More Preamp Madness

[Matt Smith]

Hmm...
I'm kinda rethinking my "preamps make minimal difference" stance again. I borrowed a different unit for the weekend and did some more comparisons on guitar. This time I had more time, so the tone isn't crappy and overgained. I don't know how much it will come across in these MP3s, but to me the difference is pretty huge:

Preamp 1

Preamp 2

Both are high-end units. To my ears, the first one is more hi-fi/scooped sounding, with a thinner midrange and extended high end (could be thin/shrill on some sources). The second one is WAY more midrange-voiced, to the point where it could potentially sound honky on some sources. I think both could find very good uses, depending on the source.
Interesting. Now to test some vocals...

 

[~BURNY~]

I won't use the word "huge" but there's definitely a difference in the mid/high mid range.
I find the #2 to be softer/smoother but maybe the #1 will cut easier trough in the mix.
Edit:
After several listening, I prefer the #1... More articulate, fuller.

 

[Lord Lurion]

Yeah, 2 is definately more mid rangey. Mabe I'd prefer 1.

 

[ReliXKeepeR]

Both sounds really good.

BUT i dislike the 1's lows.
I would prefer the second one.

Again, very good sounds.

Will you tell us the preamps now? And the whole chain actualy.

 

[Glenn Fricker]

I'm leaning towards preamp 1 a bit more. #2 sounds a little more harsh in the upper mids.

 

[Matt Smith]

Yeah I agree, it seems like they rise in different places. 1 is closer to the air frequencies, while 2 is in the upper mids.