Mic pre vs. Compressor

[Destin]

Hi there, just wondering what should i buy first, a mic pre (probably M-audio Dmp3) or a compressor?
And could you recomend a store who will ship to Portugal, the M-audio Dmp3 costs around €296 here!!!
Thanks in advance

[SteveMcB]

Depends on what you have already, and what you're planning to do with it!
If you don't have a mic pre (be it a seperate mic pre, in a mixer, in an all-in one recorder or on your sound card) you need a mic pre first, or you aren't gonna be able to record from a mic!
Compressors are helpful. Mic pres are essential. But if you do have a mic pre (and a way to insert the compressor into the signal path after it) you could get a compressor.

You're unlikely to find a major US store that will ship to Portugal - I certainly can't get them to ship to New Zealand. I'd suggest going with ebay (after you've carefully checked out the customs duty that you're going to be stung for). I've just bought an M-audio Ozone from a guy who sells a lot of M-audio stuff on ebay, whose user name was zxcxz I think. He ships to Europe, and while the price on the item wasn't the lowest available, the shipping was relatively cheap and it was well packed, and got here fine. I'm sure there are DMP3's available from his ebay store. Obviously it's riskier than dealing with a major store, but you have to weigh that up versus the price difference!

Good luck,
Steve

[Destin]

I do have a mixer (Phonic mm 1705a) but the pres are very noisier. I´ve already cheeked the ebay and there´s an Dmp3 for $165 from zxcxz... but i think it´s a bit riskier! Are you happy with your Ozone?