Hear Me Da Money - Mic Pre Shootout - Female Vocals

| Oct 10, 2007 | 4,318 Views | Share

Description

This was a vocal preamp shootout I discovered online that I found very interesting. It pits extreme low end vs. extreme high end. The mic used in each recording was a Manley Reference Gold. Preamps range from the ridiculously cheap mackie vlz to the ultra high end Fearn ($3800 street) Signal chain Manley Ref>preamp>Apogee psx 100 Can you HEAR Da Money?

Audio Clips

  • D.W. Fearn VT 2

    Manley Reference Gold Microphone, D.W. Fearn VT-2 Preamp, Apogee PSX 100 Converters
    Download |

  • Mackie VLZ

    Manley Reference Gold Microphone, Mackie VLZ Preamp, Apogee PSX 100 Converters
    Download |

  • Neve 1081

    Manley Reference Gold Microphone, Neve 1081 Preamp, Apogee PSX 100 Converters
    Download |

  • GML 8302

    Manley Reference Gold Microphone, GML 8302 Preamp, Apogee PSX 100 Converters
    Download |

  • Presonus MP 20

    Manley Reference Gold Microphone, Presonus MP20 Preamp, Apogee PSX 100 Converters
    Download |

Comments

  • Even though it sounds obvious to say, the sound really does get better up the chain. The Mackie VLZ is the worst to me by far, followed by the MP 20. They have a coating of low mid garbage that reminds me why I invest in nice preamps. Next I would say the GML...it just isnt clear or forward enough. Then the Neve, which sounds good, but with this voice it's alittle bit flat sounding to me. And then, my winner, the DW Fearn. Smooth and rich, it defintely captures the vocal the best. On a side-note, what I really hear on ALL of these clips is the older Apogee converters...I owned an orginal AD16 (not the x series) years ago and they are a HUGE bummer.
    By shelterr on Oct 10, 2007 at 9:03 am
  • the mackie is by far the worst for this application, but im gonna have to say i would defintely have used the mp 20 over the gml 4 sure. my first choice would be the neve. of course people haveto hear things in their room in their space to make a proper judgement.
    By kamillion on Oct 10, 2007 at 12:09 pm
  • In my studio, and even on my laptop speakers I hear a huge difference. I like the DW Fearn the best on her voice. The Neve would be my second choice which sounds great too. The Mackie just sounds cold and harsh on her voice. Shelterr chose the exact order that I did.
    By rackrecording on Oct 11, 2007 at 5:46 am
  • The MP20 may very well sound better than the GML now that I listen again...
    By shelterr on Oct 11, 2007 at 11:29 am
  • The MP20 surprised me! Very nice... The Fearn is beautiful, and yes, I hear da money!
    By Audio Test on Oct 21, 2009 at 11:46 pm
  • I still have my MP20 after 15 years, where most of my other early budget gear was replaced long ago. Great pre for the money.
    By rackrecording on Jul 19, 2012 at 7:59 pm

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