While the topic doesn't really have anything to do with Pro Tools and VoiceOver, I'll add in my two cents for what it's worth.
Under normal circumstances, there's little difference between preamp topologies. when I say "normal circumstances," I mean loading them with nominal signal levels. Every preamp is designed to amplify sound and not to change it. That said, people realized that if they pushed the signal path in the tube and transformer-based consoles, they broke up in a pleasant way. With Class A discrete designs, the goal was to be clean and uncolored throughout its functional range. Clip a high-voltage pre and it sounds like crap. Depending on the application, one may or may not necessarily take advantage of the extreme characteristics of the tube and transformer-type circuits. Some people like to mix and match and a lot of people think that's a mistake. I guess I pretty much count myself among those who keep it straightforward. when you start to mix topologies within the same production, one can potentially run into subtle problems—nothing that's a deal breaker but things can begin to sound a little out of whack. For decades, recordings were made on all tube or all transformer consoles (and of course, the tube consoles had transformers as well). There was a cohesive sound to the recordings. It's only in the last two decades that we've seen a proliferation of outboard mic pres. I myself have gone the route of many channels of high-gain, several channels of transformer-based 3124 and the tube UA 2-610. With those pres at my disposal, I tend to stick with one type throughout an entire project. If it's a rock band, I'll go with the APIs, if it's a jazz or classical project, I'll go Millennia. The 2-610 is good for just about anything but one must consider the trade-offs of tube circuits. Actually, both the tube and transformer paths are going to be somewhat noisier in general so, if it's going to be an intimate singer/songwriter tune, be prepared for a little noise. Hey, some people love the sound and it doesn't matter to them. frankly, ultimately, the noise and the sound really doesn't matter. What matters is the emotional impact and whether that's conveyed and as long as the recording equipment and process stay out of the way, it's all good. If you're doing hip-hop, to me, the obvious choice would be to go for a Neve or API style They have tons of clean gain before they break up, at least the better specimens. I'd stay away from Golden Age unless you want gritty throughout its range. Don't spend too much money for now. It's not worth it unless you're doing a ton of projects that'll pay for it. For my money, the API 3124 is a phenomenal piece of kit for the price. It's worth trying out two or three pres via rental before committing. Check out DreamHire or blackbird. they'll ship anywhere. OK, enough. Slau -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Pro Tools Accessibility" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
