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Showing posts with label preamps. Show all posts

Avalon VT737SP Class A Tube Channel Strip Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I use this channel strip during nearly every recording session I run. The sound is amazing for vocals (in combination with a good mic), producing a warm and yet extremely clean sound.
I have used the unit on acoustic guitar, kick drum, electric guitar and even bass. I was able to get stunning sound from all sources, with a little tweaking of the settings and mic placement.
This unit is capable of immaculate results. Well worth the money.

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ART Pro MPAII Microphone Preamplifier Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Can you find a better sounding mic pre with more functionality than the ART Pro MPAII? Absolutely. Can you find a better mic pre anywhere near this price range? Not in my experience.
The controls are intuitive and the sound is excellent. My only two complaints are:
1.) The stock tubes that come with this unit are CHEAP. If you get this, I would recommend ordering a pair of high quality tubes as well. I went with TungSol 12AX7 Gold Pin tubes, and the difference in sound was substantial. l'd probably have bumped my rating up to 5 stars if the stock tubes had been better.
2.) It would have been nice if ART had put the XLR inputs on the front of the unit next to the 1/4 inch inputs. As it stands, the XLR inputs are on the rear. I have my components mounted in a stationary rack integrated into a desk, and hooking up mics can be a bit of a chore. This is a small complaint, but it's something to be considered.
Beyond that, this is a great buy for someone looking to see big improvements in their sound without spending vast sums of money.

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Golden Age Project Pre73 MKII Microphone Preamp Review

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(More customer reviews)I love my Golden Age Pre 73. It's my first real preamp and it is amazing. I purchased it from ZenPro audio and paid $600 for a modified version of this stock $300 unit. They replaced the transformers with Carnhills and the transistors with Tantalums. A great deal for $600 and a great Neve clone. Can't do better for the price. Any beginning home studio enthusiast would do well to get one of these. Better than the RNP.

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Joemeek oneQ 25 Inches Microphone Preamp Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This preamp is pretty killer. Besides looking nice in the rack it delivers a very cool sound on both vocals and bass guitar (haven't tried electric guitar yet). I like the compressor a lot. It is very smooth. The EQ (Meekqualizer) is very functional and delivers a wide range of tones. De-esser works as advertised.
The unit is built like a tank. The knobs have the expensive feel to them, and I really like the central vu Meter.
This is a great all around addition to my studio setup.
The only thing I need now is more free-time to really appreciate everything it can do.
MC

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Focusrite TwinTrak Pro Dual Mono/Stereo Tracking Solution and True Stereo Compressor Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)"Warning: Made in China" might have been a better label. I've got nothing against stuff that's made in China. In fact, most of what I use on a daily basis was made there. But when it comes to Pro equipment, I worry when I see that.
Well, I was right. The first preamp I received was DOA. OK, not truly DEAD, but channel 1 wasn't usable do to a lose connection inside the unit.
One RMA latter, and I have a usable unit. Almost.Noise:
It says "-128dB EIN @ 60dB of gain with 150 ohm source" Well, if that's actually true, it's a great marketing ploy.
What I actually got, when the signal entered the digital realm, was a noise floor between -65db and -70db @ 60db of gain with 150 ohm source.
Usability:
The headphone monitoring circuitry adds a lot more noise to the monitor signal. Not a problem, but it confused me when I first tested the unit.
The "AIR" function on the preamp isn't usable. Turning it on causes 60Hz Hum in the signal. Disconnecting the preamp from ground did nothing. I'm not sure if this is my unit, my house's wiring, or a design flaw. I don't want to RMA this thing again, but I might ask the support people about it. "AIR" isn't an option I'd ever use. (there's no control over the affect, just on/off)
I also get 60Hz Hum in the line and instrument inputs. More so in Channel 1 then 2. As I'll never use the line inputs, and probably always use a DI box with guitars and the like, this isn't a problem.
The Compressor and EQ modules work as expected.
Everything else seems to work as expected.
So, to sum up, It seems like a nice design, but with quality control issues.

