Picked one of these up recently from SoundPure, who else? Call these guys, they know their stuff! Clear, present, forward, beautiful pre-amp that can be used on a wide variety of sources. Can add a very slight color but definitely much cleaner than, say, a Neve 1073 or API 312, and great gutsy DI's too. Class-A, discrete, dual-channel - it's really a completely satisfying addition to any pre-amp collection.
Thanks for you response! My doubts are gone now :) I'm looking forward to get the Avalon and compare this both units. I'm already excited when I think about it :D
I've used the 737sp with great results for years, but the AD2022 is magical. The 737sp is more popular, but the AD2022 is probably a more accurate preamp. Awesome video and shoot out guys.
That's actually a great question. We are a business that sells Pro Audio equipment as well as boutique guitars. We also operate the recording studio shown in this video. We decided that it was a huge priority for us to build such a high quality studio, so that we can really get to know the gear that we sell. It's very important for us to have actual experience, so that we can give our customers better advice when they have questions. It's also a great place demo gear for customers.
@PaulBartonPiano Thanks for the post and listen. This is a great one for sure... a certain clarity, precision, and also forwardness make it a great candidate when everything else in the signal path is also perfect (the mics, the instrument, the playing, and the a/d converter). It can be a bit unforgiving in less than ideal circumstances, but when things are right, this delivers an up front forwardness and detail that is mindboggling as you've so well put it!
The SCL1 is indeed quite amazing with its transparency. As far as comparing the AD 2022 to the CharterOak MPA1, it's apples and oranges. The 2022 is a very clean, though still exciting sounding preamp. The MPA1 has a more colored sound. They are both great sounding preamps (though quite different), and we have both in stock here at Sound Pure.
Oh GOD! What an amazing crispy, crystal clear sound? So..sweet...silky.... Like to buy Avalon at least a single Mic Pre Amp for now. Only if God allows....
@lesselse This is probably the only comprehensive video on this exceptional preamp on youtube that is a real demo. The M5 is very nice, but the 2022 is really more like a supercharged M5. Their sonic signature is very similar, but the 2022 is incrementally better from our experience. Better dynamic range, a bit clearer and more articulate, and a bit more "open" sounding. Both are exceptional preamps for sure!
@griploc1981 Sorry for the delayed response to your question- the M4 is just an earlier generation design- the preamps have been getting better and better... First there was the M4, then M5, now AD2022 in the clean/solid-state category. The older Avalon products (M4) were also built extremely well, but are starting to become rather old. You can expect the later units to be cleaner, more transparent, better headroom, etc. Hope this helps!
@Deckardiz Yes. We work regularly comparing differences betweenvery similar gear. We test, compare, shootout, and retest. To us, the difference is not so subtle... the M5 is an excellent preamp, the 2022 is an excellent preamp, both have a forward, neutral, clean, and very detailed sonic pallate. But, we found the edge of the 2022 compelling. Without going into greater detail here, the differences were very convincing to us. But again, we do focus on the minutia and details of high end gear
@aandiee There are preamps for all purposes... this one is about detail, character, and absolute precision. Actually pretty exciting compared to most clean pres. There are famous engineers that believe nothing does "clean" better...but sure, if you want color, character, tubes, saturation, this is not the preamp for that, nor does it purport to be. In this world, variety of preamps is everything, and this one completely covers the "ultra clean and detailed" variety. Thanks for the comment!
@Deckardiz Yes, veyr sure. Having owned both, and compared the two side-by-side, while they are cut from the same cloth, they are a bit diffferent sonically. While we are talking small differences, in the world of high end, the small differences are important. The 2022 seems to have more forwardness, openness, and detail. While the transformer can make quite a difference, so can the slight circuit changes- the single ended unbalanced output on the 2022 is actually the cleanest alternative.
@blueznjazz123 You bet, thanks for the comment. Shootouts are great, but yes, every instrument, every microphone, preamp, and for that matter room differ, and we feel like "scientific shootouts" themselves are not perfect. If all vids were comparison shootouts, people would constantly ask us to compare or shoot-out exactly two things that they are considering which is usually impossible to predict. So, we typically focus on one piece of gear at a time in the vids. More shootouts to come!
We haven't done a video or "official" shoot out of the two, but I've shot them out on sessions and YES - in no small way the 2022 buries the 101. The 101 sounds hard and [as you mentioned] boring, the 2022 is clear, but has a depth and great dimension to the audio... it sounds remarkably opulent and rich. Try the two next to each other in your studio and I'm quite sure you will hear the same thing I did.
