512C

I bought one through the retailer here…Vintage King, and also one through Alto. If you’re looking at this you know what it is. Comparing it to any other preamp in this league is apple to oranges. I actually sold mine awhile back, and kept a Neve for a long time. But ended up buying another API512C, as it’s just that good!It’s like this, the API 512c is great for fast transient instruments. Guitar, keyboards, drums ect. It’s great even with DI guitars if you are using a Tech 21 pedal or a guitar box before it. It’s very flavorful and focuses on mid range punch. That’s what all those instruments have in common. It imparts a Sonic signature, when stacked multiple times. Very clear and colorful at the same time. It’s a must have in the studio. However it’s not my first go to on Vocals, but could be still used. I just feel it would do be good on Metal or Punk singer to cut in the mix.This is where a Neve comes in! It’s big, robust and sounds great on vocals. Not a fan of it on DI guitars, but is good on mic guitars. It also has more low mids, and not the fast transient snap the API pre has. So it’s not really one or the other, you want both if possible. In conclusion I’d say if your mainly tracking instruments, this is what you want! If you’re mainly tracking just vocals, while this is still a decent contender. I personally look a The Great River or Neve flavor for a dedicated vocal chain. Also the API has more than enough gain for SM7B, and other usual suspect with no issue. It’ll make your normal SM57/58 sound leagues better than a typical cheap interface preamp.

Excellent sounding mic pre!