Preamp Plugin Tests

Here are the results of some listening tests that I did on some popular UAD tube preamp emulation plugins. I was curious which preamps would sound better on each source, so I did some science and the result wasn’t quite what I expected.

Preamps on acoustic Guitar

In order of preference

  • Avalon (Magic)
  • V76 (Instant Neil Young vibe)
  • Helios (Classic)
  • Century
  • 610-B
  • Manley
  • 610-A

Preamps for Vocals

  • Manley (Polished)
  • Avalon (Vibey)
  • Helios
  • Century
  • 610-B
  • V76
  • 610-A