True Systems Precision 8

  • Thread starter Thread starter gcapel
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I have used the Precision 8 an a few sessions. Found it to be a very quiet, open sounding, detailed preamp. WELL worth the money. It was very comparable to the Focusrite Red 8 I use a lot! If you are into/need that kind of sound, it is a great deal.

The only thing I didn't like about it is that the input is VERY sensitive, and it doesn't have built in pads. So, for drum use, this is going to work well for some dynamics and distant mics from the kit. But mics that don't usually require a lot of gain and some close up mics, you will struggle to keep the thing for clipping.

pipelineaudio, who has recorded MAJOR LABEL bands likes his Precision 8! ;) Who did chessrock record?
 
So in other words, what you're saying, essentially, is that they have no fucking headroom (something anyone who's used one for more than 5 minutes could tell you).

Wow Fordvan, isn't it great to know you just dropped $2,600 on something that has about as much headroom as a $50 Audio Buddy?

And as for your last point ... wow. Some guy who's worked with a bunch of bands I've never even heard of of likes something. Well sweet Jesus, that must automatically mean it's good! Amazing logic.

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I'm a drummer first

I use the Precision 8 to record drums all the time. All you need is this:

http://www.true-systems.com/accessories.html

"When used with high-sensitivity microphones on high-level sound sources (rock drums, etc.), the maximum output level of the Precision 8 can reach +31dBu. This level exceeds the input capability of some mixers, signal processors, A/D converters, etc. (check manufacturer’s specifications). And, since we elected not to include an input pad (for reasons of sonic purity) it is possible for the Precision 8 to produce a signal level that overloads these devices. We offer two different 15dB Output Attenuators for use in these situations:

8-channel DB25 attenuator
Individual channel TRS attenuator"

Works for me.

I use Mackie's pres extensively at work (as well as recorded my first CD with XDRs), and have also used M-Audio, and Studio Projects in other studios -- although these products will get the job done on a budget -- to me there is NO comparison in detail, depth and quality. The Precision 8 is an awesome, high-quality, best bang for the buck.

But what do I know? I'm just a drummer who's very happy with his Precision 8 mic pres.

Happy hunting, Rez
 
chessrock said:
So in other words, what you're saying, essentially, is that they have no fucking headroom (something anyone who's used one for more than 5 minutes could tell you).

Wow Fordvan, isn't it great to know you just dropped $2,600 on something that has about as much headroom as a $50 Audio Buddy?

And as for your last point ... wow. Some guy who's worked with a bunch of bands I've never even heard of of likes something. Well sweet Jesus, that must automatically mean it's good! Amazing logic.

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Silly silly boi you are. And full of shit too! http://www.recordingproject.com/articles/article.php?article=23 THEIR are the bands you have heard of dumbazz.

As to the headroom comment, if you even had ANY clue what that means, you would know that it has absolutely NOTHING to do with what I am talking about.

Input sensitivity and gain range have NOTHING to do with headroom. Pull your head out of your beehind and feel free to try to learn something before you go messing with me punk.
 
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Still looking forward to my P-Solo....it's arriving today.
 
warble2 said:
Still looking forward to my P-Solo....it's arriving today.
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It will probably be the best pre you have ever used, and will own for quite some time! Enjoy!!!
 
Ford Van said:
It will probably be the best pre you have ever used, and will own for quite some time! Enjoy!!!
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I'm sure that'll be the case. I've used:

SP VTB-1
M-Audio DMP3
M-Audio Tampa
Built-in pre's on a Firepod and Echo Layla 3G

Been happy, but am trying to work my way up and not just use stuff to "get the job done".
 
RezN8 said:
I use the Precision 8 to record drums all the time. All you need is this:

http://www.true-systems.com/accessories.html

"When used with high-sensitivity microphones on high-level sound sources (rock drums, etc.), the maximum output level of the Precision 8 can reach +31dBu. This level exceeds the input capability of some mixers, signal processors, A/D converters, etc. (check manufacturer’s specifications). And, since we elected not to include an input pad (for reasons of sonic purity) it is possible for the Precision 8 to produce a signal level that overloads these devices. We offer two different 15dB Output Attenuators for use in these situations:

8-channel DB25 attenuator
Individual channel TRS attenuator"

Works for me.
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Wow. I sure am glad that a manufacturer of supposed "hi-end" audio equipment is at least admitting the fact that anything above a whisper, breath or loud mouse fart is likely to induce mad clipping and distorting at the input of their mic pres.

And being the kind souls they are, they've addressed this issue head-on by offering attenuators, which you can purchase separtely on their web site.

I guess their engineers were on vacation when the design team suggested they might want to address the whole lack of input headroom isse? ? ? So they had to go to their marketing guy, instead, who suggested they could make more money if they sold their crummy pads separate. And we'll just make up some bullshit for our literature that goes something like: "We've decided not to include the input pad ... for reasons of sonic purity." :D As if, somehow, a piece of crap inline pad that you can buy separately is going to be so much more pure!

Just brilliant.

Not like anyone is actually going to consider using an 8-channel rackmount mic pre for ... oh, I don't know ... drums or anything like that! :D What a joke. Guys, do me and yourself a favor and don't buy this crap. Unless you're a freakin' idiot like Ford Van/Ed Rei/Sonusman. Then you can go ahead and buy all the dumb rack junk you want for all I care.

