preamps: slow vs. fast

Benmrx · 21st May 2006

First off, I'm staying home today, so I hope no-one minds my multiple new threads.

Second, this isn't a vs. as in "which is better"

I was just sitting here reading a post and can't help but wonder, what is it in the design that makes a preamp fast or slow. I'd imagine the use of transformers plays a big role, but that can't be all their is to it.

To me:

Fast = clean, modern, in your face kinda sound
Slow = colored, vintage, rolled of hi end

Right now, I'm fortunate enough to have 14 channels of quad eight mm61 modules, which I would think (don't have much to compare them to) would be in the slower catagory, and I absolutely love the sound. I love how the transients are soft and mellow, especially when tracked to my 2" 24 track......and especially because I don't have much for compressors.

Brad McGowan · 22nd May 2006

I think if it's a an op amp based design then the op amp itself has a lot to do with it....slew rate and such. Different transformer core materials probably come into play as well.

Brad

txgator · 22nd May 2006

I curious about this question...giving her the old

Ziggy!! · 22nd May 2006

I wouldn't say coloured or vintage particularly equates to a "slow" preamp. For example an API 312. Transformers too...

I think it is more relevant to the specific design than a general rule that sums them all up...

Brad McGowan · 22nd May 2006

I don't know about saying the API is necessarily "fast". To my ears it's kind of medium and that's what makes it punchy. A Hardy is much faster than the API to my ears...both opamp designs.

Brad

Fletcher · 22nd May 2006

What pre-amp will turn the best time in a 1/4 Mi?

Jim Williams · 22nd May 2006

Consider the concept of subtractive synthesis:

You can slow down a fast preamp.

You can't speed up a slow preamp.

Waiting for the mix stage is where the operator can adjust the tracks to taste, to cut with slow or filtered preamps lessens the mixer's choices.

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

Brad McGowan · 22nd May 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletcher

What pre-amp will turn the best time in a 1/4 Mi?

The one strapped to the back of your Harley?

Brad

21st May 2006	#1
Benmrx Lives for gear Joined: May 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 4,300 Thread Starter	preamps: slow vs. fast First off, I'm staying home today, so I hope no-one minds my multiple new threads. Second, this isn't a vs. as in "which is better" I was just sitting here reading a post and can't help but wonder, what is it in the design that makes a preamp fast or slow. I'd imagine the use of transformers plays a big role, but that can't be all their is to it. To me: Fast = clean, modern, in your face kinda sound Slow = colored, vintage, rolled of hi end Right now, I'm fortunate enough to have 14 channels of quad eight mm61 modules, which I would think (don't have much to compare them to) would be in the slower catagory, and I absolutely love the sound. I love how the transients are soft and mellow, especially when tracked to my 2" 24 track......and especially because I don't have much for compressors.

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22nd May 2006	#2
Brad McGowan Lives for gear Joined: Jan 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 5,582	I think if it's a an op amp based design then the op amp itself has a lot to do with it....slew rate and such. Different transformer core materials probably come into play as well. Brad

22nd May 2006	#3
txgator Gear maniac Joined: Oct 2005 Location: What day is it? Posts: 152	I curious about this question...giving her the old

22nd May 2006	#4
Ziggy!! Lives for gear Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,319	I wouldn't say coloured or vintage particularly equates to a "slow" preamp. For example an API 312. Transformers too... I think it is more relevant to the specific design than a general rule that sums them all up...

22nd May 2006	#6
Fletcher member no 666 Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 10,110	What pre-amp will turn the best time in a 1/4 Mi?

22nd May 2006	#7
Jim Williams Voiding warranties Joined: Feb 2004 Location: beautiful Carlsbad, CA Posts: 10,081	Consider the concept of subtractive synthesis: You can slow down a fast preamp. You can't speed up a slow preamp. Waiting for the mix stage is where the operator can adjust the tracks to taste, to cut with slow or filtered preamps lessens the mixer's choices. Jim Williams Audio Upgrades