Do Expensive Preamps Make Your Audio SOUND Better?

Miami takes you through the ins and outs of what makes each of the legendary preamps popular, as well as gives sound examples to back it up.
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[@BeatsAndMeats]

The U.S. Men’s Olympic Sprinting coach once famously said “I can’t make you fast… but I can make you faster.” I think pres are the same… they won’t make you a good engineer or mixer, but if you’re already good, they can make you better.

[@joeymusic]

That’s a really smart way of putting it -Miami

[@roberthunt1540]

Nice quote!

[@aviatedviewssound4798]

@@joeymusic GOAT status video right there now i will know on what material to use these preamp, my guy you are a a genius and geniuses recognize our own kind.

[@LosFicosMusic]

Neve 1073 1:51 Api 3124 3:13 Ssl 4:36 chandler Germ 5:27 Audient 6:58 Thanks 🙏🏽

[@truthbydesign5146]

Thanks for that! Auditioning on my Adam A7X out of RME Babyface Pro FS. Neve and Chandler win hands down , love that full bodied sound of Neve and the clarity of mids on Germ ..The rest were missing too much of the bottom spectrum for my taste.

[@LosFicosMusic]

@@truthbydesign5146 Nice.. when are we going to do a interface stereo Shootout. Apollo vs Rme vs Personus etc

[@gitarman666]

Segway master

[@gitarman666]

I have Shelford channel strips on the way I first though the shelford pre and then pickup a pultec style eq and maybe EL8 distressors But I’m hearing good things about the diode bridge comp and the 1064/1073 Eq Thought? I can’t ask my wallet for it keeps running away

[@jaimegarcia7180]

Hysterical! He said I’m “pretty amped” - I love it

[@joeymusic]

Woot woot! Puns for days over here -Miami

[@AndyRicAudio]

From what I’m hearing, the neve has this nice mid range that makes the track sound less busy but in a pleasing way and is usually the type of mid range I’m looking for. In the shootout with the germanium i noticed the germanium adds this low end that I’m actually very used to in my tracks but I’m slowly starting not to like anymore. Thanks for this!

[@joeymusic]

Yeah, I like to mix dark so I really love that round low end. -Miami

[@Mike_Benz_]

@@joeymusic I like to mix in the dark........and naked.

[@bobbyhofermusic]

Dood, you provide the most informative real info of anyone I've seen...Great job!

[@AR7271]

Would have been better with more audio samples though!

[@no-yj2cf]

yeah im finna end up binge watching this channel. Great job man 🤝

[@robertsimpson5801]

Another great video, Miami! Keep them coming!

[@joeymusic]

Thanks, Robert! Planning on going content crazy this summer! -Miami

[@ThePilate30]

Thank you for showcasing the Audient pres. My ID44 gets great results (only gripe being their low speaker and HP output). I use a Warm Audio Tone Beast and it's very versatile. Oh yeah and again, sick vocals brother!

[@WorldBurial]

Nice, I could hear the differences clearly compared to other videos. And yeah, the SSL sounds a bit smoother (SSL claimed it's similar to the 4000 E). It's not always my preferred choice but I like that you can keep it clean or add color with the VHD knob (2nd- to 3rd-harmonic distortion) and by raising the input. Part of its cost is also the HPF, EQ, limiter, insert options and converter of course. I also like that you can simultaneously record the EQ'd and unaffected signal, in case of. The EQ (SSL says it's from the 4000 G stereo channels) sounds slightly different from my SSL channel strip plugins. The high end is less harsh, a bit more airy, and adding low end to a bass sounds slightly bigger. I've used it a few times during mixing when it was closer to the sound that I was looking for.

[@joeymusic]

Glad i was able to give a clear representation -Miami

[@ghoulz9300]

I used to have the API... loved it, especially on drums, bass, and guitars...and synth bass. That Chandler sounds amazing to me in your example.

