Altec 1612A vs 1176 Lundahl Build drum comparison

[fallenidols]

Hello! I recently got an Altec 1612A and wanted to compare it to my 1176 custom build with Lundahl transformers. I used a room mic for a drum session that already has compression, so we're talking an over-effected and crushed sound, figured i'd share it with you. Tried to match volumes as best I could, but if nothing else it shows character differences between these FET compressors. Enjoy!

Tracked room mic:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-fWm ... E5Valg1bzQ

1176 w/Lundahl:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-fWm ... m1jMDZralU

Altec 1612A:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-fWm ... zFuYkdxYWM

Ended up liking the 1612A a lot more than I thought I would. Self-noise is higher like an actual 1176, the Lundahl Transformers make the other completely noiseless, but the character changes drastically.

Photo:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-fWm ... 1l0dk9IMTA

[A.David.MacKinnon]

I'm a big fan of the 1612. It's dual input, single output so if you can find the right transformer and pre-amp plug-ins you can run it as a mic or line in. I use it as a drum room mic pre/comp all the time. I've also used it for vocals quite a bit on rock sessions. It can sound great on vocals with a 421 or RE20.

[floid]

Love for the 1612a here as well. 1588c pre plus the 600:600 line in. Lately I've been liking bass>dbx 163>1612a for kind of a smooth buttery type sound.