Could use help selecting a preamp

[Brian Scherzer]

After several years of not using my basement studio, and having sold off most of my good gear, I'm looking to get going again. My main need is to catch up with preamps. The recording setup is old, but still quite servicable. Here's what's left:

Mac G4 450 Dual Processor (SCSI)
Glyph 9 gig external drive (SCSI)
Glyph 40 gig external Drive (SCSI)
CD Burner
Digi001
JBL LSR4328P Monitors (just purchased)

I do realize that my gear is old, but I'm not ready to upgrade any of the current stuff until I'm feeling comfortable again with what I'm doing. I'm not in need of a lot of pre's since I tend to do one instrument at a time (no drums) and single vocals. In the past I owned an Avalon VT-737S, a Joe Meek, and a Great River. I liked the Avalon the best. It just seemed warmer and gave me a lot of control. I would consider buying another but wanted to ask for people's thoughts on a good main preamp that most things would be recorded through. I'm sure that a lot has changed since I last sat knew what was going on.

[jefesq]

Look through back issues of Tape OP. You know the free magazine that Larry Crane puts out. They always have great reviews with all kinds of high roller producer types chiming in.

Or.... try here

may find something in the gear section

http://messageboard.tapeop.com/

or try Fletcher at Mercenary Audio

http://www.mercenary.com/

He gave a lesson at a studio I took some classes at.

HTH

[JCM 800]

The Great River is excellent. Also check out API preamps.

[Jack Bulter]

If you got a Lunchbox you could gat a Great River and an API for less than the Avalon. Just a thought.

[2leod]

Based on your setup, I would suggest the Sebatron VMP2000eVU two channel preamp. Great value at $750.00 per channel and very versatile in application. I think, though, the limitation is going to be the converters in the 001 - somewhat grainy and flat by today's technology.

[Glide]

Do searches at www.recording.org and http://studio-central.com/phpbb/index.php

[chrisgraff]

I've tracked guitars through just about every one of them. My favorites, (in no particular order):

Gordon Audio Model 3
Neve 1073
API 312 (although the 512c sounds pretty darn close).

I love the Gordon because it makes everything sound bigger than life.

I love the Neve for the low-mid thickness that makes guitar amps sound ballsy. Btw, it has been my experience that most Neve clones don't have that quality.

I love the API because it is a perfect marriage of punch and clarity, and all the while ROCK. Works on anything and everything.

FWIW, I own an API and am soon getting a Gordon. I used to own a Great River "NV"; sold it after a/b'ing it with the Gordon.

[teXum]

Originally Posted by 2leod

Based on your setup, I would suggest the Sebatron VMP2000eVU two channel preamp. Great value at $750.00 per channel and very versatile in application. I think, though, the limitation is going to be the converters in the 001 - somewhat grainy and flat by today's technology.

Does the 001 have SPDIF ins, like the 002/003 have? In that case, I'd look at getting a good two channel pres, among the several mentioned here (for Neve, go Brent Averill 1073, or Great River/API/Aurora GTQ2), AND get a good stereo AD converter to go with those pres. You'll really not be able to make full use of top end pres, unless you have better converters than the stock 001s, IMHO

OR: you could take a closer look at some integrated solutions, like the API A2D, or AMS Neve DPD, excellent pres, which have good, built-in converters.

[KRosser]

Originally Posted by chrisgraff

I love the Neve for the low-mid thickness that makes guitar amps sound ballsy. Btw, it has been my experience that most Neve clones don't have that quality.

Even the Vintech? From what I understand they actually went back to the same schematics & components?

[chrisgraff]

Originally Posted by KRosser

Even the Vintech? From what I understand they actually went back to the same schematics & components?

The Vintech is fine. I've used their 1272 & 1073 many times. But a/b'd against the real thing, it "almost" sounds as good. It's a low mid thing.

Just my opinion.

[MichaelK]

Hi Brian - if you liked the Avalon the best back then, you probably still will.
You can find them on eBay for about $1000 - 1100.

[loudboy]

I'll third the lunchbox.

Loudboy

[sethmeister]

I'll fourth that lunchbox.

A channel of API, one of Great River or other Neve flavor, channels left over for future additions... You can even put a channel of API EQ in there later on!

[Brian Scherzer]

I'm going to take a listen to the UA solo 610 pre, which might fill the bill for a tube pre and leave me money left over for another flavor.

[jawjatek]

I am in a similar situation with my home project studio, and I went with an API lunchbox and a 512C to start. Then, I found a used Purple Biz, and next I will probably blow some of my tax refund on a P-1 or GR.

I also am building a DIY "G9" dual tube mic pre. With these and the preamps in my RME interface and my mixer, I'll be pretty well fixed for preamps - time to start collecting some mics!