Which Preamp?

[TrevCircleStudios]

If you are aiming for a quality upgrade then yes. Generally speaking console pres (save for a very few in consoles that are completely out of your reach) are not even close to the pres listed above in terms of quality.

[sphelan]

I am still wading through preamp info and I've just had a look back at the studio gear list of both Trev and terminal3. I am even more in awe now!

Basically, following on from your question Trev about what type of music I want to do - well I want it all (as usual) - ie, a preamp with colour and one that is transparent. Am I very hard to please?

So, at the moment, I think I will have to get possibly two preamps or one that is flexible.

And that brings me to the question of something like Focusrite 4Pre.

There is a Full Emulation list available here
Focusrite Audio Engineering | UK Site | Support | User Guides: Liquid 4PRE

Is this NOT the way to go?

[terminal3]

Originally Posted by sphelan

Basically, following on from your question Trev about what type of music I want to do - well I want it all (as usual) - ie, a preamp with colour and one that is transparent. Am I very hard to please?

What about something like this?

Universal Audio 710 Twin-Finity Mic/Line Preamp & at DV247.COM

Also, the SSL Alpha pres also have something called a VHD circuit which lets you dial-in some harmonic distortion. However, it really doesn't work on everything. I consider it sort of a 'nice extra' but I can't rely on it for colour. It can dirty up a bass pretty well, but it's no good on female vox... probably because you don't notice it much with stuff that doesn't have a lot of low-frequency content. Here's more on that:

Solid State Logic | Music

(of course, Trev's not a fan of these amps at all, which is fair enough, but you can always add more mic amps to your arsenal, believe me.)

I think you REALLY need to hear a Liquid Channel/Liquid 4Pre before you buy it. There are those that love them, but there are a lot of those that think it just sounds awful. I've never heard one "in real life" so I'm gonna withhold judgment.

[sphelan]

The Future Music article I mentioned yesterday was interesting though basic. The main argument is that it is better to save and buy something decent than spend only a couple of hundred euros on something.

They mention
API A2D,
SSL XLogic SuperAnalogue Channel,
Neve 1073 DPA,
Drawer 1969,
George Massenburg GML 2020 (around 5,400€),
Millennia STT-1,
Amek System 9098,
Focusrite Platinum TwinTrak Pro
Focusrite Liquid Channel,
TL Audio Ivory 5060
TL Audio VP-1,
and JoeMeek Twin Qcs.

They also have 6 recordings comparing some of these but I haven't got round to listening yet.

Basically, that's quite a load of gear to think about although I know that several of the above check in at over 3000 euros!!! Ouch!

Should I stop researching and just go with your suggestions?

[mutilatedlip]

Originally Posted by TrevCircleStudios

A Designs does some awesome kit. I'm a big fan of both the Reddi (which I have) and the Pacifica (which I need!)

How do you rate the REDDI, Trev? Good piece of gear?

I've heard so many positives about the Pacifica.

[TrevCircleStudios]

No prizes if you guessed I'm not a fan of the 4pre. Personally I'd go with a DAV and an RNP or better still a Dav and a TG2. That'd give you 4 channels. Alternatively go for a very flexible pre such as the Great River or TG2. If I could only have one preamp it would probably be the TG2.

[TrevCircleStudios]

The Reddi is awesome. Swing by some time and hear it for yourself!

[mutilatedlip]

Originally Posted by TrevCircleStudios

The Reddi is awesome. Swing by some time and hear it for yourself!

Thanks for the offer!

Whereabouts are you in Brum?

I'm just about to start recording my band over the next year or so, and will no doubt be looking for a decent studio for bits and bobs (naturally, most done at home to save cost!)

[sphelan]

Originally Posted by TrevCircleStudios

The Reddi is awesome. Swing by some time and hear it for yourself!

Although I love living here, you can't imagine how much I wish I was closer to you!!!

[TrevCircleStudios]

Should I stop researching and just go with your suggestions?

Sorry dude, that's a decision only you can make! Personally I wouldn't take the advice of anyone from the internet unless I had heard what they do and trusted their ears. Ideally you'll research enough to be able to make an educatred decision. Our opinions can only be a part of your education process.

[sphelan]

I know!!

[sphelan]

Originally Posted by TrevCircleStudios

Sorry dude, that's a decision only you can make! Personally I wouldn't take the advice of anyone from the internet unless I had heard what they do and trusted their ears. Ideally you'll research enough to be able to make an educatred decision. Our opinions can only be a part of your education process.

But I have to add that this is adding tons to my knowledge base. And it is not by any means an easy decision. If I had the same money to spend on a guitar, it would be a more clear cut decision. But this preamp stuff is so wide open and subjective. And as someone said it often comes down to personal taste. But you still need to know what sounds good and will do the job you want. And if you have a different need in the future, then it seems a different tool is needed!!

[terminal3]

Originally Posted by TrevCircleStudios

No prizes if you guessed I'm not a fan of the 4pre. Personally I'd go with a DAV and an RNP or better still a Dav and a TG2. That'd give you 4 channels. Alternatively go for a very flexible pre such as the Great River or TG2. If I could only have one preamp it would probably be the TG2.

You're indeed getting predictable, Trev, although I have a feeling that 'not a fan' may be an understatement in this case...? Just a hunch.

To make this all easy I'm just gonna go +1 on those suggestions. The DAV + TG2 would be the best bet (the TG2 is on my probably-not-near-future but someday sooner-rather-than-later shopping list), but that said, having an RNP around is not a bad idea either way. The DAV's got all kinds of big round clean, and the TG2 has all kinds of colour. Excellent combo, IMHO.

[sphelan]

Don't DV stock the DAV? I can only seem to find the BG6 Compressor/Limiter!

[terminal3]

Originally Posted by sphelan

Don't DV stock the DAV? I can only seem to find the BG6 Compressor/Limiter!

They can get it. Call/email them. And shout here for them to put the BG1 on their website. It will likely be about the same price as the BG6.