Re: Alembics; Was Re: rackmount overdrive/distortion

["Jimmy Fowler" <jimfowler@prodigy.net>]

i have the F2-B preamp, probably built around the late 70's or early 80's
though i haven't checked the serial number to confirm this.  i know it's
older because alembic has since altered the cosmetics.

never tried direct recording with it.

no speaker simulation.  it's a pretty basic preamp.  two sides...basically,
it's the preamp section from the fender showman (thus the name F = fender 2
= stereo B = either bass or blackface).  two inputs per side (one padded)
three outs (mono, left and right).  4 knobs and a switch per side (volume,
bass, mid, treble, bright switch).

it's exactly what i was looking for in the way of preamps.  no frills, just
good solid tube sound.  one note: the signal out of the unit is VERY hot.
this is no problem going right into a poweramp but if you're going into
digital gear, you might have issues.  i had to build a resistor/divider in
order to tame the signal as it was peaking out in my switchblade.

-jim

> Hey, Luca/Jim...let's hear more about this Alembic preamp. Which one do
you have and is it useful as a direct recording tool? Compensated outs for
speaker simulation?