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.

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

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

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...

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

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

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

The one strapped to the back of your Harley?

Brad