imo
Well-known member
My favorite color pres would be the REDD 47 style for tubes and any of the Neve '3055' based pres, 1272 or 1073. They both have really cool obvious distortion/compression characteristics. They distort differently but both have really cool characteristics when driven hard. I also absolutely love the LA2A for crunch when pushed hard. Not having a tape based recording system, i can get close to many sounds pre digital recording with these 3. Many people love driving API style pres, but i have always liked them cleaner.
I came to the realization on my last recording project that 90% of what makes me choose a pre is based on its distortion characteristics. The difference with most pres, assuming the mic/pre impedance is in line, is pretty minimal. I really hear a big difference however when they are pushed, so i have tried to put together a mix of 'clean' and 'driven' pres
I came to the realization on my last recording project that 90% of what makes me choose a pre is based on its distortion characteristics. The difference with most pres, assuming the mic/pre impedance is in line, is pretty minimal. I really hear a big difference however when they are pushed, so i have tried to put together a mix of 'clean' and 'driven' pres