colored preamp

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jhag

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I have decided (I think) on a Sebatron 2000e for recording Southern Gospel Vocals (sounds kind of like modern country). Could someone tell me if they think this unit may be too colored for this type of vocal. I am recording completely digital so I am looking for something soft, "fluffy", but fat. The only thing that I am hesitant about is, would this pre sound better on Rock or Pop vocals instead of the kind I'm recording? Thanks!!
 
The Seb sounds good. Period. IMO. It is also a very versatile preamp (with the pads and eq switches). Put a mic in front of it and record away.
 
"Southern Gospel Vocals", huh?

Cool...that is exactly what I do.

I have heard some good things about the Sebatron stuff, though I have never personally used it (nor heard it, for that matter). However, when you get up into that price range I think you will like just about everything.

I, too, just recently (as in, this week) upgraded my pre. I spent alot of time researching. Some of the folks who helped me most were "Dot" on this forum (A.K.A. Dan Richards) and Todd at SoundPure.com . Another valuable resource was Dan's website http://www.thelisteningsessions.com , where you can actually listen to clips of different pre and mic combos.

I, too, wanted the rich and full and in your face kind of sound. Something that would cut through the mix yet still sound natural and warm. At first, I was recommended the Universal Audio 2-610. I got a good deal on one, so I ordered it. It did sound nice and rich and warm. However, I sometimes do TONS of vocal tracks (as you know being in SGM yourself). 4 parts plus stacks. So I didn't want the "color" of that pre to get in the way. So, to test it I recorded myself singing 4 parts, 4 times each (16 tracks total). Just what I feared...the definition of the tracks was totally lost in the "color". It became rather mushy sounding. :(

So I returned it.

My search narrowed down my choices to 4:

Avalon 2022
John Hardy M1
A Designs MP-2
Great River MP-2NV

I ended up going with the A Designs (mostly because I felt my current mics would benefit most from this pre's character and sound). The A Designs is also a tube pre (like the 2-610). However, unlike the 2-610, the "color" is is slight and doesn't get in the way. I did my "16 voice" test again on the A Designs and there was a rather substantial difference in the sound. The voices were crisp and defined yet rich and warm.

Anyways...I hope this helps.

Do you record any SGM groups? I have been around it for years and even traveled with my family full-time for 12 years. My daughter has married into a full-time group, the Needhams (whom I just recorded their Christmas album for, by the way). Perhaps we have some mutual friends...
 
justharold

Thanks for the reply. Its awefully nice to hear from someone recording my type of music! I have been with a SG Trio for 10 years now. The past year and a half I have been putting together the goods to record our own projects and like I said earlier, I'm looking for a good 2 channel pre. I currently have a Grace 101, which is not bad, but I'm looking to step it up a notch. The pre's you mentioned (John Hardy, GR, Avalon) I've looked at, but due to funds, I leaned toward the Seb.

I understand what your saying about the multiple vocal tracks. Since I'll be laying down 3 vocal w/ 3 stacks each, I wonder if the seb will add too much coloration.

Thanks again for the feedback.
 
If I'm not mistaken, the Sebatron is a tube pre. You will have to be careful with any tube that it doesn't overdo the coloration.

However, that being said, since you already have a Grace 101...you could track your primary vox on the Sebatron, and then run the stacks through your Grace.

You might want to look into the A Designs MP-2 that I mentioned as well. It should be pretty close to your price range (I paid around $1400 for mine). It is probably one of the cleanest tubes around.

Your starting into this for exactly the same reason that I did. Except, I sang with my family (who have all since "married off"). Now I am starting a bit of a business recording other folks (as well as preaching around some). Tell me...do you folks have a website? Mine is http://www.theburrellfamily.com . Do you have any current recordings? I would love to hear you.
 
Toft atc-2 is a great strip(around $900 - $1000)
The safe sound P1 is also very nice ($500)
 
Yeh, actually we do have a website:

www.finalauthorityquartet.com

you notice its still "quartet" but our bass singer left and we haven't replaced him. Our latest recording is not on there. On it, I did most of the mixing but vocals were recorded elsewhere. This time, were leasing trax and I'm doing the rest @ my place.
 
Go with a Great River. Smooth with a warm "coloration" more apparent on hi-end 'densers in the mid freq'ys! I think this would m=be an excellent choice for gospel.
 
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