Preamp Shootout: API 3124 vs. CAPI VP28

LINKS:
Please visit my website: stephenbabula.com
Soundcloud Playlist (Raw and Mixed Versions of Audio):
/ api-3124-vs-capi-vp28-...
ProTools Session Download:
u.pcloud.link/publink/show?co...
This is a Preamp and Op-Amp Shootout between an API 3124 and CAPI VP28 (500 Series) preamps. The API 3124 was tested with the original stock Op Amps as well as Red Dot Op Amps. The CAPI VP28 was tested with Gar2520 Op Amps as well as Red Dot Op Amps. Both Raw tracks and mixed tracks are part of the playlist. No additional processing was done when recording the raw tracks. All MIXED tracks received the same exact processing.

[@jimmyknight1]

Thanks for this. Very rare that you get a video that actually digs in an gives proper audio examples without endless chat or obvious self promotion. Nice one!

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks, I appreciate the kind words! I don't have much to talk about or promote anyway... haha... I'm just a humble home studio guy trying to make the best recordings I can, but that's about it... maybe I'll actually get good at this stuff one day ;-). Cheers.

[@Synth2000]

This comparative is outstanding, thank you very much. Actually almost everything is awesome in this video... the gear selection, the space, the disposition, the shooting, the light... incredible quality.

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks so much for taking the time to watch! Much appreciated!

[@palmoreal]

awesome! Truth, I just went to your SoundCloud to compare the raw tracks and mixed much faster. This is probably the best comparison/shootout I've heard.

[@Smb-recordings]

palmoreal Thanks so much for checking it out! Much appreciated!

[@waldemarvogel7657]

Thanks man. Just checked the Pro Tools session. and you can hear a significant difference!

[@renstroost]

really great; thanks for doing this, and double thanks for making the session and tracking sheet available. Nicely played, too.

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks for taking the time to listen! It was definitely a tedious project, but well worth it and I hope it helps folks out. I know it helped me a lot in just a listening exercise and getting to know my gear.

[@geckovision]

VERY well done. A shining example of how comparison reviews should be done. THANK YOU!

[@RooftopRecording]

Thanks for a VERY nicely done comparison. A subtle difference. This is helping me decide on CAPI version, and CAPI over the extra money for API.

[@brianmclendon1647]

Love your studio and channel man!!! Great shootout!!! I have actually been looking into the CAPI stuff so this makes it an easy decision Thanks for posting!!!

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks so much for checking it out, much appreciated! Hope to do more videos in the future when I have some more time... but trying to improve my audio skills first... haha... the CAPI's are awesome... can't go wrong. Good luck to you!

[@WesleyGrant]

Hi Steve. This video and comparison are WONDERFUL. Your studio is awesome. Please make more videos.

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks so much Wes for the kind words and for watching the video! I'd love to make more videos one day... just need some time ;-). Cheers!

[@imloggedin]

Damn, you even changed your shirt to match the color of the opamps. That dedication! lol

[@jeremyryannoel]

In a word, there's not enough difference to justify spending more than necessary. Sold!

[@tekis0]

I completely agree. I've owned a 3124M for about 25+ years and I've contemplated putting in different opamps. I think API got it right the first time. Thanks for doing this test, though. I can get on with making music instead of thinking about gear too much...;)

[@3star2nr]

Bro Capi cost as much as api nowadays... so might as well go api

[@montearnstam6827]

Wow nice playing. The red dots are killer!! I wanna try some of those in my 312s... I’ve been waiting to build some CAPIs and I guess nows the time. You have some super nice gear 2! Thanks for the vid

[@DanAdlingtonOnline]

Awesome video. Thank you for the effort you put in. It was worth it!!

[@brandonbuell3519]

Cannot thank you enough for doing this. Excellent video. This is helping me a lot with a couple of different decisions right now! I need some CAPI in my life. Haha!

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks for checking it out and glad it was helpful!

[@adamnewcomb130]

Thanks for doing this! Awesome comparison

[@stephenbabula]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@gowest8397]

Diggin those harmonics inbetween the notes. Sounds great.

[@mcpribs]

The VP28s sound brighter, but the 3124s sound more open and punchier, with a smoother top end. That was regardless of which opamp. I think I’d prefer the API, but there’s no wrong answer. 😃👍🏻 The red-dots really ouch everything forward, and are certainly brighter. Again can’t go wrong, but I’d go reds. Meanwhile, that beginning clean guitar tone is fantastic! Great video, and thanks for the time and effort that went in to this! You have a lovely setup.

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks so much for taking the time to listen and for the kind words! I did this video about 6-7 years ago and glad people are still finding it and hopefully it's helpful. Cheers!

[@oldknee]

Love this video, thank you. Subscribed!

[@miquifaye]

VP28 with Red dot had a more open image. API had a balanced flatter tone. i have to say VP28 sound a bit more exciting. great color. good video, good music.

