We love getting feedback from our customers! If you have nice (or not nice) things to say about FiveFish Audio, please contact us. Your feedback helps us improve our products and services.
Note: The SC-1, SC-1mk2, SC-1mk3, SC-1mk500 (now renamed SC-501) all have the same audio DNA, and share the same audio path circuitry. This is just a small sampling of customer testimonials.
If you want a good sounding preamp with little risk or ambiguity, the Five Fish SC-1 are wonderful meaty units for little money. - Garrett Haines, Recording Tips Editor, Tape Op, Chief Mastering Engineer, Treelady Studios
I'm using my Five Fish pre amps exclusively for all tracks done from my studio. Thanks again. - Dave Cleveland
Love the SC-1 (with output transformer)! I know you were doing a clearance on these, I'm kicking myself for not buying a pair of these now! - Miles G, United Kingdom (The SC-1 will be re-issued. Coming Soon! - FFS)
I own a couple of your SC1 Mk2 preamps which I put in a custom made case. I am thinking of buying a few of the MK3 version. Thank you for creating and offering these preamps. They are just ideal for classical recording, every bit as good as my [high end preamps]. - D.Rumley, USA
The fivefish kits are very high-end, the PCBs are very thick and sturdy, the coating is excellent and very resistant, they look very well done, unlike anything i have ever seen before. - J.Gomez, Analog Recording Forum
I just finished auditioning the SC-1mk500 with output transformer. I recorded a Taylor acoustic with a Neumann TLM-193 into your preamp and then into a Tube -Tech CL-1B compressor. The results were fantastic. I couldn't believe how much clean gain was available. Not sterile clean, it does have "character", but clean! Solid lows and a sweet sparkly top end, it captured the Taylor perfectly. If I really hit the strings hard, the preamp could handle it easily.---My wife came in and she agreed, which is always nice, that the SC-1 sounded wonderful and was worth the expense. I won't hesitate to buy more modules and I'm already gearing up to purchase the package of three. You make a really great-sounding pre.
I'm up to (2) SC-1's, (2) X-12's, and a deal pending on (2) x-72's! i'll be sure to take a photo of my full lunchbox and send it to you or your site. i am really enjoying your pres, and i'd like to thank you for making a great sounding, quality product. consider me a fan, and a member of the street team! - Roger L, USA
I bought your sc1 mk2 preamps months ago. Have only opened this to set up and assemble it......amazing wont describe the sound quality, my friend...its actually awesome sounding preamp...I am more than impressed ..I have a range of new and old preamps also have many emulation preamps...but none was sweet as this pre. Best money invested. - M.Nambi, Ireland
The SC-1 pre is awesome. It is so good, no noise, very clear, nice dynamics and all that without a traffo. I'm very happy and i will recommend that unit to anyone who is serious. You have sonic perfect mic pre amps, it knocks the others off the shelf, and leaves them running a close second, but in very many cases they're two laps behind you. This is the best money I've spent this year. Thank you. Great product. - Warren, Spain
I use the SC1-mk2 and it is absolutely fantastic sounding. Clean, transparent, and exceptionally musical. - Daniel R, post on Gearslutz.com
I have a Shadow Hills Mono Gama, Avedis MA5, Five Fish SC-1mk500, and Chandler Germanium. While I love the other pres for other things, the Five Fish is my favorite on my voice with the SM7b. It seems a tad more open and it sits in the mix better for some reason. - post by PlayRadioPlay! on Gearslutz.com
I've recently bought a FiveFish SC-1 preamp. If you are handy with a soldering iron they are a cost-effective alternative to commercially produced mic amps. The development blog is a real testament to the work which went into designing this preamp. - post on RME Audio forum
Let me compliment you and say that the pre (SC-1mk2) is silent. No noise what so ever. - Rich S., USA
So lately it's become my go-to snare pre (SC-1mk500). They would probably also make a pretty good drum overhead preamp as they seem to be fast and clean (less colored - but still big sounding). - posted on Gearslutz.com
After weeks of shopping around for the best preamp kits for the money, I finally settled on buying your preamps. Your lunch box pres look awesome and I like how the pres look when sitting together side-by-side. You also delivered on sound quality. Your X-12 pre sounds fantastic on all sources I've tried it. The SC-1 is also a cool workhorse preamp. I can always use it with anything, vocals, guitars, drums, perc. One of these days, I'll try your X-72mk500 preamp. :) Anyway, I just want to say thank you for providing these affordable but high quality kits to us. I look forward to future kits from Fivefish studios. Maybe a compressor next? :) - Daniel R., Canada
I bought 2 channels of the fivefish pre's, and they were the simplest build ever... The circuit boards are TOP-NOTCH.. fully through-plated vias, incredible component layer silkscreen.... I barely even needed to look at the directions... all parts were individually packed and labeled... put together the power supply board in about 1 hour... the preamp boards took about 1.5hours for the first one, and about 1 hour for the second... - forum post on Gearslutz.com
Since I built it (SC-1mk500), I put it on my snare and it literally has not left that slot. The Cinemag imparts a bit of compression that I feel really works on the snare. It also just has a way of making the snare pop through the mix if you need it to. I have tried it on lots of different snares and gotten great results on all. I've compared it to my other preamps - literally everything I have - yet I keep going back to this one for most everything but special cases. I have several pres with discrete opamps and was a little skeptical about the THAT and BB ICs in this, but I must say I'm impressed with the sound. - digitaldrummer, posted on gearslutz.com
I don't have any experience building gear, just soldering cables. So when I ordered your SC-1 kit, I didn't know if I could do it or not. But your PDF guide (great read BTW) made the process easy to understand and has been a great help for a newb like me. And the best thing is I couldn't believe it worked! I'm impressed (not only because it sounded very good) but the fact that I built it myself. ME! I built this thing! And it was not as hard as I thought it will be. This project has opened up a new world for me. Now, I want to build your other kits. Thanks again.
