SSL, API, or Vintech Audio Which one?

[Len Grantham]

I am looking to get a new mic pre with about 2grand to spend. My current pres are:

Focusrite ISA 428 (no AD option)
HHB Radius 50 tube (w/compressor)
Focusrite octapre (w/ ADAT option)
002 pres

At this current time I am mainly recording Ac guitar and vocals.
For about the same price I can get:

SSL Alpha VHD (4 channel pre)
SSL Alpha Channel (1 channel w/eq)
API A2D (2 channel w/AD conversion)
Vintech Audio 273 (2 channel pre)
Universal Audio 2-610 (2 channel pre)

Then there is the lunchbox 500 series that I could add more to later.

I am leaning toward the API since it has the spdif out.

Which one would you get? Or should I skip the pre and maybe get a new mic such as
TLM49, R121, Peluso 251....

My current mics are:

Rode K2 & NT5's (matched pair)
AT 4033
AKG c414 B-ULS
Senn. 421
sm57
sm81

Thanks,
Len

[albee1952]

My 2 cents only but, I would go with the API and also get the digital option card for the ISA428(and ditch the Octopre). I use the 428 w/digital and you may not be aware that the digital option includes not only the 4 ISA preamps, but also has 4 XLR balanced line inputs where you can patch in any other analog mic pre and bypass the stock converters of the 002. All the pre's you mentioned are good for sure but I do think the SSL stuff is a tad overpriced. I also love my LA-610 but would like to add API's to my rig as well.

[Len Grantham]

albee,
Thanks for the input. I did know about the option for the 428 but have heard from a few people (salesman) that the AD option for the 428 wasn't much better than the octapre. The only time I use the octapre now is if I have to record drums which end up getting replaced anyway. My plan is to purchase a dedicated AD/DA in the next 6 months or so. I have been looking at the Apogee Rosetta 800 and the Lynx Aurora. I think either one of these would do the job nicely.

Thanks,
Len

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[lemix]

Len,

You've allocated 2K's..right ?
In your shoes (not sure how much and what type of recording you do..)I would keep an eye on a deal for the ISA 428 AD card and start building a 500 series rack.
One piece at the time..the most versatile front end money could buy...again IMO.

best of luck,
a

[Len Grantham]

lemix,
Thanks for the input. I have narrowed it down to two choices now.

First choice
A Designs 500 rack (I would prefer the API Lunchbox but I can get the A Designs for $150)
A Designs P1
API 512c
Peluso 22 251 or 22 47 mic

Second Choice
Apogee Rosetta 800 w/cables to hook everything up

I know both of these options would run me about $2800 but I think I could swing it.

If I do the first one I would sell my Octapre and get the AD card for the 428 and just use my Central Station for the DA.

Anyone else have an opinion?

Thanks,
Len

[lemix]

I like your first choice !
Mics, then preamps make a lot more difference in the recorded sonics than just swapping AD converters.
IMO..

Keep an eye on used gear classifieds, good stuff pops up occasionally

cheers,
a

[Len Grantham]

Thanks to everyone for the input. I was leaning toward the mic pres with a mic but I just got a killer deal on an Apogee Rosetta 800 (new open box) that I could not pass up.

Thanks,
Len