Avalon 737sp Pre-amp. Mercenary edition.

[Jotown]

Hey anybody out there know anything about this unit? As you may or may not know, I have been trying to find a decent opto compressor for my Apogee Trak 2. A buddy of mine in Nashville called me today, and I can pick this baby up for a grand. I am assuming that the pre-amp is better than the Trak 2, plus it is a tube unit. It has an tube opto compressor and EQ. I have been using a Avalon AD2022 at my job, and it sounds great. It is solid state, and the 737 is tube so I know it will sound different. The Opto Compressor is not an 1176, but it is a tube unit, and I only will use it for some light compression on the way into Pro-Tools. Any thoughts out there?

[Gtoledo3]

I've only used one once, on a stereo synth source, and I thought it sounded great. But for some reason, I've read some negative comments about the unit on the forums, especially in stereo bus applications.

[Jotown]

Thanks for your reply. This is a mono unit, and I would never use it on the mix bus. It's sole purpose for me is as a front end into Pro-Tools. Something to put that warm analog gunk onto the signal before it makes it's way into the cold digital world. Anybody else? I have to decide real soon.

[Stephen Fortner]

A 737? Naahhhh, absolute crap. There's no way you'd want to waste your money on it. By the way, can I have the phone number of the person who's selling it ? ;)

[Jotown]

[quote]Originally posted by SteveFortner: [b]A 737? Naahhhh, absolute crap. There's no way you'd want to waste your money on it. By the way, can I have the phone number of the person who's selling it ? ;) [/b][/quote]Sure the number is....Hey.....wait a minute! :o :mad:

[Gtoledo3]

[quote]Originally posted by O' Little Jotown Of Bethlehem: [b]Thanks for your reply. This is a mono unit, and I would never use it on the mix bus. It's sole purpose for me is as a front end into Pro-Tools. Something to put that warm analog gunk onto the signal before it makes it's way into the cold digital world. Anybody else? I have to decide real soon.[/b][/quote]Whoops! I was thinking of the 747!

[Dan South]

[quote]Originally posted by O' Little Jotown Of Bethlehem: [b] I am assuming that the pre-amp is better than the Trak 2, plus it is a tube unit. It has an tube opto compressor and EQ. [/b][/quote]Having used both units, I like the Trak 2's preamp much better. I was underwhelmed by the 737 and sold mine, but then a lot of people like them, so pick what sounds good to YOU. A Trak 2 plus a Distressor or two is a better combination, IMO.

[Jotown]

Thanks for the info. I like the Trak 2 pre. Thats one of the reasons I bought it. I has a sound that is simillar to the Avalon 2022 that I use at work. I just thought having a True tube Pre and opto comp would be another good option. Dan, what didn't you like about the 737?

[Dan South]

[quote]Originally posted by O' Little Jotown Of Bethlehem: [b] Dan, what didn't you like about the 737?[/b][/quote]Only the compressor, the EQ, and the preamp. :D Maybe it was only my unit, but the preamp didn't impress me with either warmth or clarity, the EQ is limited, and the compressor, well, let's just say that I strongly prefer the Distressor.

[henryrobinett]

I've used the 737sp quite a bit. I wouldn't characterize it as a dog; I just wasn't excited about it. Of the two units we had that were all in ones like that I much prefered the Millennia Origin. I'm picking one up just as soon as my ducks are in order. As far as the 737sp the preamp was OK, but I really didn't like the compressor at all. EQ was OK, but nothing to get excited about. I know other people in the studio who felt differently though. For what it's worth. Oh yeah. FWIW.

[Jotown]

Thanks for the input. For what it's worth, I would probably never use the EQ, and I would only use the compressor for some very light (4 to 1) smoothing on the way into PT. Before these post's I had never heard anything bad about he Pre, except that it had a color. What I was really looking for was a Tube Tech C/L 1b. I thought it would work well with the Trak 2, but I haven't been able to find a used one. Oh well. Thanks for confusing me further. :confused: :)

[T. Ehl]

[quote]Originally posted by Dan South: [b]Having used both units, I like the Trak 2's preamp much better. I was underwhelmed by the 737 [/b][/quote]interesting how would you describe the trak 2 relative to the 737 have you heard an m5

[pigknuckles]

Maybe its just me, but I like the 727sp quite a bit. I find the EQ very powerful and flexible. The preamp is not especially tubey sounding but has a nice character. The opto compressor is probably the weakest feature only because it makes a lousy limiter but is a fairly nice compressor when used appropriately. Just my opinion, try one and listen for yourself.

[ernest828]

I own two 737s and love them. I have never regretted my purchase. The 737 is a bread and butter unit for any studio. The pre is probably the most transparent of the tube pres out there and the EQ is great. The Eq is the best feature on the 737. The compressor is also very good as long as you don`t overdue it. I find a 4:1 ratio or lower works best and the compressors sound is very transparent with these settings. Anything above is asking for pumping and the like. Its unfair to compare the 737 compressor to the Distressor. The Distressor does one thing and it does it extremely well but you are also paying for it. The 737 does many things well and its a bargain. The 737 is a great addition to any studio because it is so versatile. I use it to record vocals, bass guitar and as a Direct Box for guitars. If you want a "tubey" sound you should prbably look else where because the 737 is very non tubey for a tube pre. Does that make sense? Anyway, I think that people who steer you away from a 737 are crazy. Ernest

[Jotown]

Thanks for all the feedback. I put the check in the mail today.

[Dan South]

[quote]Originally posted by T. Ehl: [b] [quote]Originally posted by Dan South: [b]Having used both units, I like the Trak 2's preamp much better. I was underwhelmed by the 737 [/b][/quote]interesting how would you describe the trak 2 relative to the 737 have you heard an m5[/b][/quote]I haven't used the M5, but I know a guy who has two M5's. He (a) LOVES them, and (b) feels that the Trak 2 is very comparable to the M5's in sound. The Trak 2 has very high quality analog components, like the AD8000SE. I do use a U5 direct box. I think Avalon's solid state stuff outshines their tube stuff (so far). For tube stuff, I'd probably go with Summit, Manley, or Universal Audio, but this solid state stuff sounds so good (U5, Trak 2, Distressor) that I don't see the need to get a hernia lifting tube gear (or to give my wallet a hernia PAYING for tube gear).

[Jotown]

Well being as I was originally looking for a Tube Tech C/L1b to go with my Trak 2, I am gonna get the 737 and check it out. I have been using an Avalon 2022 for the last year. If it doesnt work out, I will sell it and get the Tube Tech, if I could only find one. Thanks again for all of your input.

[ernest828]

Now we`re talking... M5 Distressor Nice chain. EJB

[Jotown]

Actually, I was thinking Trak 2 and a Trakker. I will have the 737 by the end of next week so I wll let you all know how it goes. Thanks for all of your replies. :)