Preamp for recording acoustic material

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ckett

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Hello,

I am looking into a 2 channel preamp to record acoustic sounds. I want something that has incredible clarity, excellent transient response and dymanic range, but doesn't sound anemic and lose some of the bottom end. I will be recording primarily world acoustic instruments (hand percussion, gongs, stringed instruments) , and a variety of "noise makers" to record and sample for more creative sound design.

Here are 2 preamps under serious consideration:

Millennia HV-3C
John Hardy M-1

If anyone has reference to recordings made entirely on any of these two preamps, please let me know!

Thanks and look forward to your input!
 
The two "School Recital" examples were recorded with a stereo pair of cardioid Earthworks and the Millennia Media Quad which is the HV-3B. Couldn't tell you what the difference is between the "B" and the "C".

www.woodstockrecordingservices.com

I had just acquired the unit before the time of recording and am really happy with it. Everything I hoped for so far.

Hope that helps...
 
I use the M1 on all solo acoustic stuff or minimal mixes, very clean, not forgiving at all
 
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My favorite preamp for acoustic sources:

http://www.earthworksaudio.com/35.html

I have the 4 channel version for classical location work, and use it in the studio on acoustic guitar, bass, mandolin etc.

It's squeaky clean, ruler flat, extended highs and lows but somehow doesn't ever sound "flat" or "sterile".
 
I've had great results using my Grace 201 on acoustic instruments.
 
SonicAlbert said:
I've had great results using my Grace 201 on acoustic instruments.
Click to expand...

Yo' SonicAlbert-Einstien, how good is the Grace 201? I own the 101 single channel and have found this unit providing hi-quality results with condensors & in DI mode (percussive slap-bass & rhythmic-jazz styled git techniques contain a sweet edge with clarity using the 101). Beside being a dual channel pre,does the 201 provide improve operation and perf than the 101?Any coloration? Thx!

Q.rM
 
Great River MP2. What goes in is what comes out! So you want to make sure your inputs source (especially the room acoustics/environment) are up to snuff!
 
MISTERQCUE said:
Yo' SonicAlbert-Einstien, how good is the Grace 201? I own the 101 single channel and have found this unit providing hi-quality results with condensors & in DI mode (percussive slap-bass & rhythmic-jazz styled git techniques contain a sweet edge with clarity using the 101). Beside being a dual channel pre,does the 201 provide improve operation and perf than the 101?Any coloration? Thx!
Click to expand...

I believe that the 201 does have improvements over the 101, but I'm not exactly sure what they are. It has phase reverse and a -20 db pad for starters. I think the knobs and various components are of a higher quality, and it has an internal power supply. It is definitely a clean sounding preamp, but still very musical, in my opinion.
 
SonicAlbert said:
I believe that the 201 does have improvements over the 101, but I'm not exactly sure what they are. It has phase reverse and a -20 db pad for starters. I think the knobs and various components are of a higher quality, and it has an internal power supply. It is definitely a clean sounding preamp, but still very musical, in my opinion.
Click to expand...


Thx man!
I'm going out to buy one right now!
 
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People have given a lot fo good reccomendations for preamps on this thread. Personally, I have used all of them so far and quite enjoyed most. I would have a look at the D&R preamps as well. They really compete well with all the others listed in this thread if you are looking for that kind of sound, but also cost far less:)
 
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Thanks for the input thus far.

I have the 3D Pre CD as a starting point in hearing these preamps.

My budget is set at a max of $1800. So the Pendulum and Gordons are out.

Does anyone have recordings that I can reference that really showcase these preamps well.

I am down to the following:

Millennia HV-3C
Grace Design 2x101 or the 201
John Hardy M-1

Some of the reviews I have read of the Grace state a slightly forward quality in the upper mids. Is this overstated or just a slight issue?

Keep the comments rolling!
 
gordone said:
Great River MP2. What goes in is what comes out! So you want to make sure your inputs source (especially the room acoustics/environment) are up to snuff!
Click to expand...
I'll second that. If you've got deep lows, clear mids and sweet highs in the source and mic they'll stay that way through the pre. Any bad aspects of the sound will be captured just as clearly, but I think that's good, as I'd prefer to fix those things at the source anyway.

Tim
 
ckett said:
I am down to the following:

Millennia HV-3C
Grace Design 2x101 or the 201
John Hardy M-1
Click to expand...

You really can't go wrong with any of those choices. I'd eliminate the 101's and keep the 201 on the list, but other than that you could just throw a dart at the page and buy whatever it landed on. Those are three very fine preamps, and any of them will be spectacular at recording acoustic instruments.
 
Id say the Neve Potico 5012 is the best pre ive heard to date in terms of a rich a clean bottom end, and an articulate, smooth top.

-Finster
 
The Toft ATC-2 does a great job on acoustic instruments, IMHO.
 
ckett said:
Thanks for the input thus far.

I have the 3D Pre CD as a starting point in hearing these preamps.

My budget is set at a max of $1800. So the Pendulum and Gordons are out.

Does anyone have recordings that I can reference that really showcase these preamps well.

I am down to the following:

Millennia HV-3C
Grace Design 2x101 or the 201
John Hardy M-1

Some of the reviews I have read of the Grace state a slightly forward quality in the upper mids. Is this overstated or just a slight issue?

Keep the comments rolling!
Click to expand...


I haven't used the Grace. I have a couple channels of Millennia (2 TD-1s) and a Pendulum. If you are willing to buy used, the Pendulum isn't out of range. I paid $1600 for mine (admittedly a deal but I've seen them go for $1800 with some frequency). The Pendulum is slightly warmer than the Millennia, although both are stunning for acoustic music. I find the differences to be quite subtle and expect that you would be pleased with either. The clarity of sound is impressive.
 
IMO, you cant go wrong with any of the above mentioned. I second the Pendulum thou,
i find it bit more thicker and fuller in the lows, as the Millennia a bit more airy.
Maybe even the DACS Clarity its very clean and detailed.
 
pohaku said:
I haven't used the Grace. I have a couple channels of Millennia (2 TD-1s) and a Pendulum. If you are willing to buy used, the Pendulum isn't out of range. I paid $1600 for mine (admittedly a deal but I've seen them go for $1800 with some frequency). The Pendulum is slightly warmer than the Millennia, although both are stunning for acoustic music. I find the differences to be quite subtle and expect that you would be pleased with either. The clarity of sound is impressive.
Click to expand...

I've never recorded through anything higher quality than the ATC-2. I wonder if there would be a noticable difference with something like a Pendulum, Millenia or John Hardy.
 
AFter trying quite a few preamps for recording solo figngerstyle acoustic guitar, I've chosen a Pendulum Audio MDP-1a and a John Hardy M-2. MAny of the others mentioned above are great. Alot will depend on the mics you use, the instruments used, room, etc.
 
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