Possible to use the Boss BR1180 as a mic pre?

[photoresistor]

I have a PC setup with an Aardvark Direct Pro 24/96 that I absolutely love except for one thing: it has no inserts so i cant use outboard gear unless i buy a external pre-amps (which i have no money for at the moment... ive already invested sooo much).

I just purchased a DBX 119 compressor (should of thought a little more ahead i think heh...) and I really want to use it when I record next.

I may have access to a Boss BR1180 so I was wondering this: is there a way i could use only the BR1180's mic pre's? Like connect a mic to the BR1180, and then connect a cable from the BR1180's output to the compressor I want to use and then from the compressor I would go to my Aardvark sound card. Is that possible?

(I would just use the BR1180 but I need more inputs)

Any input is appreciated

thanks!

[Jimmy D.]

Hi,

I think your compressor would have to accept a 1/4" in. My recollection is that the 1180 has a couple different outs - 2 RCA and the headphone 1/4". If it will take the headphone out it sounds like it should work, although I'm not sure if you'll like the pre - or if that's any big deal.

Good luck!
Jim

[photoresistor]

it is good if it has RCA outs because the DBX 119 is an old compressor and its all RCA.

How good are the pre's on the 1180? I assummed they would be pretty good...

Thanks for the input

[Jimmy D.]

Photo,

I think it's 'OK' - it's just a matter of your personal likes/dislikes. I was just thinking that if you're experience is with high-end pres, this may not be to your liking.

If you don't already have some experience using the BR, I would get to know it a little bit. There are settings - mic/input effect options (numbered 1 - 5, I believe) that color the sound and also reverb/chorus settings that may screw things up if you don't dial them down to '0', or to where you like them.

I hope this helps,
Jim

[photoresistor]

I think the 1180's will be good or good enough. I normally use my Aardvark's mic-pres which though I have no idea of how good there compared to everything else, am very happy with them (surely they arent 'high-end'). As it is they are the only mic-pres i have experience with anyways.

The BR1180 belongs to the songcrafting class and I know the teacher so I will see if he can show me a few things about it. He is actually my mentor for my senior project (which is recording my band) anyways.

Thanks for all the help, really appreciate it. I think I'm going to try it.