I realize that the choice is pretty much made at this point but I would like to throw something out there for others that may be looking at this thread. I have searched hi and low for awhile to get something that would be quality yet economical. From all of the professionals I have talked to, and from reading on these sites I have come to the conclusion that the most important thing you need concerning a pre is that it is a great preamp. What I mean is that you are going to have a lot of different tonal varieties which is good to have, however I feel it would be better to have two channels of very good pre, than 10 channels of budget pre's. Even though they would give you more variety, I think
a John Hardy M-1 would give more professionalism to the overall sound. I would like to hear comments on this statement. No I have finally ended my search (for my current needs), and am going with a rack of Old School Audio pre's. Check out Dale's site (
www.oldschoolaudio.com) to get the whole scoop, and search on R.A.P. and here for more). Nathan who posted earlier (atlas pro audio) is a fan. I have not had the opportunity to hear these yet so you can take this with a grain of salt, but I have yet to find anything negative about these pres anywhere. They are mainly based off of the API pre's but only one is really that close. He has 4 main versions:
MP1-C This is the vintage style that is very similar to API, some say identical in sound to the 312's that Brent Averill racks.
MP1-A Kind of like the C version but with an extended high end, and less of a bunp in the mids. Said to be a great work horse that works on about anything.
MP1-L This has the Lundahl 1538XL input transformer and has huge lows, mids, and silky highs. This has been compared to the Averill neve style pre's with a clearer high end.
Who have to buy a rack first which will house any API 500 series modules, and then you can just keep popping in new modules as you need them. with upcoming EQ's, 3 new compressors, and a new class A pre this box can become one of the most versatile options out there. His 8 channel box is around $500, and each module around $450 It is by no means a budget pre, but can save some bucks down the road every time you want to add another channel or new color.
To see more info on them talk to Nathan and look at his review for these three pres. Dale is currently building me an 11 module rack with 2 A series, a C, and an L. I will let ya know how they are when I recieve them. I have no affiliation with Old School Audio but I just want to get the word out a little bit.
