V
vanguard
New member
zbert said:
yeah. I got my toft from that place. I was stoked to find it at that price.
yeah. I got my toft from that place. I was stoked to find it at that price.
S
Sporkmyband
New member
About the UA stuff
Well, Dot, I'm checking up on the api stuff, but I want magic. I mean I know a guy who has racks of manley stuff and he wouldn't stop bragging about getting his new APIs for Christmas. Is it magical? I want something that gives it that "extra" something. A special presence(is that spelled right?). Not just like a BBE enhance sound, but that extra sweetness you know. I mean, I hate to use this example but have you heard the ashlee simpson stuff. I mean, I really don't like her at all ( you know the girl getting all the bad wrap about the lipsyncing stuff...). There is some FINE sound to her voice on there, and are you familiar with the sound of Jimmy Eat World that I mentioned. If not, you should consider it. Its what the kids are listening to...LOL (like myself). Descripe API. Come from the standpoint of what I am familiar with. JoeMeek...and integrated pres on a Yammie Aw4416...and DBX stuff. Is it at all possible for you to describe. I mean, listening to stuff on your site helps, but tell me from your mouth (or your keyboard). How do you describe them. PUNCHY as HELL....REALLY ALIVE? And next, assuming I know what to do engineer-wise, is it gonna give me a leg up with an API and make those vocals seem alive, assuming I'm doing the right thing on my end by singing well. Or am I gonna feel like my NTK sounds like it does through my other stuff. Because I CAN tell a difference in the one's that i have. But I want to jump further. Not a 4,000 jump, but you know what I mean.
Well, Dot, I'm checking up on the api stuff, but I want magic. I mean I know a guy who has racks of manley stuff and he wouldn't stop bragging about getting his new APIs for Christmas. Is it magical? I want something that gives it that "extra" something. A special presence(is that spelled right?). Not just like a BBE enhance sound, but that extra sweetness you know. I mean, I hate to use this example but have you heard the ashlee simpson stuff. I mean, I really don't like her at all ( you know the girl getting all the bad wrap about the lipsyncing stuff...). There is some FINE sound to her voice on there, and are you familiar with the sound of Jimmy Eat World that I mentioned. If not, you should consider it. Its what the kids are listening to...LOL (like myself). Descripe API. Come from the standpoint of what I am familiar with. JoeMeek...and integrated pres on a Yammie Aw4416...and DBX stuff. Is it at all possible for you to describe. I mean, listening to stuff on your site helps, but tell me from your mouth (or your keyboard). How do you describe them. PUNCHY as HELL....REALLY ALIVE? And next, assuming I know what to do engineer-wise, is it gonna give me a leg up with an API and make those vocals seem alive, assuming I'm doing the right thing on my end by singing well. Or am I gonna feel like my NTK sounds like it does through my other stuff. Because I CAN tell a difference in the one's that i have. But I want to jump further. Not a 4,000 jump, but you know what I mean.
S
Sporkmyband
New member
Another thing about the API
That power box is *not trying to sound like fletcher...LOL No offense Fletch, I'm a fan of you too...yes DOT and FLETCH* but FUCKING expensive compared to the pre. Would the LUNCHBOX not be a cheaper thing than the rackmount 2 space? Let me know...THANKS And please tell me about what you hear from those UA units...PLEASE
That power box is *not trying to sound like fletcher...LOL No offense Fletch, I'm a fan of you too...yes DOT and FLETCH* but FUCKING expensive compared to the pre. Would the LUNCHBOX not be a cheaper thing than the rackmount 2 space? Let me know...THANKS And please tell me about what you hear from those UA units...PLEASE
D
Dot
New member
Spork, yes, sure you could get the API Audio 500-6B lunchbox for even less. And that and the 512C would run much less than $1300. And if you wanted some compression you'd have enough left for an FMR RNC or an ART Pro VLA. Or - later on - you could get an API 525 comp/limiter.
The power supply in any pre is going to cost you part of the total price. With API they just happen to be separate products. And every time you buy a separate pre - you pay extra for the power supply. If you got one of the API power supply/rack modules - then you'd only be paying for the power supply once. And could add API pres, eq's, comps in the future without paying for an additional power supply.
