Vintage Neve 1073 vs. Vintech 573 500-series Mic Pre Shootout

[whatsbelowyou]

I appreciated your 'no nonsense', straightforward approach.

[soundpurestudios]

@whatsbelowyou Thank you!!

[MrGrinchSD]

how can i reach you i would really like to ask you a few questions

[soundpurestudios]

@MrGrinchSD No problem- you can reach us anytime by e-mail at audio@soundpureDOTcom, phone (local/international) +1-919-682-5552, or toll free at 888-528-9703. We are here for you!

[mdmoyer]

Very close in this one. I thought that B had a little more "information" in the lower frequency's, seemed a little more boomy. Highs were almost too similar in both. Coming down to which to buy? if its this close? why not buy a vintech? +20 on this blind shootout! It would be interesting if you used an external EQ how much closer you could get the two to sound



[soundpurestudios]

@mdmoyer Thanks for the comment- we tend to agree completely with your assessment. With an EQ, or sitting in a mix, the difference is not really worth quibbling about. If we had tried to add EQ, we could have totally nailed the two together, perhaps that would have been an interesting undertaking. Blind shootouts have a great way of making "honest listeners" out of all of us.

If you'd like the high res files, or the results, don't hesitate to shoot us an e-mail to audio@soundpureDOTcom

[swollenpickle09]

Are ears doesn't deceive us.  Its our brains.

[soundpurestudios]

@swollenpickle09 Excellent point. That's why we have moved on to "blind shootouts" which enable people to listen with their ears, and not their pocket books. It's hard to find an owner of Vintage gear that doesn't think the "vintage sounds better" regardless of which is which. The proof is in the pudding when the shootout is blind. Thanks for posting.

[Onetruthrgv]

so how close would this (573) be to the x73i?

[soundpurestudios]

@Onetruthrgv With the EQ disengaged on the X73i, they are extremely close. Give us a call if you'd like, we've been using both a LOT here in our studios.

[NekonekoLacus]

A sounds better to me, will ask about the result.

[soundpurestudios]

@NekonekoLacus Thanks for watching, posting, and for your critical listen!

[Mamazongo]

Both sounded great, present, warm, and almost identical.

BTW, thanks for the comparison, need more stuff like that.

MDR-7506: "A" sounded a little deeper, more bass

BlueSky 2.1: "B" had slightly more detailed highs

Which one is right?

Bottom line: I probably couldn't tell the difference within a mix, especially if the lows where rolled off to make the part fit...

For a solo recording, maybe I would choose "A" over "B". Otherwise, I would go with new 573 modules for value & reliability.

[soundpurestudios]

@Mamazongo Wow, we really appreciate the detailed response, and thorough listen. We generally agree with your assessment in its entirety. If you'd like the actual results, please shoot us an e-mail to audio@soundpure(dot)com. You can also request the high resolution original audio files (88.2k, 24-bit) if you'd like. We hope to have more videos like this coming out over the coming months... stay tuned, and please let us know how we can help you in any way!

[Onetruthrgv]

what is your take on the Aurora Audio GTQ stuff compared to the vintech in light of a real 1073?

[soundpurestudios]

@Onetruthrgv If you want the Vintage Neve 1073 sound, the Vintech is substantially closer. They really went out of their way to nail the Vintage Neve, and it's amazing what's in side that little 573.

[GatewayXl]

I think Preamp A was the vintage it had that more hazy sound to it. What's the answer?

[soundpurestudios]

@GatewayXl Thanks for the careful listen! For results, you can shoot an e-mail to audio@soundpure(dot)com. You can also ask for high resolution files if you want to listen even more closely! Thanks again for watching

[AaronRashPTV]

Preamp B sounded Like the vintage 1073. A was definitely nice but something about B just sounded fuller with slightly more body and character. Thanks for the wonderful shoot outs guys. Keep em coming!

[soundpurestudios]

@AaronRashPTV You should totally shoot us an e-mail to see which was which... more shootouts to come! You can reach us anytime at audio@soundpure(dot)com, we are testing a lot mroe here than we can possibly put onto video, and are always glad to share our experiences!

[newkillerfamily1]

module



[soundpurestudios]

@newkillerfamily1 eh, yep, it's a 500-series compatible module!

