Possibly the next great midrange pre

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JuSumPilgrim

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The redemption is at hand. Theres a new summit pre coming out in a couple of weeks, should be about 5 bills. It could possibly be the messiah. 3 gain stages, variable impedance, inserts, etc


Check it out



http://www.summitaudio.com/
 
Might be cool. I have a little trouble with that $500 no mans land for gear purchases. It's too much to waste if the product isn't killer and for a little more you can usually get something that is guaranteed to rock (like the API pre's for around $650 or $1000+ for a Manley or Avalon.)

But hopefully this next generation of cheaper mic pre's from FMR, Summit and SP will help close the gap.
 
I like the variable impedence idea. That alone could make it worth the price tag, even if it merely sounds average.
 
chessrock said:
I like the variable impedence idea. That alone could make it worth the price tag, even if it merely sounds average.
Click to expand...

I`ll rather have a great sounding pre with fixed impedance......


Amund
 
Yea, but then it will only sound great with like half of your mics.

I want something that will sound as good on my sm57 as it does on my condensers.
 
chessrock said:
Yea, but then it will only sound great with like half of your mics.

I want something that will sound as good on my sm57 as it does on my condensers.
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You got it all wrong, most high-end micpre`s does not have variable impedance, howcome most mics sounds great with them?

API
Cranesong
Millennia
Daking
Telefunken
Focusrite
Great River (except MP-2NV)
Neve (some has two choices, but not user selectable)
John Hardy
Martec
Trident

These preamps do pretty well without it.....

Variable imp. isn`t THAT important!!!


Amund
 
"howcome most mics sounds great with them?"
-----------------

Because their loading characteristics are already more ideal to begin with.

I'm really not very smart when it comes to this stuff, so forgive me. :) But one of the main things that separates a lot of the prosumer stuff from the ones you listed is exactly that.
 
Neve, maybe you could explain the impedance thing a little further. My (poor) understanding of the issue is that the input impedance of the preamp just needs to be high enough so that the mic can swing the voltage accurately without running out of current. Also, I would think that the input impedance of the preamp would have to be substantially greater than the output impedance of the mic to provide adequate damping. Therefore, wouldn't it stand to reason that a very high input impedance would be appropriate for all microphones? Is there an advantage to having a lower input impedance for a particular type of mic (i.e. a condenser that can push a little more current)?
 
chessrock said:
"howcome most mics sounds great with them?"
-----------------

Because their loading characteristics are already more ideal to begin with.

I'm really not very smart when it comes to this stuff, so forgive me. :) But one of the main things that separates a lot of the prosumer stuff from the ones you listed is exactly that.
Click to expand...

I agree with chessrock! The Var Imp will be suitable for a wide array of midlevel to lower-upper level range of condensors whose freq range and imp loading comes in diff flavors! By closely matching the impedance level of the mic, an even clearer signal inputted by the mic into the Summit will produce a much more enhanced sound!
Don't argue with me about this!:( I got this info from Mix Magazine's review of the Summit Pre!
 
laaronx said:
wouldn't it stand to reason that a very high input impedance would be appropriate for all microphones?
Click to expand...

Forgive me for my ignorance on this subject. But wouldn't a higher impedence be detrimental for a low-output mic like a ribbon (since the signal is already weak to begin with)? Or is it the opposite? After doing an exhaustive search on rec.audio.pro I think I got even more confused. Some people were saying that a higher impedence was actually better for low-output mics, while others were saying a lower impedence was better.

I'm totally confused, but I was at least able to gather this much: Impedence and loading characteristics have a lot to do with how a preamp reacts to different mics . . . and why certain mics will sound good with a pre while others don't. Most of the high end pres have loading characteristics that are favorable to most all mics. Yet another way for some models to get around such loading issues is to offer the variable/selectable loading.
 
MISTERQCUE said:


I agree with chessrock! The Var Imp will be suitable for a wide array of midlevel to lower-upper level range of condensors whose freq range and imp loading comes in diff flavors! By closely matching the impedance level of the mic, an even clearer signal inputted by the mic into the Summit will produce a much more enhanced sound!
Don't argue with me about this!:( I got this info from Mix Magazine's review of the Summit Pre!
Click to expand...



To optimize the mic's performance you must be able to load the mic properly. Just like feeding a condensor only 24 volt phantom power might work, buts its certainly not optimum.

