Mike from Martinsburg, WV
mikeeigenbrode@masterhandmusic.com
Quality:
Very well made piece of equipment. I plan on buying at least 2 more.
Features:
It is fine just the way it is. I like the plate voltage adjustment. I also like the ability to use it as a DI box.
Ease of Use:
With a little experimenting, not very hard. Plate voltage feature is something you want to experiment with. You can make the same guitar sound very different depending on the voltage you set it at.
Sound:
It sounds great. Ten times better than any mixer pre amp. I use it with the ART Pro VLA II compressor. Awesome tone and pristine sound. The clarity is just amazing.
Reliability:
Only had it for a few weeks now but use it in a project studio setting. It has been used every day with no apperant defects at this time.
Overall:
This baby has a sound that will warm up any mic you decide to use. It sounds really crisp and clean with my MXL V69 Tube mic. It even adds tone and crispness to an SM57. Great pre at a great price.
Do you own this product?:
Yes
Date submitted:
11/02/2009
Hoss from Emmett, ID
Subject:
Great step-up preamp!
Quality:
Detented input and output knobs, sturdy box, nice VU meters, excellent sound, lots of features... All in all, this is an excellent preamp of high quality. I highly recommend it.
Features:
The only thing this preamp is missing that I would really like to see is an insert for a compressor or EQ chain. Otherwise, it is a VERY full-featured preamp, capable of tons of great tones and lots of versatility. The stereo function of this preamp is a fantastic feature and awesome for stereo miking acoustic guitars and drum overheads.
Ease of Use:
While there are lots of buttons and knobs, this thing is pretty straight forward to use. Plug in your mic, plug the output into your DAW, set your levels, and go. Use the impedance knob to tweak your tone. Adjust input, output, pad and plate voltage to get the sound you want.
Sound:
Sounds fantastic. I've used it on kick and snare, where it did a fine job. Dialed in just a little bit of tube saturation to give them a little body, and it sounded nice. But this thing REALLY shines as a direct box. Bass sounds warm, fat, and punchy with great clarity. Direct electric guitar sounds wonderful; a perfect foundation for re-amping later or using in-the-box amp modeling. On clean tracks, I've actually used just the ART; no re-amping or modeling later, and it sounded great.
Reliability:
I haven't had it very long, but my entire rack took a pretty hard jolt when it fell from about a 6 inch height...Didn't phase it a bit. Seems to be built pretty tough. Knobs and buttons don't feel flimsy or cheesy at all; very smooth.
Overall:
So far, I'm very happy with it. I bought it intending to upgrade the tubes immediately (and I may in the future), but it sounds great out of the box, so I'm not gonna mess with what isn't broken at this point. Lots of features and great sound for the money.
Do you own this product?:
Yes
Date submitted:
7-18-2011
Jim from Glen Rose Texas USA
jimflud@gmail.com
Subject:
Low noise Pre-Amp
Quality:
Seams well made, and so far no problems
Features:
Two channels, adjustable plate voltage.
Ease of Use:
Simple operation with everything you need, increase input stage and lower output to drive tube harder.48 volt phantom power, adjustable plate voltage and two channels
Sound:
Have used it with Golden Age ribbon, Rode NT1A and AKG 414 And all sound great, the low noise is very important with ribbon because of high gain settings.
Reliability:
Haven't had it long, Time will tell.
Overall:
I like this pre amp. Will add a second soon
Do you own this product?:
Yes
Date submitted:
04-13-2011
Tony C from Valrico Florida
Quality:
I was unfamiliar and sceptable about these products and their quality - not anymore - thoroughly impressed now.
Features:
Hard to say: I like both the 20 db gain for use on some mics but the High-plate voltage switch has that subtle magic I especially need for my particular voice.
Ease of Use:
Didn't have to spend more than 10 minutes with the manual. Each piece of equipment kinda tells you it's thirsty and the unit has what it takes to quench that thirst with the press of a button.
Sound:
Both mics (of different brands) and guitars can be easily adjusted and enhanced into my sound zone. I've even pre's the unit with a pod with great results.
Reliability:
Though I've had it a short time, I've produced consistantly clear outputs with whatever I've plugged in to it.
Overall:
Having little experience with these types of units, I am very happy with the the overall quality and functions of the unit. I am especially happy that it's a dual. Didn't have to comparatively spend a lot for all its functions and clarity. I can't say I know what a $1000 pre sounds like but I didn't hear anything bad coming out of this unit - totally clean. Great results and value for the money invested.
Do you own this product?:
Yes
bigwev from US Army- Germany
Subject:
Very good sound!!!! Until it stopped working
Quality:
To be determined
Features:
Nice sound very impressive. It makes my recordings sound like I know what I'm doing :}
Ease of Use:
Read the manual and you'll be alright
Reliability:
didn't have it long before I turned it on one day and It didn't work. To make a long story short. The fuse blew out. I was happy that thats all it was. Don't look for the company to help!! No ability to contact anyone other that by e-mail. That might be okay with you if your not in any rush to finish what your working on!!!!
Overall:
Really Good my go-to vocal recorder
Do you own this product?:
Mach 2011
Date submitted:
April 2011