Pre Amps

[bcains]

Ok i'm on the look out for pre amps at the moment to record acoustic guitar and vocals through. I haven't got a big budget to spend (under $600), at the moment, or is it worth waiting out a bit until i can afford something a little more pricey. I'm currently running through the mackie 24/8, would it be much of a set up using one of the following, or not really worth it?

The ones i've been looking at are;

Presonus Blue Tube DP $395AU
Presonus Digi Tube $555AU
Presonus Acoustic $475AU
M Audio DMP3 $389AU
SP VBT-1 $319AU

Thanks in advance

[Kevin Deschwazi]

For acoustic guitar, of the ones you've mentioned- DMP-3, hands down.

2 x channels also gives you the opportunity to record in stereo which is great for acoustic instruments.

If you're able to save more and you're willing to spend it on recording gear then I'd do that. I bought a DMP-3 and am now saving for something better (probably an ISA 428). I reckon I'll keep hold of the DMP-3 though, 2 channels of nice clean gain will always come in handy.

You watching the Ashes? We're making a good start against your boys in the 3rd test.

[tdukex]

I would save some more money. The DMP3 is very nice on acou guit, but I don't know that it would be that much of a step up from the Mackie.

[bcains]

Originally Posted by tdukex

I would save some more money. The DMP3 is very nice on acou guit, but I don't know that it would be that much of a step up from the Mackie.

Yeah thats what i was thinking. I'll see if i can take one home for the weekend from the store and try it out before i buy it.

thanks for the replies.

p.s yes i have been watching it occasionally, dont worry i go for the poms, i was born there

[Warhead]

What kind of mic are you using for acoustic guitar?

In that price range, not much is going to smoke that Mackie. You might see an incremental increase in quality, but a mic will almost always net more of a difference in sound than a preamp.

War

[cominginsecond]

Originally Posted by Warhead

In that price range, not much is going to smoke that Mackie. You might see an incremental increase in quality, but a mic will almost always net more of a difference in sound than a preamp.

amen
__________

[bcains]

Originally Posted by Warhead

What kind of mic are you using for acoustic guitar?

In that price range, not much is going to smoke that Mackie. You might see an incremental increase in quality, but a mic will almost always net more of a difference in sound than a preamp.

War

I'm using the MXL 603's at the moment, thinking of getting some Oktava MK012's hopefully soon, as i havent tried them yet.

[bcains]

also, i'm going over to the US soon, and was thinking of rather saving up and get something over there, as they have a lot more range (i'd like to check out the great rivers', ART, Grace 101, Joemeek's) and usually with the conversion and everything it works in my favour.

[Warhead]

The 603's will be brighter than the Oktava MC012's, the MC012's do an excellent job on acoustic guitar though in my opinion. They really give a nice attack sound without being too bright and LOADS of good ol' "wood" sound. The AT4041 also deliver an excellent acoustic guitar sound (strummed), while I really like the CAD M179 on more lead type of playing on acoustic in your price range.

My favorite one mic thrown up on an acoustic lately is either my CAD VX2 tube mic or the AEA R84.

You cannot go wrong with those Oktavas on acoustic guitar, provided they are the "real" russian made ones and of decent quality!

War

[CCS]

Originally Posted by bcains

Ok i'm on the look out for pre amps at the moment to record acoustic guitar and vocals through. I haven't got a big budget to spend (under $600), at the moment, or is it worth waiting out a bit until i can afford something a little more pricey. I'm currently running through the mackie 24/8, would it be much of a set up using one of the following, or not really worth it?

The ones i've been looking at are;

Presonus Blue Tube DP $395AU
Presonus Digi Tube $555AU
Presonus Acoustic $475AU
M Audio DMP3 $389AU
SP VBT-1 $319AU

Unless you have more money to spend, I'd stick with the Mackie pres, which are transparent and clean.