Before I order this pre....

[AllOrNothinEnt]

A producer I know told me about the Focusrite Liquid Channel, explained the sampling, and I was real impressed by that, but before I drop $3,300 for it, there's one more pre I seen, and I'd like everyones opinion, or, if you feel I could better better quality on a diff unit, feel free to say so.

I seen an Apogee Trak2, now, I have NO clue about Apogees, never used em, it's slightly less than the one above, but from what I heard, Apogee convertes are top notch.

So, of these 2, which would be a better choice?
Or, if you know of another, feel free to drop a link, I wanna make sure the pre I get this time, is the one Ill keep for a while.

[Massive Master]

Liquid channel is pretty amazing -

Trak2 is also pretty amazing...

Just my thing - If I were tracking and mixing like I used to, I'd probably go with the LC - It's way flexible, sounds wonderful, has cool compression, A-D/D-A also if I'm not mistaken. However, it certainly is a lot for a single channel...

The Trak2 on the other hand is (A) two channels, (B) less spiffy stuff, but great sound also, (C) Apogee A-D converters which are IMO, The (capital "T" with an "eee" sound at the end) best there is.

I'd do a little more research and testing on these two units... That's some serious cash to part with. You don't want to be saying "I wish I woulda" later...

John Scrip - www.massivemastering.com

[MrGrooves]

the LC sure has A/D D/A, as it works on "dynamic" convolution. Its the emulation thingy, needs to be done in the digital domain (DSP thing). As far as the Trak 2, you'll probably be better off getting some of the other bad ass pre's reccomended here, and a separate converter.

[Rev E]

I don't think the Trak 2 and the Liquid Channel are an apples to apples comparison. As noted above, the Trak 2 is just an Apogee solution for getting a good converter in the same package as a decent preamp. Personally, I don't hear of many folks running out to get an Apogee preamp, but the converters are another story.

On the other hand, the Liquid Channel promises a bit more in the models of preamps and compressors. And, if the claims are true will have folks running out to get the processing/pre and comp. models. Personally, I've always been a bit conservative on newer gear, even stuff that everyone says is the cat's meow. Also, I don't like digital processing unless I want to use it. I don't want to be forced into someone else's interpretation of a preamp... I'd rather use the original for myself... but that's just me and admitedly, some of the Liquid Channel preamp and compressor models are esoteric, out of date preamps that I could hardly get even if I had Bill Gates' pocket book... not to even mention maintenance.

That said, if YOU feel "peace" about the Liquid Channel decision then follow your heart. Don't let us change your mind. As long as you've been informed of the costs then go for it if it still feels right. $3,300 is quite a chunk of change to spend on one piece BUT if that piece is worth it then jump in without regrets if you feel at peace. Don't worry about us, we'll be happy and salivating regardless of whatever you get... for $3,300 ... I'm already salivating in anticipation of whatever you chose.

[Richard Monroe]

For that kind of cabbage, I'd buy separate units for more versatility- say Avalon AD2022 and a Lucid AD9624- almost exactly the same price.-Richie

[AllOrNothinEnt]

I really like the idea of having the ability to change to like.. 40 diff pre's, and 40 diff compressors, and Im just in love with the look of it, so, I think this will be the one I get.

Thanks for the help everyone.

[StevenLindsey]

I think I'd get some real pres compressers and escape the all-in-one marketing hype. Escape while you still can.

[StevenLindsey]

I think I'd get some real pres compressers and escape the all-in-one marketing hype. Escape while you still can.

[StevenLindsey]

I think I'd get some real pres compressers and escape the all-in-one marketing hype. Escape while you still can.

[StevenLindsey]

stupid slow posting machine.....

[MISTERQCUE]

Originally posted by StevenLindsey
I think I'd get some real pres compressers and escape the all-in-one marketing hype. Escape while you still can.

I agree!

[Teacher]

make sure you listen to the liquid channel with your EARS not your EYES cuz with 3300 you can pretty much get any pre you want.

[AllOrNothinEnt]

I haven't purchased it yet, as I'm still keeping my options open, but I do still like the idea of all those pre's and compressor's on it.

I heard someone in another post mention a Phoenix pre.

I'll explain what sound I'm looking for, maybe that will help a bit.

I was going to purchase the Lynx L22, But at the last moment went ahead and got the Two-B instead, so that is the soundcard I will be working with.

As far as mics go, I'll be working with a Rode K2, Baby Blue Bottle, Studio Projects C1, At4047, Shure KSM-27, and MXL V67G.
I figure this will cover a wide base of vocal types.

I'll be using Event SP8's for monitors.

So now the sound I want.
I want a clean sound, no grittyness, a clean sound, something like a Kanye West sound.

[Teacher]

if it was me i'd spend 1000 on a pre like the phoenix DRS-1 and 1100 on a soundelux u195 that should get you close to those kanye/jay-z etc vox

[Rev E]

The Phoenix DRS-1 and the Soundelux U195 are exactly what I bought and .... man oh man what a powerful combination! Right there on the level. From the level of that combo and up, I can easily imagine that there is "different" in terms of using other mics and high end pres in the vocal chain. But for rap vocals I doubt that much else is "better" (at least on a quantifiable scale ... especially given the kinds of compression that goes on with rap vocals.

If I didn't run out of money, I would have added an (Empirical Labs Distressor), but that's about it. Maybe an EQ (Speck maybe ... but no personal experience with the Speck... all I know are the ravings that I hear on Gearslutz.com).

Don't forget to add an UAD-1 card to that chain.

[AllOrNothinEnt]

Do either of you have an audio sample I can hear?
I'm going to hear the Focusrite in a few days, so I'd love to be able to compare the 2 pre's.

[Rev E]

Like i said, I just got the mic and pre and I'm still putting it through the paces. I've got a rapper coming in to record in the next few days. I'll try to clear the use of a sample for you to hear.

[Teacher]

http://www.sicbeats.com/audios/SIC-firstlesson.mp3

this was done with CAD m9 into RNP. all the tracks were tracked thru the RNP...yea i know its none of your choices but you figure the RNP is a stepp down from the DRS-1 and the CAD m9 probably is a stepp down from the Soundelux U195. But all this is still dependent on your mixing knowledge and experience...better gear just makes it much easier to make it sound good...