[@ChrisTondreau]

I enjoyed the video. A thin ambient guitar with a bunch of effects, though, might not have been the best choice for demonstrating the capabilities of these preamps or for making comparisons. I have the SSL Alpha and the Daking Mic Pre-ii (the rackmounted one with two channels) and I agree, they're both super nice. I would put as a similarly nice pre as the Universal Audio 610 (which I used to have) and the Universal Audio 710 (I have the 4-710d which gives four channels and has ADAT). I found the UA610 to be a "character" preamp, and just found the four channels of the 710 (with the "twinfinity" solid state / tube blending) to get me similarly close to the 610 while allowing greater flexibility - and the four channels with the ADAT made it a clear winner for which one to keep. Every now and again, I think, "Geez... I should really get a 1073" and then I look at what I have, and wonder how much of a difference it would really make to my end product.

[@andyracksthecams]

Great video. Informative and captivating.

[@ericjtomsky]

Hi Miami! Have you used the cranborn Camden mic pre? I’ve been using it and like it but was wondering if you’ve used it and if so, what you think?

[@gabrielpotel1]

Hey, Thank you for all the knowledge! I have a Focusrite + Neumann tlm 102. Do you recommend any cheaper pre amp that can hand me a more colorful sound?

[@ZIMA.RECORDS]

May I ask what preamp you used for recording the vocals for this video?

[@FAMEAcademyNY]

Great Presentation!

[@heythere6983]

Random question. When it comes to preamps , is it really necessary to have more than one of the same? I don’t own any but am looking to get some. I understand you can record/track with them, but they can also simply be put on a already recorded track as an insert right? So I wouldn’t necessarily need more than one of the same ? Unless I wanted to track with it?(which I’m not sure what the benefit is). Mostly curious because I will record guitar with multiple mics. Pretty sure Iv seen people compare mic pres in comparison videos on the same recorded track, so I wonder? Thanks for any tips

[@DommoDommo]

First off that first transition had me laugh out loud. Secondly, I picked up the White lunchbox Neve preamp and im not sure what the silk does, I keep meaning to look it up but it sounds great. I also use a golden age 2 but specifically and only for guitar, it defintley helps it sound better when going into cab Sims! Should I do it with an IR instead?

[@m76353]

Anyone got any experience with a "Chandler Limited REDD.47 preamp" on vocals? or how it pairs with a U87 on vocals?

[@ashleymoody2419]

This video was pretty cool, I’m trying to learn more about analog gear so it was pretty helpful. Do you have a video with before and afters for the pre amps?

[@Playboy_Pee]

So, I'm about 22 years into my audio engineering addiction... The best advice I can give you regarding gear? Is to purchase plugins and experiment with them to determine the general flavor of each unit - then go buy the physical version(s) of your favorite unit(s)......... In the meantime, I'll give you a hack... The 1176 style compressor is going to be your best friend for just about anything. If I had one compressor? It would be an 1176 variant. It makes signals nice and smooth... It makes EVERYTHING sit in the mix - which means you get a professional sound without any extra processing. Also, if I had one mic pre? The Daking mic pre would be it. The Daking's natural sound is clean but it adds a powerful smoothness and makes your voice sound 3D. My main recording chain is the Daking Mic Pre + 1176 Compressor. I also have an SSL mic pre that is ultra clean... It does not add much flavor to anything... But say you have a mic that you love the sound of? Or keyboards/synths? That's when the SSL comes in handy - when I don't want the sound to be altered in any way.. Nevertheless, experiment with plugins. And then buy something! One more hack... If you want an all-in-one unit? I would recommend the UA LA-610 (has a preamp and an 1176 compressor built in). Hope this helps.

[@sbroadbentphoto]

Great video!

[@who_is_dis]

That Germanium has so much vibe

[@straightpepperdiet2343]

Dude. You had me the second you put on that hat.

[@yg.max__]

what do you run those preamps through? or what would you recomend?

