Preamp Shootout With Drum Machine
Produced by Dan Richards

Session Notes: Session 4 features a Korg Trinity Plus V3 sequence of an eight-measure drum beat using kicks, snare, hats and cymbals. At first we weren't quite sure what we would hear, but as we moved from mic pre to mic pre it became apparent that a programmed drum groove reveals much about individual preamps — as it allows for simultaneous presentation of the lows, mids and highs.

The purpose of this session is to listen to the different qualities of each preamp. The signal path is minimal and there was no dynamic processing — no EQ, compression or limiting — of any kind used on these tracks. To insure a consistent signal level, we employed a Countryman Type 85 FET Direct Box.

A note of caution: Be very careful with the volume on your monitors! You are essentially getting the same signal from these sound clips as you would from plugging a drum machine/workstation straight into your system. Please start at a low volume, and then raise as desired and as is safe for your monitoring system. We assume no responsibility for any damage these files may cause to your sound system or to your relationship with your neighbors.

The signal chain for these recordings: Korg Trinity Plus---Countryman 85 FET DI---Mic Preamp---Radar II---Apogee Rosetta---Cool Edit Pro