Post by: grizzly joe on May 03, 2006, 02:04:12 PM
let me know!
Post by: Vertigo on May 03, 2006, 02:25:09 PM
-Lance
Post by: Fibes on May 03, 2006, 03:09:04 PM
Any word on the SuPre?
Post by: compasspnt on May 03, 2006, 04:00:03 PM
The Brick:
Terrible name.
Ugly look.
No features at all.
GREAT PRE.
Post by: rankus on May 03, 2006, 06:12:20 PM
Great sound. Very versatile... you will need at least two. They are addictive!
Post by: Jack Schitt on May 03, 2006, 06:54:10 PM
To answer your other question, yes. In addition to making the mic's sound great they double as a direct box for guitar and bass where they really shine also.
Post by: grizzly joe on May 03, 2006, 07:59:08 PM
i'll definitely be picking one up when i finish my room. thank you!
Post by: blueboy on May 03, 2006, 08:45:30 PM
| rankus wrote on Wed, 03 May 2006 15:12 |
Great sound. Very versatile... you will need at least two. They are addictive! |
That's my problem now...I seem to want to run everything through it as it makes everything sound better, so I will probably be getting another one.
JL
Post by: Rod Affleck on May 05, 2006, 10:46:35 AM
Have any of you done any A/B comparisons with the Brick and the Hamptone tube pre? They're both about the same cost per channel. The idea of building a kit really appeals to me.
http://www.hamptone.com/HVTP2.htm
r a
Post by: Gilliland on May 05, 2006, 07:13:40 PM
Post by: compasspnt on May 06, 2006, 12:03:08 AM
| Gilliland wrote on Fri, 05 May 2006 19:13 |
They didn't offer anything better than my SP828s, which are quite a bit less money per channel... |
Very strange Jim. The GT is a much better pre.
Post by: Frob on May 06, 2006, 03:55:57 AM
they are great DIs.
nothing i have heard in that price range even touches them. all other "budget" pre sound preatty mutch the same, this one stands out.
Post by: Gilliland on May 06, 2006, 07:04:56 AM
| compasspnt wrote on Sat, 06 May 2006 05:03 | ||
Very strange Jim. The GT is a much better pre. |
Obviously, several here share your opinion. That's fine. To my ears, the Brick is nothing special. Perhaps it offers benefits with certain mics that I didn't use. But I tested it against my SP828s with several sources, and found no significant difference.
How much have you used the SP828? And how did you reach the conclusion that "The GT is a much better pre"? I won't claim that the 828 is anything "special" either, but it has more gain that the Brick and sounds just as good on the sources that I tested (mostly vocals through condenser mics and some DI'd guitars and bass). YMMV.
I'm still planning for the Hamptone tube pre to be my next purchase. As I said, there's nothing wrong with the Brick, but there's nothing magic about it either.
Post by: compasspnt on May 06, 2006, 08:29:21 AM
Many pre's will sound "fine" or "really about the same" on just one thing at a time.
A great record can be made with either if you know what you're doing.
Post by: rankus on May 06, 2006, 01:40:42 PM
| compasspnt wrote on Sat, 06 May 2006 05:29 |
Certain differences are often not apparent to some on individual sources. It is the summing of several, or even many things together where the real differences can start showing. Many pre's will sound "fine" or "really about the same" on just one thing at a time. |
Yup, it's how it stacks up that counts....
Post by: Gilliland on May 06, 2006, 03:13:52 PM
| compasspnt wrote on Sat, 06 May 2006 13:29 |
Certain differences are often not apparent to some on individual sources. It is the summing of several, or even many things together where the real differences can start showing. |
It's a convenient answer, and there's certainly some truth to it, but I note that you sidestepped my question about your experience with the other mic pre. I've mixed with both and I know what I'm hearing. As I said, the Brick is a perfectly adequate mic pre, and it does make a very good DI. But it's silly to pretend that it's more than that. It works fine, and it's well-built and rugged. As long as you don't need more gain than it can offer, it will likely meet your needs. But there are a lot of other very good pres on the market in the same price range (2 channels for $700 to $800).