[@mrcarlo5357]

Great video. I have the Chandler TG2 which is a bit more modern sounding to me than the Germanium but sounds awesome on vocals and guitars

[@joeymusic]

It’s definitely the more modern take. The tg2 is on my list for preamps I’ll be grabbing soon. Might be the last I purchase because I love it so much -Miami

[@jacksp8de]

Love the video. This is dope for someone like me who started in the box but is trying branch out into hardware. What do you think about the focusrite isa one? That’s what I have now but I’m thinking of getting a warm audio neve clone. Also what do you think about warm audio in general?

[@joeymusic]

Personal thought, stick with the focusrite isa one. Warm audio is a great company and I’ve had that neve clone for years but it gets real grainy in the top end when pushed hard. Besides that it’s awesome tho, especially the eq one. -Miami

[@jacksp8de]

@@joeymusic preciate the response bro! I got the WA-8000 and it’s not quite a Sony of course but it’s pretty good

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

@JakeSpade you asked the question I was going to ask. I would love to have seen that in here for the comparison. For pre amps I'd save a bit more and get the original over the Warm Audio clones. I recently done a project where they put my vocals through a 1073 and compressed it through a Teletronix LA-2A. Started with a vintage Neumann U67 and moved to a JZ V67 which actually sounds better on my voice with that vocal chain. As much as I'd love to get the clones because of the budget, I would be so disappointed if they couldn't achieve the sound that I want, I've decided to wait and get what I really want so I can't blame the gear. That's not to knock Warm Audio as their products do a good job for the home studio market, but if you are a stickler for a particular sound and want the pro grade then it's better not to gamble and just get the real thing IMO.

[@jacksp8de]

@@RoomAtTheTopStudio I agree, but you can also try a clone out and return it if its not the sound you want. WA supposedly has some of the same components as the originals but I’m not techy enough to know about that. I would love to hear a comparison as well

[@rook9309]

Surprised more ppl dont mention Midas. I think they either are so underrated or ppl want to keep it a secret, they definitely hold their own

[@Petolooo]

what model specifically?

[@rook9309]

@@Petolooo you have to get your hands on them whatever way you can, mostly from their desks (Venice, Verona, Heritage, XL4 etc). There isn't a lot of rack versions, but there is the XL42, and other newer 500 series entries which i'm sure are excellent even if you were to go the 500 series route

[@nicefish10]

Midas isn’t really well known as a recording brand. They primarily built large format touring consoles for decades. The world-class touring Sound Engineer‘s love Midas because their preamps are so incredible. The preamps from the original Pro2 and Pro 4 consoles was exceptional. Later the preamps from the XL series desks Built the exact same reputation as engineers could feel the music as they would heat the preamps up. Later the Heritage series consoles continued that legacy. Today, even with their digital consoles and their higher end stage boxes they still maintain the same functions and warmth of the older style preamps. The cheaper stage boxes like the DL32 and the M32 are not even in the same league as the preamps in the DL251 etc. A lot of people that have learned of the Midas sound Have found ways To get the large console sound into a channel strip or two for studios. But Midas doesn’t target the recording world, since their background is more live sound/ national and world level touring. Sort of like sound craft is… But better :-). The analog consoles like the other post mentioned (Verona, and Venice) Were designed for smaller, localized and mid-level, sound companies and churches, and they’re not on the same level as the heritage series preamps at all. I don’t know what they are doing with their 500 series or where that preamp comes from. But if you want, the real Midas sound get something that came out of the Heritage 3000.

[@rook9309]

@@nicefish10 I appreciate you sharing that background info. I happen to have a Venice 320 and use it mostly for studio use mixing and recording. What about XL4 preamps? Can you speak on anything as to how they contrast compared to the Venice in terms of color and quality?

[@kissaguitar]

Thanks again M8. Respect

[@roberthunt1540]

Liked and subbed. You present very clearly and well. No B.S., good A/B comparisons, tons of information. Sorry, thought the Audient was tinny. LOVE the Chandler.

[@mickeybarajas4865]

Great video ! Whats your take on the clones ,like the warm audio ?

[@joeymusic]

I really like their take on the 1073 but tbh it starts to get grainy up top when it’s pushed hard. -Miami

[@mickeybarajas4865]

@@joeymusic thanks !!