I bought this kit (SC-1mk500) because I read about it in Tape Op. I'd never heard of your company or its products before. Tape Op is great! Other than that I found a couple of threads on Gearslutz.com, and that's it. Seems like you need to get the word out. Second: The build went flawlessly. everything went perfectly. The kit really does build itself. The kit was 100% complete - with an extra 10uf yellow cap. Also, the build quality on the faceplate was awesome! It looks great in my lunchbox next to the A-Designs Red and Blue. It worked perfectly the first time I fired it up (I got it with the additional trafo). I am extremely impressed with your preamp designs. Kudos! Thanks for a great, money saving design. I am looking forward to building your X72 when funds permit!
I wanted to say that I'm cutting bass gtr with the one you sent back, and I love this preamp. You did a great job with the design and sound of this pre. I had tried it on other stuff, but this sounds amazing, whether DI in or DI-box in. Thanks for a great product.
Received the rack case and second SC-1mk2 Saturday. Your case made the job very neat and easy, very well made and the front panel is beautiful! Both preamps working very well and sound great. Decided to add the other two SC-1mk2 preamps but these will not have the transformers. Will buy the next two SC-1mk2 middle of July. Again, I am very happy with your product, outstanding!
I opted for a second SC-1mk500 hand-built by FiveFish Studios and had a first chance to test it today. I tested the SC-1mk500 on my voice with my Pearlman and my SM7 and I have to say I'm very impressed. Your pre sounds fantastic especially the SM7 really sounds like a condenser with it. You can hear the transformer (at least this is what I believe, I don't have the transformerless version to compare) but it's color is really great and makes the SC-1mk500 more exciting on my voice. I think it's sound is (close to) perfect. I also think i like it better than my other pres... Just wanted to say thanks for that! - Istvan, Germany
The Five Fish Sc-1mk2 with the trafo option is a definite sleeper. Price wise, it's a no-brainer. What I found most shocking was the SC-1 (even without the transformer) was more pleasant to my ears than the other preamp. Public Post on Prodigy-Pro Forum: The Five Fish Sc-1mk2 with the trafo option is a definite sleeper and is the reason I decided to return the [Dxxxxxxx] Mic Pre One I had special ordered. BOTH incorporate mic input trafos, and 1646's. I dunno, the SC-1 was just less harsh (even after I took out the trafo) than the Dxxxxxx (which I can best describe as sounding annoying to my ears). I was testing with a guitar through a wah pedal, still; I wasn't as impressed with the Dxxxxxx as I was with the Five Fish kit. Price wise, it's a no-brainer. What I found most shocking was the SC-1 (even without the transformer) was more pleasant to my ears than the Dxxxxxx. I've heard that Dxxxxxxx is one of those pieces that you either like or hate..I think it's obvious what I think of the Dxxxxxxx..
Those FiveFish units (SC-1) rock... An engineer I deal with a lot has a "preamp on a stick" (4 of those preamps on a small piece of plywood) that he's been using as "go to" units for months. I went there for a "shootout" last fall - They sound great on everything. Public Post on TapeOp Forum: Those FiveFish units (SC-1) rock... An engineer I deal with a lot has a "preamp on a stick" (4 of those preamps on a small piece of plywood) that he's been using as "go to" units for months. I went there for a "shootout" last fall - They sound great on everything. And they seem so simple... Although I'm not exactly an electrical engineer... Keeping in mind that he has Amek, Langevin, Neve, hot-rodded this & thats lying around also. And he's using these kits more than any of them now. -John S, Massive Mastering, USA
And after another round of trials, my SC-1's were used by the touring engineer for John Doe (from the seminal LA punk band "X")...this was an acoustic show at the Great American Music Hall, and the pres were used on the vocals. Big, warm and detailed - that's how i would describe the sound and feel. No noise issues whatsoever - very, very nice. And after another round of trials, my SC-1's were used by the touring engineer for John Doe (from the seminal LA punk band "X")...this was an acoustic show at the Great American Music Hall, and the pres were used on the vocals. Big, warm and detailed - that's how i would describe the sound and feel. No noise issues whatsoever - very, very nice. - Tyler S., Audio Engineer, USA
I've just finished the first sc-1. What can I say: WOW! The amount of CLEAN gain is unbelieveable and that's with everything in the open on my makeshift worksurface! No hum, buzz, or whatever, just clean! Now it's time to build the other one. Can't stop smiling! I've just finished the first sc-1. What can I say: WOW Very Happy The amount of CLEAN gain is unbelieveable and that's with everything in the open on my makeshift worksurface! No hum, buzz, or whatever, just clean! Now it's time to build the other one. Can't stop smiling Very Happy - Geert G., Netherlands
Awww yeah, this has been a super cool experience, building and learning, and then listening. I gotta give it to FiveFish Studios - the kit is ridiculously well packaged, and the support is spot-on. Mine worked beautifully from the moment I powered it up, too. Success! Awww yeah, this has been a super cool experience, building and learning, and then listening. I gotta give it to FiveFish Studios - the kit is ridiculously well packaged, and the support is spot-on. Mine worked beautifully from the moment I powered it up, too. Success! So I put it in a radio shack project box mainly to see how close I can have the preamp card to the transformer and PS card - the project box is 8" deep, the same depth as the metal rack case that will ultimately be home to four SC-1 pres. This is obviously enough space, as I can't seem to make the thing hum, buzz or otherwise reveal AC/RFI noise. - Trock, USA
