Hardy M-1 |
2. API 212/3/12/512 - In my mind, API is the sound of rock. It can be gritty and aggressive sounding in a good way. A big favorite on drums and guitars.
3. GML 8302/04 - When I want clean, deep and round, this is the one I'd reach for. I was lucky enough to do several albums on a GML console. The sounds were almost instantly great without working too hard.
4. Shadow Hills GAMA - A very versatile amp with lots of different sounds, it can almost be a combination of the above 3.
5. Great River MP-2NV - To me the MP-2NV is like a better sounding Neve 1073. When you want that sound, this is a good way to go.
AMEK Angela 2 |
Universal Audio 8110 |
Presonus M80 |
9. Trident A-Range - The "Trident" sound to me is sort of like a British version of the API. Very rock and roll and aggressive. Other Trident consoles like the TSM and Series 80 had good sounding preamps with the same general sound, but the A-Range is the best of the bunch. I've had the pleasure of working on several of them over the years.
10. Golden Age Project Pre-73 - Talk about bang for the buck, the Pre-73 gives you a reasonable facsimile of a Neve 1073 for a lot less money (about $350). I bought one as a gift for an assistant and was so impressed that I bought one for myself.
There are plenty of others that I've tried and liked, and lots more that I haven't tried yet. I'm still of the mind that there are other factors that are more important when getting sounds (like the player, the instrument and mic placement), but having a great preamp can certainly make your job easier.
What are your favorite mic preamps?
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7 comments:
Yay I'm glad the Golden Age pre 73 made this list. It's just got such a good quality for the price!
That´s nice about the Golden Age pre 73. The problem with this kind of equipment is how much durability they have.
Is the same about your publication about mics.
Anyway, if it sounds right and likes it, it´s fine!
Try the NPNG! kind of like the Hardy
No love for Neve?
Api 512c
Wonderful list all are great in my opinion.
I agree with your list and add the Warm audio lineup as API alternatives, the slate FOX gives you both the Neve 1073 and GML flavor and the Classic API Heider Mic pre is fantastic. Also the. Neve 1073 LB and AEA RPQ500 both very good, Tonelux are excellent, and, of course the Focusrite ISA sound great. So many good ones, even at affordable prices. For money is no object, the Moon 3500MP is WOW!
My favorite are the Avalon and Manley preAmps. Extraordinary sounding gear. The TOFT ATC-2 is nice too.
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