Post by: compasspnt on May 06, 2006, 03:46:37 PM
OK.
I have used both, but I will defer to your knowledge and experience.
Post by: grizzly joe on May 06, 2006, 04:03:10 PM
just saying...
Post by: maxim on May 06, 2006, 10:04:36 PM
"I have used both, but I will defer to your knowledge and experience"
i just ordered one, 'coz i don't trust any of youse mob
Post by: Gilliland on May 06, 2006, 11:52:48 PM
| grizzly joe wrote on Sat, 06 May 2006 21:03 |
just a heads up: $700 & $800 is NOT in the same price range as the Brick... the Brick runs from $350 to $400. you just doubled the price and said it's the same range haha. |
Here's what I said:
| Quote: |
But there are a lot of other very good pres on the market in the same price range (2 channels for $700 to $800). |
Note that the Brick is a single channel mic pre, so it does cost $700 to $800 to buy two channels of it. Sorry if I didn't make myself clear.
Post by: Vertigo on May 07, 2006, 04:27:27 PM
| Quote: |
As long as you don't need more gain than it can offer, it will likely meet your needs. |
A lack of gain on the Brick has never really been an issue for me, even with ribbons. I guess if you're working with really low output mic's and trying to run hot to tape it might be an issue, but I've never thought of it as a low output pre.
-Lance
Post by: runamuck on May 08, 2006, 02:00:59 AM
| Gilliland wrote on Sat, 06 May 2006 20:13 | ||
It's a convenient answer, and there's certainly some truth to it, but I note that you sidestepped my question about your experience with the other mic pre. |
Of course, it's never a good idea to bow down to authority. But me thinks it's an even better idea - at least in this case - to know who you're arguing with.
Post by: Gilliland on May 08, 2006, 10:04:48 AM
| runamuck wrote on Mon, 08 May 2006 07:00 |
Of course, it's never a good idea to bow down to authority. But me thinks it's an even better idea - at least in this case - to know who you're arguing with. |
True, I suppose, and that goes both ways. The internet does tend to be something of an equalizer among its participants. In any event, my only goal here was to report my own direct experiences with this pre - isn't that what the original poster asked for? It's a good pre - I just think that its reputation has overreached its actual capabilities to some degree. Others are free to form and hold their own opinions. As I said before, YMMV.
I liked the Brick. It's extremely well built and will probably last damn near forever. The tubes are run conservatively enough that you can probably run it for 10 years without worrying about replacing them. It sounds fine, nothing magic about it, nothing wrong with it either. It's not a "boutique" mic pre. And while it does have tubes and transformers at each end, they don't create a huge "stamp" on its sound. At its price point, I don't think it's a bad buy. But there are a lot of other tube pres out there in the same price (per channel) range.
I also like my SP828s. On the sources that I tested, I didn't find significant difference between them and the Bricks. So perhaps that's what you should take away from this - that the SP828s are really quite a nice bargain, very good sound for very little money. They're probably not as rugged as the Bricks, though I've certainly had no trouble at all with mine (and I've got three of them). Also, they won't serve as a DI. They are really quite dissimilar from the Brick, which is why the comparison is interesting. What I take from it is that the tubes and transformers aren't a big part of the Brick's sound. So someone who is looking for that sound may be better served with a different pre.
I'd like to post some sample mixes for comparisons sake, but I'm out of town this week (and sadly, I probably won't have much time even when I do get home). So that will have to wait.
Later edit: I was just thinking a bit about how and where the differences might show up between units like the two that I've been comparing. There are a couple of obvious examples:
1) Some dynamic mics are likely to produce different results when connected to a transformer-coupled input than they do when connected to a solid state input. So an SM57 or SM7, or a ribbon, might show more differences than the condenser mics that I tested.
2a) If you drive a tube pre hard, it will behave differently than a solid state unit. And since the Brick has only 55db of gain, you are more likely to drive this unit "hard" than you might with another pre. So that "tube sound" that some may be looking for may show up in the Brick when you push it hard enough.