Marvellous Service And Packing... WOW! Everything was so properly packed and labeled. This has exceeded what I expected. Not even put it together yet and I'm impressed. Marvellous Service And Packing... I ordered my SC-1 preamp and other bits a little while ago. Tonight I had a chance to open the box and look at what I'd been sent. AND WOW! Everything was so properly packed and labeled. I've bought other kits and things from other people and yes, I'd get the parts, and things have usually worked and not been broken, but this has exceeded what I expected. - All the bags are labeled (and those that aren't have the manufacturers label on them which is just as good) - The boxes were sealed - The boxes were intact and not in anyway damaged - The boxes are labeled! (and there are even nice labels inside the lid thanking you for your purchase) - Shipping was *FAST* and I'm not even in the USA! - Spare space in the box was filled with *clean* air filled packing (and not shredded paper and other junk and sticky stuff that causes mess like I've had from other kits and component sellers) Not even put it together yet and I'm impressed. - Stratman, USA
I've been meaning to let you know how much I appreciate your whole DIY thing. It's a great service to all the DIY audio freaks out there and the PSU's rock. Very nice attention to detail also, which means a lot to me. I'm a furniture maker by trade, so elegance in design is something I notice. I've been meaning to let you know how much I appreciate your whole DIY thing. It's a great service to all the DIY audio freaks out there and the PSU's rock. Very nice attention to detail also, which means a lot to me. I'm a furniture maker by trade, so elegance in design is something I notice. - T.Philp
I just wanted to rave a little. The nutshell is that this is an incredibly clean and quiet pre-amp, even at massive gain levels. The signal you put in is the signal you get out without coloration -- which is what the doctor ordered for me! I highly recommend an SC-1 or two or eight. Well my SC-1 project is done and in use. I will record some simple stuff with it and put up a review soon, I just wanted to rave a little. The nutshell is that this is an incredibly clean and quiet pre-amp, even at massive gain levels. The signal you put in is the signal you get out without coloration -- which is what the doctor ordered for me! And it was a ton of fun to build too. If you are not afraid of a little soldering (its not a difficult thing to learn -- if you can glue a model airplane together you can learn to solder) I highly recommend an SC-1 or two or eight. - scottso
I just finished the first of the preamps (and the power supply) and it works on the first try. This is the easiest and most organized kit I have ever built, the instructions are clear and easy to follow and all the time it must take to put all the parts in the labeled bags is well worth it. I just finished the first of the preamps (and the power supply) and it works on the first try. This is the easiest and most organized kit I have ever built, the instructions are clear and easy to follow and all the time it must take to put all the parts in the labeled bags is well worth it. A project like this should require a lot of skills that I am not very good at, but you have organized the kit so well that I had no trouble and everything worked the first time. - J.Walsh - Farview Recording Studios
I hooked up the pre's and both worked faultlessly. I plugged them straight into one of my Tannoy's and for anyone undecided on getting this kit, it is seriously good. there's no colour to this preamp, its just a perfect representation of the sound, and it is QUIET! I hooked up the pre's and both worked faultlessly. I plugged them straight into one of my Tannoy's and for anyone undecided on getting this kit, it is seriously good. there's no colour to this preamp, its just a perfect representation of the sound, and it is QUIET! - Tom, USA
Once I'd got over my amazement that I was actually capable of building a preamp, I was very impressed by the sound quality. Once I'd got over my amazement that I was actually capable of building a preamp, I was very impressed by the sound quality. - BeadGC
All I can say is WOW this thing is awesome! ...all is working perfectly! I'm never going to get to building the second one at this rate because I can't stop playing with this first one! All I can say is WOW this thing is awesome! ...all is working perfectly! I'm never going to get to building the second one at this rate because I can't stop playing with this first one! - Scott, USA
I just wanted to let you know how impressed I am with your kit, packaging, instructions, and the whole experience. You can't be making much money from the effort and still you managed my transaction as if I were spending $2,000. Congratulations on a great service and on your future efforts. I just wanted to let you know how impressed I am with your kit, packaging, instructions, and the whole experience. You can't be making much money from the effort and still you managed my transaction as if I were spending $2,000. Congratulations on a great service and on your future efforts. - Lew K., USA
Thank you for the wonderful kit. I have just finished building 1 preamp board and 1 PSU board. Your directions and organization of parts was fantastic. Thanks again for putting together such an easy and fun to build kit. - John S., USA
I'm very impressed by your attention to detail. I really do wish you the very best of luck in this venture. Every aspect of the project clearly demonstrates your clarity of vision, attention to detail and desire to produce nothing but a grade-A preamp. I'm very impressed by your attention to detail. I really do wish you the very best of luck in this venture. Every aspect of the project clearly demonstrates your clarity of vision, attention to detail and desire to produce nothing but a grade-A preamp. - G.White