[Garik2986]

SHAT ZIL BANA...

[soundpurestudios]

@Garik2986 Sorry dude???

[Changtent]

I think that people get too 'hung up' about whether a pre-amp sound is like a "real Neve". What's important is "what works for you"! Who's to say that someone couldn't build a pre-amp that most people think is better than an original Neve? I own a Great River MP-2NV and wouldn't trade it for some original Neve's. Both of your examples are high quality and I would love to own both pre’s if you're giving them away after the test (tongue in cheek comment). Thanks for the interesting video.

[soundpurestudios]

@Changtent Very excellent comment, we agree completely with what you are saying. The preamps are suppsoed to be sonic tools, and the pricing of 1073's has become absolutely absurd. There is no economic argument for a single channel 1073 preamp to cost what they cost, when they are imitable with new, modern components. But, THAT sound is not perfect for everything. The Great River MP2NV is a great preamp, and one excellent alternative to the "pure Neve" approach.

[Jesseprit]

B sounded better to my ears than A. I believe the 1073 is B.

[soundpurestudios]

@Jesseprit Thanks for taking the time for the critical listen, and to "take a chance" and go against what everyone else is saying they believe is better (and therefore the 1073). Anyhow if you'd like to hear the high resloution files and/or get the results, you can certainly e-mail us at preamp(at)soundpure(dot)com. Thanks again for commenting and watching!

[soundpurestudios]

@lumenaughty Thanks for such a careful listen, and your willingness to go against the grain (since most people have preferred preamp A if they were able to hear any difference at all). If you want to listen to the high res files, or learn the results of the shootout, you can always e-mail us directly, preamps(at)soundpure(dot)com. We will keep the results off of here so everyone can continue to listen to this test blindly.

[TheLabWeMakeRecords]

are the Vintech 573's compatible with the A Designs 500HR?

[soundpurestudios]

@TheLabWeMakeRecords As far as we know, there aren't any problems with that pairing. There certainly are no known incompatibilities anyway. That being said, if you want to reach someone here that can be more definitive, you can always email: preamps(at)soundpure(dot)com

[Michael55443]

Is it wise to use a tube mic when comparing pres? I would think a neutral mic would give a more honest outcome.

[soundpurestudios]

@Michael55443 Excellent question. The difference between the preamps is determinable in this type of setup, regardless of the microphone that is used, because mics aren't compared. There is actually some risk when utilizing phantom powered microphones because of how phantom power behaves accross a splitter. Tube microphones (with their own power supplies) actually eliminate the issue, and make a better choice since they do not require phantom power, and this issue does not come into play.

[TheShadow1975100]

In my opinion preamp A has bigger sound depth (warmer). Sorry if I'm wrong.I'm not a sound engineer,I hope that I've not said something stupid.Thank you.

[soundpurestudios]

@TheShadow1975100 There is absolutely nothing right or wrong... the shootout really is more about "which one is better" than it is about "which one is which." That being said, there is something to be said about how remarkably similar they are nonetheless. Be sure and send us the request for the results (or the high resolution files) to the e-maill address: preamps (at) soundpure (dot) com

[Onetruthrgv]

2:42 = A 3:07= B

This is where I hear the major difference. There is more presence in A than in B

[Onetruthrgv]

I sent an email yesterday and still haven't gotten a response

[soundpurestudios]

@Onetruthrgv It's the weekend, sorry, but we are closed... you should have a response on Monday. Standby... there are several of us here that handle different aspects of things, so the person here that will get back to your e-mail should be back then.

[soundpurestudios]

@Onetruthrgv Just wanted to check in- did you get a response from Doug today?

[Onetruthrgv]

@soundpurestudios Yes and I am just shocked by the results!!! Thank you =D

[MattiasArce]

Would be interesting a shootout between Old Mr. Rupert Designs and the New Mr. Rupert.... something like a sootout between a 1073 and a Portico II Channel Strip..... I have 2 Portico IIs and they sound AMAZING!.... but would be interesting check the diferences between botth... because If the sound into the Portico II is similar in quality terms to a 1073 or even Better.... well you have more for your bucks with a RND Portico II... Nice Video SoundPure! ;)

[soundpurestudios]

@MattiasArce Thanks for the comment... it's a good idea and we will definitely keep it in mind. That being said, we've certainly compared those two here at SoundPure & we're always eager to share our experiences with you. In short, the Portico sounds nothing like a Vintage 1073. The Portico series is designed to be far cleaner, clearer, & more neutral. From a technical standpoint, perhaps superior... from a musical standpoint, that's debatable. A Vintech X73i would compliment those nicely.

