micpre shootout: VTB1 vs Chandler Germanium

[jhebert]

This is a pretty interesting podcast comparing two preamps on a number of different sources: the VTB1 to a Chandler Germanium.

It's a 50 minute podcast in interview format, with samples (uncompressed .wav files can also be downloaded from the site). The shootout portion runs from around 7 minutes in to 35 minutes in.

You'll be pleasantly be surprised how the VTB1 performs in a comparison between two pieces of gear with a 10:1 ratio price difference.

James

Click the "Download SHOW" button to go to the mp3 podcast and wav samples, then scroll down to episode 34 - http://projectstudionetwork.com

[Reid Mason]

Very interesting interview. We're flattered that our little $100 mic pre was compared in such auspicious company.

I had a few questions/issues about the test procedures, but the end result is what we've been saying all along.

A: The VTB-1 is a nice sounding preamp, especially when considering the price.

B: There's a place for almost EVERY kind of preamp (or EQ or effect), when used in context in the right place.

Thanks for pointing that interview out!

[Alan Hyatt]

If you listened to the pod cast, the other guy Big Al whatever was certainly a gear snob, and while there is a difference, I tend to think in the mix, there is not much.

The simple truth was it opened the testers eyes and he found that it does compare. May not win, but at 11 times the price, he found the VTB1 quite useful.

The Chandler is a great unit, along with its great price. If everyone could afford it, everyone would have it. In these times, it is not about the gear, its about the talent, the song, the room acoustic, and the ability of the engineer to capture the artists performance...which by the way can change from day to day.

So all of the right formula has to be in place to make a great record, no matter what the cost of the gear is.... Look at what George Martin did on the first three or four Beatle Albums.... Four tracks at best!

[jhebert]

Yep, your thoughts are about what I came away with... there were some comments by the tester that cast some doubts on the methodology, but he was at least up front about anything that he did.

The upshot of it was that there's a tool for every job, and even if ya haven't got the most expensive hammer in the toolbox you can still build a damn fine house. It's not about the gear alone.

James