Great demo. Thanks. Would love to hear what you think is the best value for something under $1000, at least two channels, for mainly acoustic guitar and vocal recording.
@BrunoBaudewyns Many thanks for the support and comment! That first guitar is a Tom Bills G2- ridiculous isn't it!! We also sell McPherson Acoustic guitars here (not in the video), but similar in terms of sound and responsiveness- and equally dazzling in terms of woods and build quality.
@chrisphp Thanks for the comment, this one is definitely something special.... definitely lesser known than the Avalon 737, but it should not be! It is world class.
@djalexman You can use the DI inputs for that sort of thing, and they work very well. However, if you are only looking for a DI, perhaps you should consider a pair of the Avalon U5's instead? The 2022 does both remarkably well, but it would be a shame to buy it for only that purpose and no intention of using it as a Mic Pre. Does that make sense? When you are ready to pick one up, be sure and let us know!
@Deathrape2001 It is impossible to cover all possibilties of "shooting out" different mic preamps, although we have done more of that recently. That being said, since we are actively using all fo these mic preamps in many off-camera tests and comparisons, we can gladly share our opinion with you, and get you pointed in the right direction. The only way to truly learn a preamp is to spend a great deal of time with it as we do here. Please e-mail us your questions to preamps@soundpure(dot)com
@feewert42 It would be nice - unfortunately you will have to come to the studio to hear that as a microphone pre-amplifier is an integral portion of any recording process. Once there is a microphone involved it must be run through a pre-amp to get the level to one that can be heard at a resonable level. The only way to hear it without the pre-amp is to be "live" and in the room.
@adonize12 Thanks a lot for your comment- we will get the Avalon 737's in the mix before too long, stand by, and stay tuned! In the meantime, if you have any questions about either of these amazing preamps from Avalon, please don't hesitate to call us anytime +1 919-682-5552 as we use both of them here in the studios every day.
@methodinsane That's a Tom Bills G2 at the beginning- really a monster of an instrument... similar in concept to the McPherson guitars, but definitely it's own thing in terms of bracing and the player's perspective.
hi there sound pure studios!!! i was wondering what you thought of the Avalon M4 Mic pre compared to the M5 model. Thanks for your response!!!! god bless
I have the Grace Design m101 and I like it but sometimes it gets pretty boring because it is too sterile... Have you ever compared these two units? I am pretty sure that the Avalon is better, but I want to reassure that it is, because I am about to get an Avalon M5 ( same as AD-2022 but mono ). My main use is vocals for Rn'B and Rap.
Which preamp would you use to record male vocals? which one for instruments? Which one can do it all? The ADL 600, UA2-610, Neve Portico 5012 or the Avalon AD2022? Thanks!
@dannycurtean It is all about spending time listening and evaluating what you have recorded/mixed. I think I can say this for almost every engineer/producer that is working; you don't ever stop learning this trade, and you are always striving to have "better ears", more knowledge and better technique. It comes down to really listening and more than anything, practice (just like everything else right?)
These demos are great in so many ways - sound quality, variety of gear & performances all rock! BUT how the heck am I going to compare microphones if different guitars & different playing/picking styles are used? How can I differentiate between preamps if the guitars, mics & mic placement are altered? You MUST keep all variables constant except for the one you want to highlight or we'll be comparing apples to oranges, right? Sadly, this limits the helpfulness of these well-produced videos. :-(
These demos are fantastic in so many ways...sound quality, variety of gear, great playing...BUT how the heck am I going to tell the difference between microphones if different guitars & different playing/picking styles are used? How can I tell the difference between preamps if the guitars, microphones &mic placement are varied too?? You MUST keep all variables constant except for the one you want to highlight. Sadly, failing to do this eliminates any benefit of watching these videos! :-(
How would you say this preamp holds up to the new charter oak mpa1? I have been planning on purchasing a charter oak scl1 from you guys, as I was much more impressed by its transparence than the ad 2044. However, I wonder if the new charter oak pre also has the upper hand on the ad 2022. Do you happen to have the mpa1 in stock? It would be great to get a review from you guys, as I have been planning on purchasing the compressor from soundpure. Thanks!
@Deathrape2001 If you were on this side of the glass, you would understand where we are coming from. We appreciate your feedback and criticism. Know that we are working extremely hard to make the best possible videos that we can, so that guys like you can watch them, for FREE, if you'd like. If you don't like the way that we are doing things, you can simply choose not to watch them. We aren't sure why you are so invested in stating your criticisms, but they are duly noted.