[@andijones3593]

agreed, very lively, lots of energy with good air

[@b.f.m.1906]

there was a moment where Capi got my ears sounding better without even knowing which one was sounding. Nice vid

[@BetterThanToast]

API with the stock op-amps works for me. Not sure if the lows are better, or I'm just confusing myself with a bit less highs, but its got the right balance whatever is going on

[@RiotHomeRecording]

Love that drum set! Thanks for posting subbed.

[@danielbrecher]

Thanks for uploading this. Been working with the VP28s for the past two years and I love them. Happy to see they sound better than the APIs, to my ears anyway. I'm using a 1730/2520 combo, but it seems the red dot sounds more open and crisp. Now I know the difference.

[@Smb-recordings]

Daniel Brecher thanks for checking it out! Yeah the VP 28s are awesome. I wouldn't hesitate throwing anything at them. I still have the API but I sold the stock op amps and kept the red dots in all 4 channels...

[@siriusfun]

3124 immediately had more weight and depth while having a well defined, forward energy in the mids. The CAPI was decent, but leaner and two dimensional. The Red Dot warmed them up nicely while opening the image, but did nothing for the API - stock sounded better to my taste. This was a really solid A/B - thanks for putting it together.

[@KevinM-dg7kx]

The VP28 has an additional output transformer and op amp vs it’s API “equivalent.” I’m trying to wrap my brain around how that could translate to “leaner.”

[@KevinM-dg7kx]

siriusisastar except when it isn’t.

[@KevinM-dg7kx]

siriusisastar And if you fucking paid attention you’d understand that “More is more” not necessarily “more is better.”

[@terrytees]

Just wanted to say this is a great comparison, really appreciate the work and amount of time gone into this. For my money the Capi had the body I preferred.

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks so much for checking it out and I hope it continues to help people. I learned a lot from doing it and I really think when it comes to gear sometimes, a lot of it is truly personal preference... sometimes it’s not always about “sound” but about function too and at the end of the day it’s always first and foremost about the source you’re recording. Cheers!

[@XChristianNoirX]

@@Smb-recordings honestly, these were all very close. At any given time, I'd prefer one or the other. It was like my mind was playing tricks on me. In that case, I'd probably go CAPI, for the simple reasons of price and adjustable output fader. Hell.. Even GAR vs Red Dots was kind of a wash. I think I preferred the Red Dots, but in some sections, the GAR sounded better. Honestly, I think there are bigger things to worry about like mic placement at this point. With that said, whatever made high gain huitsrs sound the chewiest... That's what I'd get.. I'd probably have to audition the gar and red dots for that purpose. I actually like what the GAR 1731 does in this thread to guitars: www.gearslutz.com/board/so-much-gear-so-little-time/845522-capi-vp28-op-amp-shootout.html

[@Smb-recordings]

@@XChristianNoirX Hey Christian, thanks for the comment and checking out the shootout! I did this a few years ago and glad people are still finding it and listening. I sometimes wish I could go back and do it differently... like get some really good musicians to play something much better on it than what I did myself... haha... but at the end of the day, it serves its purpose as a comparison. I totally agree as well, all comparisons were close enough that I honestly think it's not worth spending too much time thinking about it... You can easily make up some of the differences with a little EQ or processing... but mic placement and sound at the source, musician, etc... will make much more of a difference every single time hands down. Thanks again for checking it out and cheers!

[@XChristianNoirX]

@@Smb-recordings What are you talking about? I liked the tune! 😁

[@KirkyDrums]

Hey man that was really cool and loving the sound of the Luddy 👍

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks for listening! I'm not really a drummer so I was just trying really hard to keep it steady and not mess up too bad... haha ;-). Cheers!

[@KirkyDrums]

You did great mate thanks for taking the time for us watching

[@ipresent]

Wow, you put a lot of time into this. Thanks

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks for listening!

[@thomasthorson3357]

VP28 with GARs is my fav. I don't really want that extra sheen that the Red Dots seem to impart--I don't care for how the HH and overheads sit in that performance, personally. I love the crack of the snare with the GARs. Of course, a touch of eq would get you there with any of these configurations, IMO. This video must have taken an enormous amount of time to make--thanks a ton for the donation of effort!

[@Smb-recordings]

Thomas Thorson No problem and thanks for checking it out! There's a link in my description to download the ProTools session files as well. It's interesting when you can solo the individual tracks as well for comparison and build your own mix using the best of each. Cheers!

[@AdamSpade]

Thomas Thorson Forget his name but the man himself who makes these prefers the gar as well. So good call, mate.

[@HaNguyen-kn2tg]

API with Stock Preamp is the winner for me. It has everything it needs to be great all-rounder and the tracks stack very well. The separation among the tracks is also better than VP28 (on one section which has the ambient clean guitar, I only hear it clearly on the API). The mid is also smoother than VP28. It has less highs than VP28 so It will be perceived "duller", "lifeless". Everything on API with StockPreamp is JUST right. No blooming low end, no hyped high end, no harsh mid. JUST right. Thank you for making this video.

