I've had my stuff for a few days, but just now got the time to plug anything in. (Not even racked, just plopped it on the desk). I got an ACM 3 & an ACM 310--which I also got last year, so I'm not jumping to check them out. (I obviously liked 'em--I got one more of each). Also got a 100 which I haven't checked out yet.
My main interest was the pair of 1200's and the pair of 73 pres. I plugged in the 1200's and one of the preamps. With no burn in time, I just started playing with the patterns on the 1200 and talking into the mic through the 73.
Initial impressions...
For those who said the 1200 was on the thin side--did you have the bass roll-off engaged? Seriously, mine sound thick and full--at least on my voice. Even set to omni, it still a good amount of oomph.
My pre has that pop others were talking about. (At the least the one I checked.) Going from the 5th to the 6th (or is it 6 to 7?) click on the gain produces a really loud pop/beep. Odd. Have I missed a discussion on what's causing that?
The pre itself sounds great. Mostly I can compare it to my old standby ART MPA Gold, and the 73 is more detailed and open. Sorry for the vague terms but that the best I can describe it now. The EQ is very usable. I was dialing up one heckuva radio voice--and it was much quieter than some other pres I have with EQ engaged. And gain? Tons of gain. Maybe my ART is broken and I'm just now discovering it, but there was no comparison in terms of clean usable gain.
Those are my initial thoughts. Very worth the money. And then some. I'm really excited to get recording with this stuff.
So since it is now officially Thanksgiving, let me say Thank You to Chance & Terry for all your work. We really do appreciate it! I thank God you guys were moved and motivated to serve us all in this way.