Matching API to Digital?

[mixsit]

Over on another forum (GearSluts) someone mentioned that while API pres were a known excellent choice for many things, that coupled to an all digital system, they could be a a poor match, ending up too hard or forward.
I've read here that they are one of the first choices, especially for drums. I have them in mind as one of a few I should try. (Hopefully to end up with somethig in this range and a very accurate set.)
No tape here, so would this be a factor that might preclude them?
Thanks in advance.
Wayne

 

[sjoko2]

API pres are very good indeed (all models, but some are better than others).

Regarding the "coupled to an all digital stream" - that is utter bullshit. A good pre is a good pre - period. The proviso is, the quality you will get will be as good as your recording system's quality will allow it to be.

 

[meriphew]

I have an API 3124+, and I record digitally. I use the API mainly on drums, bass, and keys. It sounds really nice. Whoever made a blanket statement that API and digital don't mix was talking out of their ass.

________________
Post indie electronic
Meriphew
www.meriphew.com

 

[mixsit]

I may have overstated the intent using the term 'poor'.
API on drums have such a good rep, I'm looking forward to learning first hand what it's about. But like most with limited means I will want good utility from just a few choices.
Still fishing...
Wayne

 

[meriphew]

API is one of those pre's that you will never outgrow. It's a pro as they get, and as good sounding as they get.

________________
Post indie electronic
Meriphew
www.meriphew.com

 

[pipelineaudio]

Just to be the devil's advocate here...the API pre's have historically been the angriest of the "pro" preamps. In their consoles and lunchboxes any third party they brought was also the angriest in the field, I submit my favorite EQ's, the Aengus graphics that API would distribute.
Because of most digital's predisposition to get " angry" maybe the guy has a point.

I'll keep using my API's tho, not saying theyre a poor match, just that care must be taken, that you wouldnt have to take on analog...

of course on analog youd have to be riding the rails on an API to keep above tape hiss