another (One of thousands) pre-question

[riccol]

I am looking to make my first pre- uprade from my audio buddy --
is will be using it to record almost exclusively vocals and acoustic guitar. Considered the Grace 101 but it is just one channel, and right now at my price limit (acutally over)

Any real options that are a real uprade, or as ofen is the advice
"keep saving"

What about the DMP3? -- is it a noticiable uprade?-----

Any other options with two channes in the same range. ( as the DMP3 that is)

[tdukex]

I believe the DMP3 would be a noticable upgrade. And You can get them for $149-159 now. Sell the Buddy for $50. That's what I'd do.

[chessrock]

I really like the Rane MS-1B quite a bit as a budget, mostly transparent mic pre.

You could get two of those for around 300 bucks. I think it's a nice step above most of whatever else is out there in that particular price range.

Obviously, a Grace Design or a Safesound Audio P1 would be really nice to have if you can stretch your budget a little.

[Massive Master]

Those Rane units are one of the best-kept-secrets in audio at any price. Plain, but amazingly good.

Just thought I'd intrude and throw that in...

John Scrip - www.massivemastering.com

[Teacher]

RNP ~475 for 2 channels

[Rev E]

Can anyone describe the type of the sound produced by the Rane MS 1b? I've heard Dan (Dot) describe it as a "junior Hardy," but I've never used a John Hardy pre. I understand that Hardy pres are fairly clean with a touch of attitude... I need another pre for a drum recording and I'm leaning toward the Rane based on the comments I've read here... especially for the $$. So what's the deal with the Rane?

[Big Kenny]

Just good clean signal, more of whatever you put in. Iperceive no color or (ugh) warmth or distorion
In His Name
Big

[Rev E]

Thanks BK, U came through again!