To Pre or not to Pre?

[C bop a loo bop]

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Hey all,

Got a question for yaz. I'm looking at buying another set of dual pres but would like them to be tube just to change it up a bit sonically. I record rock,pop,indie,soul,folk,experimental,country...everything I guess. Right now I'm working with an API 3124,Vintech 273 and a Presonus Digimax LT. I love the sonic difference between the first two and now I'm looking at TUBE pres. I have only used a UA M610 and it was cool. I'm just wanting some nice character that tube pres add. What are some other quality tube pres that I could check out??? I'd be using them for drum ovh's,room mics, gtrs, female vox, DI etc. Something just all around I guess. I've been reading a little about these Lomo tube pres but not much out there about them. Any recommendations for the mentioned sources would be great. Thanks!

 

[IK Obi]

The Manley comes to mind. What budget are you working with?

 

[C bop a loo bop]

Well I'm trying to find a deal if at all possible through here or eBay. With that said I could do $1300. Not enough for the Manley hmmm

 

[miroslav]

I just talked about this on another thread:

https://homerecording.com/bbs/equip...l-preamp-under-$1500-poll-321486/#post3627220

 

[IK Obi]

Well I'm trying to find a deal if at all possible through here or eBay. With that said I could do $1300. Not enough for the Manley hmmm

No that is a great budget! Thats why we like to ask to see how far we can go.

I'd take a look at the SPL GoldMike MK2, the UA 4710 and the 2610. All 3 are over your budget new but used you should get close.

 

[C bop a loo bop]

Ok cool, I'll check those out. Those are good for the sources I mentioned? Thanks!

 

[miroslav]

Most of the pres being mentioned here and in that other thread I linked to above, are *good* pres...how you or he or I like individual flavors...that's always a personal thing.
If you want greater tube color...the 2-610 may be your best bet, though I wouldn't ignore more transparent tube preamps, like the SuPre I mentioned, or others, because you can always make up for color after the pre or before the pre with your mic choices.

You already have some nice pres... how do you like the Vintech 273?
I'm jazzin for an X73i...or any of their "73" boxes.

 

[C bop a loo bop]

Right. Yeah I guess I should check some more threads about the 2-610. I'm curious if that's different from the M610 I've used a lot in the past? I'm looking for use with OVHd's, room, gtr and lead vox. I wanna have that tube sound and fuzz when hitting it certain ways. The API is great for punch and width. It just sounds great with all sources. I'm digging it recently with my toms and OVHd's,gtrs and vox. The vintech is good for a mellow/colored sound that seems to blend well with most sources. I def recommend the Vintech. The small eq points it comes with are really nice to have to in a pinch. I've been using it on kick and snare as well as vox and elec gtrs with great success! All that said I'm still an API guy between those flavors I think a dual tube pre will round it all out. Ok, back on the hunt....

 

[C bop a loo bop]

Actually,

My bands new record was done with all vintech X73's and X73i's along with API 3124's. I really think it's a sweet combo. You can take a listen to some tracks here: THE BEASTS OF EDEN | Kostnadsfri musik, turnédatum, foton, videos. The X73 rocks! my best friend and myself engineered,produced and mixed it in my old studio, apt's and an empty house. Enjoy!

C Bop

 

[IK Obi]

Most of the pres being mentioned here and in that other thread I linked to above, are *good* pres...how you or he or I like individual flavors...that's always a personal thing.
If you want greater tube color...the 2-610 may be your best bet, though I wouldn't ignore more transparent tube preamps, like the SuPre I mentioned, or others, because you can always make up for color after the pre or before the pre with your mic choices.

You already have some nice pres... how do you like the Vintech 273?
I'm jazzin for an X73i...or any of their "73" boxes.

You know where its at! Pre amps are more of flavor and everyone has different preferences. Try a few out and you'll be surprised...

 

[aaronmcoleman]

I used to fall into the mics over pres camp. I was stupid and listened to everything people had said on here. Now that I've got some limited experience with nice pres, I can see why both are needed. I plan to do the same and upgrade my pre collection. Just a little note from my experience for those who would rather collect mics than get a couple of really nice pres.

Also, very nice recording. Sounds like you've already got some skills and nice gear!

 

[IK Obi]

Ya good mics and good pres go hand in hand.

 

[C bop a loo bop]

Thank for the compliment my man! I'm just trying to find another set of pres that won't match what I already have. With that said I was shooting fir tube pres to get a different sound altogether. I've heard GR pres are great but somewhat close to API, maybe darker. Shit I guess I could cop two 500 series pres in a 4space lunchbox and just add to. Anybody know if there are any big power differences between a 4sp and 6sp lunchbox? Thanks dudes!
C Bop

 

[PDP]

Vintech X73i looks real nice, I assume Vintech X73's are less expensive than Neve stuff ? Neve Portico's about 1500.00 anyone have experience/opinion on them?

 

[T800]

Check out the aphex 230 channel strip. It has a tube pre in it. 799 for a tube pre voc preamps not too shabby. Can also activate a compressor and other processors in it. I compared it to an API A2D, and it still had the depth and beef of the API, although definitely hotter.