This is pretty funny. A fellow member on the Ampex list serve asked how to convert a 351 to a 3 prong cord. Instantly, some other members voiced their opinion about how awful a pre amp it is and that it was not intended to be one in the first place. Innocently, I mentioned that I like the sound and BAM! under attack for using it as a "phat toob mic" I am not shitting you some of the members actually call it that as though it would make you feel dumb for using it. Anyway, as I tried to explain it was just an opinion, on comes the emails about how no good recordings were ever done with a 351 as a pre and how dare I butcher such a holy thing. I'm sure that I am not the only one using it that way but is there a better pre for under $300 (I know they go for more now but when I got mine it was $250) ?

-Jarrod

I've been following and laughing at this as well. How long has the Ampex list been active (20 years?) and these guys are still getting their pants in a twist about this. Holy hell.

"Jarrod, Jarrod, Jarrod..."

I don't know anything about preamps.

I don't understand what they get so pissed about? What's it supposed to be used for (to them)?

I posted on the list about it. I get the impression that the nay sayers don't record music regularly. Whatever, I can get the same way when people use tape machines as an effect for their DAW.

edpriesner wrote:I don't know anything about preamps.

I don't understand what they get so pissed about? What's it supposed to be used for (to them)?

It is part of an old tape machine that people are fond of. They don't like people changing it around for other uses. Similar to using converting an old Corvette into a fountain for your garden.

Any link folks can provide for this discussion?

you have to be on the list to have viewed it (http://recordist.com/). It is an excellent source for anything Ampex and 99.9% of the time there is good discussions and some of the guys can answer all questions Ampex. It was just surprising on this issue because I was the brunt on most of the guys attacks for just saying I liked the sound of the 351 as a pre. I got the feeling it was more "good old boys" attitude as after I posted there was several regulars who posted about how they hacked 440's and no one seemed to give a shit. I guess the 351 is the jesus of the Ampex family according to them. Still an excellent source of info if you can get over the elitist nonsense.

I quite enjoyed you being attacked, it was quite amusing to read.
Mr. Steve copped some shit back in the day as well from this list as well.
i think you can read it in the old pages on the list, do a search.

good stuff.

I've always been tempted to go on there let them know i have 10 units that I'm pulling apart to use as mic pres, just to see what happens...

thanks.

punk wrote:
I've always been tempted to go on there let them know i have 10 units that I'm pulling apart to use as mic pres, just to see what happens...

thanks.

I'll buy each for 50$.

Ahh, okay. I've been looking at them on ebay. I've seen the preamp units and the full machines. I didn't realize you have to gut the machine to get the preamp. Funny about those guys getting their panties in a wad about it..

What should I expect to pay for a 351? What are they primarily used for (as far as mics and instruments go). I'm in the process of slowly but surely collecting parts for a good tape setup. We've got a Tascam 38, a Tascam M-30 for mixing, an old 8-channel Sunn mixing board, some crappy Beringer preamp that I don't know much about, and a handful of 'shitty to decent' grade mics. Would a 351 work well for the set up that we're going for? Is it ideal to have more than one? Any suggestions for other preamps that are good for specific instruments? Any particular mics that work best with a 351?

Anyways.. yeah! Lots of questions! Sorry if that's obnoxious.. I'd appreciate any advice or knowledge that any of you would be willing to
share.