Mic Preamp Question: Avalon 737 vs. Great River?

[tradarama]

Mic Preamp Question: Avalon 737 vs. Great River
For guitar and bass? Has anyone used the Avalon that could comment on pro/con vs. the Great River? Thanks!

[citiesLA]

try them out if you can. I have a great river, which is all I can speak for here, and I love it. It's got a lovely smear (read color) when you crank up the gain, and is a bit less colored when gains are lower. There's a lot of variety in there. I've used it with a SM57, E609, KSM 32, and a Royer 121, and works very well with all four, and it has enough gain to handle a ribbon which is good if you use them. I tend towards a little more old school recorded sound, say late 60's to mid 70's, so keep that in mind. If you like things of that style then try one out.

[Grun]

Another vote for Great River. I use it direct for bass, (clean) guitar or vocal. That and an FMR RNC provides big buck bang. Another thing I like, is that it's solid state. No tube heat/hassles. I like tubes in my amps, but I don't need the hassle where I can avoid them. With separate Gain/Output controls it's pretty verstile, especially if you can only afford one or the other. That said, I'm sure the Avalon is a fine box as well.

[mdog114]

I have an old purple-knob 737, it's a great PA, but it's not the first thing I grab for guitar & bass.

I recently picked-up a Chameleon 1073 clone, and I've been really diggin' it with guitars. I haven't tried it yet on the bass, but I think it'll kill! My bass route lately has been a Urei Solo 610 through a Distressor.

[UnderTheGroove]

I haven't used the Avalon, but I agree with all of the previous comments on the Great River. I have one and it is a great piece of gear.

[bjm007]

Another vote for the Great River. Love mine.....

That said, you can make great sounds on record with either preamp. You've gotta use your ears and decide what you like I'm afraid.......

[elambo]

Avalon make a great Bass DI, the U5, and I like their M4/M5 preamp, but for some reason the 737 doesn't do much for me. I did think that it's strong suit was bass but there are better options...

...like the Great River.

[DANOCASTER]

The Avalon 737 is GREAT ( for me to POOP ON !! )

Great River +1