8 Channel Mic Amp.

studiorat

Ok, looking for suggestions for an 8 channel mic pre set-up. Somewhere between the DAV BG8 and Grace m801.

Basically between 2 and 4 grand. Other possibilities would be suggestions for an lunch box full of goodies or perhaps 2x4 channel racks API + Neve . Obviously these two would not be an option... Two expensive:)

fitz

Audient ASP008.
Really happy with mine, and you can get it with optional ADAT or AES too.

studiorat

Not bad, used them in the past. I do like the variable phase on the two channel version. But is it sexy enough!? I don't need AD conversion.

Ideally I'd like a few channels of super clean and fast mic amps and something a bit funky like the chandlers or similar.

Can anybody compare the Neve and the API suggested? Are they too similar perhaps?

Seziertisch

http://www.phoenixaudio.net/products_drs8.html

This would be my recommendation.

studiorat

Is there one about Sez? Have you heard it?

Seziertisch

studiorat wrote: »

Is there one about Sez? Have you heard it?

I haven't heard it in person, though I do own a Nice DI and have used a Nicerizer, both of which has the same topology i.e. sound the same, and what a sound.

A friend of mine has a couple of them in his set up and he swears by them, and he routinely works with some really high-end kit.

Give Darren at Studio Solutions a shout, I know he is their dealer here in Ireland.

trackmixstudio

ISA828 all the way.
I use it every session and it always sounds great. Fairly clean but very punchy and great value for money considering it had lundahl transformers on every channel. Variable impedance is fantastic. For overheads the low or isa110 setting can tame harsh cymbals (eg. sabian AA or AAX)
I usually use my API for guitars but sometimes the ISA sounds better.
You could also get 2 of the new Ua 4-710d for less than 4K.
I also had a digidesign 8 channel pre. I had a party when I got rid of it:D

studiorat

The ISA is on the radar alright. I remember using it before and liking the impedance functions. I also have the ISA 215 which is great but it's a different circuit I believe.

Still hoping to find that Phoowar! factor though!

Seziertisch

I forgot about this guy

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MicPre4

Haven't used it directly, but I have used their single channel with EQ. Not better or worse than API or Neve or whatever, just different. A pair of them would fall in within your budget as well.

PaulBrewer

I like the whack off the Jlm demos

http://www.jlmaudio.com/8packoftrans.htm

Has anyone used them ?

If I had a project to warrant it I'd buy 4 x Manley stereo mic pres.

I've been using a vox box (same pre) and it's a monster on so many levels .

studiorat

Bought spares from JLM before, delivery wasn't a problem.

Yeah, the Manley stuff is epic, love their Pox Box and the Passive Massive. The Thermonic Culture mic pre's are a similar sort of job too, except these are out of the budget.

Anyone care to speculate on the difference between the API 512 and say the Neve 1073 or 1081?

PaulBrewer

If you want to spend some quality Neve 1073 DPA time you're welcome to come down to Joe's.

Thermionic Culture demos possible too.

Seziertisch

As to the difference between API and Neve, they are just different, neither better or worse. Go on to gearslutz and you will find lots of discussions of the differences. That said, I have heard significant enough differences between old and new API, so go figure.

Have you your heart set on have 8 of the same pres? The AEA Trp is a monster, though it doesn't provide phantom power. It brings both ribbons and condensers to life though with a clarity and warmth that the usual suspects won't offer. It is also very affordable.