pre's

[dolecek1]

i have a behringer ub1222 mixer, what would an external pre do for me? and any reccomendations on a budget pre?

[MadAudio]

Quit cross-posting, and maybe I'll tell you!

[dolecek1]

sorry man my bad!

[scrubs]

Originally Posted by dolecek1

i have a behringer ub1222 mixer, what would an external pre do for me? and any reccomendations on a budget pre?

I think you got some good recommendations in your last thread:
http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=149144

The preamp amplifies the signal from your microphone for recording. The behri pres function, but generally don't sound very good (my experience was they were dull and did not supply enough gain; others describe them as harsh and noisy). Upgrading will get you more gain with less noise, and a "bigger/more open" sound. Granted, those are buzzwords and your experience may vary. I would generally recommend any of the following budget preamps:

M-Audio DMP3, 2-channels ($160)
Rane MS-1B, 1-channel ($150)
Studio Projects VTB-1, 1 channel ($130)

For a bit more change, you can get nice mid-priced preamps, such as:

Groove Tubes The Brick, 1-channel ($400)
FMR Audio Really Nice Pre (RNP), 2-channels ($475)

The so-called "pro" quality preamps generally go for >$1000 per channel. You can lust after them later. First, learn the ins and outs of recording with what you have and your ears will tell you when it is time to upgrade.

[dolecek1]

thanks to everyone for your input

[hoth]

I really love my Grace 101. People here don't seem to be too high on it, but that may be because of its price. I got mine for under $400 so I think it was a steal. Might get a ThreeQ for the other channel because of the rave reviews here.

[scrubs]

Originally Posted by hoth

I really love my Grace 101. People here don't seem to be too high on it, but that may be because of its price. I got mine for under $400 so I think it was a steal. Might get a ThreeQ for the other channel because of the rave reviews here.

I think the price puts it out of reach of many (not all) home recordists, but, from what I've read/heard, it is a great preamp. I forgot to include it on my list in the mid-priced pres, but it is certainly worthy. Often the mid-priced gear gets forgotten, because it is neither the cheapest or the best. Once you get to that level you think, "gee, this sounds really great, but I'd really love to get my hands on that [insert insanely expensive pre here]"

Gear is an evil lady, she is.