I am absolutely boggled...everything worked the FIRST TIME! ... there's no extraneous hum or buzz, so I'm calling it a success. One heck of a job on the design, man, I'm digging it! Thanks so much for making these available to us! Finally got around to doing all the transformer and PSU wiring, and doing the smoke test on the preamp. I am absolutely boggled...everything worked the FIRST TIME! ... there's no extraneous hum or buzz, so I'm calling it a success. One heck of a job on the design, man, I'm digging it! Thanks so much for making these available to us! - Scott @ http://www.stillwellaudio.com/
I cranked it up, sounds perfect, quiet as well. It also sounds much better than the Fxxxxxxx that I have! I cant wait to start recording now. It is quiet, you know. I cranked it up, sounds perfect, quiet as well, much quieter than my mixer of course. My microphones showed some different characteristics (much better than on any other preamp I've tried). It also sounds much better than the Focusrite Saffire that I have! I cant wait to start recording now. I'm going to try and get other people to invest into your preamps also. I think they should because they're missing out! - H.Islami, UK
I have to say that these are by far the best pre-amps I've used. Clean, articulate and with more gain then I know what to do with. They really just cut though a mix, allowing all the dynamics present in complicated piano passages to be voiced. You've made a life time customer out of me! I have to say that these are by far the best pre-amps I've used. Clean, articulate and with more gain then I know what to do with. They really just cut though a mix, allowing all the dynamics present in complicated piano passages to be voiced. You've made a life time customer out of me! - Patrick M., USA
The project was a lot of fun and I must say that your directions and packaging are as close to perfect as anyone can imagine. Please keep me posted about your emerging products. Success! I just did a quick and dirty test here in my office and all four channels seem to be functioning well--the levels all match and so on. The project was a lot of fun and I must say that your directions and packaging are as close to perfect as anyone can imagine. I know from your web site that you wear a lot of hats (don't we all) but you should consider technical writing as at least a part time job. It's hard to write things like tech manuals and instruction books and you definitely have the knack for it. I sense that Five Fish as a commercial venture is pretty new but with great products and service like this you have every chance of making this a real success. This is my first electronics assembly project but I am certain it will not be my last. I know you are working on a bunch of things and I will want to give another one a try sometime. I would be interested for sure in either building a couple more of these and modifying them with some transformers, or even tackling that API-type design you are working on. Please keep me posted about your emerging products. Again thanks for all of your patience and support. - R.Miller, Music Professor, USA
The SC-1 to me sounded warmer, fuller and in general more musical than others. The guy who runs the lab was pretty blown away that 4 channels of that quality only cost $700 (plus build time) and was definitly interested in a prebuilt unit. Here's a testimonial for the SC-1 preamps. I took the unit out to our local Junior Colleges' recording lab (where I am the resident piano technician) at the request of the instructor after I was telling him about the kit. We hooked it up through their Sxxx board, put some AT 4060 mics (I think) on a Yamaha G-1 piano and A/B/Ced them into Pro Tools HD with Tannoy monitors while another instructor played piano. We compared them to Dxxxxxxx and Fxxxxxxx Rxx pres and a Sxxx onboard pre . The Sxxx pre wasn't even close, thin and cardboardy in comparison. The Dxxxxxx and Fxxxxxxxx are both tube pres and had a slightly different sound-more hollow mids. Being an acoustic bass player, I characterized it as somewhat woody in comparison to the SC-1 which to me sounded warmer, fuller and in general more musical than either. The guy who runs the lab was pretty blown away that 4 channels of that quality only cost $700 (plus build time) and was definitly interested in a prebuilt unit. I couldn't be happier with the results and it was fun to put together. I got some good bonding time with my dad. I'm looking forward to more projects in the future - whatever you're working on just sign me up cause I know it'll be great - R. Carter, USA
The pre-amps both worked perfectly from the first time and sound very good. I've already had questions about buying more of these kits 'wholesale' in numbers. It's a solid product and I had fun building it. I have finished your kit and it sounds fine and I'll be using it in sessions soon. Anyway the pre-amps both worked perfectly from the first time and seem to sound very good. I've already had questions about buying more of these kits 'wholesale' in numbers. Good Luck with your kit. It's a solid product and I had fun building it. - Barry Rudolph, Recording Engineer/Producer - http://www.barryrudolph.com
The high-end is better than some very exclusive pre-amps I use in my studio. Especially on female vocals recorded with a microphone with very high-end response your pre-amp really shines musically. I had never expected such a result from your preamp... Great work! A while ago I borrowed from a friend your SC-1 preamp. I must say I am blown away by the quality of your work. The high-end is better than some very exclusive pre-amps I use in my studio. Especially on female vocals recorded with a microphone with very high-end response your pre-amp really shines musically. I had never expected such a result from a amp without transformers and only solid state. Great work. - Laurent Boutonnat, France (ed: Laurent was generous enough to send me a sample of the recording. Check it out in our Audio Samples section!)
