clean+gain = happy ribbons

[chet.d]

I ordered 2 N72's and can't wait to here them, I understand the n72 has definite color potential (albeit, pleasant I hear) and I'm wondering if Tim or anyone else can chime in on a potential best contender in the sca line if I was to ad a "3rd" pre with clean and gain in mind.
...The aea trp ribbon pre has like 80 db of gain I hear, and I'm considering my aea r84, stereo fatheads and such.

Reason being, I'm thinking about recording sources like viola, cello, etc. where I might use a ribbon along w/ an omni or sdc...and I was considering the pre's.
What's come to mind thus far is the a12 w/ opamp or a j99, or ?
thanks for any insights!

[Commodor]

I ordered 2 N72's and can't wait to here them, I understand the n72 has definite color potential (albeit, pleasant I hear) and I'm wondering if Tim or anyone else can chime in on a potential best contender in the sca line if I was to ad a "3rd" pre with clean and gain in mind.
...The aea trp ribbon pre has like 80 db of gain I hear, and I'm considering my aea r84, stereo fatheads and such.

Reason being, I'm thinking about recording sources like viola, cello, etc. where I might use a ribbon along w/ an omni or sdc...and I was considering the pre's.
What's come to mind thus far is the a12 w/ opamp or a j99, or ?
thanks for any insights!

I'd think that you might want to consider the J99 for the ribbons and cello and such... seems that would be the ticket. Depends on what you're looking for of course.

For what it's worth I have 3 N72's and recorded a rock vocal a few days ago with an AEA into the N72.... great sound... or at least we all liked it... a lot! Lots of vibe and character.

You might also want to consider the C84 which supposedly has more of a 'Millennia' thing happening... uncolored as oppossed to the signature color of a 'Neve' (N72). I don't have a C84 but I do have a Millennia and I wouldn't hesitate to record cello with that.. or anything that I wanted to capture uncolored by the mic pre.

But... for myself, I think that I want to get at least a pair of J99's at some point. And if you're looking for a recommendation I think that's what I'd say based on what you've written. And the J99 can be configured to deliver 80db of gain as well. In the end though only you can decide what's best for you of course.

Cheers!

Commodor

[chet.d]

Thanks Commodore.
I hear what your saying about the j99. It seems I'm trying to decide between it and a a12. As well, trying to conclude what op amp might be best. still considering the a12 becouse I'm interested in a nice midrange, though having the 80db option w/ the j99 might be best for ribbons when considering quiet sources.

[Commodor]

Thanks Commodore.
I hear what your saying about the j99. It seems I'm trying to decide between it and a a12. As well, trying to conclude what op amp might be best. still considering the a12 becouse I'm interested in a nice midrange, though having the 80db option w/ the j99 might be best for ribbons when considering quiet sources.

Well, again it's your choice of course... and as I like to say with all things audio (and most everything else as well for that matter) ....'Whatever works!'

I can add that though I don't have an A12 I have done considerable work with API pre amps, which the A12 seems to closely emulate. A studio where I've done a lot of recording has a vintage 32 channel API console (built from two 16 channel desks) and I've recorded cello, viola, violin,etc ...and a lot of other stuff through that console. I'm pretty familiar with the API 'sound'.

There's a certain 'vibe' that the API invokes that a lot of people seem to desire... and I like it too. And it did sound nice for the stringed instruments. I've recorded larger orchestral stuff for film as well as cello quartet and solo instruments for CD.

I did like the API for those things. There's a 'warmness' that comes with the API 'distortion' and all the rest of the 'color' that the API pre amps give in abundance. And part of the reputation of the API's for rock drums and guitars is because of this 'color'.

But... again though... when I think of recording cello and violin, etc I would think of other pre amps as being probably more desirable than the API for those, for me anyway.

The J99/John Hardy style design would seem it would be better suited for this... generally speaking at least. From SCA's line-up maybe the C84 would be a good choice as well (and I have a Millennia as a comparison).

On the other hand.. the API had that 'vintage' mojo if that's what you're wanting. Plus, the SCA op amp for this is apparently 'improved' over the API original op amp and might be really better than the 'real' API for Cello and so on.

Ahhhh..... Best to get a few of everything I guess.

All the best,

Commodor

[chet.d]

Thanks. hmmm?? ...my only other pre's are a alesis i026 (for extra channels like drums etc.) there not bad actually, if going into a compresser to help w/ some gain, ... But still trying to decide if the two n72's will be great for most things,

Or if I should add a j99........or an a12
a j99........or an a12
a j99........or an a12

[tpryan]

I'd say if you're doing primarily classical recording, go with the C84s. If you're recording a lot of acoustic sources for pop, rock, country, etc. the J99s will be more versatile and can give some sources a bit of help. If I had to choose a pair of only one type, I'd go with the J99s.

[chet.d]

Thanks for the reply Tim.
I am doing mostly indy type pop songs...mid tempo/down tempo, sometimes w/ vioin or horn (ie: in the vein of sparklehorse, smog, spain etc.) ... also some film scoring.

Should I interpret that as if you have two N72's, your choice to add "only a 3rd pre" would be the J99 ?

I'm sorry if this seems obsessive, I'm torn becouse I was advised by a few that the A12 w/ api op amp or sca op amp would be a best "3rd" pre option and could also be good for more clean sources.
much thanks once again.

[Commodor]

.... I was advised by a few that the A12 w/ api op amp or sca op amp would be a best "3rd" pre option and could also be good for more clean sources.
much thanks once again.

Hmmmm... I think I'd have to disagree with that conclusion. If you have two N72's adding the J99 will give you more versatility and would be better as a 'clean' option. At least that's my opinion. This is not to say that the A12 wouldn't be 'nice'.. it would. But, the J99 would better fit the bill here as you're describing it.

Of course, those giving you that advice may better know what you need.

In any case, you're still going to have slots available of course and you can add other modules over time if you want more options available.

Commodor

[chet.d]

.... I was advised by a few that the A12 w/ api op amp or sca op amp would be a best "3rd" pre option and could also be good for more clean sources.
much thanks once again.

Hmmmm... I think I'd have to disagree with that conclusion. If you have two N72's adding the J99 will give you more versatility and would be better as a 'clean' option. At least that's my opinion. This is not to say that the A12 wouldn't be 'nice'.. it would. But, the J99 would better fit the bill here as you're describing it.

Of course, those giving you that advice may better know what you need.

In any case, you're still going to have slots available of course and you can add other modules over time if you want more options available.

Commodor

Yeah, I think your right. My friend is partial to the A12 (after the N72) and I'm sure I'd like it too, but if I can't afford both then I'm thinking the ribbons would benefit from the gain the J99 can offer when considering strings and such.
I keep thinking about the AEA TRP and how ribbons seem to do well w/ all the gain it offers...and how the J99 may also be a good, possibly great choice.

[Commodor]

Yeah, I think your right. My friend is partial to the A12 (after the N72) and I'm sure I'd like it too, but if I can't afford both then I'm thinking the ribbons would benefit from the gain the J99 can offer when considering strings and such.
I keep thinking about the AEA TRP and how ribbons seem to do well w/ all the gain it offers...and how the J99 may also be a good, possibly great choice.

Hmmmm... I think I'd have to agree with THAT conclusion....

Probably your friend wants that A12 for HIM!

But seriously... this seems the wise route.... I don't think you'd be going wrong. The J99 should be a literally fantastic choice for ribbons... they'll be great friends!

All the best,

Commodor