API 3124+ or Focusrite Red1?

[MetalWorks]

What do you think is a better Pre to score?

API 3124+ or Focusrite Red1?

I was thinking about picking up a 3124+ at some point but then found a used Red 1 for $1800. The Red 1 is enticing.

Any opinions?

 

[colonel kurtz]

i'm not positive, but isn't the red a 2-ch. unit?

if so, i would totally get the API

 

[MetalWorks]

The Red 1 is the 4 Channel model like the API 3124+.

The Red 8 is the 2 Channel.

So with that in mind, any change in opinion?

 

[egan.]

3124!!!!!

 

[AudioPhile777]

Well, it really depends on what type of stuff you have now and...

whatever...

API!

 

[KeithRT99]

never used the apis, but i really like the red pres.

 

[unsilpauly]

i have used both and to my liking the api would be better for any kind of heavier music for drums, guitars and vox even. the focusrite would be better for "cleaner" sounds. when i used both, the apis were on kick, snare and toms and the focusrite went on overheads and hats. the focusrite is good for clean, but has its own vibe. when i used it, i would say it was in between the api and the true precision8. api=more colored, true=more transparent. the focusrite was somewhere in between. the focusrite is really nice though, i would just prefer the api for the stuff i do mostly(metal, hardcore, punk, heavy rock, etc).
good luck im sure what ever you decide will work nicely.

 

[Sly]

APi are incredible pres : compact lows, huge low mids/punchy high mids, agressive highs. Very good for drums and bass for thickness. They will work great on vocals and guitars too, and you can get "that sound" with it.
I don't know Focusrite pres, but I guess they are cleaner and probably less punchier. Using them on OH, hats etc. can be a good idea.

 

[KeithRT99]

maybe it's just because i havent used api's, but i find the reds to be pretty colored, at least in comparison to the pre in an SSL 9000J.

 

[C_F_H_13]

You can't go wrong with APIs....I got 2 512c (ok I know..different pre)....but they are amazing.

 

[colonel kurtz]

The Red 1 is the 4 Channel model like the API 3124+.

The Red 8 is the 2 Channel.

So with that in mind, any change in opinion?

i'd still go w/ the API

i've never used the focusrite red series, but if it's anything like the ISA 110/215, i would go API - assuming you'll be using it mostly for heavy shit

 

[MetalWorks]

Alright....

After all of the praise, I was leaning toward the API 3124+ over the used Focusrite Red 1 for $1899 plus tax etc which I found at Guitar Center.

But then tonight I found a New in Box Focusrite Red 1 on Ebay with Buy it Now option for $1999.99.

Considering a new one sells online for $3199.99 at Musicians Friend etc.

I couldn't pass it up...

It's only 4 channels so I'm going to need more!

So the API will probably be next!

I am hoping I made a wise decision and saved $1200 in doing so.

 

[blackcom]

I have API, Neve and Focusrite ISA.

API is my favourite!

 

[colonel kurtz]

hey fuck it - you got a good deal on the focusrite, so it's all good

and it's not like there won't be any API's for sale whenever you have more $$

 

[MetalWorks]

Im thinking so.

Whats the lowest anyone has seen them go for on Ebay?

Seems like the ones I saw were all over $2k.

 

[colonel kurtz]

that's the thing that sucks about API stuff...even when people are selling it used, it seems to still fetch close to the price of a new piece

unless of course it's "vintage" - then the price is usually even higher

 

[RKelly]

Red 1 = insane!

It is more transparent than the API's but the sound quality is great. My only complaint is that the attenuators are stepped, I like to ride the gain when I'm tracking vocalists which isn't great with stepped attenuators......

Anyways! great sounding pres