Public post on GearSlutz.com Product Review: I just want to say I finally got my SC1 properly assembled. Man this thing is hot!! I have a friend who has a high-end preamp that also is quite a nice pre. I did a comparison and there wasn't too much difference except that the SC1 had a much fuller sound. There was no sibilance yet it was very clean. It has a wonderfully silky sound, the lows are not boomy the mids are warm and the highs as afore mentioned are very precise without fatiguing the listener. It also is very airy on vocals as well. Big ups to the guys at Five Fish. My friend after hearing the mic pres said that he will purchase four of the pres in a single rack. So you are doing something right. - afrindian
Just thought I'd bump this thread up for some more people to see. I have no affiliation with Five Fish Studios. just bought one of these 500 series pres from the Five Fish Ebay listing. I live right down the street from them and the price is extremely appealing, so I figured I would bite the bullet and order one. The one I ordered was pre assembled and has the optional Nickel Input Transformer. I haven't had a chance to spend a lot of time with the pre yet, but first impressions are WOW! The unit came very professionally packed and the build quality and components are top notch. Hopefully I'll have a chance to dig a little deeper into the unit this weekend. The only thing I've had a chance to run through it so far was vocals, and it sounded really, really good. To my ears this pre is in the same league as my other high end preamps. The Five Fish pre definitely has it's own thing going though, so that's cool. Like I said, hopefully I'll have a little more to post about this at the end of the weekend. I just can't get over the price/quality aspect. I'm impressed, nice product - Public Post on Gearslutz.com
The Pre's are DOPE! I though I would be able to hear a big difference between my high end preamp and the Five Fish [SC-1mk500]. I was wrong. It is damn close! I mean really close. The bass stays tight and big and the highs clear and open. I am extremely happy with them. I am sure they will remain in my lunchbox for the long haul. -C.Golden, USA
I tried the SC-1 pres up against other high-end preamps with great results. They really open up the ribbon mics I have made. We were kinda shocked (big improvement) but your pres sounded much better than my other pres. So much so that my buddy kept them! The othe preamp had a different full sound-not good or bad. We used your pres instead for the drum overheads. I have another producer who is going to use the pres and the ribbons on a horn session next week. We tuned the trim all the way up and just used the gain. If this is any indication of what the new version will be I can't wait to get some time to make and use the newer SC-1mk2. We were under a time constraint so we did not have time to delve into the super-specifics but under pressure, the SC-1s performed flawlessly. - Ed P., USA (Ribbon Mic Manufacturer)
SC-1mk500 Feedback: Your preamp is amazing...I received the preamp yesterday but didn’t have the chance to try it out until tonight. Amazing!!! I don’t understand how you get such a fat sound with no input transfo. SC-1mk500 Feedback: Your preamp is amazing...I received the preamp yesterday but didn’t have the chance to try it out until tonight. Amazing!!! I don’t understand how you get such a fat sound with no input transfo. I will definitively consider a second one in the following weeks but WITH the input transfo. I watching the one on eBay. Thank you!!! Best regards and more power to you. - Martin L, Quebec, Canada
I finished construction of both my SC-1 mk500 kits. I decided to build one with the transformer and one without. They both sound GREAT and I think I'm going to spend the afternoon experimenting. The unit with the transformer has a nice thick, but not exaggerated, sound quality. Previously my favorite mic pres were the Axx 5xx, Gxxxxx Rxxxxx, and my Axxxxxxx Mx. I think your mic pres give them some serious competition! Thank you for a great product! This is a really great sounding preamp and an EXCELLENT value for the price. - Steve, USA (ed: He also sent a photo along with his email! Thanks!)
I put the X-12 preamp and power supply together in my own 1U rack case. The whole project including machining the chassis was 9.5 hours. Easy to follow instructions and all parts were present. It sounds great on first power up and all functions work. I will be back for more. - Michael Whitney, whitneyamplification.com
Hey, just want to say thanks! I bought one of your X-12 lunchbox pre last month to try it out. I admit I didn't have high expectations due to it's low price, but when I finally got to try it out, WOW! Honestly, I didn't expect this high sound quality. It stands equal with my other pres costing twice as much. But it's the sound, man, it's the sound that matters and this X-12 has got the balls, you nailed it! It just sounds great! I just bought another X-12 a few minutes ago. When I get paid I'll try your X-72 next. Keep up the great work!
