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.

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...

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.

Thanks for taking the time to tell about the sound of the UA710. I actually liked your metaphors and understand what you're saying. They helped. 

I have the UA710 along with Phoenix Audio DRS-Q4M mk2 high on my wish list right now. Not totally out of the running are the grace 101 and golden age pre-73. I found some clips of the pre-73 on a web site and have to say those clips left me with more questions than answers. 

I own a peavey vmp2 and I really like it - alot, but I'm wanting add another choice. The vmp2 gives a very warm tube sound along with nice clarity. Works great on most vocals and always great on acoustic and bass. 

Thanks Again!

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!

there's always one more on the horizon



:-)

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

Gaffpro


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 have a local friend who has a big time "crush" on the man.  I haven't tried it yet but I did check out one of the YouTube videos that Vintech has that shows a side by side comparison of a 1073 and the 73i clone.  If it wasn't exact, it sounded closer than I could detect.

I have to slow down the GAS attacks to do some repairs and upgrades to the Mod Bod Compound and prepare for what might be a downtick in the business economy.  But I'll likely survive all that like I have before and I'll be looking at the 73i on the upside of my next mountain climb.  Right now, if I can't get it down with the nice stuff I have then it's me with the issues.

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

Actually, I wouldn't mind having the model with the 4 x710s in it

 
I picked one of these up about a month ago. Still learning the ins and out (so to speak) of it but great bang for the buck imo.
 
Regards,