[@tommccaff]

I have to agree. Now if only there were a way to purchase those API op-amps! I don't see them for sale anywhere.

[@cuerdasoxidas]

Amazing work. The song is cool too.I forgot to check what mic was on cause I was enjoying listening to it.

[@Smb-recordings]

Thank you very much, I appreciate it!

[@thanasisargyriou6295]

Great video, lots of work. Fair as fair can be. Much appreciated. I find API to be more tightly balanced overall. VP has this extra - not so convincing but not harsh - upper edge. I wouldn't mind at all to have VP sources to mix though. I would clearly go for the GAR2520. VP is absolutely great not only for the hard to believe price range.

[@JelloDaSilva]

great demo man, I love the upper mid vibe im hearing off the CAPI, and the API definitely have "that" sound we all love. I don't think you can go wrong with any of these options, although you might have just sold me on the CAPI with red dots!

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks for checking it out! I agree, you can't really go wrong... just different flavors, but all good! Cheers.

[@mattymel75]

Great demo. I’ve got V28s on the way and I’m glad about that. Not that I think they are BETTER than the API, but they definitely more than hang.

[@emerymesich1134]

Thanks so much for doing this! Confirmed i should go with api but the v28 w red dot was amazing api with redot was out of this world imho i think the api is smoother in the upper mids

[@tommyssoundroom]

Hey Steve! Very nice comparison!

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@underpressureman]

cool studio bro, nice gear!

[@JLaForte88]

I like the crisp upper/lower frequency clarity you get with the Red Dots. It seems to saturate the signal a good bit more. I'm considering building one of each of the CAPI's for variety though, as I like both!

[@jeremy_woods]

API opened up around everything. Little more lively of course, but there was space around every element where it sounded like it had more room. The Capi sounded glued and comp'd. The red dot version - both the Capi and API sounded exactly the same almost on my end. Definitely preferred the API stock. Great job man!!

[@jasonsneed3731]

Nice shoot and song. Reminded me of Sunny Day Real Estate

[@First__Last__]

thanks for the excellent comparison!

[@Smb-recordings]

No problem, thanks for checking it out!

[@randybrown5899]

this would have taken some dedicated time! thanks!

[@JulianFernandez]

Thanks for sharing!

[@GospelMusicians]

Looks like we have some of the same stuff. I have the VP28 with red dots and VF600 along with the Neve 542 tapes. I was wondering what mics you used for your drums?

[@stephenbabula]

Nice, I love the Neve 542's! For this shootout, I only used 2 mics on the drums: a single overhead Coles 4038 (more on the snare side of the kit) and out in front of the kick drum (about 5 feet back) a Wunder CM7 GT in omni mode. I didn't do any processing at all while recording, but in the mix... a little EQ and compression.

[@Smb-recordings]

Here's the list of Mics for tracking: Drums: Coles 4038 (Overhead) + Wunder CM7GTS (Front of Kit) Bass: Radial DI + Telefunken CU-29 E. Gtr 1: SM57 + Royer 121 E. Gtr 2: Sen. 421 + Royer 122 Clean Gtr 1: U87 Clean Gtr 2: Blue Bottle Rocket Stage 2 w/ B6 Capsule Ac Gtrs: Beyerdynamic MC930 (Pair) Shaker: Coles 4038

[@uprightdoublebass]

SMB Recordings Im dogging the red dots' mellowness on the cymbals. Digging the Gar in general. 2520 sounds brittle to me.

[@Achase4u]

As much as I love my VP28, it's the lightest on the bottom end of any pre I own or have owned. It's visible in a plot as well. You can hear it when it switches to the API, the kick shows up with more "shake" in the bottom. Though it isn't really that drastic, I will admit, and moving mics and changing things on the way in would naturally compensate for this. It seems I had a VP312 for a bit and it was better in this regard, but lacks all the features and extra stage of the VP28 that I love. The Heider seems fantastic but you lose the money savings and fun of building your own kit. I also seem to prefer the mids and highs of the VP28 to the Heider in clips. I am going to try a Litz version of a vp28 and see if I can squeeze just a little more low end out of it. However, if I am using an API style preamp, I am not really looking for max low end I suppose. More tight and punchy/forward. Neve is what I go for when I want round and fat. The Red dots are super punchy tight and forward - but the GAR 2520's are really nice and I think you get a little more friendly sound with some of the punch and tightness intact.

[@mushkamusic]

The v28 sounds a little more lively and uncontrolled in the upper mids whereas the API sounds tighter overall with fewer transients poking their heads out occasionally.. The difference between the red dot op-amp versions was marginal to my ear, with maybe a slightly more detailed top end on the API. I must say though, the APIs with original op-amps had "that" sound from the records I grew up with. :) On BM15As in a treated room here btw. Great comparison dude thx.

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks for listening! It's really interesting to hear different people's opinions and what they hear from the shootout... very subjective, but overall... it's all good flavors to choose from!

[@tisurblandir6431]

The same here.