[Onetruthrgv]

2:31 = A and 2:57= B

[soundpurestudios]

@Onetruthrgv You mean, that's where the shootout comparison actually are in the video?

[Onetruthrgv]

@soundpurestudios yeah just so people can switch back and forward with ease.

[soundpurestudios]

@Onetruthrgv Did you request the high resolution files? You should be able to get them on Monday, hopefully...

[Bastasbra]

Definitely they sound very very similar. Personal opinion, i prefer to stay away from vintage units so i am happy to hear something like that. I guess that in a room not so uhm... "detailed" like the one you got there guys, the sound of those units will be even more similar...if i make any sense at all.=)

[soundpurestudios]

@Bastasbra Thanks for your comment, in short, we completely agree with you (your comment made total sense). The price for vintage 1073's has become absurd. They indeed sound fantastic, but so do the Vintechs. Differences aside, the added cost of a 1073 is not justified, unless you are speculating on the future value of an antique. In the end the market may realize this, and prices on 1073's may fall, due to the realism that the "vintage 1073" is not the ONLY preamp out there with this sound.

[agustinamigo]

I like preamp "A" better. Sounds to me more transparent in the low mids.

[soundpurestudios]

@agustinamigo Thanks for listening and providing your thoughts- if you'd like the high resolution files for a more critical listen, or if you'd like to know the results, you can shoot us an e-mail to preamps (at) soundpure (dot) com

[thehornypuppy]

Drinking Game: Down one whenever he says module.

[soundpurestudios]

@thehornypuppy wasted. 

[Fichtezxc]

I'm listening on headphones in HD so not the best possible set up but pretty decent. I thought they were incredibly similar but the second one seemed just a little brittle on the top end whereas the first was a little sweeter. When ya get the time I'd love to hear which was which!

[soundpurestudios]

@Fichtezxc Thanks for taking the time to listen critically! We will pass along the results to you privately right away!

[remyleloup1]

YESSSS my Todd is back on videos , awesome He rules with his Digidesign mixing board !! love that

I very slightly prefer the first one a little bit warmer , it would be fantastic to do the same listening test with a third one my trusty phoenix DRS

Todd when do you come to Paris for a yummy restaurant with me ??!!!! regards to you Guys !!!

[soundpurestudios]

@remyleloup1 Yummy food and yummy wine... it will need to happen one of these days (not too far off). I very much like your approach, "I like A a little better." Too many people would simply say, I think A is the "Neve" when the real question should be asked "which one sounds better?" assuming you can hear a difference- there are an awful lot of people that can hear no difference whatsover. Have you e-mailed Doug here for the answer, yet? Great ears, discerning the tiny differences...

[MrNeyus]

how much is a neve 1073 now a days??

[soundpurestudios]

@MrNeyus It depends, you can spend as much as $6k for single channel for a really clean one in a rack. So, roughly 10-times the cost of a Vintech 573.

[uncleofsuperman]

@MrNeyus You can get a Neve 1073LB (Neve's 500 series version of the 1073) for about $1000 compared to the $700 of the Vintech 573.

[soundpurestudios]

@uncleofsuperman Yep, you could indeed pay more, for less ;) Guess you haven't heard it? We contemplated including that one in the shootout too, but ultimately decided there was no point. The Vintech sounded closer to the original, and cost less money. Keep in mind the unit you are referring to is not "a real Neve" just because it is called Neve. It is made by a company called AMS that bought the Neve name, essentially. They do make nice stuff, just a tad on the overpriced side of things.

[uncleofsuperman]

@soundpurestudios Not to mention a complete lack of a DI in the 1073LB (What?). It's true I haven't heard the 1073LB, but I do wish you would have used it in the shoot out. 500 series module vs. 500 series module pulling juice from the same power supply. I agree about the price tag. For a lunch box and "Neve" 1073LB, you could almost grab a Vintech X73i (with the power supply!). Less for more indeed.