Another Pre-comparison-quality question

[riccol]

I know this subject get beat to death -- but here I go

At what point in pre upgrades is there really a difference? Started with the Audio buddy, and an Art MP.

I now have a DMP3, and a VTB1, they were a clear upgrade.
I'm just a track at a time strictly hobby old fart. (Mic wise I have a couple of Marshal 603's -- Oktava 012 -- AT 4040 -- Marshall V-67)

What is the next step up that is a real difference, I've got some extra "toy" money stashed in my Paypal account.

Here's some pre's I'm considering.

Grace 101

RNP -- (I have the RNC and love it and very pleased with it & the DMP3)

The Brick (little cheaper)

Are these real noticeable upgrades? Or do I just keep saving the money.

[chessrock]

Originally Posted by riccol

I know this subject get beat to death.

I couldn't agree more.




Unfortunately, the answer is going to vary depending on who you talk to. No clear-cut answers to this one. All three of the mic pres you list are widely considered a step up. And you'd know that if you were to do some research ala this really really super duper cool feature called the search function.

But whether or not it amounts to be a tangible improvement for you and with your setup, in your circumstances ... there's a decent enough chance, but it's by no means a given.

[riccol]

Thanks Chess -- I was hoping to get an answer from you

Shoulda posted in the newbie forum!!

Did the search --but aint nothin like your own personal anwer!!!! ----

As usual the real answer is read a lot then just listen real hard!!

[tdukex]

Originally Posted by riccol

I know this subject get beat to death -- but here I go


Are these real noticeable upgrades? Or do I just keep saving the money.

I'm sure the Brick would be a upgrade over the VTB-1 for vox and DI.

From the clips I've heard, the RNP is not an upgrade over the DMP3 for acou guit, which is what I use my DMP3 for--actually the RNP was a downgrade to my ears. The RNP sounds better as a bass DI, though.

If you are recording acou guit, I'd save my money for something like a Speck or a Hardy. I'd like to try a Davisound also.

[riccol]

thanks tdukex!!
your answer really helpful
I really like the DMP3 -- rnc combo for acoustic which I do a lot of
and I'm very pleased

Would like try something different for bass DI and vocal
The brick looks like a good option

[SonicAlbert]

You have two different types of pres--tube and solid state. The Grace 101 would be an upgrade from the Audio Buddy and DM3, and the BRICK would be an upgrade from the Studio Projects and ART. Overall, I'd say the Grace might be the biggest upgrade.

[exit2studios]

The sytek shouldn't be overlooked. Four channels...that are a step up.

[xstatic]

D&R also makes an excellent 2 channel pre for $500 that will hold its own against the Grace. But thats if you are looking for the "transparent" sound.

[SonicAlbert]

What's that D&R preamp called?

[xstatic]

I don't think it has a name per say. They really focus on making consoles, but they do have a couple of rack mount boxes. All the info should be on their website

[ryanformato]

If you do one track at a time, invest in one expensive preamp that is the best one out there such as a Great River, A millenium, or something of the sort.

[noisedude]

What about that pig-ugly Safesound box that Warhead peddles? Isn't that supposed to be good?

[chessrock]

Originally Posted by noisedude

What about that pig-ugly Safesound box that Warhead peddles? Isn't that supposed to be good?

I got a chance to borrow one for like a week, and I thought it was excellent. For whatever that might be worth.

To go in to detail, the compressor and limiter were really nice. Really smooth and transparent, but probably closer in overall quality and professionalism to an Aphex Expressor or a Cranesong Trakker.

The mic pre was fine. Nothing exciting, but sounded good.

[Warhead]

Originally Posted by noisedude

What about that pig-ugly Safesound box that Warhead peddles? Isn't that supposed to be good?

Pig ugly? Compared to some stuff I'd certainly agree...! We've asked him to pretty up any future designs...haha...

The P1 is a very good sounding preamp / D.I. but what makes it most worthy is the compression and limiting it offers. The reason I fell in love with the P1 is it sounds great and getting there takes very little effort...particularly for vocal tracking. It just exhibits great control in a very unique way.

War (P1 peddler)

[Reggie]

P1 is good; great features and such. But the pre section by itself gets beat by The Brick every time. Brick into the P1 line in is pretty cool. They should Duct-Tape those together as a special edition channel strip.

[acorec]

Originally Posted by riccol

I know this subject get beat to death -- but here I go

At what point in pre upgrades is there really a difference? Started with the Audio buddy, and an Art MP.

I now have a DMP3, and a VTB1, they were a clear upgrade.
I'm just a track at a time strictly hobby old fart. (Mic wise I have a couple of Marshal 603's -- Oktava 012 -- AT 4040 -- Marshall V-67)

What is the next step up that is a real difference, I've got some extra "toy" money stashed in my Paypal account.

Here's some pre's I'm considering.

Grace 101

RNP -- (I have the RNC and love it and very pleased with it & the DMP3)

The Brick (little cheaper)

Are these real noticeable upgrades? Or do I just keep saving the money.

Avalon is good. So is Neve. There are probably a few more. The important thing is that really, really expensive pre-amps are better than really, really cheap pre-amps. The DMP3 and RNP both can be considered really, really cheap pre-amps. Save for the good stuff as it makes your sound much more professional. Save and save until you can get the right pre-amp (over $1000 and closer to $2000/Channel). Avoid buying a single channel as the value is not there. The first channel is bundled with the power-supply,case and a dozen other things. The second channel and beyond cost waaay less.

[Dot]

riccol, if you've got a DMP3 running through an RNC then I'd say you're in good shape. I'd recommend you maybe look at other areas like another mic, better monitors, AD converters, room acoustics.

You're not going to get any real noticeable improvement with mid-level pres over your DMP3/RNC combo. If you really want to get into something better – when you've got about a grand saved up then you'll get into a completely different range of pre possibilities.

More info at my ongoing rant, Don't waste your $ on "mid-level" mic pres and channel strips.

[riccol]

Dot-- I think that was good advice -- I'm going with that!
Saving my coins!

[riccol]

I see a VC1Q on ebay -- interesting option for what I have read about them--buy it or keep saving?
Just curious about the "meek" sound and the enhancer
Or maybe a tube mic ---- man it's hard to save the money -- it just burns my pockets when I start surfing ebay

[riccol]

Still trying to save my money -- but interested in the AD conveter option--
Not clear on what they are and how that would work in my chain?
Can anyone educate me regarding converters or point me where I can learn?