Mic Preamps, Mic Preamp Kits, 500 Series, Lunchbox Preamps

FiveFish Studios
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Select preamp: 

1. SC-1 Mic Preamps

2. X-12 Mic Preamps

3. X-72 Mic Preamps

 

SC-1 Mic Preamps

Neumann U-67, API 525C, Weiss ADC-1 and SC-1 Mic Preamps

Thanks to Laurent Boutonnat for these audio samples.

FAIR USE ONLY

User comments:

Notice the clearity and depth in the vocals and how well they are situated in the mix. This is probably the most important character of a pre-amp: how well it let's the vocal or solo instrument sound in the mix. I also used the SC-1 on the D-50 which you hear in the background and solo in the coda.

Artist: Mylene Farmer
http://www.fivefishstudios.com/audio/SC1-LB-Vocals.mp3

 

Neumann U-87, Apogee Converters and SC-1 Mic Preamps

Another vocal sample submitted by Laurent Boutonnat from France. Thank you Laurent! 

According to Laurent, this was recorded using a Neumann U-87 mic, with Evidence Audio cable, the SC-1 mic preamp, and Apogee converters.

http://www.fivefishstudios.com/audio/droledecreepie-neumann-sc1-apogee.mp3

Drôle de Creepie, theme song of 'Growing up Creepie'
Music: Laurent Boutonnat
Lyrics: Mylène Farmer
Interpreted by: Lisa 

 

On-Location Stereo Match Pair Recording - SC-1 Mic Preamps

Using Matched pair of Oktava mk012 cardiod Microphones
2-channels SC-1 Preamp recorded into a Yamaha AW1600

Bass and guitar are amplified. The room dimensions are about 3 x 5.5 m (10 x 18ft).

http://www.fivefishstudios.com/audio/without_Jean.mp3

"without Jean"  by Ger Goltstein & Conny Peters
in memoriam Jean Innemée 01/08/2007

Credits:
Recording by: Geert Goltstein 
Featuring:  Take 55
Ger Goltstein  - saxophone
Leo Lindelauf  - piano
Joost Heerkens - guitar
Evert Eillert    - bass
Harry Krispijn  - drums

 

Farview Recording - SC-1 Mic Preamps on Everything

Farview Recording

Special thanks to Jason Walsh of Farview Recording studios for providing these audio samples!

Note: This is an UNMASTERED mix recording created by Jason Walsh of Farview Recording Studios.  SC-1 preamps was used on everything... drums, ryhthm and lead guitars, and bass. 

In Jason's own words: "The guitar sounds I use throw off a ton of low end, the bass was recorded hrough an Ampeg SVT set at war volume, my drums are giant heavy metal drums from the 80's...there is some low end going on.  The cool thing about your preamps is that they capture that low end without pooping out. The bass was both DI and mic'd cab. The guitars were double mic'd. A 57 and a ribbon for the rhythms, and a 57 and 421 for the lead. I like these things for guitar better than my Amek 9098 preamps that have been my go-to's."

Click on link to listen to MP3 file: http://www.fivefishstudios.com/audio/SC-1PreampDemo.mp3

EDIT: I posted the wrong version of this song a few days ago, but if you want to hear it, click here .

SC-1 Preamps on everything. Mic and signal chain detail as follows:

The acoustic guitar is an Ovation LX series. The DI used was a Radial J48 active DI.  It was mic'd with two Shure SM81's in an XY configuration. http://www.fivefishstudios.com/audio/SC1-AcousticGuitar.mp3

Drum mix: http://www.fivefishstudios.com/audio/SC1demo-drum_mix.mp3

The kick was recorded with a AKG D-112 inside and a Shure Beta 52 in the vent hole.

The snare was recorded with a Shure SM57 on top and an Octava MK-012 on the bottom.

The toms were recorded through Sennheiser E504's.

The overheads are Shure SM81's in an XY pattern.

The bass was run through a Radial J48 active DI and an Ampeg SVT Classic miced with an Audio Technica 4033.

