DMP3 vs. Sytek

[cominginsecond]

Does anyone have both of these pres? If so, how would you characterize the differences between them?

[chessrock]

Kinda' similar, for the most part.

Not really a huge gap separating the two, in terms of sound quality, I don't think.

Although there are some differences that can be heard when it comes to drum overheads, kick or snare. A little more depth / dimension with the Sytek when it comes to transient-rich stuff like drums. And the JFET channels on the Sytek have a certain character to them that is useful on some things.

[notCardio]

Are they also similar in gain and input impedance? What model of Sytek BTW? Also, someone (I believe it was you, Chess, but I could be wrong) once said that a certain model of Sytek was an industry standard (like the RE-20) for radio broadcast and VO. Could you refresh my memory on what model that was?

[chessrock]

Actually, you're thinking of the Symetrix 528.

Not too long ago, a very large portion of the 30 and 60 second spots you hear on the radio were done with an RE-20 or SM-7 in to a Symetrix 528.

Sound quality is good, it's very versatile. Good preamp, good EQ, good comp and de-esser. One of the sleeper audio bargains out there.

The symetrix stuff is on a similar level as the DMP-3, while the Sytek would be a step above.

[notCardio]

I have another question about that, but I'll put it in a separate post. I'm trying to get away from hijacking other people's threads.

[notCardio]

Chessrock,

Since you say the Symetrix is roughly equivalent to the DMP-3, with the Sytek a step above, where would you rank the Rane in that group?

Also, not to recreate the V67G vs V67B debate, but is the Rane MS-1b the same as the MS-1?

Thanks.

[Rev E]

Originally posted by Cardioidpotent
Chessrock,
Also, not to recreate the V67G vs V67B debate, but is the Rane MS-1b the same as the MS-1?

Thanks.

No, they're a bit different. The b version is supposed to have improved sonics from the use of a Burr Brown op amp. I'm not sure how this translates to sound. I have not heard either unit, but they are different.

[chessrock]

Originally posted by Cardioidpotent
Since you say the Symetrix is roughly equivalent to the DMP-3, with the Sytek a step above, where would you rank the Rane in that group?

Maybe somewhere between the two? Hard to say.

Also, not to recreate the V67G vs V67B debate, but is the Rane MS-1b the same as the MS-1?

Like RevE mentions, the B versions use what is supposed to be a better instrument amp (Burr-Brown INA163).

[eeldip]

well, considering that the rane ms1b has a pretty big roll off at 50 hz, it distinguishes itself from the rest of the pres for sure. not that you NEED much info below 50 hz for many sources.... but bass instruments can really benefit from it....

also, the symetrix can have some pretty simple mods installed that take it up a peg so to speak. it has a really terrible sounding opamp at its output stage.... i have no way to back this up WHATSOEVER, but my guess is that a modded symetrix gets you to sytek quality (at about $100 a channel).

[notCardio]

The Symetrix 528 is a single channel at about $600. Am I missing a point here?