[@HaNguyen-kn2tg]

Exactly what I think! API Sound is very controlled and not poky. I prefer API with stockpreamp than all other options. When first time listen to red-dots, its smiley curve makes everybody in love. But when stack the tracks together, it also create a big fat hole in the mix.

[@rjb5191]

I have to agree, stock API was the most euphonic. Tighter, brighter, and a bit more aggressive than the VP28 with Gar's

[@underpressureman]

I agree completely, definately more going on in the upper mids. but also I felt the Capi's had a tad more Low end.

[@martinjohnbutler]

I've seen quite a few gear comparisons, and done a few myself. This is one of the best I've seen. It would save me a lot of disappointment and frustration if I wanted another preamp in the API style. So many times I've heard musicians and engineers extoll the virtues of an API preamp, but I never liked any that I'd heard until this comparison. The original 3124 with the stock op amp sounds the most balanced to me. The CAPI simply pushes mids forward, changing the balance and sounding a little thinner. It seems more like it was EQ'd than natural. The Red Dot comparison was a great bonus. They bring a wonderful high quality sheen to both preamps, but I would ultimately still choose the standard API. This takes a lot of time, work and skill to do well, thanks so much. I subscribed, which I don't often do.

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks so much for the kind words and taking the time to watch/listen to the shootout! I put this together a number of years ago and I"m happy people are still checking it out and that it seems to be helpful. I tried to be as meticulous and thorough as possible when doing the shootout and I learned a lot from it as well. I'm certainly no expert on gear and there's so much of it out there, it can make your head spin when trying to research it all and find what might work best in your own situation. The honest lesson that I learned from doing this was that the differences in a lot of gear can be really subtle and/or subjective sometimes. Since doing the shootout, I've changed my studio and workflow a lot... most of the gear in the video, I no longer have anymore and I just rely on a few pieces of hardware... I've stopped trying to "chase" all the fancy gear. I'm trying mostly to work on getting it right at the source and learning how to be a better engineer... which is always a work in progress for me... maybe one day, I'll get it right. Cheers and thanks for checking it out!

[@martinjohnbutler]

@@Smb-recordings Stay on the path, it's definitely the right one for you. Personally, I'm a mic first producer. Get the right mic for the situation and you can get great results on a $150 interface. The wrong mic will give you mediocre results on a $4,000 interface. Good luck Stephen.

[@lancekingi4515]

Awesome Comparison! My personal preference is the stock API as its smoother on the top, but also lacks a bit of bottom. The VP28 was nice and beefy on the bottom but just a tad of harshness on the hi hat. The red dot op amps on both models adds a pretty nice color to the material which could be very usable on a lot of stuff. Listening on Focal solo 6 be's. Thanks again!

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks so much for checking it out! I'm hearing a lot of the same things you are hearing too ;-) Cheers.

[@tonstudiometzingen]

thanks for doing this! you need also to show/demonstrate us your fearn vt 7 !!!!

[@hovercatstudios3469]

amazing studio !

[@Smb-recordings]

Thank you very much!

[@blackbirdinflight]

Great video! so, my take is vp28/gar2520 on drums, api/stock on rhythm guitars and red dots in either for melody and bass. I have a pair of 512c's so I'm thinking vp28's with red dots would be a great compliment. Many thanks for all the effort to make this informative comparison.

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks so much for checking it out! I agree... a combination of the above is really the best option depending on the source. Cheers!

[@nickjamesgang]

Wooo! that snare when the red dots kick in

[@sanjaymixer6882]

Great shootout. The APIs seem to bring out the mid range beautifully. The VP28s sound pretty damn good too. One suggestion: Although it's great to hear the differences between the pres of how they sit in the mix, i would like to hear the audio samples played without any processing whatsoever. It'll be awesome if you could upload the unprocessed samples on soundcloud (or whatever) for us to listen and compare.

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks Sanjay for listening! I do actually have the Raw mixes on my soundcloud page as part of the playlist if you scroll down. Also in the video description above, there is a link to download the ProTools session file where you have access to all the individual tracks as well (raw and unprocessed) so you can compare individual sources in your own studio or listening environment. Cheers!

[@Nullllus]

API 3124. Has a bit more of that nice bottom end.

[@Benprogfuse]

It comes to life every time you switch to the API. The bottom end and low end punch disappear each time you switch to the CAPI.

[@out1726]

GOOD JOB bud.....I hope your video serves as a "how to" for all the terrible audio shootouts on you tube. THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD BE DONE. THANKS!!!!

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks so much for checking it out, much appreciated!

[@GospelMusicians]

what camera is that you are using?

[@Smb-recordings]

All the video was recorded with a pair of GoPro cameras that I synched with their remote. Thanks for watching!

[@laestancia6219]

what I listen through my sony mdr7506: red dot are way too bright. stock api 3124 is ok but a bit aggressive. I like VP28 w/2520

[@RedBoxStudiosChannel]

No way! Vp28s are beautiful! Incredibly better than Api 3124 because of more openess and 3d. VP28s + Red Dots are I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E. They blow me away. Jeff Steiger and Scott Liebers are two f*cking genius. Thank you very much for this preamp shootout. Very very well made.

