Audiofanzine FR
Published on 12/14/08 at 14:30
(Originally written by aliascross/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Guitar preamp with eight 12AX7 tubes.
2 channels / 6 modes that can be used at the same time!
Non-switchable FX loop
Main and Rec stereo outputs
UTILIZATION
I find the settings could be finer... especially the volume knobs!
Channel 2 is not so loud (when it comes to volume) as channel 1! (it's annoying...)
SOUNDS
I find this preamp's MAIN advantage is when you use it directly with a mixer. The results sound really nice (better than a POD2, XT or X3) and quite believable. I did a comparison between the DI application and a setup with an amp + cabinet + mic, and the results are very similar.
You can surely get better results but you'll have to use several mics and adjust their position.
This preamp gives rather average results with a power amp (VHT BB) + cabinets (NOS v30 and G12h100)... Compared to a CAE 3+SE which sounds much better in this configuration).
I give it a 10 when directly connected to a mixer and 6 with an amp.
OVERALL OPINION
I recommend it for direct connection to a mixer! In this configuration, the sound is much better than with a 3+SE or a Palmer PGA-05 for example. On the contrary, the 3+SE is great with a power amp + cabinets.
So I give it a 10 when directly connected to a mixer and 6 with an amp.
Guitar preamp with eight 12AX7 tubes.
2 channels / 6 modes that can be used at the same time!
Non-switchable FX loop
Main and Rec stereo outputs
UTILIZATION
I find the settings could be finer... especially the volume knobs!
Channel 2 is not so loud (when it comes to volume) as channel 1! (it's annoying...)
SOUNDS
I find this preamp's MAIN advantage is when you use it directly with a mixer. The results sound really nice (better than a POD2, XT or X3) and quite believable. I did a comparison between the DI application and a setup with an amp + cabinet + mic, and the results are very similar.
You can surely get better results but you'll have to use several mics and adjust their position.
This preamp gives rather average results with a power amp (VHT BB) + cabinets (NOS v30 and G12h100)... Compared to a CAE 3+SE which sounds much better in this configuration).
I give it a 10 when directly connected to a mixer and 6 with an amp.
OVERALL OPINION
I recommend it for direct connection to a mixer! In this configuration, the sound is much better than with a 3+SE or a Palmer PGA-05 for example. On the contrary, the 3+SE is great with a power amp + cabinets.
So I give it a 10 when directly connected to a mixer and 6 with an amp.