Hey Folks, I received my X-12mk500 preamp and wanted to say thanks for the fast shipping, and how great this thing sounds! Fantastic preamp!! - Dave Albro, Capricorn Sound Works, Nashville, TN
You make a damn nice sounding pre. In fact, you make at least 2. After a couple sessions with the X-12 and X-72 I've decided that I need a pair of each. With that in mind, could I repeat my last order of an X-12 and an X-72? Then all I have to do is decide if I fill the last 2 slots of my Lunchbox with PEQ-503s or MX5s. - Andrew M, Canada
At tax time, I wanted to add some nice flavor to my studio. I bought an A-Designs 500-HR rack and (2) 500 series units: a name-brand preamp and the Five Fish Studios X-12. I used both for various purposes over the next 2 months: upright piano, drums (kick, snare, OH,) guitar, bass guitar...And in the end, I got rid of the name-brand preamp and picked up another X-12, no contest. I found the X-12 to be crisper and clearer, easier to use, easy to dial in the perfect gain structure. That's just my personal take on it. I think the name-brand preamp is great but for my money, it will always be the X-12, no contest. - post on Gearslutz.com
The fivefish kits are very high-end, the PCBs are very thick and sturdy, the coating is excellent and very resistant, they look very well done, unlike anything i have ever seen before. - J.Gomez, Analog Recording Forum
Just got my pre-built X-12. its totally rock solid. Messed around with it a little today, great addition to any collection of preamps. The x12 had a little of that signature grainy upper mids with a more focused bottom end. No DI included, but it loves to amp the Countryman DI. I like the meter, its handy. The construction is top-notch, solid knobs and switches, good illumination. You can get in there and swap out the IC for a DOA, etc.. but I think the transformers are making the "sound". Oh yeah, its quiet too. - Andy S, USA
I'm up to (2) SC-1's, (2) X-12's, and a deal pending on (2) X-72's! i'll be sure to take a photo of my full lunchbox and send it to you or your site. i am really enjoying your pres, and i'd like to thank you for making a great sounding, quality product.
I bought an X-12 and iiked it so much that I had to get rid of my other peamp and replace it with another X-12. Kudos on making such an awesome design, I look forward to outfitting my studio with some more of your other tonal options in the near future. - Justin H., USA
I got the X-12's that I ordered hooked up last night and I did some experimenting. Well, I have good news, and I got bad news. The good news is they sound unbelievable! The bad news is they put the rest of my preamps to shame. I'm spoiled now. Man, I love these things. Thanks for all your hard work. - Daniel S., USA
Man, am I impressed by your kits!! Fell in love with the X-12 at my first listen.. Warm, big, punchy... Im glad you guys are out there!! Keep up the good work!! - Fredrik L, Sweden
I bought an X-12 about a month ago and i've finally gotten to play around with it a little bit and I have to say that it's killer on my snare with a Sennheiser e604. I'm actually selling my other preamp and I'm thinking of picking up some more of your units. - Roy H, Canada
I recieved your X-12 pre. It's a great sounding/looking pre. Sounded big, bottom end extended way down..! - Clinton, USA
After weeks of shopping around for the best preamp kits for the money, I finally settled on buying your preamps. Your lunch box pres look awesome and I like how the pres look when sitting together side-by-side. You also delivered on sound quality. Your X-12 pre sounds fantastic on all sources I've tried it. The SC-1 is also a cool workhorse preamp. I can always use it with anything, vocals, guitars, drums, perc. One of these days, I'll try your X-72mk500 preamp. :) Anyway, I just want to say thank you for providing these affordable but high quality kits to us. I look forward to future kits from Fivefish studios. Maybe a compressor next? :) - Daniel R., Canada
Anyway, I still love the X-12 preamps and use them almost exclusively to power my drum overhead mics when doing a kit, and also for just about any lead vocals recorded with the BLUE Kiwi microphone! They are totally great preamps. - http://www.wayoutweststudio.com
I just got an assembled X-12 pair in the mail today. Build quality is excellent. Not much time to mess around with them yet, but I did have a chance to check them out for a few minutes with an SM7B. The only other pres I have in the room at that moment are the pres on my Toft ATB. So I tried that first, and it sounded pretty good. Plugged in the X-12 to compare and HOLY S*** did it sound good. Huge and very detailed. I'm looking forward to putting some distorted gtr through it later tonight. I'm already thinking about picking up another pair, or maybe one of the X-72's. - posted on Gearslutz forum
Just wanted to give you a quick note about the X-12. It's in my nice 500 rack and almost every day up and running. Did some heavy band session checking it out on various instruments with different mics. I love the precision and fatness of the sound - different to all my other 500 pres, but in a positive way.
