AML ez1081/1073 Microphone Preamp shootout - Electric Guitars

A preamp shootout on electric guitars - I compare the AML ez1081pre, the AML ez1073, Warm Audio WA-412, SSL Alpha Channel and Apogee Mini MP.

[neve]

The 1081 was my fav on clean. On grunge guitar I was surprised at how well the mini me sounded. Just got my first 500-series rack and the 1081 will be taking up a few slots for sure!

[BORNSUPREME]

As you’ve stated, some of the differences are so subtle they’re hardly noticeable. If I didn’t have some of this gear, I wouldn’t have noticed myself. Good shoot out, Thanks!

[jamescassidy]

Crazy how nuch brighter the AML 500 was compared to the AML Rack.

[danmoretti]

I enjoyed the 1081 most on its own. But personally, using it on guitars in a mix I would probably end up EQing it way closer to the 1073. That's just closer to how I personally try and fit guitars into a song. For that reason I wouldn't necessarily choose the 81 over the 73.

[karlomihaljevic]

What do you think about sound comparing 500 series AML ez and 19 rack? 500 series somehow sounded to me more "in the face" and clear. Not sure is it better for mix, probably might be sometimes if it's not because of the lack of the headroom so they sound like that (more present). Anyhow, you can make a great tracks with any of these preamps if you know how to do it. Kind regards

[Millo]

Hmm, preferred the 1081 and SSL. I also liked the Warm on the crunchy guitars.

[alvincornistamusic]

In what situations would you say the 1073 would work better than the 1081? And if you have to choose 1081 vs 1073 for things like piano, horns, bass, what would you choose? Thanks

[HotJamStudios]

Thank you, awesome video which I found really helpful.

[bksmith]

Hey @Threecircles Recording Studio - regarding the AML, how did you calibrate it after the build? The instructions have me questioning how to go about that; can i do it with a DAW and Multimeter or do I need another device? Thanks!

[zip]

So if there public domain why would you be concerned about taking them down?

[monkeyxx]

The clean sound was kind of useless to me. HOWEVER, the "heavy guitar" sounded pretty fabulous through the ez1073 and the Warm/API I thought

[Antlife-kor]

wow damn good ez1081 is so good for hard rock

[burrencrawler]

Does the 81 or the 73 deliver smoother transients?

[Dionysus]

That apogee doesn't sound bad at all!

[Wizardofgosz]

I thought the program material choices were awful to highlight anything with those pres. The clean thing was just blah, and the distorted thing tuned down to Z-flat was pretty blah and had no punch.


Give me some higher gain guitar with standard tuning, and record some drums.

[aliengtr]

I liked mini apogee but for the money yikes none of these I can afford

[L]

Surprised how harsh the transients are with the ssl

[m.o.n.d.e.g.r.e.e.n]

1081 solo'd but i would sense 1073 in a

[jimmyblack]

it makes little difference to recording grungy metal.. the worse it sounds.. the better .. . lol