API 3124+ vs API 3124MB+

antichef

antichef

pornk rock
For a while, I've been planning to get an API 3124+ 4 channel preamp. I'm aware that they have this other 3124MB+ model that costs $6 or 7 hundred more.

My thought is that the MB model has features that would be helpful for mixing and output, and are sort of aimed at use for sound reinforcement, and less useful for me, since I don't do sound reinforcement work and I already have my (home) studio mixing and analog output needs addressed in another way. For this reason, my plan is to just go with the regular 3124+.

Of course, I would be using analog outs, but they'd go straight to my interface.

Does this sound accurate? Anyone with more info?
 
I'm-a-bump this one time. I've been researching some more for the last week and still don't really get it - it could be that the MB is helpful for OTB mixing in the studio, which I guess I don't really plan to do, either.
 
Looks like there are three primary differences.
The MB also includes
  1. Transformer Balanced Outputs
  2. Insert on each channel
  3. Mix buss
Though I couldn't find any info on whether it was just the "mix" output that was balance...

Nothing that you'll really need in a studio environment, but could be pretty cool depending on your personal application
 
I went ahead and bought a 3124+ used at GS. UPS says it gets here tomorrow! I won't be able to try it out until next week :(

The seller (who may also have an account here, I don't know) also threw in a two channel attenuator, since there's no output gain control on these - schweet! I can see myself having to get another one, because I plan to use all 4 channels at once - I think 2 for overheads and 2 for the snare. I can use ACMP pres for the other drums.
 
So far I like it! I'm running it without the attenuator, but I can tell I'll need the attenuator for loud stuff like drums. I can't turn up the preamp gain very far without clipping the converter input. I guess I could use a compressor, but I'd rather not (and I'm not gonna go buy a compressor of the same caliber anytime soon).

I've tried vocals and DI electric guitar. The sound is "fast" (catching more detail than, say, my ACMP73), and there's a wholeness/completeness aspect that's missing with my other pres (the ACMP73 is maybe "thicker", though). Sorry for the subjectivity. In some ways, it seems larger than life, which isn't always going to be good, but will be very good for some things.

*And* to echo what's being said in a contemporaneous thread, I certainly did not just buy a dollar for dollar increase in the quality of my recordings - if that's what I was going for, I'd be pretty disappointed right now. It was more that 1) I just sold my old house and had G.A.S., 2) I was curious about "high end" stuff, and 3) I'm pretty sure I can sell it for what I paid for it if I have to.

Back to trying to improve songwriting and performance, and trying to find the *time* to do the *work* that's required to make good recordings - that's where the low hanging fruit is for me.
 
I've been wondering too

I am glad to hear of your experiment and look forward to your results.
I have been using a couple of ACMP73s for drums also (Snare and Kick) and a RNP for overheads and a ART MPA for toms.

I have been really considering the API mainly because it seems people say "there is no better" for drums.
I guess that is not to say there aren't "as good" that are cheaper.
I really can't afford 8 channels of it....
I am about to experiment with the Precision 8 (8 channel pres.)

I'll share my results if your share yours.....
 
you bet - I'll inflict... ahem... share my results when I get them - I'm currently without much of a drum set, so that's a setback. I record others from time to time (who have drums), and I'll try and get permission to share something like that if the opportunity arises.
 
From what I remember about then,the 3124 reminded me of my 512c pres on drums. Its a very nice box, no doubt about it.
If all I had to use were those pres for my entire kit,...Id be happy. Great guitar sound too.
 
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