API normal vs. driven (Recto content)

which one do you prefer

  • normal

    Votes: 1 9.1%
  • hot

    Votes: 10 90.9%

  • Total voters
    11

LSD-Studio

HCAF crusher
Jul 2, 2006
3,446
1
38
Germany
www.lsd-tonstudio.de
I didn't tweak the amp or mic-position and the playing isn't top-notch either..I know..
anyway, here's a short sample of doubletracked guits

one is with the RME ADI8 set to +4 and the gain on the API accordingly (peaking 6dB on the meter, but mostly around zero).

the other one is with the RME set to high-gain and the gain on the API raised, so that the meters show +6 most of the time....

I kinda like what the preamp adds if it's driven hard...
decide yourself and tell me what you think:

normal
hot
 
difficult, I think both have their advantages. normal sounds fuller and has more depth while the other has more presence, attack and clarity but is somewhat flatter sounding. I checked normal, since my personal taste goes more into that direction.
 
I'm sure it may differ in a full mix - but just A/Bing - HOT for sure! It's got a much beefier low end on the chugs :kickass: I think the normal sounds a bit
flat where as hot has got some extra depth to it.
 
Holy shit, the Hot DESTROYS the regular, IMO - Abyss, my opinions were the polar opposites of yours dude, I thought the hot was WAY fuller and more alive sounding, especially on sustained palm mutes, where it just sounds so much more dynamic. MUST HAVE API!!!!! Lasse, was this a 3124? Does it have like a "2:1" switch to get more preamp coloration, like on the A2D? (the only API preamp I've used)