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks very much for listening, I appreciate it! Yeah all while tracking, I definitely noticed the openness of the Vp28's. They sounded like they had more front to back depth and more of a really nice bloom in the low end. I didn't push the output transformer much for the shootout, but having the output gain on these plus the additional low-cut filters on the Vp28's are a no brainer! Cheers.

[@RedBoxStudiosChannel]

I noticed a very very good behavior also with ribbon mic (Coles 4038 - lovely! - and Royer r121). I definitely must build a couple of these piece of wonder.

[@Blahpstick]

I have noticed an excellent relationship between the VP28's and ribbon mics. Playing with the pad also yields a different input impedance from the standard 1200 ohm input impedance when un-padded.

[@pierregac]

Thanks so much to do this shootout! I won't hesitate anymore: Red dot on my future VP28 ! Nice studio ! Nice choice of preamps also !

[@HaNguyen-kn2tg]

Red-Dot is too hi-fi for me. I prefer the classic tone of Gar2520.

[@DMKahn]

Great job. And don't listen to that dude saying your playing was bad or distracting. He's probably just jealous. I found the song interesting enough with enough variance and harmonies to watch it to the end. Cheers 🍻

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks so much for checking it out and for your kind and encouraging words... I do appreciate it! I have to admit, I did get really bummed out by those negative comments and it kind of made me second guess everything I'm doing. I know everyone's a critic and I'm my own worse critic... I know that I'm not the best musician in the world... but I don't think my playing is that bad in general or even in this video. You are right, the point of this video was to do a pre-amp and op-amp comparison and not showcase musicianship in any way... I had to come up with something simple that built up slowly with different layers and instruments to introduce each little part so a listener could hear the tone differences, etc. I was trying to do something that was well thought out for the task at hand. I'm not a drummer by any means, so I had to keep that as basic as possible so I could just play in time and not mess up ;-)... and I really don't think my guitar playing is that bad in this video... I'm not playing any wrong notes, everything's in tune and in time... I don't know what's so bad about what he was hearing... but maybe it's all subjective and you can't please everyone so it is what it is... Does this video show the best of my abilities at guitar playing? No certainly not... I can play and do play much better than what's shown here, but that wasn't the point.... I've watched a lot of other shootout videos as well where I see people trying to play too much or not consistently enough and that is distracting to me personally... and even so, I would never think to leave extremely negative comments on anyone else's video... ever... I wouldn't even think to hit the thumbs down button... if I really didn't like something that much... I would just not watch it and move on and forget about it and not feel like I had to belittle someone's abilities on the internet... (sigh)... Again, in my defense for this video... I kept it simple so that I could repeat multiple takes easily on all the different parts to keep the comparison as close as possible... Anyways, thanks for listening and cheers!

[@DMKahn]

SMB Recordings I totally understand what you're saying about being your own worst critic. I am the exact same way. It's really hard to get criticism, especially if it's outright rude. From my standpoint, it's OK to take criticism and actually healthy, but it has to be CONSTRUCTIVE. What that dude said below was far from it, it was more of an attack. So you don't have to listen to him, as there were no pointers on how to improve. And you're right, there's no way to please everybody anyway. Now on to my views about your playing, specifically... the fact that you're not a drummer but could still play to a click track and hold down the beat is very difficult. It's easy for drummers to do endless fills and "chops", but it's harder for most of them to actually lock a beat down. Also, your guitar licks were really well played, and staccato and hammer-on-ish. You are a far better musician than I am, and I can admit that no problem. I also love the harmonies with the Les Paul and the 339, two different tonalities and they sound good together. Also like I said before, the arrangement was cool, and interesting in my opinion. Please don't let anyone steal your mojo, just keep doing your thing and make music YOU LOVE, and you'll have fans I guarantee it.

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks so much man for taking the time to respond... you made my day and I so thank you for your comments and honest feedback!

[@tommccaff]

I liked the song! Very nice job on it!!!

[@sfn4702]

Can anyone tell me what the big difference is between the 3124v and 3124+ ?

[@willhooper1122]

Damn that snare sounds great

[@Smb-recordings]

Will Hooper thanks for listening! I’m not a drummer so I tried tuning as best I could, some dampening with moon gel, tape and paper towels... single overhead mic above the snare and one mic out in front of the kit...

[@Chosenone429]

Great video & song!!