[@alvincornistamusic8754]

The neve and germanium have so much low end compared to the others. Was the EQ engaged on those?

[@michaelbarker6460]

I'm fairly new to making music and definitely don't know anything about preamps but I think I can hear a difference in them. Are the tests between them after they have been eq'ed and made to sound the same or is it just the sound that came out of each pre amp? If its just the sound could you use eq to get them to sound the same or is it just that different preamps and microphones capture different things all together and editing the sound after won't ever make them sound the same?

[@joeymusic]

It’s before they were eq’d -Miami

[@DommoDommo]

Probably a stupid question but did you re-record the guitar track over and over into the different preamps? Or do you have some sort of way to play the same track out into the preamps then back into an interface?

[@musicproduction2877]

Im sure he re recorded it

[@dougleydorite]

Are you using the same DI, then running it into each preamp? Or are you using each preamps built in DI?

[@JPXJR]

My favorite is the Grace Design M801mk2 FOR MY MUSIC. It’s not everyone’s flavor which I understand why but for my style I love it.

[@Phosphor_Sco]

So would you purchase a pre amp to replace the audio interface? And connect compressors etc down stream?

[@joeymusic]

Well, if you have an interface with bypassable preamps, you would buy a preamp in addition to the interface -Miami

[@manuellujan5625]

Hey Miami thanks for the video! I have few questions....so would you say having multiple preamps of THE SAME brand and Model would be best? almost as if it were a console? I had a bit of an impression that using DIFFERENT preamps throughout different instruments in the same project would be the best option. What are the pros and cons of the two? also I have a few Manley preamps wondering how they stack against these mentioned.

[@joeymusic]

Manley pres are really solid. Top notch and clear. Not extremely colored. I think in the best of situations it would sound best to use the same preamps across the board but it’s hard to have that luxury... -Miami

[@manuellujan5625]

hey thanks for getting back! looks like I will be getting more pres of the same type lol

[@kevin6385]

I am looking for a pre-amp just for my Amplifier which is an B&K ex-442. Opinions guys? Thanks!

[@forgivemeforihavesynthed]

The Mercury M72s-csv is my favourite "Go to " Pre ,super phat and silky

[@joeymusic]

That’s now on my list to try out -Miami

[@CheloScotti]

if i record a clean vocal take on Babyface Pro , and then using a preamp plugin als insert first, it would be ok too?

[@joeymusic]

It wouldn’t be accurate that way, and even tho the baby face preamps are pretty sterile they still are great for the prosumer -Miami

[@Grummycanader]

With that guitar sample used here the API was 100% my fave. Exciting and up front. SSL was good but plain. On that particular example I found the Neve to bring out a jangly quality I wasn’t a fan of. API was exciting and tight. Exactly why I’d reach for that preamp. Vocals are usually a toss up between those for me. what I didn’t like about the Neve for that guitar sample can be great for accentuated breath and air excitement. Neve for a more luxurious vocal. A tight exciting API sound is on point for an aggressive mix with a heartfelt vocal. API & Neve are both hyped. To me on vocals API sounds more intimate and sincere where as Neve is more glam & luxurious. In my imagination API has a shorter decay when it closes off, it opens fast but it’s just as quick to shut down. That’s how it feels to me. Tight and punchy, in and out hard. If I had to pick only one it’d probably be API. Acoustic guitar, some vocals, and a a lot of bass Neve is the ticket. Punchy tight API bass is great also though. But it’s all a matter of taste at this point. Any of these pres are more than good enough to get a great recording.

[@joeymusic]

Yeah api definitely has magic when it comes to guitars for sure -Miami

[@mariomacias7090]

Dude, that Chandler G sounds amazing. It’s very pleasant. I could be wrong but to me the Chandler doesn’t have that mid range bite that can hurts the ears.

[@joeymusic]

Yeah it’s amazing if you mix in the box a lot and need something to add analog color -Miami

[@galihania5302]

Excellent (: But when giving examples for those preamps better giving an A/B comparison, of a standard preamp vs one of those you mentioned to make the difference more clear.

