Class A preamp. Variable mic input impedance. 3-band parametric EQ.
39 People rated this product : 8 out of 10
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8 People wrote reviews |
Read all PreSonus Eureka Pro Recording Channel Strip Microphone Preamp reviews... |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 10 out of 10
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Feature:
Dual balanced out (great for monitoring with one while recording with the other), impedance matching on XLR input (missing from Focusrite and Avalon), assignable meter (output/reduction), phantom power, phase inversion, low cut - the stuff you would expect (digital is optional).
Quality:
Rugged design, 1U, no wall-wart, metal knobs.
Value:
At this price, you can get 4 of them instead of one Avalon. This unit is not *cheap*; it is *inexpensive*.
Desirability:
Visually appealing, although the Mindprint is even prettier.
Sound:
I saw a review mentioning the lack of a tube. The Eureka has a "Saturation" knob which provides even harmonics, just like a tube. Sure, you can't yank it out and try other circuitry (as you would be able to try different 12AX7's or 12AU7's on other devices), but this unit is hard to beat, even with more expensive units. I'm not crazy about the eq, so I leave it flat and use my Neve eq's from my UAD-1 Ultra Pak.
I recorded my bass at another studio via an Avalon and then recorded at home via the Eureka and found that the Avalon made it more muddy than warm; it could have just been the settings applied by the engineer.
Ease of Use:
You don't need a manual, unless if you've never seen a channel strip before.
Support:
Never needed it.
Overall:
I've been tracking vocals (with a Neumann TLM103), electric bass, acoustic guitar, and classical guitar through this and am considering getting another one just for convenience.
I would absolutely replace it with another one without even thinking about it.
Submitted: 6/12/2007
Style of Music: Christian (gospel, rock, latin, contemporary)
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 8 out of 10
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Feature:
It comes with a compressor and EQ. It is full of knobs. I couldn't ask for more. However, I wonder how this thing would sound if the company took out the compressor and EQ and concentrated on only the preamp quality. Now that would be a pretty nice preamp. Nevertheless, it's always nice to have the option to compress and EQ before recording. What I don't like is that you have to pay extra to buy the firewire interface.
Quality:
Had it for over a year and it still looks great and there is nothing loose.
Value:
I have so far only worked with higher end preamps. I can't compare it much to the other products in its price range. I know this thing tops the Mackie preamps and EQ. I also know that this is better sounding than the DBX. And best of all, it holds its own against gear costing over a grand more. I own a Blue Robbie and that thing sounds harsh compared to the Eureka and costs double the money. I would have probably paid double the price for this thing. Triple would be pushing it a little too much as there would be a lot of competition in that price range.
Desirability:
Blue lights..metal design...analog meter...come on now. This thing is sexy hands down. I like to dim the lights when people come in and all they can do is stare at the pretty blue lights. Oh yea...and the motorized mixer.
Sound:
The sound quality is comparable to preamps in the $1,500 range. I went to the Guitar Center to buy an Avalon 737SP and happened to see the Eureka (I had heard good things about it). So I decided to test them out using Blue and Neumann microphones. The Eureka had a different and to my ears, better sound quality than the Avalon. Of course, the Avalon was fuller because of the tubes. However, the Eureka sounded much clearer. I purchased the Eureka and saved $1,500 that day. I can't say that I regret it. Of course, there is always the thought of owning that $2,000 preamp...but my sound quality is amazing with this thing. Do not expect to record the next Grammy winning album with this thing alone though. It cannot compare to the higher quality Avalon, Neve and Focusrite. Of course, this would cost you thousands more.
Ease of Use:
There are a lot of knobs. You have to know what you're doing or it can take you months to get the perfect sound. However, I have gotten only a very few recordings with this thing that could simply not be used because of quality. Playing around with the settings fixed the problem.
Overall:
I plan on keeping this for a while as I'm doing local recordings with this thing and even recording albums. However, after college I plan on having a huge studio and I doubt this will be my main preamp. For a value, this is amazing. If you have 10 grand to spend without regret, I suggest purchasing a top quality compressor, EQ and preamp separately. However, if you're like most people, I'd recommend this thing over any other preamp in its price range.
Submitted: 4/6/2006
Style of Music: Hip Hop / R&B / Rock / Techno
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6 of 6 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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Read all PreSonus Eureka Pro Recording Channel Strip Microphone Preamp reviews...
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