Neve-clone opinions?

[oceantracks]

Well, I hate to say it, but although the ME1NV of mine sounds nice, I really do think it is possibly the most overrated preamp I have ever used. I liked it at first, and even wrote Dan a nice email saying I did, but the more I use it....

I don't think it sounds much like the 1073 or 1066 I once owned, and when you compare it with something like the Chandler, it just sounds much smaller and polite in comparison. I keep waiting to hear this "heft" in it that everyone talks about, but it just isn't there. It sounds fine on guitars and bass direct, but on vocals, I find it to be a good pre, not a head turning pre. Maybe I just need to work with different mics, and different vocalists.

The TG2 sounded like someone's head was inside my Genelecs, shouting through the speaker cones.

JMHO

TH

[Deeper]

Originally posted by oceantracks:
<STRONG>The TG2 sounded like someone's head was inside my Genelecs, shouting through the speaker cones.</STRONG>

Is this meant to be a negative statement or a positive statement?

[oceantracks]

Originally posted by Deeper:
<STRONG>

Is this meant to be a negative statement or a positive statement?</STRONG>

Very positive. I've not a heard as much of an "in your face" sound before. It's huge.

[Revelation]

There is no wrong answer on which to buy. There is not one pre that will always be better than another pre. Pre's, mic's and EQ are subjective. Just because someone loves one pre, it does not mean you do or should.
I still can't get over that people use SM58's anymore. I always like the EV dynamic mic's much better as they gave a better representation of amps or vocals. Not to mention even Shure has the Beta versions which I like better than the standard 58's, but hey go figure.