[@djsloburnbeats7426]

That should of been implemented since he’s talking about how they all have different characteristics.

[@pocket1684]

As someone who owns many great hardware pre-amps. I have been able to get just as great results with u/a unison plugin pre-amps. Also if you have a great artist in front of you, that goes a long way regadless if you own a real neve or something cheaper.

[@joeymusic]

Performance will always be the most important -Miami

[@pocket1684]

@@rahmeenayoubi106 True, I've also tracked w u/a unison technology plugin mic pres mixed in the box without my api and achieved just as good of mixes as a neve. One of my friends who I won't name that have mixed many albums n the last 10 years from Weezer, to Erykah Badus last album to the killers, rootsy avett brothers last albums. Most were tracked w univerasal audio neve pres, 610 a and b w stellar results ll in the box, something that couldn't nor wouldn't happen until daws, improved their D to Analog converters

[@CarlosKTCosta]

Since I basically only record bass I have a few bass specific preamps, namely the ADA MB-1 for color and the Nordstrand Starlifter for transparency

[@joeymusic]

I’ve never tried the starlifter. Gonna have to check that out -Miami

[@matt_nyc_audioengineer]

LOVE my Cranbourne Audio Camden 500s! They sound awesome... super clean but lots of "mojo" on tap when you want it!

[@matoybotchok]

I want to record with my axe fx. Which one do I need?

[@ThaFruitbat]

Yooo, great vid! Would like to know your opinion of the Cranborne Camden preamp.

[@joeymusic]

I honestly dont know because i havent used it =/. I'll try to get my hands on one -Miami

[@Bhallmed]

I use Burl preamps. Those are amazing!

[@joeymusic]

Without a doubt! I love burl stuff. Not really colored but top tier clean pre -Miami

[@willowtandy9162]

Yeah especially since Burl makes converters basically

[@AnodyneHipsterInfluencer]

Just bought an SSL Alpha and that brought me here. Subbed. Great content. Came cuz of the SLL, left wanting a _Chandler._

[@jprodofficial]

How would you describe the neve pórtico series ?????

[@mr_starbeast]

What’s up with the distressor back there? Always been intrigued by this one, mostly since I heard Eric Valentine talk about it.

[@joeymusic]

Maybe i'll do a day where people can send stems and ill just run it through gear. -Miami

[@vitrih0lic]

Would love to see a comparison video to UAD plugins! I use it a lot and would love to see if it's worth investing in the actual hardware in the future! 😁

[@joeymusic]

This sounds like a fun video i feel like people would be interested in -Miami

[@TheBlackJewelz]

@@joeymusic I definitely would

[@W4TSKY]

@@TheBlackJewelz Same

[@anthemsjam]

@@joeymusic wow , word my guy

[@Mobbydamost]

Interested

[@fairweatherfriends.]

So as far as studio hardware, if you could only spend alot on one thing and everything else was average/budget…. What’s the most crucial gear that gets you close to a pro sound? Is it a preamp or a mic? It’s got to be a mic, right?

[@dinerocarter]

What other comp would you suggest since the cl1b is sold out everywhere?

[@joeymusic]

Honestly, a distressor is prob your best bet if you need a hardware comp -Miami

[@aryasoundau]

I asked this same question last year and went down the rabbit hole of research and listening to and renting compressors at local studios to hear. The Cl1b is an opto tube compressor, I found alternatives good for tracking are the Buzz Audio Soc or the AMCE Audio Opticom XLA-3. Both very smooth optos and have variable attack and release times, like the cl1b. Other than those, I love the 1176 (FET, not opto) for tracking occasionally. The distressor is also a great option.

[@OdeMalikIdrus]

I use Audient ID4 MKii and paired it with Rode NT1A Microphone, I don't really like how it sounds (thin and harsh), yesterday I bought a cheap tube preamp for $90 (Alctron TMP-6 Tube Preamp) and now I got a better result!

