best 4 channel preamp?

[chdrummer]

I've been looking at the UA 4-710D. Some people I hear dont like the pre's in it too much. Is there any other good 4 channel preamp around the $2k price range? I need 4 because I'm getting the UA Apollo and it only has 4 pres in it.

 

[Trevoire520]

ISA 428

 

[amarshism]

Api 3124 vintech? I'm sure you could pick one up second hand for around that.

 

[greyskull]

Save the money and get the api. The isa and ua are distinctly average.

 

[Revson]

If you're handy with a soldering iron I'd recommend getting a Seventh Circle Audio rack, 2A12 modules, and 2 N72 modules. You'll have room to expand once you get some more money too.

 

[MatrixClaw]

Used API 3124+ or you could get a few single/dual channels, so you have more flexibility. The SCA rack is also a great idea.

 

[mva801]

API

 

[ArthurD]

I would go for 2 Rupert Neve Mic pres.

 

[chdrummer]

I would go for 2 Rupert Neve Mic pres.

pretty sure thats not in my price range lol.

The Api does sound like the good choice, but I still want to look around. Maybe there's something else

 

[BLUElightCory]

The API3124 or Daking Mic Pre IV are probably your best bets under $2500.

 

[Fbarre]

I would go for 2 Rupert Neve Mic pres.

This if your budget allows.

 

[BLUElightCory]

Also, Rupert Neve makes a 4-channel pre - but it's $3000.

 

[mva801]

FWIW we just got a Rupert Neve 511 500 series pre. I love it. They're only $575 apiece, but you'd need a lunchbox...

 

[mickrich]

Get a used ISA828.
I have one and also Universal Audio and API pres (I used to have a phoenix audio dual channel too)
The ISA holds it ground against the other heavy hitter no problem.
I see a lot of internet talk about the ISA being "bland" or "uninteresting" but I do a lot of post and voice over work and EVERY studio has a 4 or 8 channel ISA rack.
They are fat and full with great transient response and work on any source.
8 pres for the price of a used 828 is a killer deal. Having 8 channels will really benefit you if you are going to record drums.
The API and UA LA-610 have their uses of course but I would be perfectly happy having 2 828s giving 16 channels of top class pre if I was buying from scratch.

 

[crillemannen]

^^

+1

Expensive preamps are overratedas fukk anyways.Get a decent one and make music!!!

 

[The StabbinCabin]

I was going to recommend ISA, Audient, Vintech473 or the Daking IV when you first posted this but figured I'd wait and see what everyone else thought.

Alternately, You could go 500 series and pick and choose what you want for each drum. CLAPI,HairBall LOLA and the commercial brands. Might be cheaper (especially used) and you'd have different applications for vox, gtr, keys ect.

 

[egan.]

I like the vintech and the daking a lot. I know the api is the forum favorite-- and it's great-- but the addition of an output trim is long overdue on that unit.

 

[mickrich]

chdrummer I just noticed you were looking at the UA4710.
I have an LA-610 and it is VERY easy to clip and very unforgiving when it does clip.
It has very little headroom.
It sounds beautiful on vocals but if the singer is in any way dynamic and doesn't have good mic technique I switch it out for a different pre.
Fantastic on bass and room mics and guitar or anything thats not going to suddenly jump in volume.
I don't know if the 4710 is different but, if not, I wouldn't want it as my main pre.

 

[OlofBerggren]

The Daking have the fast respons of API and the meat of a Neve-amp.