BTW your X-12 ROCKS. I really like the sound of this pre. I did some experiments with acoustic piano and condenser mics this past weekend... it is REALLY sweet! - Steve K., USA
The fivefish kits are very high-end, the PCBs are very thick and sturdy, the coating is excellent and very resistant, they look very well done, unlike anything i have ever seen before. - J.Gomez, Analog Recording Forum
I recently purchased a 2448 power supply kit with transformer. I would just like to thank you for making such a nice kit available to the DIY community. It worked out perfect for my project. The quality of the kit was top notch and it was super easy to build. I will be sure to purchase my power supply needs from you in the future. When I have enough cash I hope to try out one of your preamps as well. Thanks again. Brian T. - USA
The circuit boards are TOP-NOTCH.. fully through-plated vias, incredible component layer silkscreen.... I barely even needed to look at the directions... all parts were individually packed and labeled... put together the power supply board in about 1 hour... the preamp boards took about 1.5hours for the first one, and about 1 hour for the second... - forum post on Gearslutz.com
The project was a lot of fun and I must say that your directions and packaging are as close to perfect as anyone can imagine. I know from your web site that you wear a lot of hats (don't we all) but you should consider technical writing as at least a part time job. It's hard to write things like tech manuals and instruction books and you definitely have the knack for it. I sense that Five Fish as a commercial venture is pretty new but with great products and service like this you have every chance of making this a real success. This is my first electronics assembly project but I am certain it will not be my last. I know you are working on a bunch of things and I will want to give another one a try sometime. I would be interested for sure in either building a couple more of these and modifying them with some transformers, or even tackling that API-type design you are working on. Please keep me posted about your emerging products. Again thanks for all of your patience and support. - R.Miller, Music Professor, USA
I am absolutely boggled...everything worked the FIRST TIME! ... there's no extraneous hum or buzz, so I'm calling it a success. One heck of a job on the design, man, I'm digging it! Thanks so much for making these available to us! Finally got around to doing all the transformer and PSU wiring, and doing the smoke test on the preamp. I am absolutely boggled...everything worked the FIRST TIME! ... there's no extraneous hum or buzz, so I'm calling it a success. One heck of a job on the design, man, I'm digging it! Thanks so much for making these available to us! - Scott @ http://www.stillwellaudio.com/
Thank you for the wonderful kit. I have just finished building 1 preamp board and 1 PSU board. Your directions and organization of parts was fantastic. Thanks again for putting together such an easy and fun to build kit. - John S., USA
I just wanted to let you know how impressed I am with your kit, packaging, instructions, and the whole experience. You can't be making much money from the effort and still you managed my transaction as if I were spending $2,000. Congratulations on a great service and on your future efforts. - Lew K., USA
Everything was flawless; didn't even have to look at the build sheet or parts layout, as the PCB is quite good, and all parts are in individual bags and labeled. Anyone with basic soldering skills can put these together. Very clear, and a _lot_ of gain.... for ribbons it is handy. In any event, I just built two, plus the power supply. Everything was flawless; didn't even have to look at the build sheet or parts layout, as the PCB is quite good, and all parts are in individual bags and labeled. Took me about 2 hours to build the first one, and an hour fifteen to build the second one. The power supply was about a half hour ... it is by far the easiest part of the kit to build. Anyone with basic soldering skills can put these together. People seem to have an unnatural fear of making power supplies, but they're really quite simple, and anyone with an iota of common sense can do it. In any event, as to sound, I haven't given the pres a real workout yet, but I've done some minor stuff. I have a hard time coming up with a description of what they "sound" like (e.g. "API-ish," "Neve-ish," whatever) because they don't really "sound" like anything. Very clear, and a _lot_ of gain.... for ribbons it is handy. If anyone has any specific questions I'd be happy to answer; I have no complaints whatsoever, and think these pres are well worth the money. I'm in no way affiliated with Five Fish; I paid for these kits... - C.Randall - Audio Damage, Inc. - http://www.audiodamage.com
I just finished the first of the preamps (and the power supply) and it works on the first try. This is the easiest and most organized kit I have ever built, the instructions are clear and easy to follow and all the time it must take to put all the parts in the labeled bags is well worth it. I just finished the first of the preamps (and the power supply) and it works on the first try. This is the easiest and most organized kit I have ever built, the instructions are clear and easy to follow and all the time it must take to put all the parts in the labeled bags is well worth it. A project like this should require a lot of skills that I am not very good at, but you have organized the kit so well that I had no trouble and everything worked the first time. - J.Walsh - Farview Recording Studios
I've been meaning to let you know how much I appreciate your whole DIY thing. It's a great service to all the DIY audio freaks out there and the PSU's rock. Very nice attention to detail also, which means a lot to me. I'm a furniture maker by trade, so elegance in design is something I notice. I've been meaning to let you know how much I appreciate your whole DIY thing. It's a great service to all the DIY audio freaks out there and the PSU's rock. Very nice attention to detail also, which means a lot to me. I'm a furniture maker by trade, so elegance in design is something I notice. - T.Philp
Success! Awww yeah, this has been a super cool experience, building and learning, and then listening. I gotta give it to FiveFish Studios - the kit is ridiculously well packaged, and the support is spot-on. Mine worked beautifully from the moment I powered it up, too. Success! So I put it in a radio shack project box mainly to see how close I can have the preamp card to the transformer and PS card - the project box is 8" deep, the same depth as the metal rack case that will ultimately be home to four SC-1 pres. This is obviously enough space, as I can't seem to make the thing hum, buzz or otherwise reveal AC/RFI noise. - Trock, USA
I recently purchased your X72 pre. First I wanted to thank you for getting it to me quickly so I could use it for a big session I had, and also wanted to say that thing rocks! Used it mainly for electric guitar and vocals. Totally kills. Thanks! - Mike B, USA
You make a damn nice sounding pre. In fact, you make at least 2. After a couple sessions with the X-12 and X-72 I've decided that I need a pair of each. With that in mind, could I repeat my last order of an x-12 and an x-72? Then all I have to do is decide if I fill the last 2 slots of my Lunchbox with PEQ-503s or MX5s. - Andrew M, Canada
X-72mk500 - Just got one of these and it is absolutely fantastic. I've used it on acoustic guitar and today on snare drum. Wonderful. I plan on getting at least one more maybe 2 or 3. - user post on Gearslutz
I just bought an X-72 and was blown away. It sounds fantastic. Different but just as good as my 512c's and my original Daking 52270's. Plan on getting 3 more. Thanks for making such a great mic pre affordable. - Chris C., www.galuminumfoil.com
Still loving The X-72. Being used right now all over my bands new cd. Thanks for making great products so affordable. - B.Smellis, USA
This is a great preamp, great sound, full bodied sound. - eBay feedback X-72mk500
My studio clients are impressed with the great sound of your X-72 pres. Thanks again for supplying goods that really rock....great violin player plus an X-72 plus a AKG 414 equals heaven... acoustic bliss... Thanks again. RealFeel Studios, Australia
I bought a pair of x72's off you a couple of months ago and they are simply the fattest, most toneful, huge sounding pre in my rack.... kick and snare have never been as fat, present, and in ya face!!, and a Les Paul through a valve vintage Fender...wow! THANKS.