[@joeymusic]

Ahh, did it add a little warmth and sparkle? -Miami

[@the-real-rabizzlethedoctor]

Neve for vocals, API for everything else!

[@KuhKronus]

What if I recorded on an interface and used a plugin to model a 1073? How does it compare?

[@joeymusic]

It doesn’t give an accurate representation of the model that way but try it and see how it sounds -Miami

[@Grummycanader]

My guess is that would greatly depend on the sound of the preamp of your interface. For example if the preamp on your interface is sluggish and smooths transients the transient information the plug-in see’s just isn’t going to be there. So as a result emulating a more responsive preamp won’t be the same thing as if you recorded into it to begin with. Also depends on how good the plug-in emulations are.

[@JaeBTundra1]

Just save up and get the real thing. You won't regert it.

[@ThePearlDrummer10]

Love my Great River MP-2NV! Any experience with it, Miami?

[@joeymusic]

That’s one that Joey uses and it is amazing. Super neve like for sure. -Miami

[@Grummycanader]

It’s designed to be the Neve sound with the option to clean up a bit more (using gain staging and the loading switch). I love the Great River MPs. I have two of the 500 series.

[@jameslifetimelearner]

Why do I like everything I hear from ISA One? Please explain

[@atacamabeatsindierecording8406]

Hi, what a preamp, in serie 500 types. Are there as good as 1u rock preamps ?

[@joeymusic]

I don’t totally understand the question. -Miami

[@atacamabeatsindierecording8406]

If 500 series preamp are as good as one rack unit preamp ?

[@charlesrocks]

UA 6176 for vocals, RND Shelfords for everything else.

[@joeymusic]

Shelfords are amazing preamps. Haven’t used one in a bit but always loved them -Miami

[@charlesrocks]

@@joeymusic The Shelfords have everything I love about the 1073 but with a world class bridge diode compressor and controllable saturation via silk for both high and low end harmonics. Nothing I’ve heard touches it for what it does.

[@mariomaslik]

do you own a hardware of the UA 6176? Im just considering one

[@BSD2000]

I just ordered a Neve 1073DPX. It will be here on Monday.

[@zakaroonetwork777]

You Got a Video about those fine Genelecs behind you? I'm so excited I just found out they still make them.

[@flowerinthedawn1]

Absolutely loved Germanium

[@joeymusic]

It’s my favorite preamp! It’s insane -Miami

[@bradyclevenger]

Solid topic Miami. I see some people in the comments talking about UAD and how their preamps hold up to the originals. I would be curious to see that but also throw in some plug-in preamps from slate virtual mix rack or something. Just to see if the color it adds to the signal can really get it sounding close to what you would get out of the neve or the UAD neve.

[@joeymusic]

Yeah, this seems like a really cool concept for a video and I’m all over it -Miami

[@djdanger9812]

Would be cool to see some 500 series preamps reviewed.

[@djdanger9812]

@o'o Give me the cash and I will!

[@darrylweller6143]

How about the tg2?

[@heruyoung3828]

I feel stupid for asking but anyone like the mpc pre amp that comes with the mpc ?😅

[@calleenmusicchannel]

Dude, show us those Distressors in your studio behind you! Are those Genelec monitors you’re using? What’s that blue thing on the right behind you in your studio that you’re standing in?

[@yajhochannel3289]

Beautiful my friend 👍👍👍👍

[@petitoiseaubleu]

I look for preamp mostly because of dynamics management, chandler germanium sounds good, but neve manage more dynamics to my ear

[@AJBlockVideo]

what about apogee and universal audio?

[@BierMeister360]

I've only used the pre amps in an 18i20 2nd gen, isa 8, red 8 pre, and clarett 8 pre. And I've not been able to tell a big difference it the tonality. The thing I look for is a lower noise floor under the same rating when comparing preamps. With the audient and ssl there wasn't much difference to my ears besides a bit of added warmth and low end presence on the audient. With such a small difference I'd rather add it in post and not have to worry about faffing with patching.

