1. August 2025

RILEY

AndrewChapmanCreative Unplugged: The Overrated and Underrated Synth Gear Revelations

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AndrewChapmanCreative is at it again, diving deep into what’s hot and what’s not in the audio gear world. From exposing gold-plated Mogami cables as nothing more than a scam to praising the Focusrite ISA One for its timeless value, this video is all about stretching your dollar while maximizing sound quality. Ideal for home studio producers looking to weed out the overpriced from the truly great, it’s a must-watch for those seeking real-world, no-nonsense advice on gear investments.

The Great XLR Cable Con

Andrew kicks things off by tearing into the gold-plated Mogami XLR cables. Categorized as downright close to a scam, these cables promise improved sound but deliver nothing of the sort. Andrew emphasizes that gold makes no difference in audio quality, arguing that the durability is the only thing that matters. Priced at $270 for a set of four, these cables are more bling than bang, and he advises sticking to reliable, cheaper alternatives like Monoprice cables.

"An XLR cable is an XLR cable is an XLR cable."

Great River ME1NV: A Bass Player's Dream

"So Great River created these as kind of like their take on like a 1073 flavor of preamp."

When it comes to preamps, Andrew sings the praises of the Great River ME1NV. This unit is a contemporary tribute to the iconic 1073 flavor, rich with the color and character every bass track dreams of. Andrew highlights its substantial bottom-end, making it ideal for bass guitar recordings. With a fantastic DI and a compact design, its performance on instruments like the cello is described as chef’s kiss. For those asking if it adds color without taking over, the answer is a resounding yes.

A High-Gain Legacy: Mesa Boogie's Trip Down Memory Lane

The Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier Solo Head may have had its heyday during the nu-metal craze, but Andrew is quick to call it out as overrated. Despite its once-iconic status, he critiques the high maintenance and outdated sound profile reminiscent of an old drain cover look. For those still chasing that high-gain dream from the 2000s, Andrew hints at exploring newer, less cumbersome options that might surprise you.


FMR Audio RNC: The Quest for Transparency

The FMR Audio ‘Really Nice Compressor’ holds a complex spot in Andrew’s assessment. While hailed for its clarity and transparency, its status as an overrated piece comes from its lack of color. For those who prefer hardware with a distinct character, the RNC might fall short. However, for simple dynamic control, such as audiobook production, it could still shine. “Properly rated,” according to Andrew, mainly due to its affordability at $249, but ultimately not the go-to for color lovers.

"I created a video on my page talking about how to hook up outboard gear."

The Shadow Weights of Mono Gama

Andrew discusses the Shadow Hills Mono Gama, noting its aesthetic appeal but also its hefty price tag. His take? This preamp offers some versatility with its switchable transformers aiming for either an API or 1073 sound, but the differences aren’t revolutionary. It’s good, but for its $933 price, you might find more value elsewhere, leading to an ‘overrated’ verdict despite its quality.


Focusrite's Legacy: Beyond the Interface

"How could that ever go wrong? These are incredible."

The Focusrite ISA One mic preamp is hailed as an underrated gem. Andrew outlines its history, noting its design by Rupert Neve in conjunction with George Martin, pointing out that it’s an overlooked classic amid cheaper consumer lines. This preamp offers transformer-balanced operation and a fantastic DI, making it excellent for both studio and live setups. Despite its humble appearances, it holds historic prestige, and at around $400, it’s an absolute steal in Andrew’s book.

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