Andrew Chapman Creative is back in the bunker, torch in hand, ready to roast and toast the most hyped (and slept-on) studio gear in the game. Episode 7 of his Overrated vs Underrated series is a no-nonsense, brand-agnostic rampage through mics, preamps, compressors and more. Expect sharp takes, zero brand loyalty, and the kind of honest, hands-on opinions you only get from someone who’s actually battered these boxes in the wild. If you’re tired of sales talk and want the real dirt on what deserves a spot in your rack, this is your jam. Chapman’s style? Brutally direct, occasionally hilarious, and always grounded in the reality of the studio trenches.
14. December 2025
SPARKY
Andrew Chapman Creative’s Studio Gear Gauntlet: No Hype, Just Hits (and Misses)
Focusrite Octopre, SE Electronics Voodoo VR2, Warm Audio WA-2A, Warm Audio WA-47
Gear Gladiators: Sorting the Studio Survivors
Andrew Chapman Creative wastes no time getting into the meat of it—this isn’t your average gear roundup. He’s scrolling his reverb feed, picking out only the kit he’s actually battered in real sessions. If he hasn’t used it, he’s not talking about it. That’s the Chapman promise: all opinions are forged in the fires of real-world use, not marketing brochures or wishful thinking.
The format is simple but ruthless: each piece of gear gets thrown into the pit and judged as overrated, underrated, or, on rare occasion, properly rated. Chapman’s approach is refreshingly direct—he’s here to ruffle feathers and save you from wasting cash on shiny boxes that don’t deliver. Expect feathers to fly, egos to bruise, and maybe, just maybe, a few hidden gems to emerge from the carnage.
Underdogs Unleashed: VR2 and WA-47 Take the Crown
Let’s talk about the kit that punches way above its price tag. Chapman is positively evangelical about the SE Electronics VR2 Ribbon Mic—he’s borrowed one, wants to own one, and reckons it brings the warmth and top-end sparkle you crave, especially on acoustic guitar. No cloudlifter faff needed, just plug in and bask in the richness.
The Warm Audio WA-47 also gets a nod, even if it doesn’t sound like the vintage U47 it’s aping. Chapman’s clear: don’t buy the hype, buy the sound. The WA-47 has its own vibe, more top-end than midrange magic, but it’s a solid mic that stands on its own merits. Both these underdogs are proof that you don’t need to sell a kidney for pro results.
"SE Electronics Voodoo VR2—oh my god, these are so good."
© Screenshot/Quote: Andrewchapmancreative (YouTube)
Focusrite OctoPre: Expansion Hero, Sonic Zero
"I don't like Focusrite Scarlett preamps, especially of the older generation."
© Screenshot/Quote: Andrewchapmancreative (YouTube)
Here comes the hate: Chapman doesn’t mince words about the Focusrite OctoPre. As a tool for expanding your interface’s I/O, it’s a winner—underrated, even. But the preamps? That’s where the dream dies. You get eight more channels, sure, but you’re just multiplying the same bland, sometimes harsh sound found in the Scarlett range.
If you’re after extra inputs and don’t care about character, fine. But if you want your tracks to actually sound better, look elsewhere. Chapman’s not shy about calling out the upper-mid distortion and thinness that plague these pres, especially in older models. It’s a classic case of utility over sonics—a toaster with eight slots, but all the bread comes out the same shade of meh.
Properly Rated: The WA-2A Sits in the Middle Lane
Not everything is a hero or a villain. The Warm Audio WA-2A compressor gets the rarest label in Chapman’s arsenal: properly rated. It does what it says on the tin—solid compression, decent tube gain stage, and a sound that’s right in line with its price. It’s not a revelation, but it’s no letdown either.
Chapman’s tested it against the Lindell LiN2A and found them nearly identical, with the Lindell sometimes edging ahead on price. The WA-2A’s tube stage is a respectable 7 out of 10 for character—enough to keep things interesting, but not enough to make you write home. If you want a workhorse optical comp that won’t let you down (or blow your mind), this is it.
"They sounded so insanely similar that I might lean more towards the Lindell."
© Screenshot/Quote: Andrewchapmancreative (YouTube)
No Brand Loyalty, Just Brutal Honesty
This episode is Chapman at his best: cutting through the marketing fog with a machete of experience. He’s not here to worship brands or chase vintage ghosts—he’s here to tell you what works, what flops, and what’s just fine. For anyone sick of the usual sales pitch, this is a breath of fresh, slightly sarcastic air.
If you want to know what gear actually deserves a spot in your studio—and what should be left in the bargain bin—Chapman’s no-nonsense verdicts are essential viewing. Some things you just have to hear for yourself, so don’t skip the video if you want the full sonic street-fight.
This article is also available in German. Read it here: https://synthmagazin.at/andrew-chapman-creative-im-studio-gear-kaefigkampf-kein-hype-nur-hits-und-flops/