This is the second Sound Skulptor kit I built as I was really impressed and happy with first. I already have an 1176 compressor clone, a Lindell Lin76, but the idea of having one in 500 format was really attractive and I knew the quality would be top notch.
Obviously, due to size, this isn't a one-to-one copy of the 1176 but it does everything my Lin76 does and has "that sound". A test with a drum loop I found online sounded huge. The gain reduction meter works really well too. Once again, I didn't get my moneys worth but I got a whole lot more.
Documentation was thorough and detailed. The setup guide was easy to follow and, although I have proper test equipment like a function generator and oscilloscope, I just adhered to the guide using basic equipment and I got a perfect result. I highly recommend this kit without hesitation.
Emil Sarlija 24/04/2023
Awesome preamp
I've built tube amps, transceivers, radios, fuzz boxes, but this is my first pro audio kit and my first 500 series module. The documentation is detailed and excellent, the quality of parts is high, and the panel looks professional. There is no need to trawl through forums for information, all the information needed to build it is an a few PDF files. It worked the first time and the finished module looks as good as a commercial product. Yes, it also sounds beautiful and crisp. I got way more than my moneys worth and plan on building more Sound Skulptor modules. These are kits done properly.
Marcus Amann 16/04/2023
D.I.
Outstanding good sounding D.I. box for a real attractive price in this segment. Compared to a Reddi Box to me there is no loss in sound quality and this one is so much more versatile ! I use it in tube mode at the moment and most likely the distortion button on for a vintage P-Style Bassound recorded directly just like a dream. Planning a A/B with a REDDI box coming soon !
LKL 11/04/2023
The Better Maker
First, while I have assembled other DIY kits, there were certain aspects with this kit that were challenging. Soldering the pin connectors was not exactly easy. I made sure to go over the instructions many times before each step and I took my time. The pay off was that the preamp worked after the final step and has worked solidly since. (I did have one issue in the middle of the build, but JPK quickly rectified it. Wonderful customer service.)
I have never recorded through an EMI preamp or the TG, but what I can tell you is that everything is thicker recorded through the AB528. For example, my snare through an SM57 has more detail and just needs less eq and/or compression.
Using some other old dynamics on guitar with the gain cranked up and the output trim low, really gave some pleasing sounds.
Even the cheap 20 dollar monoprice ribbon mic had depth yet a richness on guitar room.
Keep in mind this is a home studio that is not fully treated. I feel like this mic pre is a better maker, and the kind of tool I want more of in my studio. I definitely see more Sound Skulptor products in my future.
Markus.appel@web.de 04/03/2023
Excellent Product, super parts, great price
I haven't tested the MP573 extensively, so I'm mainly focusing on the build process and the parts. Although there is a high parts density, it's great fun to solder and build this preamp. The selected parts including the Carnhill transformers as well as the Grayhill rotary switch are state of the art. Fully assembled this thing weighs a ton. Setup process is easy. Luckily I did not f* up and got no mistakes so I could enjoy the MP573 right away. My first listening tests indicated a low-noise preamp with lots of gain and great functionality. Now I have to do extensive tests with different material and A/B testing with my other preamps. I'll keep you updated.
Matt Stephanson 28/02/2023
One's not enough!
This is an amazingly well put-together kit and was done in a slow afternoon. The sound is solid, even pushing on thick or massive (ya words), without being wooly. This pre renders a room with a very accurate sense of space - I would want to put up a pair for OH duties.
So far, just used it on vocal tracking where it's been a treat. Dialing up the gain while reducing the output is so functional in this pre - it's all smiles. Plus - there's the very cool faceplate and knobs.
PCB layout and quality is great, no issues whatsoever installing everything.
Next on the list is a second of these before trying out that Vari-mu comp! Thanks, JP!
Mike 16/02/2023
Great kit
Very well packed with comprehensive instructions. Just unbelievably fast delivery inside EU.
Chuck V 04/02/2023
Great sound, great kit
I've had it for about 5 years now and it sounds great on everything. Great clarity and tone. I particularly love the DI bass sound. Granted, I don't have day to day access to an original Neve to compare the sound, but it sounds great. The build was pretty easy, with good documentation.
Philippe Kuhn 17/01/2023
Excellent
A fantastic device. Well thought out design and excellent sound quality. The stereo image is not affected and the integration of the remote control is very easy. Comparable devices cost at least 5 times more.
Paul Tietze 13/01/2023
Excellent Compressor!
I bought this unit already assembled on Reverb. This a very musical sounding comp. I use it mainly on Bass but it works great on all kind of sources. You can dial in a quite heavy compression without it being too obvious. It does not color too much. This is a professional Hi End compressor. I like it a lot!
