API 3124+ vs Black Lion Audio b12a Preamp Shoot Out

[Contra Studio]

I made some audio clips and a small video of the A B testing I did. I like both but Ill let you guys decide which is best.
Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/Qeb4uGy2cdA

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10714692/API 312.mp3

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10714692/BLA b12a.mp3

 

[egan.]

Wow. The difference is absurd.

 

[chrisrivalry]

The API sounds bigger and not as mid scooped.

 

[amarshism]

the first one was miles ahead and im on laptop speakers

 

[Contra Studio]

I'll be making more samples with less driven amps.

 

[mva801]

Yeah the API slays the BLA. But I'd hope it would for what you pay for it..... more than twice as much per channel.

Great test man!

 

[Contra Studio]

I wonder though if I never had the name of the Pre on the file, people would have though something different. Like oh yeah it's API so it sounds better!

 

[amarshism]

There was no name on the file I just watched the YouTube video

 

[Lasse Lammert]

Only watched the Video, no idea which one is wich, but IMO the first clip is far superior, the lows on the second one seem much less coherent and kinda brittle/grainy

 

[Contra Studio]

Heres another sample with both of them in a mix with some drums. I feel no matter which of the press you go with you won't go wrong.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10714692/BLA%20vs%20API%20Mix.mp3