Interesting... Personally, I have used the whole Focusrite platinum series many many times and I would absolutely definately consider it the bottom of the barrel for the Focusrite range. I also in no way would find them similar at all to an Avalon (which I generaly do not care a whole lot for either unless it's the 2022 preamp). As far as a Hardy preamp goes, it would say that the Hardy's are good solid preamps for anything but the typical rock sound. If you want the preamp to sound smooth but for the most part get out of your way, the Hardy's do a good job at that. To me a preamp titled towards "rock recordings" would be the typical Neve and API families of preamps. Neither of which really fits the Hardy in my opinion.
Back to the Voicemaster though.... The focusrite platinum series seems to be decent for the price in my opinion, but preamp wise, I would actually prefer a Mackie Onyx preamp that just gets out of my way. The Platinum series sounds no where near as good as the RED and BLUE (ISA) stuff in my opinion, nor is it built as well.
I agree with not always trusting the companies reps when they are trying to defend their product, but in this case mentioned in this particular thread, it sounds like they were right. I would never blame the preamp for sounding bad (because I do not view the Focusrite Platinum stuff as bad) but it most certainly may not be doing much to allow the little details that the mic in question may or may not be capable of reproducing. Everything run through the Platinum series stuff seems to have that same coating to it. Like it is being rolled off a bit at the extreme ends of the spectrum. Almost like it has a "gloss" to it that sounds smooth, but never really allows power, aggression, or the full energy of a track to pop out.