There is no substitute for tonal variability - meaning, the more tonal colors you can get out of a preamp, the more likely it can be used as THE high-end preamp for most the work in your studio. Have you heard of the Sebatron Axis? It's got one of the largest variation/range of anything we carry - and it's also eligible for our new "try before you buy" program so that we can send you one to try, no risk. Give us a call if you'd like to discuss preamps further: 919-682-5552
@Bougatof The entire signal path matters... guitar > Microphone > Preamp > A/D converter, as well as using high quality microphone interconnects. You don't have to use the Lynx if you don't need that many channels, but you definitely need to ensure that you are using a high quality A/D converter nevertheless. If you'd like, we can help you analyze your entire system, and help make a holistic system recommendation based on your total budget. Try us: e-mail: sales(at)soundpure(dot)com
@rhodesplayer There are definitely some options, depending on your recording situations, and mic collection. I would love to talk to you more about your exact needs, and put you into the best possible option within your budget. Can you give me a call directly, (I'm Doug) 919-321-1805, or e-mail me doug(at)soundpure(dot)com. Alternatively you can call the main number, toll free, 1-888-528-9703, or e-mail sales(at)soundpure(dot)com. We think we can be a great help, and get you a deal!
We may be able to get to a solo a capella vocal thing at some point... but we really don't do "shootouts" in the video series [and there is no way in hell we'd have an MBOX in our studio to shoot out against actual professional tools like the AD-2022]. If you'd like to hear that kind of shoot out, we can certainly arrange to get you a 2022 to your studio where you can shoot it with your stuff, on your music, at your leisure. All that takes is a phone call +1 888 528 9703
Picked one of these up recently from SoundPure, who else? Call these guys, they know their stuff! Clear, present, forward, beautiful pre-amp that can be used on a wide variety of sources. Can add a very slight color but definitely much cleaner than, say, a Neve 1073 or API 312, and great gutsy DI's too. Class-A, discrete, dual-channel - it's really a completely satisfying addition to any pre-amp collection.
Thanks! We're very fond of the AD2022, as you could tell from our use of adjectives. It is an extraordinary mic preamp.
Thanks for you response! My doubts are gone now :) I'm looking forward to get the Avalon and compare this both units. I'm already excited when I think about it :D
All good... we've got some really cool stuff in the queue - you will have much to watch in the not too distant future!!
I've used the 737sp with great results for years, but the AD2022 is magical. The 737sp is more popular, but the AD2022 is probably a more accurate preamp. Awesome video and shoot out guys.
That's actually a great question. We are a business that sells Pro Audio equipment as well as boutique guitars. We also operate the recording studio shown in this video. We decided that it was a huge priority for us to build such a high quality studio, so that we can really get to know the gear that we sell. It's very important for us to have actual experience, so that we can give our customers better advice when they have questions. It's also a great place demo gear for customers.
@PaulBartonPiano Thanks for the post and listen. This is a great one for sure... a certain clarity, precision, and also forwardness make it a great candidate when everything else in the signal path is also perfect (the mics, the instrument, the playing, and the a/d converter). It can be a bit unforgiving in less than ideal circumstances, but when things are right, this delivers an up front forwardness and detail that is mindboggling as you've so well put it!
The SCL1 is indeed quite amazing with its transparency. As far as comparing the AD 2022 to the CharterOak MPA1, it's apples and oranges. The 2022 is a very clean, though still exciting sounding preamp. The MPA1 has a more colored sound. They are both great sounding preamps (though quite different), and we have both in stock here at Sound Pure.
Oh GOD!
What an amazing crispy, crystal clear sound? So..sweet...silky....
Like to buy Avalon at least a single Mic Pre Amp for now. Only if God allows....
@lesselse This is probably the only comprehensive video on this exceptional preamp on youtube that is a real demo. The M5 is very nice, but the 2022 is really more like a supercharged M5. Their sonic signature is very similar, but the 2022 is incrementally better from our experience. Better dynamic range, a bit clearer and more articulate, and a bit more "open" sounding. Both are exceptional preamps for sure!
Happy to help... if we can give you any assistance landing on the 2022 please feel free to give a shout!!
