Can You Have Too Many Valves In The Signal Chain?

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Vikki

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Well this is my recording setup, Ridge Farms valve di, calrec solid state eq, la2a. valve compressor. I don't have the mics yet but can you have too many valves in the signal chain, best to buy a solid state mic?
Vikki(uk)
 
Minimal signal chain is best, IMO... don't put extraneous outboard in between the mic preamp and the recorder unless you're actually using it.
 
It all depends on what is pleasing to your ears and/or what type of tone you are going after. 35 years ago all they had was tubes on tubes so basically the answer is no.

That said, you are going to have to try some different mics because you can experience too much build up in certain frequencies that turns to mush or fuzziness. If you're going for the big vocal, i.e. Celine Dion, then that would probably not be desired. If you're going for in-yer-face, fat, tube sat vocal for rap or hip hop, even some rock, then you could be fine.

As a general rule, a tube preamp, in my project studio, gets matched with a non tube mic. Not always however. In reverse, I find that my tube mics tend to get better results with a solid state preamp.

It all depends on your style of music and the tonality you are trying to get. You didn't specify what you were recording but it looks like an instrument with that direct box in the chain. If this is for guitar or bass, then you may have too many valves there and things could get a little mushy.
 
Yes. You need get rid of your LA2A immediately, lest your tracks suffer from Valve overload.

I can help you with this. I have several solid state comps, and I will even be generous enough to send you all of them in exchange for your LA2A. I figure it's the least I can do to help out someone in need.
 
Hey
Its only a home brew la2a, i built it with the help of my dad. I think there's about4 valves in there. Nice sound or what.
Vikki(uk)
 
An LA2A is a solid state opto compressor made by Universal Audio (or urei), what exactly did you and your dad make?
 
Well not that actual one but another of the same design.
Vikki
 
opto is the compression trigger but there are tubes in there too.
 
cool! now I've got something to do in the slow season. thank you
 
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