2b) On the other hand, as I observed above, the Brick uses its tubes pretty gently. It may not be easy to drive the Brick into the range where the tubes start to produce harmonics. That may be why I didn't hear much of that "tube sound" when I auditioned the Brick.
Post by: Gilliland on May 08, 2006, 11:53:24 AM
| Vertigo wrote on Sun, 07 May 2006 21:27 |
A lack of gain on the Brick has never really been an issue for me, even with ribbons. I guess if you're working with really low output mic's and trying to run hot to tape it might be an issue, but I've never thought of it as a low output pre. |
Right, for most purposes, it's fine. If you're using a ribbon mic as an area mic, it could be troublesome, but even a ribbon mic when placed over a loud drum, up against a guitar amp, or in front of a trumpet will produce quite a bit of signal. If I remember correctly, the Brick quotes 55db of available gain. Other pres in its price range typically offer 60 to 70 db of gain.
Post by: Vertigo on May 08, 2006, 01:02:28 PM
| Quote: |
If you're using a ribbon mic as an area mic, it could be troublesome |
Actually, that's exactly how I use my brick - as a room mic with a Beyer m-160. I love the pairing and the resulting tracks. My room isn't big, so the mic is only about 8 feet away, but I still have 9-12db of gain to spare. This is digital though, and I generally hit the converters at about -9 (which is plenty of signal to work with in DAW land).
-Lance
Post by: Fibes on May 08, 2006, 01:44:09 PM
If it's merely a Brick with a few more bells and whisltes i still might pony up the extra dough just to keep it off the floor and in the rack.
FWIW on most inexpensive pres the extra gain above 55db usually is all about noise to signal IMNSHANTMO. Just because it goes to 11 does not mean it's better.
Post by: dcook on May 08, 2006, 01:45:07 PM
Post by: Gilliland on May 08, 2006, 02:27:20 PM
| dcook wrote on Mon, 08 May 2006 18:45 |
... the brick is very clear and uncolored. |
Yes, absolutely. "Clear and uncolored" is an accurate assessment.
Post by: blueboy on May 08, 2006, 02:28:17 PM
| Gilliland wrote on Mon, 08 May 2006 07:04 | ||
True, I suppose, and that goes both ways. The internet does tend to be something of an equalizer among its participants. In any event, my only goal here was to report my own direct experiences with this pre - isn't that what the original poster asked for? It's a good pre - I just think that its reputation has overreached its actual capabilities to some degree. Others are free to form and hold their own opinions. As I said before, YMMV. I liked the Brick. It's extremely well built and will probably last damn near forever. The tubes are run conservatively enough that you can probably run it for 10 years without worrying about replacing them. It sounds fine, nothing magic about it, nothing wrong with it either. It's not a "boutique" mic pre. And while it does have tubes and transformers at each end, they don't create a huge "stamp" on its sound. At its price point, I don't think it's a bad buy. But there are a lot of other tube pres out there in the same price (per channel) range. I also like my SP828s. On the sources that I tested, I didn't find significant difference between them and the Bricks. So perhaps that's what you should take away from this - that the SP828s are really quite a nice bargain, very good sound for very little money. They're probably not as rugged as the Bricks, though I've certainly had no trouble at all with mine (and I've got three of them). Also, they won't serve as a DI. They are really quite dissimilar from the Brick, which is why the comparison is interesting. What I take from it is that the tubes and transformers aren't a big part of the Brick's sound. So someone who is looking for that sound may be better served with a different pre. I'd like to post some sample mixes for comparisons sake, but I'm out of town this week (and sadly, I probably won't have much time even when I do get home). So that will have to wait. |
http://www.epanorama.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=11707&si d=11a9cf85b00def4ea2e7aa0eb462d872
| Jim Gilliland wrote on Sun Nov 13, 2005 6:18 am |
I used the 828 on a recording last night. I haven't started work on the actual mix yet, so I can't really give it a fair review, but based on the safety mix that I captured last night, it's going to turn out to be a keeper. It seems to be quite a good sounding preamp for so little money, and the limited mix capability worked well for me yesterday. Don't expect any "magic", just a good clean signal. Preliminary listening suggests that it's cleaner than the pres on my Spirit mixer (which I like quite well, btw), but I don't have any really high end stuff to compare it with. And of course, there's nothing blind about my listening experiments, so you shouldn't put too much stock in them. |
Damn, I wish I had drawn on your vast experience with preamps before I bought the Brick. I should have never listened to Terry, or believed all those positive reviews. I guess I overpaid about $325 per channel for all those inconsequential tubes and transformers. Oh well...live and learn.