Is API magical? Hell, yes. That's why I recommend it to you - especially for the kind of stuff you listed and what you want to do. API is a classic rock sound. And API is a classic sound - period. API is "punchy", "energetic" and tight on the low-end. API is somewhat colored, but not too colored. Great for using over lots of tracks.
The power supply in any pre is going to cost you part of the total price. With API they just happen to be separate products. And every time you buy a separate pre - you pay extra for the power supply. If you got one of the API power supply/rack modules - then you'd only be paying for the power supply once. And could add API pres, eq's, comps in the future without paying for an additional power supply.
Is API magical? Hell, yes. That's why I recommend it to you - especially for the kind of stuff you listed and what you want to do. API is a classic rock sound. And API is a classic sound - period. API is "punchy", "energetic" and tight on the low-end. API is somewhat colored, but not too colored. Great for using over lots of tracks.
S
Sporkmyband
New member
Don't forget about the UA stuff
Okay? I want to know what you think. Some men are attracted to women with blond hair, I am attracted to gear with tubes...LOL Have you heard the M-610 compared to your API's yet or not? I mean, YOU are the man to be asking these questions. Sorry, but you are the Preamp GOD! So another thing in comparison to the Hardy, Great River...all that...the API still does it. I mean, I was re-listening to some stuff on the listening sessions and the API had some extra life it seemed, but it wasn't the model you listened I don't think. How will it compare?
Okay? I want to know what you think. Some men are attracted to women with blond hair, I am attracted to gear with tubes...LOL Have you heard the M-610 compared to your API's yet or not? I mean, YOU are the man to be asking these questions. Sorry, but you are the Preamp GOD! So another thing in comparison to the Hardy, Great River...all that...the API still does it. I mean, I was re-listening to some stuff on the listening sessions and the API had some extra life it seemed, but it wasn't the model you listened I don't think. How will it compare?
SonicAlbert
Super-Sonic "Herb" Albert
Sporky, you have to get out to the stores and listen to this stuff for yourself. Only you will be able to decide if it is magical.
I also agree with Dot about not fixating on tube pres. I would take that a bit further and suggest you not fixate on the 610. As an exercise in gear research, what you should do is *eliminate* the 610 from your consideration and look at every other tube pre out there. There are a lot of great tube pres available. At the very least take a listen to the Groove Tubes BRICK.
The sound you describe as wanting, as being magic, I don't necessarily hear that as a tube sound. I think Dot is more on the right track. The Great River one channel preamp (1MP-NV?) might be pretty close to what you are looking for.
There are also a bunch of Neve clone preamp and channel strips out there. You should take a listen to those as well. I'm thinking this might be more what you are looking for, based on your description of the sound you want.
You really need to go a few posts in this thread without mentioning the 610.
I understand about the liking tube thing, but widen the search in a serious way and forget about the 610 for a while. You can come back to it later if you still want to.
I also agree with Dot about not fixating on tube pres. I would take that a bit further and suggest you not fixate on the 610. As an exercise in gear research, what you should do is *eliminate* the 610 from your consideration and look at every other tube pre out there. There are a lot of great tube pres available. At the very least take a listen to the Groove Tubes BRICK.
The sound you describe as wanting, as being magic, I don't necessarily hear that as a tube sound. I think Dot is more on the right track. The Great River one channel preamp (1MP-NV?) might be pretty close to what you are looking for.
There are also a bunch of Neve clone preamp and channel strips out there. You should take a listen to those as well. I'm thinking this might be more what you are looking for, based on your description of the sound you want.
You really need to go a few posts in this thread without mentioning the 610.
I understand about the liking tube thing, but widen the search in a serious way and forget about the 610 for a while. You can come back to it later if you still want to.