The rhythm guitars were a PRS Mc Carty with stock humbuckers into a Bogner Ecstasy 101 b  fitted with EL34's and a Marshall cabinet mic'd with a Shure SM-57 and a Cascade Fathead II ribbon mic.

The lead was a PRS Mc Carty with soapbar pickups through the same amp and cabinet mic'd with a Shure SM-57 and a Sennheiser MD421.

CREDITS: Written and performed by Jason Mallow, www.myspace.com/kingsizeotis
Recorded and mixed by Jason Walsh, Farview Recording, www.farviewrecording.com

 

Vocals using SC-1 Mic Preamps

Courtesy of Jason Mallow!


How does the SC-1 pre sound with vocals??? This clips shows the SC-1 used as a vocal mic preamp with a Neumann M147 and Oktava 319 microphones.

The vocal solo:
http://www.fivefishstudios.com/audio/SC-1LongAgoVocal.mp3

The vocals in the mix setting (chorus snippet only):
http://www.fivefishstudios.com/audio/SC-1LongAgoChorus.mp3

Written by Jeff Evans and performed by Sazerac  www.sazerac.tv
Recorded and mixed by Jason Mallow

 

 

X-12 Mic Preamps

Farview Recording - X-12 Mic Preamps on Everything

Farview Recording

Special thanks to Jason Walsh of Farview Recording studios for providing these audio samples!

Note: This is an UNMASTERED mix recording created by Jason Walsh of Farview Recording Studios.  X-12 preamps was used on everything... drums, ryhthm and lead guitars, and bass. 

http://www.fivefishstudios.com/audio/Servant-X12Preamp.mp3

The song is called 'Servant' and it's written and performed by Jason Mallow.

The guitars were recorded with an SM57 into the X-12.  The rhythm guitars have no EQ, compression, or any other processing.  The lead guitar is Eq'd to stand out in the mix more.
 
The bass was recorded through the direct output of the amp into the X-12 and just has a little compression in the mix.
 
The kick is a Shure Beta 52 through an X-12 preamp.  Eq'd and compressed in the mix
The snare is an SM57 through an X-12 preamp.
The toms were Sennheisser 421's through an X-12 preamp. Eq'd and compressed in the mix
The overheads SM-81's recorded through the SC-1 preamps. (Another FiveFish Studios product). Eq'd and compressed in the mix

CREDITS: Written and performed by Jason Mallow, www.myspace.com/kingsizeotis
Recorded and mixed by Jason Walsh, Farview Recording, www.farviewrecording.com

 

 

Female Vocals using X-12 Mic Preamps

Courtesy of Jason Mallow!

How does the X-12 pre sound with vocals??? This clips shows the X-12 preamp used as a vocal mic preamp with a Shure SM7 into an LA-3 type limiter with no more than 3dB of reduction. A little EQ, compression and reverb and it SOUNDS GREAT!

The X-12 Preamp and the SM7 is my favorite pairing. It's a very good pairing.

It really kicks a*s on vocals.  It does that thing that you hear on old Foreigner records.  It adds the right amount of angst.

The vocals in the mix setting:
http://fivefishstudios.com/audio/Madison-X12Preamp.mp3

 

CREDITS: Performed by Madison Rhoades
Vocals recorded and mixed by Jason Walsh, Farview Recording, www.farviewrecording.com

 

 

Male Vocals using X-12 Mic Preamps

Courtesy of Jim Wheeler, Owner & Producer - Woodnote Studios

How does the X-12 pre sound with male vocals?

"Just got done recording the vocals to a piano song. It really sounded nice. Helped it really cut through the mix so clearly, I barely have to do anything to it! It was clear where the X-12 was shinning. It contained more lows, the low mids were about even. It was less present in the 2k area but more present in the 4k. High-mids and highs were louder. It just handles those bands sooo well. Really smooth and musical to my ears." - Jim W.