Fletcher at Artistpro.com said:



Altering the input impedance changes the load against which the microphone has to push - this dramatically alters the performance of any mic, from classic ribbons, vintage and modern condensers, even dynamic mics. All microphones will respond similarly in that the apparent proximity gets 'closer' when the impedance is lowered, but since you're changing the load on the mic - you're altering the performance of the microphone, not the preamplifier. A transformerless, balanced bridging input selection is also available. Bottom line: You haven't heard your microphones until you've heard them loaded at different impedances. Anyone with even a modest mic selection can multiply the selections by using Vipre.
Click to expand...
 
Yes I understand the need for variable imp.
So let`s all buy Vipre`s!!!!!

I really hope the Summit is great, too many unusable cheap micpre`s around!

Amund
 
Hey SOM,

Thanks for posting that quote.

What I'm really curious to know is what loads are optimal for what types of mics: for instance, what is an ideal load for an sm57 or a ribbon mic? Low or high? Unless you've got one with an el-cheapo transformer (like a marshall mxl 2001), then most of the chinese condensers we're using shouldn't be terribly effected by the load, from what I gather.

But something about the load of a more expensive pre is what tends to "bring a 57 (and similar dyanmics) to life" and make it sound like a whole new mic. I'm curious to know what those load characteristics are. I'll keep looking, but let us know if you find anything.
 
Interesting.
I invited the Summit people over here for some Q and A... lets see if they show...
 
I dont think that this unit can beat a sytek mpx4a that gives you 4 channels for about $780.

just MHO
 
New 2BA-221

Hello all, and thanks to "MusikalDude@aol.com" for the invite. I see quite a few questions about the new 2BA-221 from Summit Audio. It's still a few weeks away so I can't tell you what it sounds like yet, but I can answer some technical questions.

The 2BA-221 is a high voltage, class A design. It has completely variable input impedance; does anyone know of another preamp that has completely variable impedance? We haven't found any, although there is a rumor of a SSL outboard preamp that did. Is this useful? We think so! It's great to be able to match it the impedance with your mics PLUS it gives you the opportunity to use the wrong impedance, to completely change the sound of your mic by loading it differently. We have been collecting data on tons of mics to get their impedance’s, so we will have a chart available.

Particular questions? Let me know....PAul
 
And he showed... how cool.
So it is a high voltage Class A design, good deal. No idea on the sound yet huh? That seems odd...
 
1st off, welcome and thankyou Paul Cumma Summ Aud for your input!
2nd, the 1st mofo who complains,disses,verbally abuses etc , our newest member from the gear mfr world w/o affording this individual the benefit of doubt, will personally be verbally b#tch-slapped into last week! :mad: Home-boy was invited here to provide useful insight on a new product and until F.T.-type spam
surfaces from aforementioned, a modicum of props and patience
s/b allotted!
'Nuff said!
For the past 20-25 years, Summit has gained and earned the respect and rep as 1 of the industry's top leaders of hi-end
performance tube gear. As such, I have had the opptnty to hear and witness one of their top products, the El 78 during an impromptu rec'ding session @ Apple Studios thoroughly impressed. I make these statements not as some seasoned recording expert, but simply as a musician/"recordist" who has seen Summit's tube and solid-state gear being used in var NYC
studios and have heard it's praises!

Sorry to bore you all, but I have just 1 quest for Paul Summa Aud;


I just paid my mortgage,cable,phone,gas&elect,car insurance,real estate taxes, cr cards and my sister back the $5,00 I owed her!
Can U hook a brutha' up with one for $163.59!? That's all I got left!:) I'll inlcude your name and product in one of my new hit songs when it's finished!!;)

Peace
Mr.Q
 
MISTERQCUE said:
Can U hook a brutha' up with one for $163.59!? That's all I got left!:) I'll inlcude your name and product in one of my new hit songs when it's finished!!;)
Click to expand...

No way. I get first dibs at becoming a plant. Didn't you read my thread in Visitor Feedback? I've been studying and training for a long time now. Me first. :)
 
chessrock said:


No way. I get first dibs at becoming a plant. Didn't you read my thread in Visitor Feedback? I've been studying and training for a long time now. Me first. :)
Click to expand...

Cool!! You can be the plant and I'll be the root!!
 
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