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gcapel said:
I was in a band years ago. We always played @ bessie's in downtown wilmington. That was a very cool placed to play. I would love to live there.
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Bessies is great,..had some wonderful times there. Really nice music scene in wilmington.
 
chessrock said:
Wow. I sure am glad that a manufacturer of supposed "hi-end" audio equipment is at least admitting the fact that anything above a whisper, breath or loud mouse fart is likely to induce mad clipping and distorting at the input of their mic pres..
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Chess you're still not quite getting it. The pre doesn't have headroom issues. It's the same as anything with 15db min. gain. Yes it might be prefered to include switch-pads. Hell, if I stick my QTC-1's on a kit directly into my A/D (no pre!) I have to do an in-line pad.
Wayne
 
I know what we're talking about, here.

Let's compare the maximum input levels here of the True compared with an el-cheapo like the DMP3 :

http://www.true-systems.com/products_P8.html (scroll down to the bottom where they post specs, and note the +15 db max input level figure)

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/DMP3-focus.html

The max input level on these things is no better than an M-audio, for crying out loud. Add to it the fact that the minimum gain on the m-audio in it's low setting is almost 3 dbs less. My point being ... if you can't design something with better headroom and a wider dynamic range than an m-freakin' audio, then at least design it so you have better gain options than a minimum of 16 dbs, again, a figure eclipsed by an m-freakin' audio. And barring all of that ... can't they at least build pads in to the design?

If it's supposed to be such a high end unit, why does it really offer no more by way of specs, headroom, dynamic range / gain-attenuation options than your typical prosumer budget piece? I still think it's overpriced for what you get, and that it doesn't offer much more than most budget gear.
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mixsit said:
Chess you're still not quite getting it. The pre doesn't have headroom issues. It's the same as anything with 15db min. gain. Yes it might be prefered to include switch-pads. Hell, if I stick my QTC-1's on a kit directly into my A/D (no pre!) I have to do an in-line pad.
Wayne
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dont waste your time on the dipshit. hes as dense as they come.
 
Alright, smart guy. Show me, in my previous post, where I was in error. I posted links with actual numbered specifications. Instead of just blowing wind, point out where I was off. Otherwise, shut up.

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Ford Van said:
Silly silly boi you are. And full of shit too! http://www.recordingproject.com/articles/article.php?article=23 THEIR are the bands you have heard of dumbazz.

As to the headroom comment, if you even had ANY clue what that means, you would know that it has absolutely NOTHING to do with what I am talking about.

Input sensitivity and gain range have NOTHING to do with headroom. Pull your head out of your beehind and feel free to try to learn something before you go messing with me punk.
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............OWNED.
 
Where? ? ? All I see there is a lot of "Assistant Engineer" credits.


I know at least 1,000 coffee / donut runners with Assistant Engineer credits all over their resumes.

I like Pipeline, don't get me wrong. He's a pretty straight-up dude. But what the hell does any of this even have to do with whether or not the Precision 8 is such a great piece of gear ? ?

And now, somehow I've been owned ? ? Jesus Christ, guys. If Eric fecking Clapton played a Fender Squirer Tele through a Marshall Valve State, and said he liked it ... is that supposed to give indesputable proof that a Squirer Tele and a Valvestate are the shit, and that anyone who thinks it's junk is somehow "owned?"

It's obvious you guys are pretty feckin' bored, so I suppose you can go and have your fun. There ya go ! ! I guess I'm owned.

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If I were going to throw any dough at a chip based pre it would be this one. http://www.jlmaudio.com/8packoftrans.htm


I have a hard time with the price tag of the True. 375 a channel is crazy for a pre of that topology. 75 - 100 bucks tops is more like it. Just get two Syteks and you will have just about the same pre for about half price of the True. A boring IC box.
 
Thankyou, NWSoundman. Exactly my point ... only stated much simpler and more eloquently.

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chessrock said:
Where? ? ? All I see there is a lot of "Assistant Engineer" credits.


I know at least 1,000 coffee / donut runners with Assistant Engineer credits all over their resumes.

I like Pipeline, don't get me wrong. He's a pretty straight-up dude. But what the hell does any of this even have to do with whether or not the Precision 8 is such a great piece of gear ? ?

And now, somehow I've been owned ? ? Jesus Christ, guys. If Eric fecking Clapton played a Fender Squirer Tele through a Marshall Valve State, and said he liked it ... is that supposed to give indesputable proof that a Squirer Tele and a Valvestate are the shit, and that anyone who thinks it's junk is somehow "owned?"

It's obvious you guyspretty feckin' bored, so I suppose you can go and have your fun. There ya go ! ! I guess I'm owned.

.
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Have some dignity. You said the engineer worked with a number of artists you've never heard of. Turns out the engineer, assistant or not, has worked with a number of clients you most definitely have heard of. I think the True P-8 is overpriced too. But I relish the rare moments when somebody constantly talking a mouthfull of shit gets a little comeuppance.

Like I told Michael Jones: If you don't want people to make judgements about you based on what you say, keep your mouth shut. You missed a great opportunity to do just that.

.....Owned.
 
No prob.

I find it pretty funny how people are about gear.
 
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