[@offthebooksmusic]

yeah recording with a good mic in a good room is much more important as well. in my opinion, unless you genuinely have loads of money to spend, just buy some WA TB12s and call it a day. those are incredible and extremely versatile at a decent price point.

[@AJOrpheo]

@@offthebooksmusic tho I don’t like endorsing Warm as a company, I feel there quality control on their outboard gear is pretty abysmal, their mics and clones of mics are great at their price point! The WA-47 , Or whatever their u-47 clone is, sounds very close to the $25,000 it’s trying to emulate for only being 900 bucks

[@offthebooksmusic]

@@AJOrpheo interesting! i’ve owned a fair bit of WA gear and have had no issues. maybe i’m lucky lol. i may grab a WA47 now!

[@stanleyassor3172]

spl crimson preamps fall where? they kinda sound very analog?

[@rockboy360]

What about the SSL2 interfaces?

[@ferociousbung]

I have a few questions that I can’t seem to find good answers to online. 1. Does it matter which audio interface you use with your external preamp? If so, how do you know what interface works best with the preamp you want? 2. How do you know which interface has the most flat/true sound? When using one to drive and control studio monitors I would prefer one with the least coloration and character so I get the truest response from my monitors. 3. Can you use just an external preamp on studio monitors rather than an interface? Why or why not?

[@AJOrpheo]

Okay I’ll take this on one at it a time. 1. It depends. Your interface will need to have LINE inputs for external preamps to work. For the most part, most preamps have a line/preamp combo jack. Read the description and manual to see if yours does. Which interface? Whichever you like best. I’d look for one with ADAT expansion because that gives you flexibility. 2. The Sassy answer, you don’t know. Sorry but without extensive scientific measurements, you gotta just go with what the company says or from your own testing. The true answer, The most expensive ones 🤷‍♂️ now, let’s be honest here. Almost all modern interfaces at all price points are “flat” in the sense that they are very true to source in their analog to digital conversion. The problem becomes how each company handles their analog portion of that. What’s your use case? Are you recording? Mixing? Mastering? Producing? Composing? DJ’ing? All of these have different needs and use cases. Also, headroom will play a part in this. The higher the headroom the louder you can drive your speakers without distorting. 3. I don’t understand this question. Yes, technically, you can go from an external preamp into your monitors as it’s a line level signal at that point…but why? You’d have no way to record it. So the issue you have is an interface is a device that has: a monitor controller of some sort, a to d conversion, most of the times preamps, and most of the times extra line level outputs/inputs (other than your monitor outs). Preamps are only a device that increases the level of a mic level to a line level. Some company’s put A/D in them like the 1073 rack from neve but that doesn’t mean you can plug that into your computer without some sort of Adat interface or PCIe card

[@fatsuperfly]

I always thought of getting a real pre-amp or 2, but I’m not a pro. Just like recording my music and make it sound better. Is it worth it? Thanks for this vid.

[@mazetoeden9334]

Don't think so, before spending money on an expensive preamp I'd invest the money in acoustic treatment for your rooms, better mics and better monitoring...

[@AJOrpheo]

@@mazetoeden9334 don’t forget some decent A/D conversion! If you’re gonna spend 1500 on speakers spend at least a quarter or half of it on conversion! RME has awesome conversion if you’re looking to go with an industry standard, otherwise there are other maybe cheaper kits that give great sound as well

[@swampmanbfe]

Fast Track Pro gang! In the distant future, we will seek out our old boxes for that "vintage tone". 🐐

[@joeymusic]

Oh man, I hope not 🤣🤣🤣 -Miami

[@gravesg]

Neve got the chandler beat on 3D depth. That neve just paints my wall with sound.

[@drewbarka833]

it's fun to see the differences....we have earthworks, great river, phoenix audio, true systems, crazy old aphex, and so much more....plus the daking, langevin, and a stereo pair of the SSL...and a sebatron

[@G-O-N-x]

Can't wait for my 1073 DPX to get delivered !

