Avalon 737 or 747

[articulatedrama]

Whuts good everyone,

I will be investing in a Digi mx002 mixing console and i was wondering which Avalon i should get. I just found out the Avalon 747 isnt a mic pre. But i i go out thru the 002, and into the 747, then back in the 002, would that work the same? Or should i just run with the 737 which is a mic pre. Thanx alot fellas!

[A2D D2A]

The 737 is a mono channel strip, the 747 is a stereo compressor/EQ, 2 totally different devices with different strengths and purpose.
Why do you need either and what do you need it to do?
That's the real question, no can you substitute one for the other.

[articulatedrama]

Hey AC! Thanx 4 replyin' Basically here's what im doing. I have a home project studio operating off a dell inspiron 8600 (512 mb memory) and im switching to pro tools (thus the digi mx002). I basically want the best quality out of my mixes and mastering and my front end with the vocals. I am also looking into a Nuemann TLM 103. I am really lookin into the Avalon for the vocals. I figure great mic into a great compressor in the front end..i cant go wrong. Again, i want REAL GOOD quality sounding music. Basically a high end project studio is what i want. I will be investing in a g4 powerbook shortly as well. Thanx AC!!!!

[x9blade]

like you said they are 2 different animals. I have both and they both do a fine job . the 737 gives charachter and the 747 adds that in your face sound to your mixes

[x9blade]

like you said they are 2 different animals. I have both and they both do a fine job . the 737 gives charachter and the 747 adds that in your face sound to your mixes

[IntelDoc]

am really lookin into the Avalon for the vocals. I figure great mic into a great compressor in the front end..i cant go wrong. Again, i want REAL GOOD quality sounding music. Basically a high end project studio is what i want.

What you leave out is what type of music is the focus? Avalons are great for some and not so great for others, as is the TLM-103. Sounds great on female singers and some males, but it will pick up a knat farting in some instances. Very sensitive mic for some singers and can make them sound horrible. I would think about your client approach some and figure it from there. Sounds like you are somewhat new to the recording realm and I would seriously read ALOT here and other forums, ask questions and demo gear if at all possible. A Vintech 1272 will sound great on some singers, drums, guitars, but nasty on others. As will an API, Demeter, Presonus, (the dreaded "P" word) Neve, Vintech and Avalon. Really think about what you are wanting to focus on recording wise and then plunge for that route.

A Vintech X73i into a Distressor and an SM-7B is a killer ROCK setup. A TLM-103 into1271 then a 1176 is a sweet vocal chain also. Just depends on the singer and sound you are looking for. Basically do not limit yourself if you can avoid it.

I will be investing in a g4 powerbook shortly as well.

Not sure if I would call that investing... It is a MAC after all.

Good luck,

- Doc

[articulatedrama]

Thanx every one. I am doing Hip-Hop and R&B music. I have recorded two albums with the project studio so far. So i have some experiance. Basically, my ears are decent now im just lookin for the best machinery that isnt gonna strangle my wallet. Every one is refering me to the Avalon.

Now, can i:

mic> digi 002 mixer> Avalon> back into the digi 002 mixer> laptop?

If i can do that and its the same as doing it on the 737, wouldnt the 747 be better cause i also get its mastering and EQ?

Thanx again everyone!!!!

[articulatedrama]

Thanx every one. I am doing Hip-Hop and R&B music. I have recorded two albums with the project studio so far. So i have some experiance. Basically, my ears are decent now im just lookin for the best machinery that isnt gonna strangle my wallet. Every one is refering me to the Avalon.

Now, can i:

mic> digi 002 mixer> Avalon> back into the digi 002 mixer> laptop?

If i can do that and its the same as doing it on the 737, wouldnt the 747 be better cause i also get its mastering and EQ?

Thanx again everyone!!!!

[A2D D2A]

I have recorded two albums with the project studio so far. So i have some experiance.
Now, can i:

mic> digi 002 mixer> Avalon> back into the digi 002 mixer> laptop?

If i can do that and its the same as doing it on the 737, wouldnt the 747 be better cause i also get its mastering and EQ?

Thanx again everyone!!!!

The above statements say you need to do more homework.
Again, the 737 and 747 aren't comparable, they have totally different functional designs and are geared for 2 totally different types of use.
Also Avalon is a buzz word not a golden sound, it's just what people hear people use, so they tend to think it sounds great and works magic.
Far from true, lots of gear that just crushes the Avalons.
I just find the 737 lacks any real definitive character that makes me want to use it.
Keep in mind also the 103 is a usable mic not a great mic.
If your ears have really gotten better then just trust your ears, don't get caught up into believing that the 737 is the great hip hop/r&b pre that people claim it to be.
Same is true of the U87/87i.
Buy the sound not the name.
I know lots of guys who love the Focusrite pres' and channel strips, but their sound was just too sterile for my needs.
Doesn't make them bad, just makes them a bad choice.
Tracking synths through the Avalons (U5, M5 or 737) can sound nice, but for vocals they all lack that aggressive, hard push type sound that makes the voacls stand correct in a mix.
Just opinions but you see the point, gotta know what you are hearing and like what you are hearing.

[Allen Hallada]

If you like Avalon, this is the one I'd be looking at for the Pre.

http://www.mercenary.com/avaddualmonp.html

Allen