S
Sporkmyband
New member
Thanks ALBERT
I'm taking the API thing really seriously. And, actually I have been doing a completely broad investigation. I think it was the article in EQ magazing December 2004 that really screwed me up. I usually don't take magazine reviews to be full gospel, but that one preached to me about the....uh..YOU KNOW, but actually not just the single pre version, the new one with the LA-ish compressor in it. THAT IS THE REASON. But I was listening to DOT's stuff on the listening sessions, the mixes. I don't really do NU metal, but I like it and I play like that a little sometimes. Anyway, track 4 particularly sticks out to me as being exciting, but not sounding like a crappy aural enhancer thrown into the signal. Also he used it on most every track and it sounded great. I mean the vocals did the THING that I'm looking for. Like this pulsey excitement. A punchyness that doesn't seem like simply a level being raised. It sounds POLISHED. Of course there are many other explanations for that sound, like the engineer. Yes I know that, but there is clearly a difference. Also the bass was tight with the API's. Realistically, I record almost one track at a time except for drums. And I could still use my one API on a condenser in front of the kit. I think it would add a hell of alot. Especially for my acoustic tracks and vocals, bass guitar, amish bongo drum (okay I made that one up). I really wish I could just get the two 19" rack power supply for the API 512C, but I need the 6 unit lunchbox
The monetary difference will buy mea RNC. I think I need that in my life. CAUSE I LOVES a little compression on the way in the interface. THANKS! KEEP GOING. SHOWER ME WITH YOUR THOUGHTS!
I'm taking the API thing really seriously. And, actually I have been doing a completely broad investigation. I think it was the article in EQ magazing December 2004 that really screwed me up. I usually don't take magazine reviews to be full gospel, but that one preached to me about the....uh..YOU KNOW, but actually not just the single pre version, the new one with the LA-ish compressor in it. THAT IS THE REASON. But I was listening to DOT's stuff on the listening sessions, the mixes. I don't really do NU metal, but I like it and I play like that a little sometimes. Anyway, track 4 particularly sticks out to me as being exciting, but not sounding like a crappy aural enhancer thrown into the signal. Also he used it on most every track and it sounded great. I mean the vocals did the THING that I'm looking for. Like this pulsey excitement. A punchyness that doesn't seem like simply a level being raised. It sounds POLISHED. Of course there are many other explanations for that sound, like the engineer. Yes I know that, but there is clearly a difference. Also the bass was tight with the API's. Realistically, I record almost one track at a time except for drums. And I could still use my one API on a condenser in front of the kit. I think it would add a hell of alot. Especially for my acoustic tracks and vocals, bass guitar, amish bongo drum (okay I made that one up). I really wish I could just get the two 19" rack power supply for the API 512C, but I need the 6 unit lunchbox
The monetary difference will buy mea RNC. I think I need that in my life. CAUSE I LOVES a little compression on the way in the interface. THANKS! KEEP GOING. SHOWER ME WITH YOUR THOUGHTS!
SonicAlbert
Super-Sonic "Herb" Albert
If you love a little compression during tracking then you are going to hate my next suggestion (only because of the cost): Distressor. There are a lot of compressors that people like on tracking though. You should go over to gearslutz.com and do a search, I'm sure you'll find a lot of information.
More affordable compressors are some of the older pro DBX boxes. Like the 160X or 160XT. I have a few DBX 903's, but they require the 900 rack box, and you are probably already completely over the lunchbox thing. I have a couple of the silver sided 903's, with the gold box VCA's, and they sound wonderful on bass. I think DBX had models called 160 VU and 161 that would also be of approximately that generation.
Nice clean compressors are the Aphex Expressors, the 651. These are smooth and relatively uncolored.
I read that article in EQ about the YOU KNOW, and it didn't grab me the way it did you. I thought it looked like a cut down, cheaper component version of their good stuff. Could be totally wrong about that, but that was my first impression just based on the article. It could be as great as the reviewer said, but when it comes to gear like preamps, compressors, and eqs, you've really got to do the listening yourself. I've been totally dissapointed before, buying something because of a review. You've got to be very careful with that.
It's always better to find a few people that own the piece, and see what they think. That can be a little deceptive sometimes though too, because you'll run into people where thos is like their first *good* piece of gear, and it sounds amazing to them. Better yet to find out the opinion of people who have a lot of gear or have used a lot of gear *and* have used the item in question.
That's why my opinion is of limited use in this thread. I haven't used the YOU KNOW, so I can't really give a totally informed opinion on that particular piece. Although I can advise you in a general way about how to find a good preamp, and what buying pitfalls to avoid.
Again, if at all possible, get your hands on any preamp you want to buy and listen to it.
