Knif Tube Mic Preamp Shootout

I downloaded the files and loaded them all in my DAW and compared the KNIF clip to each of the rest.  They all sound great and very similar, but what I always hear is a bit more upper harmonics and high-end detail in the KNIF.  It feels a little more opened up and life-like to me, more like someone is playing in the room with me.  I'm perhaps already biased towards the KNIF based on past experience, but I tried listening to these blind and I was still able to pick out the KNIF most of the time.  I believe if you sent them to me unlabelled I could tell you which is the KNIF.

Just listened to them all again, in headphones this time.  For me switching back to the KNIF still always feels the most natural and musical. 

I don't know how they'd each sit in a mix, but solo'd like this my favorites in order are:

1. KNIF

2. PAU, probably the closest to the KNIF.  Nice and balanced with smooth mids and nice clarity.

3. Howertone, like the overall tone but not quite as clear as the first two.

4. Chandler

5. CAPI

I expected to like the Chandler more, but to me the mids were a little harsh.  Something just sounded a little unnatural and plasticy about the CAPI which is why I put it last although at certain points I liked how it's low-end seemed more dynamic than some of the others.