would get the API's first, then probably the Brent Averill's....

21st October 2005	#16
D Pinder Gear maniac Joined: Apr 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 207 Thread Starter	Okay, so I bought 1 channel of GAMA, but it won't be ready for 4-5 weeks. If it really kicks ass, I'll make it a pair. I think I felt like the reasonable price was going to go away if I hesitated, and they told me the price of transformer metal is going up, hence the price hikes. I'm not worried about 512s sufffering the same fate and there are a lot of them in the channel. In the mean time though, I might pick up an API or an L-3 (or 312A, who knows) in the next month. Thanks to all for your reasoned comments.

7th March 2006	#19
StuartMac Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2002 Location: Scotland Posts: 893	I just wanted to resurrect this thread. I've never heard the Purple Biz, and was just doing a bit of research when I came across the comments here regarding clicks and noise. This would possibly have put me (and others) off trying them out, so I figure it's worth pointing out that Andrew has an announcement on the Purple website acknowledging the problem and stating it has now been rectified. If your Biz pres display this fault, get in touch with Purple. Hope nobody minds me resurrecting an old thread, but I think it's best to clarify some of the info here.

7th March 2006	#20
rids Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2005 Location: Between Harmony & Irregularity Posts: 2,178	That's good to know. They look sweet too. Anyone know if the Mono Gama's price already went up. I would like to get one some time. The Pres I want: A Designs P1, OSA L3, Mono Gama and the Biz. I wonder how colorful the Biz can get?

7th March 2006	#22
SLy_drums Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 762	My pair of Biz pres arrived today ! I must go to the post office and test them immediately, I guess I'll post some samples ...