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@Chosenone429]

@@Smb-recordings Quick question, I have a UA 610, Avalon U5 and a Black Lion Audio B173..All pretty decent Pre's but not what I expected.. Do you think an API 512c or a VP28 would be an upgrade or improvement in my recordings.. Looking for a more warm and punchier sound.. Those other Pre's are kind of boring..What would you recommend the 512c or VP28? Thanks,

[@Smb-recordings]

@@Chosenone429 Hey there! I've never tried those other pre's you mentioned, so I can't comment specifically on any of those. I think API "style" pre's are known to be good on transient source material (like drums) because supposedly, they are "faster" in some way. I admit, I don't really know what that means. I can only say from my own experience in the different pre's that I've tried... that honestly, the biggest factor is not the pre... but the source instrument and how it sounds in the room, the player and how they play it, the mic and the mic positioning, etc... Also, I used to track a lot using a compressor and before I really knew how to use one... I was always setting the attack time too fast and this was killing all my punchy transients... I started to realize (for me) things sounded better and punchier when I didn't (track) with a compressor... until I learned how to better use them. Sorry I can't give you a more definitive answer other than I don't think you can go wrong with the VP28's... they sound great and are very versatile. How they compare to the other pre's you mentioned... I really can't say... but if you know the pre is great... and you're still not achieving the sound you want... then work backwards from there and see what else might need to be improved or changed (i.e.... mic, mic position, source instrument, player, etc...). I have had some really super expensive pre's and I have had some pretty average work-horse pre's... and sometimes, it was hard to tell the difference between them. I always expected the more expensive gear that is so hyped up by people to blow me away... but most of the time, it just didn't... but the issue wasn't the gear... I just didn't realize how much the source you are recording and how you record it makes all the difference in the world... just my opinion... Hope that helps!

[@vitsedlacek981]

hey, thanks for sharing! I've almost got mistaken by youtube video, as it gave me opposite feeling than listening to the files through my DAW anyway - Capi sounds somewhat better to my ears (listening on Audeze LCD-2) .... API feels a bit more coherent and balanced to me, but Capi sound to have little better separation .... Capi were with standard transformers or Litz? I'd be actually very interested in how Capi compares with Api when pushed harded ;)

[@JulianFernandez]

thanks!

[@LDesp1]

Hello. Can you tell us wich tracks you've been listening to while doing the "overall mix" ? Thanks

[@Smb-recordings]

Hello! When I did the overall mix, I really only did processing on the main 2-Buss (some EQ, compression, etc.). I didn't process anything on the individual tracks because I wanted to keep them true to their source. It was really more of a basic rough mix on the whole thing and I think I set up a parallel compression bus for the drum group, etc. I would flip through the different sources (preamps/op-amps) while doing this mix, but didn't cater to any specific set or group if that makes sense. I hope that answers your question. If you were asking about reference tracks... like do I have any favorite references tracks that I use for comparison while mixing... I do have a bunch depending on what I am working on, but didn't really do that on this mix... this was just a pretty quick mix that I just wanted to clean up a little but keep it mostly raw and close to the sources. Thanks for the comment and cheers.

[@codyhamilton7486]

Thanks so much for this shootout! I was expecting to prefer the red dot CAPI but I actually liked the stock 3124+ by far the best. It seemed to smooth everything out in a really pleasing way. What year is yours? I've read they changed what transformers they used in 2006 and I want to make sure I get the same version you have!

[@Smb-recordings]

Cody Hamilton thanks for checking it out! My API is from 2008.

[@jaredpizarro1516]

Great shootout! Would the API 512c sound closer (exactly) like the 3124?

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks for checking it out! I'm not sure about the API 512c because I've never used one before, but I think they are supposed to be very similar. Any differences in sound might be related to the power supply differences of a rack unit compared to 500 series units, but I don't know enough about that to give a definitive answer. I also read somewhere that API used different transformers (or other components) over the years in some units so depending on what year it was made might have a different sound too (?)... but regardless... I think the differences will be so subtle that it won't even matter too much... the overall flavor should definitely be very much in the same ballpark. Cheers.

[@underpressureman]

Hey man, just curious, have you tried any of the other Capi preamp or EQ's?

[@Smb-recordings]

Hey there... I haven't actually tried any other Capi preamp or EQ's, but I'd like to one day. The only other CAPI gear I have now are some VC528 ML2's... I use them for summing/mixing and they have been pretty awesome for that.

[@JuanNungaray]

API w/stock opamps has bigger low end and a deeper wider sound, could hear it clearly thru my adam a77x monitors.

[@joelfarr882]

Awesome stuff. When using the GAR2520's is that a 1730/2520 or 2520/2520 combo?

[@Smb-recordings]

Joel Farr thanks for checking it out! It's the 1730/2520 combo

[@FritzGillis]

@@Smb-recordings well that’s a pretty big thing to not mention. No wonder it sounded so different

[@kankantandikaigorotan1496]

nice one sir

[@rickybrenay6249]

Thanks for doing this video!! Nice Red Shirts for Red Dot and Blue for Original Opamp!!! lol

[@Smb-recordings]

No problem, thanks for checking it out! It's funny, you are the first person that mentioned the shirts... haha. I put a lot of thought into that and actually it made it easier for me to know which takes I was editing for the video... Cheers!

[@rickybrenay6249]

Well this is probably my 3rd time watching it and caught it this time. I think I watched it the first time last year. I still haven't bought the capi yet. I'm about to pull the trigger. I'm still undecided on the vp28 or the vp26?

