Based in Austin Texas, Electric & Company builds and restores boutique preamplifiers. TheEC6is a mono tube preamp based on the preamps from the Ampex 600 series reel-to-reel tape machines. TheEC6boasts +60 dB of gain, with Cinemag input and output transformers, pushing three stages with an EF86 pentode tube, and a 12AU7 twin triode tube. On the input, you can select between Mic, Pad, and Line modes – your patchbay will appreciate these options all coming from a single input jack. The only knob present is for gain. A DI input, a Phase Flip switch, and a +48V phantom power switch are selectable on the front panel. I really like the solid feel and design of this enclosure, and flipping on the power switch feels gratifying when the big red bulb lights up.
I received theEC6right as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. This kept me out of the studio for a while, and kept clients out of the studio even longer, so a lot of my use with this pre was in utilizing the line input in a mix situation – theEC6shined in this scenario. On several sources, including processing a vocal, kick drum, bass guitar, and snare drum, theEC6added some soft compression and richness to everything in an appealing way. The ability to add punch while beefing up any source that I sent through theEC6'sline input made me almost wish this pre was (gasp) a plug-in! Then I had the idea, "What if I used this pre as a parallel punch bus?" In this way, I could send anything I want to through it, as long as I'm careful with how much level I send to the input. Guess what? It was cool! I love any unit that does double duty in both tracking and mixing. I used this method while finalizing a few mixes, and the artist noticed the difference in weight and forwardness on both bass guitar and kick drum. I also found it useful to insert theEC6after a plug-in compressor to impart some analog reality.
I did have a chance to track with this mic pre for an aggressive adlib R&B vocal. TheEC6gave the voice some edge while holding it in place so it could be heard behind a wall of other vocals. Under a normal tracking schedule I would be reaching for this pre quite a bit. I auditioned theEC6'sbeefy DI while rehearsing some bass parts for a project and can't wait to use it in this way for tracking.
I'm not sure theEC6should be the only mic pre in your studio, but if added harmonics with a little edge is what you're looking for, this delivers. Supporting small businesses right now is important. If you can swing it, Electric & Company gear is worth the price tag.
$1199.99 MSRP;electricandcompany.com -Justin Mantoothjustinmantooth.com Buy From Reverb