Millennia

The Millennia STT-1 Origin is an in depth channel strip that is billed as a "recording system." The unit contains a four band EQ, compressor, and de-esser. This is an analog piece of gear that has both XLR and 1/4 inch connections as well as a variety of other options. This is indeed in rack mountable form and will take up two rack spaces. UTILIZATION The configuration of the Millennia STT-1 Origin definitely has a whole lot going on, but is definitely welcome considering how versatile this unit is. The basic parameters are easy to locate and most of them will be recognizable for those who have experience with channel strip like. While it would take too long to go through all of the different sections and parameters available on the STT-1, one feature that sticks out to me is the rare ability to control both tube gain and solid state gain on the mic pre, which allows for getting some interesting sounds. I haven't seen the manual for this, but would definitely recommend having it around as this is a detailed piece of gear. SOUND QUALITY The sound quality of the Millennia STT-1 Origin absolutely top notch through and through. Everything on this channels trip has full bodied sound and I can't say that I've found an application where I wouldn't want to at least try this channel strip if I had access to it. The mic pre is definitely of top tier quality as is the EQ, compressor, and de-esser. All of the features have some in depth parameters, some of which are unique and some of which will be very familiar to experienced users. Overall, this is a great sounding unit and in terms of sound quality I have no complaints whatsoever. OVERALL OPINION While I wish I had the Millennia STT-1 Origin more at my disposal, when I have been able to use it in the recording studio it has been an absolute pleasure. However, this is defiintely an expensive piece of equipment and is probably only accessible for professionals. Having said that, I do think that if you are a home studio looking for a channel strip to get an overall better tone and are willing to make an investment, that the Millennia STT-1 Origin is a great way to go...

The Millennia TD-1 is an analog, single single microphone preamplifier and channel strip in the form of a portable box. The unit is tube based and made up of all analog parts. The strip has both XLR and 1/4" inputs and both a high and low pass filter. It also has phantom power, a ground lift, polarity reverse, and a -20 db pad. It isn't a rack mountable piece of gear in any type as it is a box that will sit on your desk for easy access. UTILIZATION You've pretty much got your hands full with every type of channel strip parameter you could could ask for here. However, I'll assume that if you're looking into the Millennia TD-1 that you probably understand a thing or two about channel strips. Taking this assumption into consideration, even though there is a lot going on here, experienced users will be able to decipher it all pretty easily. Those who aren't as sure with using channel strips should definitely consult a manual with any questions. SOUND QUALITY The overall sound quality of the Millennia TD-1 is just about as good as it gets. I absolutely love having so many different options to work with here, as it makes it an all in one source for recording of any type. While definitely in the vein for professional engineers and studio owners, this would still be the perfect channel strip to add to your home studio to get that big studio sound in a small box. The TD-1 can be used to record everything from vocals to guitars to drums - it is simply a versatile channel strip capable of handling any application you might throw at it. OVERALL OPINION Even though the Millennia TD-1 is pricey, I do believe that it is priced right for a unit of this caliber. Even with the heavy price tag it is a unit that I would encourage checking out if you are at all interested in it. For the home studio owner this is the perfect item to splurge on and to have in your set up for a long time to come and to bring you a high quality, versatile channel strip. There are a ton of options out there in terms of outboard channel strips, but I don't think that you'll find too many of them out there that will exceed the sound of the Millennia TD-1.

The Millennia HV-3C is a solid state, dual channel mic pre-amp. It is quite basic in its characteristics, but is an analog unit that is rack mountable and will only take up a single rack space. UTILIZATION Using the Millennia HV-3C couldn't be any easier than it already is as it simply has the basic features needed on a pre-amp. Each channel has knobs to set the level that have markings on it so you know how many db you are at. Both of the channels then has a series of buttons for pads and boosts as well a for phantom power. This is pretty much all there is to the Millennia HV-3C, which is nice because pretty much all you have to do is set your level and you are good to go. I've never seen the manual for the Millennia HV-3C so I can't say how well put together it is, but it is easy enough to use that you don't need one in my opinion. SOUND QUALITY The sound quality possible with the Millennia HV-3C is up there with the best of them. This is just about as good as a pre-amp can be without having tubes in it in my opinion. These are some of the cleanest pre-amps out there that I have used and they are suitable for pretty much any application or instrument you'd want to use them with. I usually would use them for things that I would want an absolute clean signal and save the tube pres for things that I would want a fatter, warmer sound. You can't go wrong while using the Millennia HV-3C as these are really top notch mic pres. OVERALL OPINION I've only used the Millennia HV-3C a number of times as I don't own one and anytime that I have the pleasure of using this, I take advantage of it. Of course since this is a top end mic pre the price is pretty high and these are mostly seen in professional studios. This being said, the price is actually pretty reasonable for two channels of a top end mic pre, even if that still means that it will be out of reach for most studio owners. However, if you are a professional studio owner or engineer and are looking for an awesome set of solid state mic pres regardless of price, the Millennia HV-3C is a great way to go.

The Millennia M-2B is a dual channel vacuum tube based microphone preamplifier. The unit is quite large and will take up two spaces in a traditional rack. It is made up of all analog components, and I'm not sure exactly the types of connections it has in the back since the one that I used was already racked. UTILIZATION Using the Millennia M-2B is a very simple experience. If you know a little bit about mic preamps and the basic parameters that are seen with them, you'll catch on quickly here. The unit has a large gain trim knob, along with buttons for a few different gain range options, as well as for +130v power, phantom power, and phase. So as you can see, if you know about mic pres, this is a fairly simple set up to get used to. I haven't seen a manual for the Millennia M-2B, so I can't say anything about its make up, but I don't think one is needed anyway. SOUND QUALITY As far as tube based mic preamps go, and preamps in general, the Millennia M-2B is one of the best that I have heard or used. It has a thick, round, and overall full bodied tone that boasts depth as well as both clarity and warmth. This is the real deal, as it doesn't get too much better. I have used the pres for recording vocals for the most part, but also liked the sound of them on electric guitar and kick drum. Although I've yet to have the chance to use it extensively, I would bet just about any amount of money that it would excel in any situation you threw at it. OVERALL OPINION Of course as with all special pieces of outboard gear like the Millennia M-2B, comes a steep price. This is absolutely only intended for professional studios, or perhaps for the larger home studio owner looking for a set of top end mic pres to sit on top of their rack. It will cost a pretty penny, but then again the M-2B is stacked with an incredible sound and all of the features you could ask for...