[@Smb-recordings]

I'm not familiar with the VP26 so I can't speak to that, but I do know the VP28's are just super versatile. The stepped input and output gains/transformers give you so much room to work with and with the EQ filters, you really can't go wrong. I don't know if the VP26's have all those features...

[@kevinkmny]

Dude....VP28s all the way. WAY more versatile.

[@rickybrenay6249]

Finally got my vp28s! No red dots. Love how you can push them and back off the fader.

[@royzturbo]

Seems like transients are slightly more pronounced on stock API. Red Dot makes transients the same on both but then the capi loses some low mids.

[@louis-philippekyer4335]

Did you end up keeping any of them ?

[@bassface84]

The red dots are a little brighter... Great Review, Thanks!

[@williamtcook]

With Red Dots, they sound identical and perfectly clear / punchy but not harsh. Stock API is my second favorite. The Gar makes the VP mushy sounding with no punch. Blurs the transients. If I wanted that, I wouldn't reach for an API. Listening on Barefoot MM26s. Gar = boring. Red Dot = exciting. Thanks for this. Would love CAPI to have you do one with the various opamps in the BT50s and LCs on different sources.

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks for checking it out! When I did this shootout over a year ago, my monitors at the time were ProAc Studio 100's, but I recently switched to a pair of Barefoots as well (MM45's). I'm hearing things now so differently on the Barefoots (in a good way), but it's making me want to go back and re-record and re-mix all my previous projects... haha... Anyways, to my ears... I love the Red Dots too. They have more of a hi-fi thing for me... the low end seems to be deeper with more of a "bloom" to it (which I notice in the kick drum) and the highs are just really pleasing. I did prefer though the stock API on just the crunchy guitars because for me, it brought out something cool and a little more edgy in the midrange which that source benefits from, but at the end of the day... I think it's both subjective and source-dependent... good to have options! I'm not associated with CAPI at all and have never been in touch with them directly. I did this shootout as a request from the guy that built the CAPI's for me, but he's not with their company either. I think it's been helpful for a lot of people so I'm glad I did it and I learned a lot in the process too. Cheers!

[@snippletrap]

What chain is capturing your voice in the first few minutes? Sounds real nice. I would like to hear the 3124 up against the CAPI VP312, more of an apples to apples comparison.

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks for checking it out! The mic I used for the intro/talking was a SDC (Beyerdynamic MC930) which I had positioned maybe 2 ft back in front of me... you can actually see it in the video in the lower left corner... I tried to cover it up with my logo... haha... I ran that into a Shadow Hills Mono Gamma 500 series Pre into Pro Tools and then just did a little EQ and compression with some Slate Digital stuff to remove some mud and add a little air. Yes you are right, the CAPI VP312 probably would have been more of a direct comparison, but I only had the VP28s on hand... Cheers!

[@fernandolouismiramontes2520]

Capi for me. Refreshing.

[@mattg082]

Red dots sound a bit brighter right off the bat. The API well sound like API...However for the price and comparison, I’d have no issues with the Capi if I needed several of them vs buying 8 API pres or two units for drums. But I could buying a lunchbox of Capi just for drums if I was recording lots of drums. So far in my studio I have and favor the API 512c and Great River preamps. I did just pick up a Capi Heasphone Amp as my go to for monitoring and tracking. I think I’ll also go Capi for compression, along with a Dbx 500 utility compressor to fill out a 6 slot box. Perfect on the go 2 channel console in a box!

[@underpressureman]

I actually liked the capi's with red dots,(and the api's with red dots) they seemed to be a bit more open in the high mid's but generally they were very close and both are sweet!

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks for checking out the video, much appreciated! I agree... the red dots do have a nice "sheen" to them, but you can't go wrong with any of these options.

[@underpressureman]

yea exactly, their all killer obviously! marginal differences lol! I have heard of a select few who use different preamps dependent on the part of the song though lol.

[@GospelMusicians]

Also, can you please post the VP28 settings you are using? For example isPad engaged. Where are the Input and Output knobs at?

[@stephenbabula]

Basically on the VP28's, I tried to match as closely as possible what I had dialed in on the API3124 (which has less options to work with). So for each source while recording, I would first dial in the level on the API (no pad engaged) and then bring up the preamp gain on the VP28 to match the level being recorded into Pro Tools. I didn't use any pads or filters on the VP28 at all and left the output knob at 0 (unity gain) for everything. I wanted to try to make it more of an even comparison in that sense so only really used the input gain on the VP28's in the same way as the API3124. Hope that helps...

[@GospelMusicians]

Got it...I usually use the Pad on my VPs to get more of a saturated warm sound with the Red Dots. I also love the VF600 Opamps as well.

[@gordieman]

Very good demo! The red dot version definitely has that high end sheen, however I actually preferred the Gar2520. I just picked up one of these and I'm sure will be getting another.