JL
Post by: Gilliland on May 08, 2006, 02:53:11 PM
| blueboy wrote on Mon, 08 May 2006 19:28 |
Damn, I wish I had drawn on your vast experience with preamps before I bought the Brick. I should have never listened to Terry, or believed all those positive reviews. I guess I overpaid about $325 per channel for all those inconsequential tubes and transformers. Oh well...live and learn. |
You needn't take me seriously if you don't choose to. But I've got plenty of experience with equipment in this category (we are in the "Budget" section of the board, no?). And if you overpaid when you bought your Brick(s), that's unfortunate. If so, though, that's your own conclusion - it's certainly not one of the points that I've made here.
Post by: blueboy on May 08, 2006, 03:30:31 PM
| Gilliland wrote on Mon, 08 May 2006 11:53 |
You needn't take me seriously if you don't choose to. But I've got plenty of experience with equipment in this category (we are in the "Budget" section of the board, no?). And if you overpaid when you bought your Brick(s), that's unfortunate. If so, though, that's your own conclusion - it's certainly not one of the points that I've made here. |
My point is simply that an opinion made by someone that has had an incredible amount of experience with high end equipment is of much more value to me than someone with a limited perspective.
I'm sure there is no shortage of people on this forum with an incredible amount of experience using "budget" gear, but I am looking for the best bang for the buck, meaning budget gear that gets me as close as possible to that "high end" sound.
If you have no experience with high end gear, and what it is that makes it sound superior, how can you judge the relative performance? When people post their opinions on this forum I like to qualify their statements by checking out their background first. I generally tend to place greater weight on those statements made by recognized professionals with years of experience.
The REP forums have a very high ratio of knowledgeable posters. I am here to learn, and these people are willing to teach. The fact that people with that level of experience are willing to share their opinions (especially on budget gear) is what makes this forum so great. You are of course entitled to your opinion, but please do not push away the "valued contributors" by annoying them.
I'm not saying someone should buy any product based solely on the opinion of someone more experienced, but they should at least recognize the potential value in their opinion. I would not have kept the Brick if I was unable to hear the difference from my vast collection of "budget" preamps. Even if I was unable to hear a difference at first, I would have at least attempted to "educate" my ears before returning it. The bottom line of course is that if you can't hear a difference, it is of no value to you.
The internet is a great equalizer in that it allows everyone to "communicate" on the same level....it does not "equalize" their real world experience.
JL
Post by: starscream2010 on May 08, 2006, 03:48:54 PM
Post by: Gilliland on May 08, 2006, 05:26:30 PM
| blueboy wrote on Mon, 08 May 2006 20:30 |
When people post their opinions on this forum I like to qualify their statements by checking out their background first. I generally tend to place greater weight on those statements made by recognized professionals with years of experience. The REP forums have a very high ratio of knowledgeable posters. I am here to learn, and these people are willing to teach. The fact that people with that level of experience are willing to share their opinions (especially on budget gear) is what makes this forum so great. You are of course entitled to your opinion, but please do not push away the "valued contributors" by annoying them. |
It isn't clear to me exactly how or why anyone would be annoyed by my posts on this topic. I've been cordial and honest in my remarks, and respectful to those with whom I correspond here. If you truly believe that I don't have sufficient experience to give you a useful report on a mic pre, then please feel free to disregard what I have to say. I won't be offended.
