Any good dual pre's for $500-600?

[Bodhisan]

First: I've got the VCQ3 and the VTB1. I'd like to get a two-in one pre, and something a step up. Is that even possible for this price? It's possible I can go higher, but since this is just a hobby, it's hard to justify it.

Also, what would you recommend as an e.q. unit -- and would that go before or after the pre? I know mike placement should circumvent e.q.ing as you track, but some of my acoustic instruments need a little high end going onto track to combine with additional e.q. afterwards.

[futurestar]

I've heard some good things about this unit:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TwinTrakPro/

[futurestar]

For $200 more, this looks like it's going to be really good also:
http://www.joemeek.com/twinq.html

[Hard2Hear]

Though it's also a PMI product, what about the Toft unit? Anyone used it yet? It's in that ballpark. Dual pre with eq is around 600.

http://macmidimusic.com/prod.itml/icOid/6477

H2H

[sdelsolray]

Originally Posted by Bodhisan

First: I've got the VCQ3 and the VTB1. I'd like to get a two-in one pre, and something a step up. Is that even possible for this price? It's possible I can go higher, but since this is just a hobby, it's hard to justify it.

Also, what would you recommend as an e.q. unit -- and would that go before or after the pre? I know mike placement should circumvent e.q.ing as you track, but some of my acoustic instruments need a little high end going onto track to combine with additional e.q. afterwards.

The Rane DMS 22 is a nice two channel pre in your price range. It has three band eq (mid is parametric) plus a stereo summing bus.

[imissthewar]

Let's not forget the RNP.

[noiseportrait]

Originally Posted by imissthewar

Let's not forget the RNP.

Yeah, do a search. There is one dual channel quality pre that is consistently recommended in this price range, and that pre is the fmr rnp. It is exactly what you need. There are some other great single channel units in this price range, but if you need 2 good channels of mic pre then this is by far your best option. If you want to spend a bit more money you can get a sytek which runs about $900 for 4 great, ultra-clean channels. The next step in quality above those units would cost you more than a grand.