@griploc1981 Sorry for the delayed response to your question- the M4 is just an earlier generation design- the preamps have been getting better and better... First there was the M4, then M5, now AD2022 in the clean/solid-state category. The older Avalon products (M4) were also built extremely well, but are starting to become rather old. You can expect the later units to be cleaner, more transparent, better headroom, etc. Hope this helps!
@Deckardiz Yes. We work regularly comparing differences betweenvery similar gear. We test, compare, shootout, and retest. To us, the difference is not so subtle... the M5 is an excellent preamp, the 2022 is an excellent preamp, both have a forward, neutral, clean, and very detailed sonic pallate. But, we found the edge of the 2022 compelling. Without going into greater detail here, the differences were very convincing to us. But again, we do focus on the minutia and details of high end gear
@aandiee There are preamps for all purposes... this one is about detail, character, and absolute precision. Actually pretty exciting compared to most clean pres. There are famous engineers that believe nothing does "clean" better...but sure, if you want color, character, tubes, saturation, this is not the preamp for that, nor does it purport to be. In this world, variety of preamps is everything, and this one completely covers the "ultra clean and detailed" variety. Thanks for the comment!
@Deckardiz Yes, veyr sure. Having owned both, and compared the two side-by-side, while they are cut from the same cloth, they are a bit diffferent sonically. While we are talking small differences, in the world of high end, the small differences are important. The 2022 seems to have more forwardness, openness, and detail. While the transformer can make quite a difference, so can the slight circuit changes- the single ended unbalanced output on the 2022 is actually the cleanest alternative.
@blueznjazz123 You bet, thanks for the comment. Shootouts are great, but yes, every instrument, every microphone, preamp, and for that matter room differ, and we feel like "scientific shootouts" themselves are not perfect. If all vids were comparison shootouts, people would constantly ask us to compare or shoot-out exactly two things that they are considering which is usually impossible to predict. So, we typically focus on one piece of gear at a time in the vids. More shootouts to come!
We haven't done a video or "official" shoot out of the two, but I've shot them out on sessions and YES - in no small way the 2022 buries the 101. The 101 sounds hard and [as you mentioned] boring, the 2022 is clear, but has a depth and great dimension to the audio... it sounds remarkably opulent and rich.
Try the two next to each other in your studio and I'm quite sure you will hear the same thing I did.
Great demo. Thanks. Would love to hear what you think is the best value for something under $1000, at least two channels, for mainly acoustic guitar and vocal recording.
@BrunoBaudewyns Many thanks for the support and comment! That first guitar is a Tom Bills G2- ridiculous isn't it!! We also sell McPherson Acoustic guitars here (not in the video), but similar in terms of sound and responsiveness- and equally dazzling in terms of woods and build quality.
@chrisphp Thanks for the comment, this one is definitely something special.... definitely lesser known than the Avalon 737, but it should not be! It is world class.
@djalexman You can use the DI inputs for that sort of thing, and they work very well. However, if you are only looking for a DI, perhaps you should consider a pair of the Avalon U5's instead? The 2022 does both remarkably well, but it would be a shame to buy it for only that purpose and no intention of using it as a Mic Pre. Does that make sense? When you are ready to pick one up, be sure and let us know!
@Deathrape2001 It is impossible to cover all possibilties of "shooting out" different mic preamps, although we have done more of that recently. That being said, since we are actively using all fo these mic preamps in many off-camera tests and comparisons, we can gladly share our opinion with you, and get you pointed in the right direction. The only way to truly learn a preamp is to spend a great deal of time with it as we do here. Please e-mail us your questions to preamps@soundpure(dot)com
@feewert42 It would be nice - unfortunately you will have to come to the studio to hear that as a microphone pre-amplifier is an integral portion of any recording process. Once there is a microphone involved it must be run through a pre-amp to get the level to one that can be heard at a resonable level. The only way to hear it without the pre-amp is to be "live" and in the room.
I don't have ear for this, but this does sound very detailed.
What's the guitar at the beginning? Lovely tone with plenty of mids, but not overpowering. The Peluso + Avalon sound nice together.
@adonize12 Thanks a lot for your comment- we will get the Avalon 737's in the mix before too long, stand by, and stay tuned! In the meantime, if you have any questions about either of these amazing preamps from Avalon, please don't hesitate to call us anytime +1 919-682-5552 as we use both of them here in the studios every day.
@methodinsane That's a Tom Bills G2 at the beginning- really a monster of an instrument... similar in concept to the McPherson guitars, but definitely it's own thing in terms of bracing and the player's perspective.
hi there sound pure studios!!!
i was wondering what you thought of the Avalon M4 Mic pre compared to the M5 model.