I, too, appreciate the contributions of people who have experience with products that I haven't used, as well as those who have experience with projects that I haven't tackled. I also generally expect that others here will appreciate my contributions for the same reasons. I have less experience than some here, and yet more than many others. And my unique set of projects gives me a different perspective, which may add a useful set of ideas to the discussion. I certainly qualify as a "recognized professional with many years of experience". But my experience is in recording for broadcast, not for commercial release. It's a somewhat different world, yet there are many similarities.
I guess I'm most puzzled as to why my remarks have stirred up any controversy. It's not like my opinions are that different from others here. I haven't slammed the Brick, and I don't think anyone else here is glorifying it to the high heavens. The slight variations in our perspectives on this unit are pretty minor. I don't think anyone is holding it up as a paragon of "mic pre virtue", at least I hope not. I certainly haven't heard Terry suggest that, and if someone else does, then I respectfully suggest that they should take a good look at the rest of the market.
It appears to me that Terry's "disciples" are being quick to jump to his defense in some perceived attack. But the fact remains that I haven't attacked, and Terry doesn't need defending.
Post by: blueboy on May 08, 2006, 06:15:42 PM
Number two...I am defending a "static free" forum, not any individual. I didn't accuse you of attacking anyone, I accused you of being annoying.
Number three...Let's move on, and in the future, preface our comments with our level of experience on a particular topic in order to give other readers a sense of perspective on our posts.
JL
Post by: Gilliland on May 08, 2006, 08:18:48 PM
| blueboy wrote on Mon, 08 May 2006 23:15 |
Number one...please review your posts on this topic if you are confused about the reaction. |
I've done so several times, just to make sure I knew exactly what I had said. I stand by my statements.
| Quote: |
Number two...I am defending a "static free" forum, not any individual. I didn't accuse you of attacking anyone, I accused you of being annoying. |
My teenagers tell me the same thing. But in all honesty, the only annoying thing I've done here is to have a well-supported opinion that differs from yours. Granted, some people do find that annoying.| Quote: |
Number three...Let's move on, and in the future, preface our comments with our level of experience on a particular topic in order to give other readers a sense of perspective on our posts. |
I agree - we've said all there is to say on this topic. But I'd have to say it's a bit awkward to ask everyone to preface their comments that way - could get to sound like a bragging contest. Anyway, have fun with it. And thanks.
Post by: Vertigo on May 08, 2006, 08:32:37 PM
| Quote: |
It sounds fine, nothing magic about it, nothing wrong with it either. It's not a "boutique" mic pre. And while it does have tubes and transformers at each end, they don't create a huge "stamp" on its sound. |
Have you tried really pushing it hard? I've found a bit of extra magic this way and gotten some really great sounds. And I think they clip nicely on certain sources. I'm a guitarist, so I'm of the mindset that all tube equipment must be pushed to its limit to sound good. Why else would they stick a tube in there??
-Lance
Post by: maxim on May 08, 2006, 08:48:19 PM
"I've done so several times, just to make sure I knew exactly what I had said. I stand by my statements"
and
"It's a convenient answer, and there's certainly some truth to it, but I note that you sidestepped my question about your experience with the other mic pre"
psychofancy aside, that's a little bit of 'attitude' towards a respected moderator from a forum newbie
not that there is no place for the tood in engineering, but just pointing out the obvious
Post by: Gilliland on May 08, 2006, 11:51:00 PM
| Vertigo wrote on Tue, 09 May 2006 01:32 |
Have you tried really pushing it hard? I've found a bit of extra magic this way and gotten some really great sounds. And I think they clip nicely on certain sources. I'm a guitarist, so I'm of the mindset that all tube equipment must be pushed to its limit to sound good. Why else would they stick a tube in there?? |
I'm glad you brought that up. I speculated on exactly that point in an earlier post today. No, I did not push it that hard. I'm not surprised to learn that it would show more of its heritage when driven near its max. Thanks for confirming that.
Post by: Gilliland on May 09, 2006, 12:08:39 AM
| maxim wrote on Tue, 09 May 2006 01:48 |
... that's a little bit of 'attitude' towards a respected moderator from a forum newbie... |
Sometimes people read "attitude" into statements even when the "attitude" is not intended by the author. I choose my words carefully to mean what I intend, but I can't always control the way people read them. Terry did skip over the question that I had asked him. And his answer was "convenient" in the sense that it is true enough, but there's no quick way to demonstrate it conclusively. We could put together some actual mixes, but it's a lot of work for a minor point.