More affordable compressors are some of the older pro DBX boxes. Like the 160X or 160XT. I have a few DBX 903's, but they require the 900 rack box, and you are probably already completely over the lunchbox thing. I have a couple of the silver sided 903's, with the gold box VCA's, and they sound wonderful on bass. I think DBX had models called 160 VU and 161 that would also be of approximately that generation.
Nice clean compressors are the Aphex Expressors, the 651. These are smooth and relatively uncolored.
I read that article in EQ about the YOU KNOW, and it didn't grab me the way it did you. I thought it looked like a cut down, cheaper component version of their good stuff. Could be totally wrong about that, but that was my first impression just based on the article. It could be as great as the reviewer said, but when it comes to gear like preamps, compressors, and eqs, you've really got to do the listening yourself. I've been totally dissapointed before, buying something because of a review. You've got to be very careful with that.
It's always better to find a few people that own the piece, and see what they think. That can be a little deceptive sometimes though too, because you'll run into people where thos is like their first *good* piece of gear, and it sounds amazing to them. Better yet to find out the opinion of people who have a lot of gear or have used a lot of gear *and* have used the item in question.
That's why my opinion is of limited use in this thread. I haven't used the YOU KNOW, so I can't really give a totally informed opinion on that particular piece. Although I can advise you in a general way about how to find a good preamp, and what buying pitfalls to avoid.
Again, if at all possible, get your hands on any preamp you want to buy and listen to it.
D
djjmk
New member
La-610
I too have the NTK mic, and was considering the LA-610. My concern is, will the tube mic and tube pre sound too muddy on the vocals? I'm also going to change the stock Sovtek 6922 tube in the mic for a Jan Phillips 6922 (tubestore.com) My budget is the same as yours, so whoever gets it first, let's post our findings.
I too have the NTK mic, and was considering the LA-610. My concern is, will the tube mic and tube pre sound too muddy on the vocals? I'm also going to change the stock Sovtek 6922 tube in the mic for a Jan Phillips 6922 (tubestore.com) My budget is the same as yours, so whoever gets it first, let's post our findings.
S
Sporkmyband
New member
Djjmk
Well,
Hello DJJMK. It was warm to my heart to see my thread up higher again with a new post.
Well, as far as the LA-610 goes, I decided to not get it. I went full circle twice. I saw it in Dec. EQ mag, and was like, DROOL, "If only I could have a pre like that!" Well, then the opportunity arose financially. I sold a bunch of stuff because I wanted to get my first killer pre and a new interface. I had the Omega...etc. as you can read in the beginning of this thread...etc...etc. After selling my interface, two DBX pres, and a fuzz face I was ready to get a good pre/channel strip and interface. I decided to actually search out the best deal on a pre and then get my interface later. TONS of review reading, which sucks alot of the time, people are biased and just plain CRAZY! Well, I was convinced that the API 512 was the way to go because, I mean, Dan Richards, Sound-Pure, they know stuff. The lunchbox bummed me out for the 512C. TOO MUCH for the API thing. I wouldn't be able to fill it up very soon at all. I didn't want an itty bitty pre and a huge empty spot in it for 5 more units. I was convinced that solid state pre was the way to go. Then after more consideration, I went back to my original want for the UA LA-610. I've seen how fast they fly on ebay. Somebody is buying them and I could sell the puppy the night I get it if I didn't like it. Then after randomly contacting one of my favorite producers of the music I listen to and him actually replying with what pre was being used on a guy that he produced whose voice isn't a world away from mine with results that I really love, I searched ebay for the Vintech X73i, found a good deal and bought it. If it doesn't work for me, I'll sell it on ebay, go for the Great River MP1-NV that I probably should have gone for anyway and an FMR RNC and live happily ever after. Until I come up with money for the API's later on. A MUST HAVE. I haven't tried it out yet, I literally ordered my Motu 896HD today from sweetwater, got a demo unit under full warranty (that's freakin 150 bucks off the current sale price) and my vintech is on its way. I would REALLY, I repeat really like to have another mic than the NTK. If not because i need it, I want the experience. I don't think the NTK is really as "warm" and "fat" as it is supposed to be. I think that tube might be just a nightlite. LOL. However, I LOVE THE MIC. It has done me well, and I am not using it on more than 2 sources in one song. I think it'll sound good with the LA-610. I was talking to a cool guy at guitar center I've known for a while about the LA-610 (trust me this guy isn't a jerk salesperson like many of them). I was gonna maybe buy it from him and he wanted to rent it sometime while I'm gone to college. The M-610 is legendary and so is the LA-2, but thing is, I have been informed that UA is basically taking parts out of their products and simply repackaging just like putting them in the LA-610. WHO CARES! If it is good products then what does it matter. I think the UA is a really neat tool. Haven't heard it, but DAMN the vibe seems there. I've been using the NTK with JoeMeek Brit Channels and lots of tracking compression. This is one of the most colored pre/strips ever, and it isn't too muddy. GO FOR IT!