A+ Love it! SOUNDS FANTASTIC....THANKS! X-72mk500, eBay feedback
I've received the preamp and I have to say that YOU ROCK !! Just amazing units! I will put a very good feedback on Ebay because you really deserve it. Best wishes for 2010. - Paris Lle-de-France, France
I recently purchased your peq503 pre. First I wanted to thank you for getting it to me quickly so I could use it for a big session I had, and also wanted to say that thing rocks! Used it mainly for electric guitar and vocals. Totally kills. Thanks! - Mike B, USA
I got the PEQ-503's yesterday and played around with them last night. I am really thrilled with the sound quality of these things! I ended up switching the jumpers to the 60/180hz, 350/1k positions. It is going to work really well as a mix-sweetener on the project I am working on. Thanks for the great work! - Rob O., USA
My first impression of the PEQ-503s (with DOA and Xformer) is that they are very well built. Pro. The EQs do impart a slight coloration, in a good way. The low end is beefy and the air band is very nice. I'm using them for subtle boosting on the main stereo bus. The air band is best I've heard so far in my travels! - posted on Gearslutz
Got my pair up and running (PEQ-503 EQ), they are smooth. I have a bunch of Langevin EQ's but really like the ability to dial in certain EQ ranges with the (PEQ-503). Nicer airy top too! Great Job! - post on Gearslutz.com, USA
The EQ's are wonderful. Really digging them and I have a few passive EQ's here. Now to fill those two empty slots...hmmm - Richard B, USA
The PEQ-503 arrived safely and I gave them a test. They're excellent! Using them is like "changing the sound of the mic itself" and less "like using an EQ", that's how natural/unobtrusive they sound and work. Also when I compare the sound of the signal chain with and without the EQ (hard bypass with the XLR cables), I notice it sounds subtly different in a nice way with the EQ in the path (even with the "bypass" switch engaged). The default frequency selections are a good choice although for electric guitar I may shift the lows up a notch with the jumpers; it's nice to have that option. - James Peters, www.petersamplification.com, Canada
The EQ is really good! I really do not have that many external eq's but some and this one is really getting warm in the studio. I used it on about 15 tracks for my last mix and I am really happy with the result! - Dennis B, Sweden
The hi end boost is gorgeous, the air does exactly what it says, giving a smooth top end boost without getting harsh. The 12k setting gives much more detail while still sounding smooth.
I changed the mid band to 1k up, 320hz down and it really fits my needs. The 1k is quiet narrow q; perfect for cutting out a bit of boxiness when tracking a kit. The 320hz is much broader, great for cutting some mud from a mix or adding some depth to an instrument.
The lo end is huge! This is what I was hoping for, some clean, fat lo end, which is rare of eqs of this price IMO. The 2 frequencies sound quite close together, even tho it should be 120, 35. I may experiment with these, but the boost/ cut is very broad and can be as subtle or extreme as you dare!
I've also been playing with mine (PEQ-503) for some hours on a mix session. I'm very impressed. I like both PEQ-503 a lot. The low frequencies are just beautiful. Smooth even when adding quite a few db = massive. I am pretty sure this will be a to go EQ for bass from now on. - Dennis B., Sweden
The 503s live on the BDs and snare. Easy to dial in, very musical and does not get in the way of the signal, only enhances it. It also is fantastic with vocals. Usually a Heil PR30 or an ADK LOL-47 > X-72 > 503. The EQ is not harsh like many other EQs, so this explains the musicality and enhancement of the signal. In fact, I love these things so much, I need them on OHs, guitars, bass and keys as well. And as far as the X-72s are, yes, Neve like without the bottom end build up (80Hz) mush and what I would describe as a veil in front of the signal. It's has the bottom end punch without any sloppiness and also has an openness to it throughout the tonal range.