And I guess I'll have to concede being a newbie to this forum. I started reading this and several other audio forums on the web over the past year or so. Prior to that, the only place you'd have probably found me was rec.audio.pro and the few Yahoo groups that I moderate. I just didn't bother with the web forums. I'm not sure exactly what drew me in, but since this one had Harvey's name on it, I had to take a look.
Post by: maxim on May 09, 2006, 12:45:00 AM
"Sometimes people read "attitude" into statements even when the "attitude" is not intended by the author"
as long as you don't resort to smilies, i'm sure we can all have a group hug
Post by: CHANCE on May 09, 2006, 12:29:41 PM
Post by: Vertigo on May 09, 2006, 02:58:23 PM
It does sound wonderful though. I might have to look into the SuPre myself.
-Lance
Post by: Fibes on May 09, 2006, 03:56:19 PM
In the search for widespread nagging and not just playing "jump on the new guy" could you please retrack (sic) that statement about tubes and clipping.
Tubes are not just for clipping.
Nah nah nah nah boo boo.
Post by: Vertigo on May 09, 2006, 06:45:13 PM
| Quote: |
Tubes are not just for clipping. |
Oh yeah, I forgot that they're sometimes used in power amp stages...
But seriously, if they're not meant to be run hot then why do they have built-in heaters? Hmmm...
-Lance
Post by: Fibes on May 09, 2006, 11:41:49 PM
You know what I'm saying.
Post by: grizzly joe on May 10, 2006, 03:16:26 AM
Post by: compasspnt on May 10, 2006, 11:39:58 PM
Much ado about nothing.
What does it matter if I, or anyone else, likes it or dislikes it? Or if Jim has a slightly lower opinion of it (although remember that opinion was never negative, regarding the product).
I, for one, welcome variance in opinion...that helps everyone, including me, Harvey, or anyone else, learn more about things.
It's how it works FOR YOU on your own music that counts TO YOU.
The Supre is more than just a better featured Brick. Check the valves-per-channel count, for one thing.
By the way, I bought all eight of my Bricks directly from Mercenary. No free stuff at all.
But I took a nice long day to take them all apart and paint the top cases BLACK.
Post by: maxim on May 11, 2006, 02:42:19 AM
"I bought all eight of my Bricks directly from ..."
so do you have eight of everything?
like noah's ark on steroids
Post by: Tomas Danko on May 11, 2006, 05:04:16 AM
| maxim wrote on Thu, 11 May 2006 07:42 |
terry wrote: "I bought all eight of my Bricks directly from ..." so do you have eight of everything? like noah's ark on steroids |
You should see his rack of Fairchilds. That's actually the top secret reason howcome that particular part of the world is so darn warm all the time...
Post by: compasspnt on May 11, 2006, 09:41:03 AM
Actually, the only Fairchilds I ever cared much for are software ones.
Post by: Kris on May 11, 2006, 10:17:46 AM
Post by: compasspnt on May 11, 2006, 11:37:50 PM
Post by: rankus on May 12, 2006, 01:50:51 PM
Hey Terry,, While you had yours opened up did you consider any mods such as pad switches or polarity switching? I am curious if there is enough room, and if it is feasible at all. If so, any drawings / pics / comments / suggestions? Peace.
Post by: Tomas Danko on May 13, 2006, 05:43:03 AM
| compasspnt wrote on Thu, 11 May 2006 14:41 |
Actually, the only Fairchilds I ever cared much for are software ones. |
But you know that the digital Fairchilds are much colder. Then again, I'm talking about room temperature.
So far I've only found the UAD-1 Fairchild pleasing on bass, not sure what else it can do well since there are already the 1176 and LA2A plugins to use on other things.
