| The LaChapell Pre: Now With EQ! - Model 583e |
Scott LaChapell's Model 583e ($2,025 list) offers the same high-gain tube based mic pre as the 583s, but adds three-band EQ on the right side of the module, making it the 583e. Its three-band transformerless EQ has fully sweeping frequency controls with cut/boost settings of +/- 8 dB, which can be used inline or independently with the second slot in/outs.
Because I was in 500 Series-land for this review, I located some other 500 Series mic pres for comparison such as the Shadow Hills Mono Gama (nickel transformer setting) and the Biz from Purple. Testing these pres on floor tom, snare drum, vocals and voiceover, each pre's character became clear. The LaChapell exhibited the silkiest high end of the three and a similar low end and midrange to the Mono Gama. The Biz was the most midrange-forward of the three, like the op amp design it emulates. The transient responses of the 583e and the Mono Gama were both stellar, with the Biz slightly more "FET-sounding."
Next, I engaged the 583e's three-band EQ on the snare. Although I prefer four-band EQ on snare drums, I had no problem dialing in a great snare sound with this unit. The final test was Mike Payne on acoustic guitar using a tube mic through the 583e and a tube compressor. "Surely this combo could suffer from too many tube harmonics, causing the sound to be rounded off, or somewhat fuzzy." I thought wrong; it sounded absolutely stunning, and the best the mic has ever sounded on acoustic. It should be noted that the 583s doesn't possess as much tube color as its big brother, the Model 992, but more color can be dialed in by turning up the input gain while turning down the output gain-nice.
The Model 583e tube pre/EQ excels with drums, voice, and harmonically rich stringed instruments. With the three-band EQ within the same two-module width as the 583s, you have a powerful combination for adding character to your recordings. Now, how many can I afford?
—Randy Poole | |