The vocals in the mix setting:

http://www.fivefishstudios.com/audio/X12MaleVocals.mp3

CREDITS: Performed by Derek Waldron
Vocals recorded and mixed by Jim Wheeler, Woodnote Studios

 

 

X-72 Mic Preamps

Restless Spring
Music by Mike Ault © 2010

Easy Stroll
Music by Mike Ault © 2010

This project, as everything I've done with the X-72 mic pre has been easy and allowed me to use it on what ever i choose with great results.  I mostly do projects for National Geographic using stringed instruments including guitars, acoustic and electric and both as you heard come through with the clarity I need. I used a U87 for the acoustics though the X-72 and a 57 mic a PRS Super Dallas Amplifier and a PRS McCarty for the electrics. The bass was run through a direct box straight into the X-72 with excellent results.

Mike Ault
www.mikeaultmusic.com

CREDITS: Written, performed, recorded and mixed by Mike Ault
© 2010 Mike Ault www.mikeaultmusic.com

 

 

 

Testimonials

Ideal for Classical Recording
I own a couple of your SC1 Mk2 preamps which I put in a custom made case.  I am thinking of buying a few of the MK3 version. Thank you for creating and offering these preamps.  They are just ideal for classical recording, every bit as good as my [high end preamps].  - D.Rumley, USA
 
Crisper, Clearer, Easy to dial that perfect gain structure
At tax time, i wanted to add some nice flavor to my studio. I bought an A-Designs 500-HR rack and (2) 500 series units: a name-brand preamp   and the Five Fish Studios X-12. I used both for various purposes over the next 2 months: upright piano, drums (kick, snare, OH,) guitar, bass guitar...And in the end, I got rid of the name-brand preamp and picked up another X-12, no contest. I found the X-12 to be crisper and clearer, easier to use, easy to dial in the perfect gain structure. That's just my personal take on it. I think the name-brand preamp is great but for my money, it will always be the X-12, no contest. - post on Gearslutz.com
 
High-end Kits
The fivefish kits are very high-end, the PCBs are very thick and sturdy, the coating is excellent and very resistant, they look very well done, unlike anything i have ever seen before. - J.Gomez, Analog Recording Forum
 
Great sound, Full bodied sound!
This is a great preamp, great sound, full bodied sound. - eBay feedback X-72mk500, May 2010
 
Totally Rock Solid! Top Notch!
Just got my pre-built x12.. its totally rock solid. Messed around with it a little today, great addition to any collection of preamps. The x12 had a little of that signature grainy upper mids with a more focused bottom end. No DI included, but it loves to amp the Countryman DI. I like the meter, its handy. The construction is top-notch, solid knobs and switches, good illumination. You can get in there and swap out the IC for a DOA, etc.. but I think the transformers are making the "sound". Oh yeah, its quiet too. - Andy S, USA
 
Value and Quality
X-12mk500 - I can't believe the value & quality of these preamps! Amazing! - eBay Feedback, May 2010
 
Wow! Nice preamp!
I just finished auditioning the SC-1mk500 with output transformer. I recorded a Taylor acoustic with a Neumann TLM-193 into your preamp and then into a Tube -Tech CL-1B compressor. The results were fantastic.  I couldn't believe how much clean gain was available.  Not sterile clean, it does have "character", but clean!  Solid lows and a sweet sparkly top end, it captured the Taylor perfectly.  If I really hit the strings hard, the preamp could handle it easily.---My wife came in and she agreed, which is always nice, that the SC-1 sounded wonderful and was worth the expense.  I won't hesitate to buy more modules and I'm already gearing up to purchase the package of three. You make a really great-sounding pre.
 
Great sounding, quality product!
i'm up to (2) SC-1's, (2) X-12's, and a deal pending on (2) x-72's! i'll be sure to take a photo of my full lunchbox and send it to you or your site. i am really enjoying your pres, and i'd like to thank you for making a great sounding, quality product.
consider me a fan, and a member of the street team! - Roger L, USA
 
Awesome Design!
I bought an X-12 and iiked it so much that I had to get rid of my other peamp and replace it with another X-12.  Kudos on making such an awesome design, I look forward to outfitting my studio with some more of your other tonal options in the near future. - Justin H., USA
 

Testimonials