focusrite vs. tl-audio or avalon

[dimmy]

what is the main sound difference between hi-end focusrite preamps and hi-end tube based tl-audio and avalon preamps and chanel strips, since focusrite doesn't have tubes in it's signal path?

[xstatic]

The Focusrite is a little more transparent. Very clean, nice EQ. If you are referring to the preamp on the Avalon 737, it is decent, but I am not a big fan. However, the EQ and compressor on that box sound great. I don't like the Avalon M series preamp either but the next one up sounds very good to me (20 series?). TL audio has some really nice sounding fat preamps EQ's and comps, but the cheaper stuff does not sound nearly as good. They are good for the money though.

[michaelhoddy]

The Avalon M5 and the 2022 are basically the same preamp except for the number of channels. Same topology.

[xstatic]

Thats what I hear, but they sound very different to me. I was told the same about the Universal audio preamps. But they sound a bit different as well. Similar, but different.

[michaelhoddy]

Hmmm. Maybe it's due to the variable input impedance on the 2022? That, and the fully balanced output section, are the differences between the two.

[Stanklanta]

I prefer the Avalon to Focusrite. The Avalon is fairly clean but you can still get some of that good tube sound out of it if you crank the gain. I guess it depends on the music you are recording. I work alot with R&B and hip-hop where the avalon gets alot of use. The avalon 737 also has a nice comp and eq and is a great value for the $$.