VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

SilverSurfer3001 · Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 11:44 am Post subject: In search of the Holy Grail...

... a good "cheap" pre-amp.

I would love to have an avalon, alas, the funds aren't exactly rolling in at this point, and I'm afraid my wife's eyes would get caught in an infinite loop of rolling to even bring up the subject.

So, I was talking to some guys who supply production houses, and they seem to think the PreSonus Eureka fits the bill. I even saw one at work in a very reputable production house in Charlotte recently, but frankly with the 10 inch thick solid core walls, the double hung insulated doors and no less than 9 sound columns at any given time in the spacious recording room, I imagine the ambient noise would be kept to a minimum and dudes could probably run an ART Tube and get a decent sound on the end product.

But in the real world - where I live and don't have the aforementioned booth or control room, how does the Eureka stack up against the Avalon? Anybody used one? If so? what are your thoughts?
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Deirdre · Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 11:46 am Post subject:

dbx 286.

I know it isn't the question you ended with but it does answer the question you started with.
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SilverSurfer3001 · Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 11:53 am Post subject:

That one has a bit of a steep learning curve, dunnit?

I've heard more than a few people gush over them after first getting past a profanity laden outburst about the horror of getting it set up...

Maybe I just talk to the wrong people. You know, the kind who are technologically retarded, just like me.
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JTVG · Backstage Pass Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 433

I picked up a Golden Age Pre 73 a couple of weeks ago and fell in love. Probably will end up selling my Avalon, to be honest. Really smooth. Plus, the impedance button gives it a whole new sound, which is like having 2 pre's in one.
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Steve Knight · Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 12:24 pm Post subject:

Jody, If you ask 5 different people, you'll get 5 different answers..

I tend to agree with DB,..the dbx286a is a solid, reliable, inexpensive unit, and unlike the Symetrix 528e, it's easy to set up..I have one in my rack, and I also have a spare that I can let you have for $150 if you're interested..

Pam · Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 2:14 pm Post subject:

I love my DBX and it was easy to set up. Or maybe I didn't do it right and that made it easy! Bought mine second hand as well.
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bobsouer · Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 2:34 pm Post subject:

+1 to what Deirdre and Pam said.
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captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago

I use the dbx alongside a Digi 002, and when I compare the sound of the stock preamps in the 002 vs the dbx pre's, its a pretty dramatic difference.

for the most part I bypass the on board fx in the Dbx, although the compressor helps in certain situations. I find the gate awfully fiddly and don't have the patience for it. Much easier to add software gate if needed and eq at the plug-in stage.

Deirdre · Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 7:55 pm Post subject:

The pre that gave the profanest pip was the APHEX 230.

The dbx 286 had very little "learning curve" although having a good 2nd set of ears to help get the settings right for your mic in your space.
I haven't had any trouble with creating a gate with the threshold at -30 and the ratio near 2:1— but that's for my mic in my space, your mileage is bound to vary.

George Whittam, Mike Sommer, and Kevin Genus have given it high marks as a "secret weapon" because it's so clean and so, oh, so cheap.
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DougVox · Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 8:55 pm Post subject:

Mike Sommer · Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 1:12 am Post subject:

What is your signal chain now?

Mac or PC?

Why do you feel you need to upgrade?

Can you post a sample of your studio audio?

What is your budget?
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Chuck Davis · Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 3:57 am Post subject:

I have a Eureka. I does the job very nicely. Quiet, flexible and not especially pricey. I am lusting over the Grace M-103 though.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

I have largely been immune to pre-amp itis and more prone to mic itis.

But lately I have been undergoing a pre-amp-dectomy.....after going "clean"

for about six months, am heading back in the tube direction...currently test-driving an LA 610 MK II...it definitely warms up the 87ai and 416

But on a budget (or even if not on a budget) I hear pretty much all good things about the GAP 73

Steve Knight · Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 8:03 am Post subject:

Rob, does this mean you sent back the 710??

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Well, I took it back to Guitar Center.

I've been shooting out the 710, the 610 and a single channel Neve 1073.

So far the 610 is the front-runner. Mainly because the compressor might come in handy. I liked the 710 though.