Great River MP-2NV by Mikeeyb
If you NEED an awesome clear mic pre, the Great River MP-2NV is a WINNER!
Sound Quality
The Great River MP-2NV is truly an amazing piece. It is clear and open allowing for a really clear vocal or guitar that can cut through a mix. Classic Neve open top end. It is not the most transparent mic pre, so if you need some nice coloration I would reach for this pre over many others every time.
Ease of Use:
There is nothing that is difficult about getting this baby up and running. Take it out of the box, feel its quality build, and get rockin' !
Features:
One of the best things about this preamp is the gain input/output knob combination. This allows you to create some different tones to dial in that sound that you really want. Unlike most units, this baby handles clipping in a way that can be used to create a sweet overdrive. If utalized properly, you can lay down some real gritty guitar tracks with a hint of distortion.
The one thing that would improve this pre even more would be a nice EQ on it, however it is still awesome.
The Loading switch is also incredible. Engaged it takes away some of the top end characteristic Neve hype (but leaves a perfectly clear and pleasing top end) but also removes some of the grit in the midrange that I find only really helps on electric guitars, drums and bass (and even then only on certain material). For vocal and acoustic instruments I pretty much always engage the load button.
Build Quality:
Superb. Thing is built like a battleship. Takes up one rack space. Thick metal that you can feel immediately. Would not be suprised if it survived a drop off the Empire State building! Lol, don't try that though, I was just joking!
Overall Rating:
Overall there are few faults in the Great River, if any. While it is somewhat expensive, it is worth EVERY penny. It works great on guitars, vocals, drums and literally every source you can throw at it. It has a beefy thick sound and awesome stereo imaging, creating a superior mic preamp for almost every use.