Is a mic preamp necessary with the VF160?

[Rhimshot]

What's up ya'll? Glad to be aboard! I've been using an fd4 for a couple of years now. I think I'll make the step up to a vf 160, it seems like a good machine, and from the positive vibe people on this site seem to have about it, I think it will serve my purposes quite nicely. Just a few quick questions for those of you with experience with the machine.

With the Fd4 i used to record instruments straight to the machine, with no preamp. For example if I were recording an electric guitar and using an effects unit with the guitar, I would go straight from the effects box to the input on the fd4. I used to get all kinds of hiss and feedack, so i went and got an M-Audio audiobuddy which helped alleviate the problem.

So my questions here are 1) would an external mic pre amp be necessary with the VF160? If so, any recommendations on a fairly good one, with a cost of $300 or under?

thanks!

[billisa]

Originally Posted by Rhimshot

So my questions here are 1) would an external mic pre amp be necessary with the VF160? If so, any recommendations on a fairly good one, with a cost of $300 or under?

thanks!

Personally, I think the VF160 preamps are fine -- very transparent. Some mics however (SM57's) like a lot of gain, so you could always use an external preamp.

Under $300? The M-Audio DMP3 has two channels for $150. and is very well thought of. I have 2 Studio Projects VTB1's that I like. They're 1 channel each and run about $129.00. VERY QUIET, even if you choose to dial in the tube circuit. But most on the microphone forum prefer the DMP3. Anything else in the price range seems noisy.

Anyway, I've plugged condensors, bass guitars and acoustic/electric directly into the VF160 with no problems and fine results. It also has 48V Phantom power.

[Dave52]

Hey Billisa, you beat me to it (as usual).

I plug everything directly into my 160, and I've never had problems. I don't even own a pre amp.

Dave.
www.DaveWare.co.uk