Originally Posted by themiracle ➡️

I've got a Beamer over here.
Not sure what specifically to say about it, but if you've got any questions I'm more than happy to answer or discuss.

For reference, I've also got grace, ufx+, millennia, BAE, AEA RPQ, Black Lion Auteur, Mercury m72 and api 512.

I like the flexibility of the Beamer. It's got plenty of gain on both sides, and things like the dual line/mic inputs & switchable impedance make it pretty useful in a variety of applications, but, for clarity, I'm not comparing pres sonically speaking all that much these days. I'm more thinking about mic pres as spots to connect microphones with the feature set I need, so unless I run into problems with a given source/mic/signal path, or need a pad or a transformer or something , I keep nearly all of my mic pres parked..with one or two exceptions

The impression I have is that the beamer can be a *bit* brittle on top with the stock tubes, particularly with modern/bright LDCs. I've only recently swapped in some NOS mullards which may smooth things out a little, but haven't taken the time to really listen. Overall, I use it all the time. I've currently got an m88 (kick-in) parked into the Berliner, and a jolly modded oktava mkl-2500 on crotch mic going into the creamer. Neither are what I'd call 'critical' applications (eg: vocals, principal acoustic accompaniment..) but both get used every time I track drums (crotch mic selection/placement still needs some work..) but no matter if/how I end up shuffling mic inputs, which I try to minimize without good reason, they will continue to be used, including for vocal duties as appropriate.

Hope that helps. Reach out if you'd like more info.
very kindly,
Michael