Post by: compasspnt on May 21, 2006, 01:21:59 AM
| rankus wrote on Fri, 12 May 2006 13:50 |
Hey Terry, While you had yours opened up did you consider any mods such as pad switches or polarity switching? I am curious if there is enough room, and if it is feasible at all. If so, any drawings / pics / comments / suggestions? Peace. |
Unfortunately, I didn't have the time to deal with any mods.
The units seem very well made, though.
Maybe some day my mod will come...
EDIT:
I should have tried this last Sunday on Modder's Day.
Post by: Tidewater on May 21, 2006, 07:11:30 AM
| compasspnt wrote on Thu, 11 May 2006 09:41 |
Actually, the only Fairchilds I ever cared much for are software ones. |
Hey! Me too! I rock!
Modder's Day? Oh my...
M
Post by: rankus on May 21, 2006, 01:33:43 PM
| compasspnt wrote on Sat, 20 May 2006 22:21 |
EDIT: I should have tried this last Sunday on Modder's Day. |
Good god, I forgot to call my Modder!
Post by: Kurt Foster on May 31, 2006, 01:09:10 AM
I was able to compare The Brick directly to a number of quality pres I have in my rack including a Millennia STT-1, a Seb VMP4000e, JLM TMP8 and Neve / Amek System 9098's and I thought The Brick held its own very well. In fact I did find myself choosing them in some applications over the other pres mentioned from time to time.
I would consider all these pres to be what I call "real" mic pres and in that context, I would say the Brick is a "real" pre as well.
Post by: grizzly joe on June 18, 2006, 04:43:43 PM
if anyone would record some bass directly to the brick and post an mp3, i would greatly appreciate it.
thanks!
Post by: Frob on June 22, 2006, 04:40:19 PM
Post by: grizzly joe on June 23, 2006, 02:21:22 PM
Post by: Frob on June 26, 2006, 05:29:11 PM
hey that sound familiar
Post by: grizzly joe on June 26, 2006, 11:49:43 PM
Post by: Frob on June 27, 2006, 02:37:14 AM
Post by: maxim on June 27, 2006, 03:45:19 AM
Post by: iCombs on June 30, 2006, 03:14:27 AM
Post by: Frob on June 30, 2006, 04:02:26 PM
Post by: Kris on July 06, 2006, 08:35:29 AM
Post by: Jack Schitt on July 06, 2006, 08:41:10 AM
Post by: blueboy on July 15, 2006, 02:18:56 PM
JL
Post by: grizzly joe on July 15, 2006, 02:55:15 PM
Post by: hargerst on July 17, 2006, 12:58:39 PM
At one of the settings, the wave form changes from linear to asymmetrical, producing a very rich sounding tone, but it's more of an effect, adding a lot of 2nd harmonics.
Post by: Bill_Urick on July 18, 2006, 02:01:44 AM
I don't think you could build one for what the street price is.
Post by: hargerst on July 18, 2006, 12:36:31 PM
Post by: MI on July 18, 2006, 12:40:46 PM
http://www.groovetubes.com/assets/2084_The%20Brick.pdf
Mario
Post by: Bill_Urick on August 14, 2006, 12:06:45 AM
Post by: Trumpetman2 on August 30, 2006, 04:20:50 PM
Post by: compasspnt on August 30, 2006, 04:59:30 PM
Actually, just as my opinion, for what that's worth, I would MUCH prefer to use a Brick over an SP 828.
Obviously it is one preamp, compared to eight.
And it has no other features, other than a singular, simple mic pre.
But it uses excellent, simple topography, good components, great NOS Groove tubes, and high quality output transformer.
I would not hesitate to do any recording with this unit.
With the SP 828, I would always think twice, and place it carefully on things of lesser importance.
However, remember that is just one opinion. Jim Gilliland, for instance, preferred his 828 in many instances. And you do get more pre-per-buck that SP way.
Regards, and luck.
Post by: Trumpetman2 on August 30, 2006, 05:46:57 PM
Post by: Gilliland on August 31, 2006, 07:51:38 AM
| compasspnt wrote on Wed, 30 August 2006 21:59 |
However, remember that is just one opinion. Jim Gilliland, for instance, preferred his 828 in many instances. And you do get more pre-per-buck that SP way. |
Actually, I never said that I preferred my SP828 in any instance (well, except for price <g>).
