EQ Magazine - December 2008 - (Page 55)

Electro-Voice ND 868 on kick, Shure SM57 on snare, and Neumann KM100 as a mono overhead. Our second test was with a KM100 on a Martin HD28v acoustic guitar. Next, we re-amped distorted guitar (Radial Engineering X-Amp into a Marshall JCM800 head through a Marshall cabinet, loaded with four Celestion vintage 30s, and miked with a sure SM7B). We also tested those units incorporating 1/4" DIs on the front panel with a ’71 Fender P-Bass and Yamaha Motif keyboard. For vocal testing, we amplified pre-recorded vocal tracks though the mic inputs, courtesy of a level-matching transformer that converts line level signals to mic level and impedance. Overall, the quality, workmanship, and sound of every pre we tested was exceptional. All pres fit snugly in the rack and had no mounting issues; each unit also featured a thick metal front panel with both phantom power and phase reverse switches (or buttons). I was astounded by the sounds we were able to capture using this unbelievable arsenal of preamps, and so were all the other engineers that were present—so, let’s look at what we found out. (Note: The following prices are list prices.) PURPLE AUDIO BIZ MK AND PANTS PRICE: $675 STRENGTHS: Input and output metering and level control. Switchable input impedance. Lit switches. Low price. Switchable dual-gain stage. LIMITATIONS: Use of line mode often needed to avoid input clipping. CONTACT: www.purpleaudio.com These two pres are very useful, and although they look very similar, have their own distinct characteristics. Both units offer helpful tri-color LEDs for both input and output level, as well as an impedance toggle switch and 1/4" DI inputs. The Biz Mk is very aggressive-sounding— great for “in your face” mids, and tight lows. It excels on cutting rock vocals and distorted guitars, and its 1/4" inputs are great for keyboards. The unit offers 35dB of gain in line mode, 60dB in mic mode, and 75dB with the “dual” button depressed (note that we sometimes had to use the line mode when tracking loud sources to avoid clipping). When using a pair, I was astounded at the stereo imaging and clarity when tracking the Motif with a piano sound on a rock song. If you want a pre that knows how to cut through in a mix, this is the one. The Pants has a much thicker low end with full low mids, which works well on thin sources that need fattening: rap vocals, snare on heavy music, kick drum, and line in bass guitar all benefit. It offers 40dB of gain in line mode, 60dB of gain in single mode, and 75dB in high mode. The Pants has very big lows and a pronounced top with smooth mids; when tracking vocals, it caused my U87 to sound much bigger than normal, with a nice top end presence for loud rock and punk vocals. GREAT RIVER MP-500NV PRICE: $1,034 STRENGTHS: Input and output metering and level control. Ultra-solid build quality. Switchable loading. LIMITATIONS: Requires two slots in a 500 rack. CONTACT: www.greatriverelectronics.com Occupying two spaces in the 500 chassis, the 500NV is particularly well-built, with a 6-segment LED meter for both input and output. The preamp’s basic coloration is a huge clear low end, smooth mids, and a nice top end presence. Kick drum and vocals were our fave applications. The front panel 1/4" DI yields the same huge low end, with great cutting highend clarity and presence. My Neumann U87 had more beefy low end, with musical highs, than any other pre I’ve tried on loud rock vocals. The unit also features a switchable input impedance for extra tweakability. The 500NV offers 70dB gain, along with a pad and output level control. (CONTINUED) www.eqmag.com DECEMBER 2008 EQ 55 http://www.purpleaudio.com http://www.greatriverelectronics.com http://www.eqmag.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of EQ Magazine - December 2008

EQ Magazine - December 2008 Contents Talk Box Sounding Board Punch In My Morning Jacket Guitar Trax Bass Management Key Issues Drum Heads Vocal Cords Mix Bus Cheat Sheet Cakewalk Sonar 8 Propellerhead Reason 4 Indie 500: Lunchbox Pres and Compressors 500 Series Preamps 500 Series Compressors Gadgets and Goodies Sounds Room with a Vu

EQ Magazine - December 2008

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