Here is our rating of Microphone pre-amps we tested this year. This is NOT a scientific account, but merely what sounded best to our ears and is valid for Flamenco guitar. Other instruments will create a very different rating:

1. Martech MSS-10 – 10
2. Avalon M5 – 9.7
3. George Massenburg GML – 9.5
4. Amek – 8.5
5. TubeTech – 7
6. Studio Technologies/PreEminence – 6
7. ProSonus M80 – 6
8. TC Gold Channel – 5
9. Old Neve 1092 – 3

Travel Tips.Santa Fe.Part Two:
You may hear the following exchange at a Santa Fe restaurant:
Question: Would you like red or green chili?
Answer: Christmas!
Explanation: The diner would like both green and red chili – like the colors of Christmas. But don’t ask me how that became a custom in New Mexico…..