new preamp

[dvdan]

Hello everybody
Just after a bit of advice really. I'm looking to get a different flavour of preamp, preferably 2 channels. I'm starting work with a vocalist soon and so primarily I want to use it for bass and vocal duties... possibly a bit of guitar? I'm quite used to using the UA 610 for bass but am looking for solid state this time.

Budget? Well lets say I'd probably be topping out at 2k absolute maximum. Currently I'm quite attracted to the Chandler TG2. Any experiences?

Thanks, dan

[whitecat]

Just buy it.

I can't think of anything that has as much mojo-awesome as that. I'm gonna get one at some point, the current budget and my current slate of projects can't justify it right now, but yeah, it'll kick ass. It's still got colour, but different from tube colour in the case of your 610.

I guess other than that there's the Neve 1073 DPA... the DPD comes in over your budget, but if you don't need the AD converter it's not a necessary thing anyway.

On the opposite side of the colour spectrum I might look at the SSL Mynx chassis and load it with a pair of Signature mic pres, which would all be around £1,500ish. They're pretty much colour-free, but with a lot of detail. Trev's opinion and mine do diverge here, though, I'm actually a fan of the modern SSL pres, I know he's not. But he probably has some other awesome suggestions anyway.

Also, it's way under your budget, but do you have a DAV BG-1? If no, shame on you! You should get one in addition to whatever else it is you buy!

[dvdan]

you know what- i've heard good things about the BG1... Never had the pleasure to use one though. The website seems to be a bit vague. I'm guessing its nice and clean by the specs, and thats something I could definately do with. My only slight beef would be that it doesn't have output controls (and I'm a habitual preamp driver)... but what the hell do I care at that price? What are you using yours for? Also I'm looking for something to drive my sm7b and bring out its deep and dimensional characteristics... think great vocalist in a superb and lively room. Actually I'd love to test the TG2 on a one mic drum kit setup with a coles ribbon, although again it would be a bit short on gain.

[TrevCircleStudios]

There is no choice IMO. TG2. If you take a listen on myspace you'll hear it on lead vox, (some) guitars, overheads and percussion on every track currently posted.

[TrevCircleStudios]

BG1 is v clean.

[sphelan]

Originally Posted by dvdan

Hello everybody
Just after a bit of advice really. I'm looking to get a different flavour of preamp, preferably 2 channels. I'm starting work with a vocalist soon and so primarily I want to use it for bass and vocal duties... possibly a bit of guitar? I'm quite used to using the UA 610 for bass but am looking for solid state this time.

Budget? Well lets say I'd probably be topping out at 2k absolute maximum. Currently I'm quite attracted to the Chandler TG2. Any experiences?

Thanks, dan

Hi Dan. Why don't you have a look at the thread we have already running:
Which Preamp?

[dvdan]

excellent trev, will listen tonight. Incidentally, what is your most common chain with the TG2? I might be looking to couple it with a good compressor.

[whitecat]

Trev beat me to it - the BG1 is ultra-clean, round, detailed, and to quote someone else off the internets "almost 3D-sounding."

Use it on an assortment of stuff - male vox & VO, acoustic guitars - I notice dvdan that you've got a Karma K6, I've used that through it on acoustic with some great results. It has *just* enough gain (stock) to drive the K6 if it's all the way up. However, you can get Mick @ DAV to build/mod it for 66db of gain (instead of the stock 59) if you need to.

I've recorded electric guitars direct through it as well (via a Radial DI) but I thought that was a weaker application for it, to be honest, but I think that's somewhat to be expected with a pre this clean.

Believe it or not I've not tried my SM7 yet through it to see if it'll drive it...! My SSL pres have 75db, my new ISA One has 80db which is plenty, so I've not had the occasion to give it a go. Next time I'm tracking I'll give it a go and post back... or maybe Trev's tried it?

The BG-1's biggest fault is that 48V is only available on one channel, as is phase flip... but again, for the cash, whaddaya want?

[TrevCircleStudios]

I tend not to track with a compressor (I usually insert later) unless I want a double helping of something. For rock vocals it's v often my f rev 1176 (fwiw if you are thinking of buying one the purple mc77 gets much closer than the re-issue from UA). If it needs to be less aggressive it gets the manley vari-mu (or if that won't get me what I'm after a UAD la2a or la3a plugin)

[sphelan]

Originally Posted by dvdan

...I'm starting work with a vocalist soon and so primarily I want to use it for bass and vocal duties...

For what it's worth, FM recommended the Manley VoxBox as good on vocals and bass.
Manley VoxBox Valve Channel Strip at DV247.COM

I know it's a bit above 2k but someone else might have an opinion on it.

[dvdan]

Originally Posted by terminal3

- I notice dvdan that you've got a Karma K6...

Yes - its my go to trombone mic. It has a very nice qualities for brass, percussion- and piano. I also have the K35 but haven't found an outstanding use for it unfortunately; I've got a jazz date coming up and I usually stick a LDC outside the kick so maybe I'll give it a go then.

I think I'll get the BG1 as well maybe next week.

[sphelan]

Originally Posted by dvdan

I think I'll get the BG1 as well maybe next week.

I'll be putting in an order for one in the next couple of weeks too. The forum has convinced me!

[TrevCircleStudios]

Sounds like an opportunity for a group buy!

[mutilatedlip]

Originally Posted by TrevCircleStudios

Sounds like an opportunity for a group buy!

Please don't provide such temptation. I've got a wedding to save for. She's already making me put instruments in the loft to make space for baby stuff!

[dvdan]

Originally Posted by TrevCircleStudios

Sounds like an opportunity for a group buy!

Holy moly you'll get me in trouble...

What about the germanium strictly as a DI? I've heard this thing is great as an automtic sweetener...