SP-828 comparison to the VTB-1

[RockStarzUSA]

Hello, I have the SP-828, and I am wondering what qualities differ between this and the VTB-1? I realise that there is the tube blend in the VTB-1, and hat the SP-828 has the revised burr browns, but could someone descriibe the different qualities between the two pre's...

I guess while I am on the subject, are we expecting the VTB-2 sometime in 2006, or is it still in development for now?

Cheers
-F.T

[Alan Hyatt]

The SP828 differ a lot. The SP828 is a clean source, and depending your application, it is a great way to get the sounds to your multi-track HD recorder as clean as possible on location recordings. Easy to link three of 4 for 32 channel operation is a very small space. Three SP-828's, a Tascam or Mackie all fit in to 5U padded rack. That is 24 direct channels to the recorder and a seperate 24 channel mix with solo to two track monitors. Sort of a 24 channel studio in the back seat of your car. Capture the music, come back and add everything you need for the final mix.

If you use it for a submixer for vocals, drums, or keyboards, it is very clean...maybe not want you want, but that is all subjective, isn't it? The SP828 is getting its share of fame in the remote recording and broadcast markets, but it is comfortable in anything.

The VTB-1 is one trick pony if you will. A ton of features into a device that offers flexible sound, from clean and smooth, to warm and airy. Yes, you can use 8 of them is 4U, but that takes up space and a lot of wall warts...So, they really are for different applications.

The VTB-2...well the designer and I parted ways. I still want to do it and have all the work that has been done so far. The problem is I have so much to do right now, that the VTB-2 will take a back seat for a little while I am afraid.