the DBX Mini Pre or other good Mic Pre?

[Joost Assink]

I have heard many times on this forum that any good mic will sound bad on a cheap mic preamp. Can you help me with your opinion on a good mic pre?
I have the Rode NT1a and I am thinking of getting either a Rode NTK or a AKG 451B (I know, very different mics! But I like the sound of both in its own right on my acoustic). Now I'm looking for an affordable mic pre for the new mic. I have found a DBX mini pre, which has a nice tube circuit..

Is this a good mic pre? What other ones can you suggest (on a budget)

[formerlyfzfile]

I owned one as well as an Art Tube MP.

The DBX was harsh and not very good at all.

The Art was better and definitely better as a bass DI.

The tube circuits in both are NOT really tube circuits.
The tube part is a little side circuit that adds mostly unmusical grit (not much warmth) or edge. You could (prolly should...lol) remove the tube and I believe the pre would still work.

I now also have an AudioBuddy pre-amp and its better than both.... although I hardly ever use it anymore because my mixer has much better pres.

You may want to consider the Studio Project Vtb-1 (single channel with a similar tube circuit but supposedly much nicer sounding than the DBX or Art) or spend a lttle more for the DMP3 (dual channel solid state).

Or maybe even a channel strip of some sort with EQ and/compression ...... more money though.

Dont waste money on the DBX mini....... especially for acoustic guitar and especially if your going to spen for a nice mic like the NTK or 451b.

If you already have an NT1-a and are adding a mic then I would steer towards a dual channel pre and a good small diaphram condenser to add a different element than the NT1-a and give you the option for recording the guitar in stereo.

-mike

[Joost Assink]

thanks Mike!
great feedback and advice!

[tdukex]

The DMP3 can be found for $149 these days, and (for reference) it has better sounding preamps than the Mackie VLZ boards IMO.

[Joost Assink]

Thanks man that looks good, but can I switch the phantom power of this unit on for each single channel? thanks

[tdukex]

Originally posted by Joost Assink
Thanks man that looks good, but can I switch the phantom power of this unit on for each single channel? thanks

No, it switches on both channels. But use the search function and look up Tube mics AND phantom power and see if it has any affect. Also, consider how often you would be using a tube mic at the same time a regular FET condenser.

Either way, a crap pre like the DBX is a waste of $100 when you can get the DMP3 for $149. Also, some people like the Studio Projects VTB1 single channel $129.

The Rane MB-1 (I think that is the name) is also supposed to be very good for around $150--I know chessrock likes it.

[Joost Assink]

thanks Studio Projects or the Rane are not available over here, but the Maudio does look good!

[eeldip]

never tried it myself, but you could also take a look at getting a bellari mp105 and popping out the $0.30 opamps (mounted in a nice easy to remove socket) and $1.00 tube and popping in better parts.

$50 on ebay, $20 on parts.

the bellari is NOT a starved plate design. it runs the tube at full voltage (even with a wall wart).

of course i havent heard a modded one myself, but i got the replacement opamp already, waiting for one for the right price.

here is the full info

http://www.blacklionaudio.com/roundsound.htm