loading
reading
writing
saving
searching
Recording and Studio Components -- UA, ART, Presonus, AKG (lafayette / orinda / moraga)
QR Code Link to This Post
STUDIO COMPONENTS.
Universal Audio Volt 476 Audio Interface. $200.
Bought new in 2022 from GC Concord. Gotta say, if you are just getting into recording, this is the audio interface you need. It makes things soooo simple. 2 combo inputs with preamps and the option to add 610 tube preamp and/or 1176 compression emulations on each channel. Two more TRS inputs in rear (no preamps for these, so I used the ART MPs or Presonus TubePre). Phantom power, pad, four outs for use with outboard gear, huge monitor control knob. Seriously, this sounds great out of the box--in fact, I'm replacing it with a rack version since I needed the extra inputs and have to consolidate space. A couple small scuffs on the bottom (pics) Adapter included.
ART Pro VLA v1. $SOLD
Dual-channel tube-based vactrol compression. This was the first rack / tube-based compressor I bought and it lived up to the rumors. This unit kicks ass, is versatile, and is quite easy to use. For me, I'd hit the link button which runs one channel into the other. set the first for fast attack / auto release and the second for auto attack / fast release, and record vocals this way. It can also be used in stereo situations ("dual" option on the link button). Sad to see it go but I just got the VLA II and I have a bunch of plugins and the UA Volt emulation so I'm opting for more available rack space. Has two relatively new, BALANCED Sovtek 12ax7-LPS for even compression on both channels (see pics). You can tell that this unit is great because of how rarely it comes up on the used market. Here's your chance. Some rack rash on the top and front (pics).
ART Tube MP Mic Preamps (2 available). $50/ea
Great little tube-based mic pres! Add warmth or grit to your inputs. Dedicated phantom power, pad, phase switches. VU meters are just cool imo. These have been talked up for years and the ones I have are the v1 for whatever that's worth. AC adapters included.
Presonus Tube Recording Stack. $100
All you need for one channel of tube-based recording in one stack (except a couple of 16v adapters; I only have one). This stack includes the Presonus TubePre, Comp16, and EQ3B. Firebox included but I don't know if it works.
TubePre. Excellent little one-channel tube mic preamp. All the normal buttons and knobs.
Comp16. Pretty cool little unit. Tube-based compression made simple. Instead of dedicated attack/release/ratio, this unit has a knob to switch between a series of presets for vocals, percussion, frets, keys, limiter, and effects. Takes a lot of the guesswork out of getting good compression.
EQ3B. Tube-based, parametric, three-band EQ. Sounds great and was the main reason I purchased this set from a dude on CL just like this. Have a rack unit now, so obv don't need it anymore.
MICS.
MXL 990 Condenser w/ case, shockmount, alt. mount. $50.
My first condenser mic bought from Amazon in 2020 (yay COVID). Used for a number of things and really it's a great mic. Worked best imo with vocals on its own and for electric guitar when paired with a 57. Gonna miss it, but have a few others I'm using more and my studio room is tiny.
AKG Perception 120. Mic-only. $50
Medium diaphragm condenser that I got as part of a package. Has built in pad and polarity switches, and sounds good. Didn't use it for much, so hopefully it can find a purpose with someone new.
Please include a phone number so I know you're not a bot.