Best 2 ch Preamp for under 2,000 used?

  • Thread starter Thread starter antispatula
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antispatula

antispatula

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I just recorded an entire album with my mackie cr1604's pres. Time for a major upgrade. Any suggestions would be great. I want a USED preamp, hopefully around the 1,500 range. Thanks.
 
sage se-1, $600 each. or if you're up for DIY, Seventh Circle Preamps. They make API and Neve clones, the API clones people seem to like even better than the real API pres. (i just bought it, it should be here anyday... i am really excited). and those are really expandable for cheap.
 
Yeah, you could get an api lunchbox and get a couple of a-designs p-1's, api 512c's or purple biz pre's, and then have extra spaces in the rack to expand for later.
There are so many good choices in that price range, which besides offering different bells and whistles (eq's from simple hi pass, to shelving, to full parametric and/or compressors) and falling on different sides of the transparent/charactered philosophy.
 
I have one of these . Ive used it on just about everything with good results. It does have its sound though,but it should be a good step up from the Mackie.
 
You do NOT have to buy used in that price range, there are some great two channel preamps between $1,500 and 2,000. Here's a few to consider with street prices in that range:

Neve Portico 5012
Millenia HV-3C
John Hardy M-2
Presonus ADL 600
Grace 201
Speck MicPre 5.0 (pair)

Or as has been mentioned, an API rack with preamp modules. One I would consider for that setup is the Purple "BIZ" preamp.

Any of these is a huge upgrade over the Mackie preamps you've been using.
 
I've never heard one single person complain about the sound of an adl-600. Yes it's a Presonus but anything Anthony Demeria's(sp?) name's on has to be quality.
 
hey thanks for the advice guys, I think I'm leaning towards the neve portico. It's 2 channels and it's right in my price range!
 
Kasey said:
the API clones people seem to like even better than the real API pres
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I keep hearing propaganda like this, but then I also work with a lot of people who have actually tried both but have never ran into one who preferred anything but the real deal.....
 
In your price range, most stuff is just different flavors of good. I'd concur with the API rack suggestion. Lots of flexibility and room for future expansion. I've got a couple lunch boxes and have slowly added modules as I've had the disposable income and the need. Currently have 2 512c, an A-Designs P-1 and a Purple Biz for pres in one box. Another consideration in the used category is a Pendulum MDP-1. Very nice very high quality tube pre. Since I don't know what you are recording, it's hard to suggest flavors.
 
SonicAlbert said:
You do NOT have to buy used in that price range, there are some great two channel preamps between $1,500 and 2,000. Here's a few to consider with street prices in that range:

Neve Portico 5012
Millenia HV-3C
John Hardy M-2
Presonus ADL 600
Grace 201
Speck MicPre 5.0 (pair)

Or as has been mentioned, an API rack with preamp modules. One I would consider for that setup is the Purple "BIZ" preamp.

Any of these is a huge upgrade over the Mackie preamps you've been using.
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Those are definately some good preamps there. While listening to the ListeningSessions, I fell in love with the Speck. I'd go through most of the samples and pick my favorite ones to decide my next purchase for my studio, and the Speck was my favorite for almost all of them.
 
I got to use an Amek Pure Path unit a while back, and I gotta say it was one of the most impressive sounding units I have ever heard, and I have heard a LOT of high end pre's! I tried several different mics on vocal, acoustic guitar, and electric guitar, and it simply sounded YUMMY no matter what went through it!

That will be my big dollar preamp purchase in the future! Nothing else will do!
 
mrbowes said:
A-Designs Pacifica or Great River ME-2NV. I've used both of these units and they are very versatile and will work well recording anything.
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Yup! That would be my recommendation!
 
antispatula said:
hey thanks for the advice guys, I think I'm leaning towards the neve portico. It's 2 channels and it's right in my price range!
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Good direction to lean. Nice pre-amp. I might have to get one myself as I have used one and really like it.
 
Ford Van said:
I got to use an Amek Pure Path unit a while back, and I gotta say it was one of the most impressive sounding units I have ever heard, and I have heard a LOT of high end pre's! I tried several different mics on vocal, acoustic guitar, and electric guitar, and it simply sounded YUMMY no matter what went through it!

That will be my big dollar preamp purchase in the future! Nothing else will do!
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"You must spread some mo' luv around b-4 giving some luv to Ford/sonus/Ed"!
 
Look into the Dav BG series. I really like mine, and prefer it to some other high-end stuff I'ver used.

[Edit: never mind, you already are...]


And no, you can't call me Ray.
 
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I picked up the Portico for $1500 not too long ago. Great preamp.
 
MCI2424 said:
Good direction to lean. Nice pre-amp. I might have to get one myself as I have used one and really like it.
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Hey ACOREC, wasssssup my man!! :) Hope everything's well with you and yours!!!
Happy New Year my brutha'!!!
 
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