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Tech 21 BSDR-DLX SansAmp Bass Driver Deluxe Review

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(More customer reviews)I play in 2 bands and I typically use 2 to 3 Basses on stage depending on the band (and the stage). I have always fought with having to dial in the right tone for each Bass every time I switch Basses. The Tech 21 BSDR-DLX SansAmp Bass Driver Deluxe solves that problem. I can preset the 3 main tones I need for 2 Basses and when I switch basses, it just takes a split second to hit the footswitch and I have the exact sound I need. This thing is very easy to setup and has a boatload of other features. Besides the obvious XLR Direct out, it also has a 1/4" Parallel out that is pre-tone controls so you can send your unaltered Bass signal to a Tuner or in my case, another amplifier. It also has an effects loop so you can have your effects setup and just hit one switch and you have the tone you need plus the effects you need. There's a small learning curve and you need some time for trial and error with the tone controls and the drive, level and blend controls if your customizing your own sounds. You can also just use the stock sounds that come pre-programmed and it sounds great. I've had many compliments from band mates as well as fans in the audience about my sound since using the Bass Driver Deluxe. I would definitely recommend the Tech 21 BSDR-DLX SansAmp Bass Driver Deluxe for any Bassist. I would also recommend you buy the optional Tech 21 DC2 DC2 Power Supply.

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Focusrite ISA428 Four Classic Microphone Pre-Amps and High-Quality A/D Conversion Review

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(More customer reviews)Very versatile preamps! I've had them for 3 years and wouldn't dream of getting rid of them! Very clean, but colorful (in a good way). I've used them on everything from drums to voice to symphony to bass & keyboards (direct). No complaints. I've done shootouts with preamps that were much more expensive and I won't say the ISA428 blew them away, but it came closer than it should have considering the price difference!

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Aguilar AG 500SC Bass Head Boss Brown Review

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(More customer reviews)The Aguilar AG500SC is simply a fantastic bass amplifier, hands down. If you are looking for a warm, punchy, deep sound, you can't go wrong with Aguilar. It gets very loud, certainly loud enough for mid-size venues and cuts through a mix very well. The construction is VERY solid. I've never seen a more neatly and carefully wired machine in my life. And I really dig the aesthetics, with the rich brown color and simple, easily readable EQ and knob layout. Ultimately, I would rather have gone with the dual-channel model, but for the moment I just can't afford it. But trust me, there's not a hint of regret in my purchase. I am VERY happy with this amplifier.
Props also goes to Amazon, which has not only the best selection of Aguilar products (pretty much every model in every color combo under the sun), but also the best prices (and FREE shipping to boot). Delivery was quick and professional and I have had no problems with the product after purchase. Highly recommended!

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The AG 500SC is a high powered, lightweight head that combines an easy to use yet versatile EQ with 500 watts of power to create the perfect amp for the gigging bassist. Four bands of active EQ with bright and deep switches provide a variety of tones that can go from funk to rock to jazz. A flexible FX Loop and pure sounding D.I. are easily accessible on the front of this amp. Great features, tons of power and an affordable price make this amp a classic.This model in "Boss Brown". Looks great with Tweed cabinets. *Optional: Headcase or Carry bag

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Tech 21 SansAmp Character Series VT Bass Deluxe Distortion Effects Pedal Review

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(More customer reviews)this bass pedal is really fantastic - flexible, compact, and a wide range of authentic sounds - 99% noiseless, cheaper and less weight than any ampeg tube amp ...

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Fishman AFX Pedal - Reverb Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is definitely a high quality fx pedal! It's built like a tank and you couldn't ask for better quality reverbs - they are rich and lush and very "tweak-able." There are three reasons I give this 4 stars instead of 5:
1. This thing eats 9v batteries pretty quickly, quicker than most pedals I've used;
2. It didn't come with an AC adapter; and,
3. For $250, it should have come with the adapter and the kitchen sink.
That said, it's a very worthy pedal for acoustic reverb.

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With quality sound always at the forefront, Fishman starts with an all-analog, buffered bypass signal path to protect your signal from noise. The Fishman AFX Reverb pedal includes eight effect presets: Studio, Room, Plate, Chamber, Stage, Concert Hall, Cathedral, Canyon. Level, tone and decay time controls function for all effects, allowing you to dial things in just right for your instrument and amplification system. Make the most of your reverb effects with 1/4" stereo ins and outs. An input gain switch adds level boost, and the Fishman reverb pedal is housed in durable all-metal construction.

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