M-Audio Tampa, Art DPS, Focusrite Penta

[farodyssey]

Currently I mainly track almost everything through an ART DPS using a baby bottle. The mic tends to be a little mid-rangey but it nonetheless tracks mix a lot better with it than with any other mic I own.

I am wondering if switching to a TAMPA unit would help improve my sound. Does anyone have any direct experience with comparing these two units in the studio?

Would it be a better choice to just keep the DPS and get another good mic for around the same price that will give me a little variety over the mid-rangey baby bottle?

[farodyssey]

Also, would the Focusrite MH427 Platinum Penta through the a/d convertes of the ART DPS be a better option? I'm looking for a good clean pre that I can use on everything.

[deepwater]

My first pre was the ART TPA it worked okey but sound thin with not much body. I'm currently using 2 M-Audio Tampas that I love. The pre is very clean and sounds full and the compressor is on of the best out there for under 1k.

I would recommend one of each of these-

M-Audio Tampa
Joemeek OneQ
M-Audio DMP-3
ART PRO VLA (a still at MF for $229.00)

That give you a nice little setup

[formerlyfzfile]

As a pre, the PENTA is clean but sterile sounding IMO.

It isnt bad, it just never had and musical "pizz-zah".

The compressor section is kinda quirky but fun.

The fake tube knob I thought sounded good.

-mike

[Stefan Elmblad]

Originally Posted by deepwater

My first pre was the ART TPA it worked okey but sound thin with not much body. I'm currently using 2 M-Audio Tampas that I love. The pre is very clean and sounds full and the compressor is on of the best out there for under 1k.

I would recommend one of each of these-

M-Audio Tampa
Joemeek OneQ
M-Audio DMP-3
ART PRO VLA (a still at MF for $229.00)

That give you a nice little setup

The PRO VLA is a compressor. You must be thinking of the PRO MPA.

[Kevin Deschwazi]

I had a penta for a bit and didn't use it much. It was OK for the money, I certainly wouldn't want it as a main pre.

If you want a clean, neutral sounding pre then I reckon you'd be very happy with the DMP-3.

[Ptownkid]

If you want a simple transparent mic pre...

Have you ever considered making your own?

http://www.diyfactory.com/projects/green/green.htm

This is a much earlier version, but if you're interested I can et you in touch with the guy who designed it and sells the channel pcb's for a very reasonable 10 dollars...

Cheers and best of luck

[farodyssey]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!

[cellardweller]

compressor aside, how much difference is there between the DMP3 and the Tampa?

Is the compressor worth the price difference?

[deepwater]

Originally Posted by cellardweller

compressor aside, how much difference is there between the DMP3 and the Tampa?

Is the compressor worth the price difference?

Yes it is. I don't think you can find a better comp for under 1k.

I know the ART VLA is a comp. What I was saying was that all four of those units would make a nice setup for starting out.