[@EthanRadell]

I watched Nolly use focusrite solo for Devin Townsends last album for something because the console wasnt working or something lol they just said fuck it and tracked it that way. Cant even tell where they used it and that should speak for itself on preamps. This was 2016 too, so it wasnt no 3rd gen either lol

[@owlmuso]

Holy cow... the audio quality on that Neve 1073 is really noticeable, even compared to the other quality pre's. Now I know what I been missing my whole life :) Does the 500 series pre-amp (Neve 1073LB 500 Series Mono Microphone Preamp) equal in quality to the original?

[@gerryvarges4187]

It's a little worse but very slight. Its worth it if you're saving 500+

[@owlmuso]

@@gerryvarges4187 thanks man. Appreciate the feedback

[@frankpaws]

Well the Manley and seriously under used and rated Millennia pres. Whether just a pre or the channel strip, they rock. And don't leave out the Grace mic pres either.

[@AJOrpheo]

I run a studio for a college that has a pair of 500 series millennia hv-35s and they’re freaking amazing on acoustic material

[@frankpaws]

@@AJOrpheo I loved them so! there is just something angelic about them.

[@maplefoxx6285]

i thought about getting UA 6176 a yr ago, but there are comparisons online with software and it is so close now, I would not bother. I know people that own the gear are going to disagree but some people on GearSpace did comparisons with a few pre amps and in some cases the software sounded smoother.

[@joeymusic]

Hey if the software sounds better, USE IT! -Miami

[@bioniclefan1]

"But you didn't have to cut me off!"

[@joeymusic]

I lowkey really want to cover this song -Miami

[@waskerbasket9601]

The Chandler definitely shaves off some transients

[@5adb0i]

Man that Audient pre sounded better than the SSL to me. I'll stick with the UA 610 Solo we just got at the studio I'm at.

[@rachidajewher8649]

the preamp inside a small $100 audio device are a simple texas instrument micro ship inside the circuit of the audio device and the hardware preamp like for instance a neve 1073 is a huge engeneered circuit with a big power supply so the difference is huge

[@seanobrien7568]

Nice hat! I've always though I might wear a hat sometime too 👍

[@idreaminstereo7802]

Cranborne did it!!!

[@primee5730]

I was hoping to see the ISA One

[@gmrossi7863]

Love SSL...

[@aroundthewayla376]

Universal Audio's Apollo takes on a lot of the characteristics of some of the higher priced preamps mentioned in this vid. I wonder how UA version of the Neve stacks up to the actual hardware Neve 73.

[@joeymusic]

This might be a good upcoming video! -Miami

[@kronabus199a]

@@joeymusic yes please! This is the best channel to shoot out the hardware vs their plug-in counterparts

[@michelvilleneuve358]

why would you do all these comparisons using such a frequency limited sound example with content from 200hz-5k maybe ?

[@thekariosghost6935]

You win pun master of life

[@MrDarkSide111]

You missed the Chandler LTD-1, granted its not in production anymore but I'd take that over the Germanium (hands down). I have owned pretty much every preamp you mentioned, except the SSL. I would also recommend looking into the Martinsound Martech MSS-10 preamp. Also not in production anymore but amazing, especially on vocals. And while you are at it, look into the original Brent Averill 1073's (with EQ). These blow the newer Neve 1073's out of the water. Granted the original 1073's by Neve are a different story!

[@joeymusic]

I’ve used the bae ones and tbh I much prefer the one I have and the older ones than it. I LOVE the ltd1 but it’s not so much a color box. I feel like the germ needs specific applications to shine. Haven’t had the mar tech yet, def gotta try that out -Miami

[@MrDarkSide111]

@@joeymusic I used the Germanium mostly on heavy guitars. To me that’s what it sounded best on. Vocals I go LTD-1 all day. Ya new BAE is solid... but the older Brent Averill models are just magical. As far as API go... I love those on drums! Hell I just want them all :)

[@Miltersen]

You're showing a Germanium Compressor in stead of the preamp?

[@joeymusic]

Incorrect picture -Miami

[@redcurlproducer3344]

Chandler Germ has lived on my mixbus for over 2 years now

[@joeymusic]

The comp? I love it -Miami