[@Smb-recordings]

gordieman Awesome thanks for checking out the video! The Gar's are pretty solid on everything so you can't go wrong. I've been running full mixes through them as well and it definitely adds something really nice.

[@willsunofficial2120]

the api sounds more open for me but the capi still sounds great tho.. would be nice to do a comparison just on guitar or snare

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks. You can check out the download link above (in video description) for the ProTools session file. If you have PT, you can open the session and solo out just guitars, drums, etc... It's only a single overhead mic and 1 room mic on the drums... but you can still solo those out and compare things individually. Cheers!

[@user-bi2nb2mi7y]

very nice, well done !!!! Seems the API have a bit more focus and the CAPI more mojo/thick. My 2 cents listening on ATC SCM20asl

[@oluwaboriogunafolabi3997]

The 28's are def more open in the high end. You can really hear it in the high hats. That can be a deal breaker or deal maker depending on what your end game is. But other than that, there is no way I would spend on the api if I can get this close at a fraction of the cost. Only problem is I couldn't solder anything to save my life...shaky hands methinks. Anyway, nice video man. Your efforts and work is appreciated.

[@stephenbabula]

Thanks for checking it out! I can't solder either... haha... I had these built by Billy Pratt at Audibility Recording... great guy and does an amazing job... you can order directly from him if you are ever interested: reverb.com/shop/audibilityrecording Cheers ;-)

[@oluwaboriogunafolabi3997]

Awesome. Thanks man.

[@randyrose5968]

alone more presence on the Vp28's and Red dots rule, the opamp swap got the two closer :)

[@1rallow]

Where do you buy Capi Already assembled

[@Smb-recordings]

Hello and thanks for the message! It looks like there are some available on Reverb... most are built to order. I had all my Capi gear built by Billy Pratt: reverb.com/shop/audibilityrecording. I Highly recommend him and you should be able to contact him directly through his Reverb shop.

[@DanBires]

Great video. The capi with the red dots seems more separated buttery to my ears. The api is a bit heavier and focused. They both sound so great. To me they are different the api is an api and the capi is a capi. They have their own distinct sound. I wouldn’t buy the capi if you want an api sound. I would buy the api. The capi sounds amazing and it is in its own category and deserves to be its own pre verse a clone or saying it’s the closest thing to an api.

[@TheJohnHendy]

I only listened on my phone and blind comparisons led me to the stock API’s, though I have 4 VP28 1731/2520 (two litz) ... 90 percent of the time they win against my Vintechs, AMPEX Pres, 6176, and LOLA’s. I love the output fader, highpass, phase, etc... so, lots of flexibility w great tone..the vp28 wins in my book!

[@Smb-recordings]

Thanks for checking it out! Yeah, the phone is a little tricky... haha... but I agree... I love the VP28's and with all the other features, they are hard to beat.

[@siriusfun]

LOL

[@mcpribs]

I like the Gar’s the least. Stock API for me. Amazing how close both reds sound to each other.

[@iammurphy]

Sounds like the stock API stacked a little better. Maybe I'm just used to the API sound though, so who knows.

[@MartinMartin-yi9to]

I got some CAPI when the forum rave was going strong (206 maybe) than compared to real API. Sold the CAPI, got some API and never looked back as they sounded completely wrong next to API.

[@StartProducingMusic]

Which red dot op amp were you using? Thanks!

[@Smb-recordings]

Hey there! The Red Dot's were from "Scott Lieber". I can't remember if I purchased them directly from him or elsewhere online, but if you do a search, they should hopefully be available somewhere online. Thanks!

[@StartProducingMusic]

@@Smb-recordings is that the name of the model?

[@StartProducingMusic]

Or the store? Red dot have 2520's and 1731's, i really liked the sound so im trying to understand which they were

[@Smb-recordings]

@@StartProducingMusic Sorry about that, yes they are the 2520's. The model number was SL2520. The "SL" stands for Scott Lieber... the guy that built them. Here's a direct link: scottliebers.com/opamps-and-studio-electronics/

[@StartProducingMusic]

@@Smb-recordings thanks!

[@alexmagor]

The Capi's to me definitely sound better. As for the op amps the Gar initially sounds more exciting but I think the Red Dots sound fuller and more detailed and the Gars sound scooped and more 2 dimensional and would be more fatiguing to listen to for lengthy periods. Also I believe the Red Dots are closer to the coveted original Huntington 2520's in the Api 550's from the 70's.

[@djentlover]

API's sound muffled in comparison! Wow. Great real world test, thank you!

[@djentlover]

However, I have a feeling that with bright sources and mics the API's would be better to smooth the excessive top end.

[@Smb-recordings]

Absolutely. That was the interesting thing for me about this shootout is that it really depends on the source... my favorites would really be a combo of all the above options choosing the best for each source... which of course is subjective. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@Kelesis666]

API to the bone!

[@phuzbrain]

The API sounds a bit richer and wider...

[@Bcwilderness]

api more solid and focused better for the instrument seperation i would put the capi for the vocal

[@JPDC624]

Stock API FTW!