Avalon U5 vs. 'The Brick' ?
- centurymantra
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Avalon U5 vs. 'The Brick' ?
Haven't run across a thread with this specific focus, so I figured I'd start one... After taking a look at the Avalon U5 and encountering virtually unheralded praise for it's sound, I've been considering swapping the Groove Tubes Brick that i currently own for the U5. Suppose I just need to try it for myself, but was wondering if there are any folks out there who have used both enough to share some personal observations, comparisons, etc. between the two. The Brick is a great little piece, but the U5 looks like it may be a more versatile and solid DI.
- cwileyriser
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Actually, I think if you do a search for "U5 and Brick", you'll find a comparison thread from the old TOMB from not too long ago, though there may not be as much "comparison" as people who have one or the other saying that they like them (or, rarely, don't like them).
For what it's worth, I checked into both, and got the U5 because (1) everyone who has one seems to think it's the greatest thing it the world (including me now), and (2) I already had a Drawmer tube pre/DI and a TL Audio tube para EQ, so I didn't feel like I "needed" another tube thing more than I wanted to try the U5.
If you can swing both, instead of having to sell the Brick to buy the U5, that'd be awesome I'm sure. You should be able to get a U5 from a megamusic store or online for $479. Both Musicians Friend and Sweetwater are running deals for free shipping and 12 months no interest if you put it on their credit card (yes, credit cards = - but when you gotta have it...)
For what it's worth, I checked into both, and got the U5 because (1) everyone who has one seems to think it's the greatest thing it the world (including me now), and (2) I already had a Drawmer tube pre/DI and a TL Audio tube para EQ, so I didn't feel like I "needed" another tube thing more than I wanted to try the U5.
If you can swing both, instead of having to sell the Brick to buy the U5, that'd be awesome I'm sure. You should be able to get a U5 from a megamusic store or online for $479. Both Musicians Friend and Sweetwater are running deals for free shipping and 12 months no interest if you put it on their credit card (yes, credit cards = - but when you gotta have it...)
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- ghost haunting audio students
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If you're doing straight instrument DI, the U5 is probably the way to go. If you're doing DI after a whole signal chain (e.g. effects, amp sim, etc.), I think the Brick/Ditto works great. It has done wonders for my theater live sound and direct recording.
It probably boils down to application. Can't go wrong with either, but you may get more flexibility for a small bump in price.
It probably boils down to application. Can't go wrong with either, but you may get more flexibility for a small bump in price.
- dokushoka
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I dunno. I think a LOT of people buy avalon gear based on its appearance. We're unloading a bunch of it just because we don't like how it looks.dwelle wrote:how something looks has zero bearing on the discussion...
http://sfrecording.com/journalpics/day1/avalon.jpg
- centurymantra
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Ya' know...I kind of like the design of Avalon gear. Not my favorite, but it seems rather classy with a bit of a retro/modern hybrid aesthetic. I've never scrutinized a piece of Avalon gear in person, so my opinion could change...
I'm getting the impression that the two pieces aren't TOO far apart from each other, though I'm still quite enticed by the U5 and the DI options it provides. Maybe I should get both...
I'm getting the impression that the two pieces aren't TOO far apart from each other, though I'm still quite enticed by the U5 and the DI options it provides. Maybe I should get both...
- dokushoka
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I love the Brick for big, tubby kind of bass tones. Very cool box.centurymantra wrote:Ya' know...I kind of like the design of Avalon gear. Not my favorite, but it seems rather classy with a bit of a retro/modern hybrid aesthetic. I've never scrutinized a piece of Avalon gear in person, so my opinion could change...
I'm getting the impression that the two pieces aren't TOO far apart from each other, though I'm still quite enticed by the U5 and the DI options it provides. Maybe I should get both...
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- pushin' record
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Does the brick have an XLR input? Would it be a good portable mic pre?
check out what I did on my Otrari 8 track at
http://www.myspace.com/3903599
http://www.myspace.com/3903599
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