Mic Pre choice: MP2NV or Pacifica?

[John Czajkowski]

I've searched all the threads google, gearsluts, and TGP will cough up on this. Subsequently, I have it narrowed down to these two guys. I have been using pres that many would laugh at to do my last album with so-so results. In fact, John Cuniberti, the mastering engineer on my last Hectic Watermelon album (samples in sig), practically spit his coffee out on me when I told him I was using - the Digi Pre, and some Joe Meeks. He was surprised how good I got them to sound. Nice left-handed compliment from the guru...

Anyway, I want to seriously upgrade my recorded cab sounds and acoustic guitar (nylon and steel), mandolin, banjo for two new albums I'm working on. I may also use the pres on kick and snare. I am wavering towards the Great River for more aggressiveness and color vs the A-Designs for more extended upper range. I would be very grateful to those who have actually used on ore, preferably, both of these pres for your comments.

[chrisgraff]

Used to own the MP2-NV. Liked it, didn't love it. Took it to other sessions/studios; it never won over the other pres I a/b'd.

I will say that if you use Pro Tools, the second out on the unit is great for no latency monitoring.

I have not used the Pacifica, but I know a couple of guys who own & love it.

[Nomadgtr]

Hi John,

I've been pondering the same issue lately but in my research I also realized I needed to upgrade my AD convertor as well. Given my budgetary limits I'm now considering an API A2D as a solid solution. I'm not sure if you're in need of a better AD convertor or not but I'm now becoming obsessed with my whole signal chain for recording just like I did when building a guitar rig. What mic(s) are you using btw?

[John Czajkowski]

Thanks guys,

For additional info, I've got all the other bases totally covered. Sick rooms, PT HD2 with 192 AD/DA yada yada.

[Denyle_Guitars]

I have both and there's no bad choice but I won't attempt to describe them in full here. I will say I think the Pacifica is the more aggressive of the two through the mids, where their differences are most apparent. I was absolutely blown away when I first used the Great River. The Pacifica didn't have that same wow factor out of the box but I've been favoring it lately for most things, a few ribbon mics not withstanding. If I had to do an entire album with just one, I'd probably choose the Pacifica (at least today).

[nbarts]

Big thumbs up for the Pacifica!

However for your situation API 3124 would be a smarter choice IMO, 2 extra channels for which I'm sure you will find use. This way at least you can run your kick, snare & OHs through a good pre.

[John Czajkowski]

Thanks for the advice guys. I just scored a used Pacifica for $1600, so I guess I'll just see now for myself.

[elambo]

Originally Posted by John Czajkowski

Thanks for the advice guys. I just scored a used Pacifica for $1600, so I guess I'll just see now for myself.

Congrats! I was gonna suggest the Pacifica but it doesn't matter now. I bet you'll be very happy. Let us know what you think of it.