Mod Bod


Technically I have, 12 in my Soundcraft mixer, a Studio Projects VTB 1, a JoeMeek TwinQ, a Universal Audio 170 Twinfinity and ultimately an Avalon 737.  But yet, I catch myself scanning Craigslist and ebay trying to find the "good deal" on an ART Pro MPA or a UA 610 or a Golden Age Preamp.
There is no way that I would be lacking a pre amp in any realistic situation.  Is this silly or what?

A pair of 1073 LB or 512c pres has been great for me! The 1073 for snare, kick and vocals is amazing.

musicroom


I would be interested in a review of your UA 710 now that you've had it for a while. Have you used it with an AKG414 yet?  This one really has my interest...

I like it in that you can add varying amounts of creaminess to the sound or none at all.  Meaning, if I am using my GT66 mic, I can run purely solid state.  If I am using my other condensers, I can add a bit of tube warmth.

I miked up my guitar cabinet with a 57 and listened thru my Soundcraft, the UA710 and the Avalon 737.  The differences were slightly varying levels of different characteristics.  The Soundcraft sounded good - surprisingly good compared to the other two.  But it had a bit of a metal bite to it.  It wasn't a bad sound at all but it was like aluminum is compared to steel.  Still had a sort of bark in the mid range but not obnoxious.  The UA710 was like a piece of sanded aluminum where the edges are smoothed out and the blemishes start to disappear.  The Avalon was more like translucent aluminum.  More clarity but again the sharp edges were smoothed.

This is about the dumbest comparison I've ever come up with but that's exactly the impression I got.


I think the UA 710 is great for it's versatility.  You can go from a Grace 101, no coloration kind of sound to a nice rounded tone.  I never drive it until it distorts.  I tried it on guitar straight into the Hi-Z input but I didn't what I got.  I prefer the cream in the coffee to take the edge off approach.  (Once again a dumb metaphor.)


When I get a chance, I'll likely get another to make a stereo set.   Actually, I wouldn't mind having the model with the 4 x710s in it.

Before that, I think I might try to go for a Vintech 1073 clone.

Bristol_Jonesey


I've got a CD player, a Minidisc recorder & a Cassette Deck all wired in, all ready for recording should the need ever arise.

Wow, what a relief that is - to hear that I'm not the only one with the minidisc recorder wired in.  Whew!

Dave: Have you tried the Vintech X73i? I bought mine over ten years ago from the owner "Dallas" and at the time his facility was right outside Tampa......it's been a really great piece.......lately I'm using my UA610 which I really love...sounds great on everything

I'd heard that the transformers on the new ones may be different than the one I have (I bought mine 8 or 9 years ago)....don't know for sure.....Dallas is a great guy, he showed me the giant shed where he builds them......btw I have a few musician friends in Brandon...Michele & James Pruyn (you may know them)...she's an excellent jazz vocalist, as his he, and James doubles on trumpet and drums

Mod Bod


My precious.

Congratulations on your choice. I think it was the best decision to make. I got one too about a year ago and love it. Many folks bash the newer U87ai over the vintage U87. I had a vintage one for a week and liked my new one better (blind test BTW). I also have a KSM27. The KSM27 is a gem of a mic for it's price. You must try the SM7b too.
 
I'm glad you were able to predict your eventual GAS outcome as this will have undoubtedly saved you one or two purchases prior to your endgame mic.
 
I'm also with the fewer pieces of quality gear gang. I have Portico 5012, 5016 and a Sytek. I can't see me ever moving from this. Same with comps, I have a Mohog (1176-type) and an API 2500. That'll do for me. Mind you, I'm keen to perhaps explore the Opto side of comps to see if I'm missing anything. However, the recent price increase of LA2As have me leaning more towards a Distressor instead - which I know only mimics Opto.
 
I'm trying to get my GAS down to just plectrums - wish me luck. 
 
 
Stewart

Middleman


Finding a reasonably priced LA2A took me about a year. I picked it up for $1800. This after tracking Craigslist, ebay and several other sites like Vintage King, Primal Gear etc. almost daily. Found one, of all places, at a Guitar Center and in mint condition.

Cheers Middleman. I'll probably go down the same route - if I can find one that is.
 
With regard to small selections of quality gear and the way the business is going, I reckon it may be hobby based 'would-be' pro enthusiasts who may become sought after and get good reputations in their geographical areas. This being especially so if their gear is good and matches their talent, experience and service delivery. Musicians who previously didn't give a hoot about recording gear are now a lot more knowledgable about gear and beginning to be fussy about this in regard to where they record. 
 
Having said this, I reckon there will still be a number of bigger studios around, albeit perhpas to a lesser degree than currently. Who knows though.
 
Stewart