06/05/2023
A great compressor
This is the second Sound Skulptor kit I built as I was really impressed and happy with first. I already have an 1176 compressor clone, a Lindell Lin76, but the idea of having one in 500 format was really attractive and I knew the quality would be top notch.
Obviously, due to size, this isn't a one-to-one copy of the 1176 but it does everything my Lin76 does and has "that sound". A test with a drum loop I found online sounded huge. The gain reduction meter works really well too. Once again, I didn't get my moneys worth but I got a whole lot more.
Documentation was thorough and detailed. The setup guide was easy to follow and, although I have proper test equipment like a function generator and oscilloscope, I just adhered to the guide using basic equipment and I got a perfect result. I highly recommend this kit without hesitation.
24/04/2023
Awesome preamp
I've built tube amps, transceivers, radios, fuzz boxes, but this is my first pro audio kit and my first 500 series module. The documentation is detailed and excellent, the quality of parts is high, and the panel looks professional. There is no need to trawl through forums for information, all the information needed to build it is an a few PDF files. It worked the first time and the finished module looks as good as a commercial product. Yes, it also sounds beautiful and crisp. I got way more than my moneys worth and plan on building more Sound Skulptor modules. These are kits done properly.
16/04/2023
D.I.
Outstanding good sounding D.I. box for a real attractive price in this segment. Compared to a Reddi Box to me there is no loss in sound quality and this one is so much more versatile ! I use it in tube mode at the moment and most likely the distortion button on for a vintage P-Style Bassound recorded directly just like a dream. Planning a A/B with a REDDI box coming soon !
11/04/2023
The Better Maker
First, while I have assembled other DIY kits, there were certain aspects with this kit that were challenging. Soldering the pin connectors was not exactly easy. I made sure to go over the instructions many times before each step and I took my time. The pay off was that the preamp worked after the final step and has worked solidly since. (I did have one issue in the middle of the build, but JPK quickly rectified it. Wonderful customer service.)
I have never recorded through an EMI preamp or the TG, but what I can tell you is that everything is thicker recorded through the AB528. For example, my snare through an SM57 has more detail and just needs less eq and/or compression.
Using some other old dynamics on guitar with the gain cranked up and the output trim low, really gave some pleasing sounds.
Even the cheap 20 dollar monoprice ribbon mic had depth yet a richness on guitar room.
Keep in mind this is a home studio that is not fully treated. I feel like this mic pre is a better maker, and the kind of tool I want more of in my studio. I definitely see more Sound Skulptor products in my future.
04/03/2023
Excellent Product, super parts, great price
I haven't tested the MP573 extensively, so I'm mainly focusing on the build process and the parts. Although there is a high parts density, it's great fun to solder and build this preamp. The selected parts including the Carnhill transformers as well as the Grayhill rotary switch are state of the art. Fully assembled this thing weighs a ton. Setup process is easy. Luckily I did not f* up and got no mistakes so I could enjoy the MP573 right away. My first listening tests indicated a low-noise preamp with lots of gain and great functionality. Now I have to do extensive tests with different material and A/B testing with my other preamps. I'll keep you updated.
28/02/2023
One's not enough!
This is an amazingly well put-together kit and was done in a slow afternoon. The sound is solid, even pushing on thick or massive (ya words), without being wooly. This pre renders a room with a very accurate sense of space - I would want to put up a pair for OH duties.
So far, just used it on vocal tracking where it's been a treat. Dialing up the gain while reducing the output is so functional in this pre - it's all smiles. Plus - there's the very cool faceplate and knobs.
PCB layout and quality is great, no issues whatsoever installing everything.
Next on the list is a second of these before trying out that Vari-mu comp! Thanks, JP!
16/02/2023
Great kit
Very well packed with comprehensive instructions. Just unbelievably fast delivery inside EU.
04/02/2023
Great sound, great kit
I've had it for about 5 years now and it sounds great on everything. Great clarity and tone. I particularly love the DI bass sound. Granted, I don't have day to day access to an original Neve to compare the sound, but it sounds great. The build was pretty easy, with good documentation.
17/01/2023
Excellent
A fantastic device. Well thought out design and excellent sound quality. The stereo image is not affected and the integration of the remote control is very easy. Comparable devices cost at least 5 times more.
13/01/2023
Excellent Compressor!
I bought this unit already assembled on Reverb. This a very musical sounding comp. I use it mainly on Bass but it works great on all kind of sources. You can dial in a quite heavy compression without it being too obvious. It does not color too much. This is a professional Hi End compressor. I like it a lot!