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.
Guitar DI tracks are taken from www.ultimatemet...

[@danmoretti8898]

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.

[@neve1064]

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!

[@BORN7SUPREME]

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!

[@threecirclesaudio]

Indeed - I think the differences become more apparent when a) pushed harder or b) used across a whole mix....

[@bombzproductions9595]

Ez 1081 sounded really good!

[@darnell828]

I totally agree.

[@Millo1868]

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

[@AlanStewartMusic]

Love the sound of the AML gear

[@HotJamStudios]

Thank you, awesome video which I found really helpful.

[@migrantrecordings]

Clean Guitar
1081 th-cam.com/video/ZEHjUrRhOZo/w-d-xo.html
1073 th-cam.com/video/ZEHjUrRhOZo/w-d-xo.html
412 th-cam.com/video/ZEHjUrRhOZo/w-d-xo.html
SSL th-cam.com/video/ZEHjUrRhOZo/w-d-xo.html
Mini-mp th-cam.com/video/ZEHjUrRhOZo/w-d-xo.html

[@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

[@Dionysus667]

That apogee doesn't sound bad at all!

[@burrencrawler]

Thats what I thought too, there was a pleasant woollyness to it

[@karlomihaljevic9708]

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

[@zip7806]

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

[@8L155]

Surprised how harsh the transients are with the ssl

[@alvincornistamusic8754]

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

[@threecirclesaudio]

To me the 1081 feels "faster" if that helps. I'd pick it anywhere I want the transients to smack a bit more so definitely anything percussive - drums, piano etc. 1073 feels fatter so I'd pick that for bass, vocals etc.

[@alvincornistamusic8754]

@@threecirclesaudio do you know if the ez1073 and ez1081 have the same transformers?

[@threecirclesaudio]

@@alvincornistamusic8754 I believe so yes - you could check the AML website which will list them. They are Carnhill.

[@burrencrawler]

Shit, they all sound good.....

[@lostdream3333]

wow damn good ez1081 is so good for hard rock

[@bksmith3022]

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!

[@threecirclesaudio]

I used a Neutrik Test Instrments (NTI) Minirator MR1 as I believe you need to send a specific dBU value to calibrate if I remember correctly? This can't be done via a DAW I'm afraid as dBU is a reference to a specific voltage I believe...

[@bksmith3022]

Thanks for responding! and you're correct, through my research thats what it looks like. I'll check out that device. Really looking forward to building these units. Thanks for the advice!

[@burrencrawler]

Does the 81 or the 73 deliver smoother transients?

[@threecirclesaudio]

Depends what you mean by smoother? I tend to favour the 81 on drums as I feel the transients punch more. Sometimes the 73 isn't "quick" enough for my tastes on drums if that makes sense.

[@aliengtr]

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

[@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.

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

1081 solo'd but i would sense 1073 in a mix...........

[@WilliamWoodfin-j8y]

Wilson Michael Davis Elizabeth Hall Angela

[@WilliamWoodfin-j8y]

Lopez Donald Gonzalez Donald Lopez Angela

[@jimmyblack6401]

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