What I said was that in the situations that I tested, I got no better results with the Brick than I did with the SP828. The Brick did a fine job, but so did the SP828. I tested both vocals and direct instrument inputs. Both came in at mic level via a stage splitter, so I was not using the Brick as a DI. The resulting tracks were so similar that I simply couldn't tell them apart.
Now, had I driven both pres to their maximums, I have no doubt that there would have been a larger difference (as Terry and others have pointed out). Transformers and tubes are bound to sound different than transistors when pushed hard. But at the gentle levels I was recording on that evening, the two units produced nearly identical results.
At the time that I was comparing the units, I decided that I was better off with eight channels of mic pres than two channels for the same price, especially when the results were indistinguishable. So I returned the Bricks and bought the SP828. I am still quite comfortable that I made the right decision. As I said four months ago, I didn't find either unit to be anything "special". Both did their jobs reasonably well.
Nonetheless, at Guitar Center's closeout prices, the Brick is a steal. In fact, I just went out and bought one myself. I paid a LOT less for it this time than I did last year.
Interestingly, the SP828 recordings that I made on that evening last fall are about to be released as a live album. My intention that evening was simply to track (and later mix) for a radio broadcast, but the artist liked the recording so much that he opted to make it his next CD.
Post by: compasspnt on August 31, 2006, 03:07:53 PM
There you go, then.
Whatever Works.
Post by: ricknroll on August 31, 2006, 04:01:34 PM
| Bill Urick wrote on Sun, 13 August 2006 21:06 |
I'm in Atlanta-they had to drop ship mine from Alabama. But I got a GREAT DEAL. Cheaper than I can buy them direct as a GT tube dealer. Check your local Guitar Mart before they're all gone! |
Bill,
What kind of a deal did you get on it? I called the nearest GC and they told me they have the Brick for $399. I called another GC across town and they said they didn't have any in stock but could get them in a few days for $399.
Rick
Post by: RandyLa on September 01, 2006, 09:59:04 AM
Randy
Waconia Mn.
Post by: Trumpetman2 on September 02, 2006, 11:32:32 AM
CRAP...! I paid $300 for mine....but...I LOVE IT!!!! 
Post by: Jack Schitt on September 02, 2006, 12:13:54 PM
Post by: Gilliland on September 02, 2006, 05:43:48 PM
Post by: Jack Schitt on September 02, 2006, 06:01:24 PM
| Gilliland wrote on Sat, 02 September 2006 17:43 |
The one I bought last week was $199. I'm still trying to decide whether or not I need two at that price. |
If you decide you don't want the 2nd I'll take it off your hands.....
Post by: compasspnt on September 02, 2006, 07:22:18 PM
Where please?
Any more available at that price?
Post by: Gilliland on September 03, 2006, 08:04:38 AM
| compasspnt wrote on Sun, 03 September 2006 00:22 |
Where please? Any more available at that price? |
Guitar Center. As others have already reported, they're closing them out throughout the chain. If your local GC doesn't offer you a decent price, try seeking out the manager. Assuming, of course, that they still have the Brick in stock.
Labor Day edit: I spoke to the GC manager today who sold me my Brick last week. They're doing their annual labor day clearance sale today, and he tells me that the $199 that I paid is the price that they'll be using for the clearance sale. He also tells me that there are over 100 Bricks left around the GC chain in the US, so it should still be possible to find one.
Post by: Middleman on September 09, 2006, 12:03:04 PM
Post by: Etch-A-Sketch on September 27, 2006, 08:10:36 PM
Post by: compasspnt on September 27, 2006, 10:09:41 PM
AFAIK, they are not going to carry them anymore.
They also seem to now be sold out of them.
Post by: Etch-A-Sketch on October 01, 2006, 04:57:48 PM
I called West LA music and they said they haven't been discontinued, GT is still making them and they had some in stock. So you can still get them, just not from GC I guess.