Well,
Hello DJJMK. It was warm to my heart to see my thread up higher again with a new post.
Well, as far as the LA-610 goes, I decided to not get it. I went full circle twice. I saw it in Dec. EQ mag, and was like, DROOL, "If only I could have a pre like that!" Well, then the opportunity arose financially. I sold a bunch of stuff because I wanted to get my first killer pre and a new interface. I had the Omega...etc. as you can read in the beginning of this thread...etc...etc. After selling my interface, two DBX pres, and a fuzz face I was ready to get a good pre/channel strip and interface. I decided to actually search out the best deal on a pre and then get my interface later. TONS of review reading, which sucks alot of the time, people are biased and just plain CRAZY! Well, I was convinced that the API 512 was the way to go because, I mean, Dan Richards, Sound-Pure, they know stuff. The lunchbox bummed me out for the 512C. TOO MUCH for the API thing. I wouldn't be able to fill it up very soon at all. I didn't want an itty bitty pre and a huge empty spot in it for 5 more units. I was convinced that solid state pre was the way to go. Then after more consideration, I went back to my original want for the UA LA-610. I've seen how fast they fly on ebay. Somebody is buying them and I could sell the puppy the night I get it if I didn't like it. Then after randomly contacting one of my favorite producers of the music I listen to and him actually replying with what pre was being used on a guy that he produced whose voice isn't a world away from mine with results that I really love, I searched ebay for the Vintech X73i, found a good deal and bought it. If it doesn't work for me, I'll sell it on ebay, go for the Great River MP1-NV that I probably should have gone for anyway and an FMR RNC and live happily ever after. Until I come up with money for the API's later on. A MUST HAVE. I haven't tried it out yet, I literally ordered my Motu 896HD today from sweetwater, got a demo unit under full warranty (that's freakin 150 bucks off the current sale price) and my vintech is on its way. I would REALLY, I repeat really like to have another mic than the NTK. If not because i need it, I want the experience. I don't think the NTK is really as "warm" and "fat" as it is supposed to be. I think that tube might be just a nightlite. LOL. However, I LOVE THE MIC. It has done me well, and I am not using it on more than 2 sources in one song. I think it'll sound good with the LA-610. I was talking to a cool guy at guitar center I've known for a while about the LA-610 (trust me this guy isn't a jerk salesperson like many of them). I was gonna maybe buy it from him and he wanted to rent it sometime while I'm gone to college. The M-610 is legendary and so is the LA-2, but thing is, I have been informed that UA is basically taking parts out of their products and simply repackaging just like putting them in the LA-610. WHO CARES! If it is good products then what does it matter. I think the UA is a really neat tool. Haven't heard it, but DAMN the vibe seems there. I've been using the NTK with JoeMeek Brit Channels and lots of tracking compression. This is one of the most colored pre/strips ever, and it isn't too muddy. GO FOR IT!
D
djjmk
New member
Mic and Preamp
I too have a Joe Meek VC!Qcs preamp for the NTK. The mic doesn't have a pad or high pass, so I figure maybe it's built into the design. I was hoping the LA-610 could fatten up the sound. I'll try it, and post my results.
Thanks for the reply!
I too have a Joe Meek VC!Qcs preamp for the NTK. The mic doesn't have a pad or high pass, so I figure maybe it's built into the design. I was hoping the LA-610 could fatten up the sound. I'll try it, and post my results.
Thanks for the reply!
S
Sporkmyband
New member
Please do
I can't wait to hear how it sounds.
I can't wait to hear how it sounds.