RME vs. API preamp

[LSD-Studio]

The API probably sounds more present because it's about a dB louder on average (-7.93 and -9.15 dB RMS compared to the RME's -9.14 and -10.17 according to Sonalksis FreeG). Turn it down 1 dB for your comparison and you'll notice the difference is pretty much negligible. You'd get a waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more noticeable difference just by moving the mic a quarter inch.

well you should always match the volume for a comparison.
to me the difference is still the same.
but yes, it's not night and day, and of course moving the mic makes a bigger difference (but that's not what a comparison like this is about, cause even after moving the mic, swapping amps etc the difference will still be thereand add up dramatically in a busy mix)

 

[MetalJonesy]

the api is deffo the nicer one, like everyones said, really got that presence bite to it,ta for the tracks Lasse

 

[Ermz]

The API sounds tighter to me. The magic always seems to be in how it handles lows and how it can unify the midrange without sounding fizzy. Along with that the API sounds more open without being harsh, and it seems to just lend itself to a perceptibly 'larger' sound. I definitely know what I'd prefer to use on a record.

It's always better to do these tests blind and at equal volumes though. Whether conscious or subconscious, listener bias plays a huge part.

 

[fistula]

which one RME preamp is this?

 

[aramism]

holy shit huggge difference. good test man. the api wins by a landslide here. i heard it immediately.

 

[LSD-Studio]

which one RME preamp is this?

quadmic

 

[Tachy]

Yep, the api wins! Lasse can you post also an octopre le comparison?

 

[fistula]

quadmic

hmm i wanted to buy RME Fireface 400 - now im thinking about that...

 

[Skaldir]

hmm i wanted to buy RME Fireface 400 - now im thinking about that...

But I thought the fireface 400 has two of the quadmic pre-amps. The fireface 800 has 4.

 

[fistula]

I mean in negative way

 

[LSD-Studio]

I mean in negative way

well, of course the API is better, but it's quite a bit more expensive as well.
I don't think getting the RME would be the wrong choice, it's ok for the money

 

[Metaltastic]

And furthermore, you're not buying the Fireface for it's preamps, you're buying it for it's great converters to make OTHER preamps sound great down the line (hence why the FF400 is better, cuz you're not paying extra for 4 preamps that don't sound all that great )

 

[LSD-Studio]

And furthermore, you're not buying the Fireface for it's preamps, you're buying it for it's great converters to make OTHER preamps sound great down the line (hence why the FF400 is better, cuz you're not paying extra for 4 preamps that don't sound all that great )

correct!

and bear in mind, the API was tracked through RME converters as well

 

[beyond dead]

the api seems more detailed in the low end. more open sounding. which api pre did you use? i have been offered a sweet deal on an api pre. may have to pick it up after christmas.

 

[Tachy]

I think the rme preamps are usable, like other guys sayd, they are good for the money, the difference is natural.

 

[PAN]

DAMNATION - links are dead... now i have ff400 and it is sux - i guess....

i just wanted to head difference (((((

 

[ahjteam]

DAMNATION - links are dead... now i have ff400 and it is sux - i guess....

i just wanted to head difference (((((

if you can't get your shit sounding good with fireface, the problem is somewhere else.