Mic pre + or -

[Stan Williams]

I have the md8 and art mp, but as a mic pre i can't decide if it is better than the md8 alone. It has its uses, but with outboard preamp you are still going through the md8 pres.
Since you can't access the recorder without going through the md8 mixer, this means two preamps in series. I think you can run mic pre into insert return to bypass some of the preamp, but i have not tried this yet. Any comments ?
Thats it !

[gordone]

I have the MD4S, and I recently purchased a Great River 2-channel pre. I plug the pre into the inserts on channels 1 or 2 to bypass both the onboard pre and the eq, this way I record completely dry. When plugging in your pre to the inserts, plug it in about half-way, you may have to jiggle it until you hear a signal but it should work.

The outboard pre makes a huge difference, at least with the MD4S. I've never heard the ART before, but I originally had the Aphex 107, and that sounded a ton better than the onboard pres.
Good luck!

-Evan

[The Green Hornet]

Yo STAN the MAN:

You don't need to use the MD-8 mic gains or pre-amps on each channel if you are using an ART pre. I use the ART dual channel pre and I've found you can do some interesting things, especially with vocals, by playing with the input/and the output dials. [I have these on my unit]

Thus, by limiting the input, your can press the output a bit and get the vocal up front more.

Also just experimented with my AKG 3000 mic; it has these little ball-point pen activated switches on the sleeve of the mic and I decided to move them; Voila, more headroom from the mic and a clearer sound.

With my dual ART, I can use XLR or 1/4 inch inputs; the XLR, methinks, are better.

Enjoy experimenting,
Green Hornet