Sound on Sound magazine review of the Buzz Audio SSA Mic Pre

Clic Here

Tim.

www.buzzaudio.com

Tim,

I have been very interested in the SSA1.1 since I heard about it. I have heard a little of the MA2.2 and absolutely love it but I can not justify the expense here in the US after the price increase of a while back.

I noticed that the slew rate is substantially slower than the 2.2. How much of an audible difference does that make? One thing that impressed me about the 2.2 is it's speed.

Also, is there a dealer or some other way that I might be able to try one out? Let me know either here or at jasonandamya@yahoo.com

Thanks

Jason A.

Hi Jason,

On many sources the difference between the MA and SSA is hard to pick, but comaprisons we have done with acoustic guitar reveal the benefits of the higher slewrate. The MA just sounds more accurate than the SSA in these situations. The SSA however sounds excellent on drums, kick, snare etc.. and we have a user in town here who is achieving great drum sounds compared to the sound he was getting via his Soundcraft console.

I suggest you contact Lee Love to see about a demo...

lee@20db.com

What would be your main application for the SSA ?

Cheers
Tim

www.buzzaudio.com

I am looking for a quiet pre that still has a certain vibe or attitude to it. I have yet to hear the 2.2 in person but have heard it on clips and first thing I thought was "that's exactly what I want." However, price plays a big role in my studio. I try to stay in the mid to upper mid range in price/performance.

My two main mics are a Soundelux U195 condensor and an AEA R84 ribbon. Both of those mics take a bit more gain than the average modern mic and I need pre's that can stay quiet at fairly high gain levels.

My main applications are spoken word, jazz to light rock vocals, and acoustic instruments. Again, I want clean but with that extra something I heard from the 2.2. It is warm like a sunny day not warm like a blanket. I just wondered if that perception came from the speed.

Anyway, I would love to hear one but let me know what you think.

Thanks

Jason A.

Jason,

There are few SSA users hangin around on the 3DB Audio forum, I suggest you ask for some feedback there. I'm probably the wrong preson to ask as I make the things !!

3DB Forum

Cheers
Tim

www.buzzaudio.com