I am interested in the DAKing 4 mic pre.  It seems to be pretty popular with the drummer crowd.   I would be using in on percussive sounds like drums mostly, but does it color the sound in a way pleasing for guitars or vocals at all?
 
Thanks in advance..
 
L

Before laying down your cash... make sure to check out the Neve Portico preamps.
Best I've ever used...

Dakings are good, although I haven't used them much.  As is the Neve stuff.
 
If you are recording drums API is a good choice, but is expensive.  The Warm Audio is based on the API design, and they have a new 4-by unit that should be out soon.  I haven't heard it, but for $1000 it is certainly something to consider.  The Warm 12 punches like an API, although the new 4-by unit uses a different transformer, I believe.

When you start to look at Daking, Neve, API, and similar (I'd add John Hardy and Milennia Media to the list) you really can't go wrong - they are all top tier. And sadly, they all sound different!

Only way to know for sure (since your ears are, well, yours) is to borrow or find a dealer that will let you take some home.
 
Yes, it's a non-answer, but at least it is honest<G>...

wst3
When you start to look at Daking, Neve, API, and similar (I'd add John Hardy and Milennia Media to the list) you really can't go wrong - they are all top tier. And sadly, they all sound different!

That's actually a good answer (and very much true).
GML pre-amps should also be added to that list.

oh yeah, anything with George's initials on it belongs on that list!

Thank you all.   A bit behind in responding but grateful for your comments.
 
I am in the middle of trying to listen to ones I would like.  The DAKING sounds pretty nice overall on drum overheads, toms. That's what I was looking for. But now, I am on a 'listen, learn and list' path.  
 
I need something for drums, something for vocals and something for guitars.  I am listening to rack units and 500 lunchbox style units. I think I will end up with lunchbox where I can.    I like the DAKING for drums.  I'm good with that design.   For guitars, I am leaning towards a 1073 clone or pair - with eq and compressor. 
 
For vocals,  the jury is still in..   I am picking up a mid priced large diaphragm mic in February.  Something in the range of an MA-1000 (one of my other posts) up to a U87.   I am leaning towards the MA because it sounds really good on female vocals - don't know why, but I think the clue is in the 251 capsule.  The U87 is a good pick too.  Theres a difference in both of them but I don't think I can go wrong with either with what I hear.   The pre-amps I like are both rack based - the Shelfield and Portico.  However, like will have to talk to afford and duke it out in February.
 
Take care
LL