Thanks for your response!!!!
god bless
Is the second microphone over the guitarist' right shoulder?
Thanks!
Was that Ryan Cavanaugh on that Santa Cruz?
@DuskY1991 Thanks Dusky, it definitely is!
Great videos, just discovered soundpurestudios channel :)
What is the first guitar?
I have the Grace Design m101 and I like it but sometimes it gets pretty boring because it is too sterile... Have you ever compared these two units? I am pretty sure that the Avalon is better, but I want to reassure that it is, because I am about to get an Avalon M5 ( same as AD-2022 but mono ). My main use is vocals for Rn'B and Rap.
Is this preamp good choice for voice over on home studio 🎙️
Yes it’s highly recommended
Which preamp would you use to record male vocals? which one for instruments? Which one can do it all? The ADL 600, UA2-610, Neve Portico 5012 or the Avalon AD2022? Thanks!
@dannycurtean It is all about spending time listening and evaluating what you have recorded/mixed. I think I can say this for almost every engineer/producer that is working; you don't ever stop learning this trade, and you are always striving to have "better ears", more knowledge and better technique. It comes down to really listening and more than anything, practice (just like everything else right?)
These demos are great in so many ways - sound quality, variety of gear & performances all rock! BUT how the heck am I going to compare microphones if different guitars & different playing/picking styles are used? How can I differentiate between preamps if the guitars, mics & mic placement are altered? You MUST keep all variables constant except for the one you want to highlight or we'll be comparing apples to oranges, right? Sadly, this limits the helpfulness of these well-produced videos. :-(
These demos are fantastic in so many ways...sound quality, variety of gear, great playing...BUT how the heck am I going to tell the difference between microphones if different guitars & different playing/picking styles are used? How can I tell the difference between preamps if the guitars, microphones &mic placement are varied too?? You MUST keep all variables constant except for the one you want to highlight. Sadly, failing to do this eliminates any benefit of watching these videos! :-(
How would you say this preamp holds up to the new charter oak mpa1? I have been planning on purchasing a charter oak scl1 from you guys, as I was much more impressed by its transparence than the ad 2044. However, I wonder if the new charter oak pre also has the upper hand on the ad 2022.
Do you happen to have the mpa1 in stock? It would be great to get a review from you guys, as I have been planning on purchasing the compressor from soundpure. Thanks!
@Deathrape2001 If you were on this side of the glass, you would understand where we are coming from. We appreciate your feedback and criticism. Know that we are working extremely hard to make the best possible videos that we can, so that guys like you can watch them, for FREE, if you'd like. If you don't like the way that we are doing things, you can simply choose not to watch them. We aren't sure why you are so invested in stating your criticisms, but they are duly noted.
i know this maybe a stupid question. but how on earth do you afford all of this equiptment ?
There is no substitute for tonal variability - meaning, the more tonal colors you can get out of a preamp, the more likely it can be used as THE high-end preamp for most the work in your studio.
Have you heard of the Sebatron Axis? It's got one of the largest variation/range of anything we carry - and it's also eligible for our new "try before you buy" program so that we can send you one to try, no risk. Give us a call if you'd like to discuss preamps further: 919-682-5552
@Bougatof The entire signal path matters... guitar > Microphone > Preamp > A/D converter, as well as using high quality microphone interconnects. You don't have to use the Lynx if you don't need that many channels, but you definitely need to ensure that you are using a high quality A/D converter nevertheless. If you'd like, we can help you analyze your entire system, and help make a holistic system recommendation based on your total budget. Try us:
e-mail: sales(at)soundpure(dot)com
@rhodesplayer There are definitely some options, depending on your recording situations, and mic collection. I would love to talk to you more about your exact needs, and put you into the best possible option within your budget. Can you give me a call directly, (I'm Doug) 919-321-1805, or e-mail me doug(at)soundpure(dot)com. Alternatively you can call the main number, toll free, 1-888-528-9703, or e-mail sales(at)soundpure(dot)com. We think we can be a great help, and get you a deal!
We may be able to get to a solo a capella vocal thing at some point... but we really don't do "shootouts" in the video series [and there is no way in hell we'd have an MBOX in our studio to shoot out against actual professional tools like the AD-2022].
If you'd like to hear that kind of shoot out, we can certainly arrange to get you a 2022 to your studio where you can shoot it with your stuff, on your music, at your leisure. All that takes is a phone call +1 888 528 9703