DESCRIPTION:
The following is a blind shootout between these ten preamps:

CAPI VP26
API 512c
CAPI VP28
AEA RPQ500
Antelope MP32
Phoenix DRS-1R
Vintech 573
Neve 1073
Purple Biz
Avedis MA5

A C414 XLS was used to track acoustic guitar, an SM57 was used to track electric guitar, and an Avenson IsoDI was used to track bass.

Each mic level signal was split into ten mic level signals using two RapcoHorizon PB-8 Isolated Press Boxes. These split mic signals were routed in parallel to each of the ten preamps and level-matched using phase cancellation in the analog domain.

The ten preamps were recorded using a MOTU 16A converter/interface.

To ensure that levels were matched as precisely as possible, each recorded track was then loudness normalized to -23 S Max LUFS, using Nugen Audio's LM-Correct 2 audiosuite plugin.

Each of the seven performances is played ten times, once for each preamp.

Which preamp sounds the best? Any idea which is which?

Download the 96k 24bit audio files here: http://dbayl.es/1IioKf1.

Would love to hear what you think. Comment here or on Gearslutz: http://dbayl.es/1P2gvHR.

To find out which is which:
https://goo.gl/forms/57DmrH7jICFt9Dn32

Written and Performed by Bahnz Selby
http://behemothon.com

Engineered and Produced by David Bayles
http://davidbayles.net