Audio Buddy vs DMP3

[reshp1]

Obviously the DMP3 is much respected around here, but how good is it's predecessor the Audio Buddy? Guitar Center is selling them with the MXL990/991 package this month for $99, which is what the MXL990/991 package was priced at without the pre. Wondering if it's almost the same quality as the DMP3 and worth getting at this price.

[noisedude]

Lots of reports say that it doesn't provide a full 48V of phantom power, so you lose headroom in your mics, and they may also sound different.

FWIW - The DMP-2 is the predecessor to the DMP-3 ... the Audiobuddy was always just a little portable preamp, lower down in the range.

[reshp1]

Crap, hoping it was the poor (broke?) man's DMP3. Oh well, like I need another piece of gear to not use.

[noisedude]

Haha! It's a good little buy as long as you don't use condensers and don't mind it being less good than most of the stuff you already have!

[edwardiii]

I've got the Audio Buddy - I thought the phantom power was < 48v based on some reviews I'd read on-line, but someone on the board measured the output and said it was putting out 48v. I don't have a lot of pre-amp experience, but the Audiobuddy's two-channel with phantom power and is pretty good sounding. I've liked what I've gotten out of it, I primarily use acoustic gtr and voice into a Tascam 4-track. It's also small + light, perfect for throwing into a gig bag.

I've also got an MXL 990 - haven't found a decent use for it, but I've read if you're recording loud, overdriven stuff it's not bad.

Anybody have any opinions on the MXL 991?

[shiatzu]

there's absolutely nothing wrong with the audiobuddy, really.. i'd be a little wary of running 2 mics that require phantom power at the same time, but hell, for the price it's a decent (VERY small) preamp.

[jimmybobby]

Originally Posted by noisedude

FWIW - The DMP-2 is the predecessor to the DMP-3 ... the Audiobuddy was always just a little portable preamp, lower down in the range.

Has anyone directly compared the DMP-2 to the DMP-3? I have a USB Duo that is based on the DMP-2 and can be used as a stand alone preamp. I'm wondering if it's worth buying the DMP-3. My Duo sounds ok, but the preamps on my Motu Traveler are much better. Is the DMP-3 a lot better than the DMP-2?

Thanks,
-Jim Bob

[wargasms]

i have the audio buddy

and the omnistudio which uses the dmp2 preamps

ive tried both with a MXL v93m on hip hop vocals

i liked the audio buddy better.

i now have a AT3035 but i havent tried the omnistudio with that yet because the audiobuddy is doing the job...a

[Erockrazor]

I have the audio buddy also. My cheap audio technica dynamic microphone seems to do better than my mxl 990/991 on it(condensers). I think it could have to do with the 48v phantom power. I dont know whether to be dissapointed with the condenser mics or the preamp. Im thinking of purchasing a phantom power supply to see if that helps .. (any one disagree with that?)

As far as the Audio buddy goes , the pre's are pretty quiet and has 60db gain so thats pretty good. With the dynamic mic in it sounds really good. But with phantom power on my condensers it doesnt seem so hot. I wouldnt say its a bad deal. I wish i could of gotten mine for 100 bucks total haha. I spent more like 150 . I cant vouch for the dmp3 cause i havent used it but from everything ive heard , it seems to really hit the spot when it comes to budget preamps.

[Robert D]

Originally Posted by Erockrazor

Im thinking of purchasing a phantom power supply to see if that helps .. (any one disagree with that?)
I cant vouch for the dmp3 cause i havent used it but from everything ive heard , it seems to really hit the spot when it comes to budget preamps.

I don't know how much the phantom pwr supply would cost, but you know what you want, so instead of spending more money in the wrong direction, maybe sell the audio buddy, add that to the money for the phantom pwr supply, throw in a few more bucks and get the DMP3. Otherwise you'll always be second guessing the preamp as you try to determine what you need to do to improve your recordings. With the DMP3 though, you'll know that you're using a pre that's up to snuff, and can look at the mics and positioning.
That's not to say that the DMP3 is the end all, perfect for everything preamp, but for someone just developing both their gear and skills, it's a part of the signal chain you can feel confident in.

-RD

[stanjanssen]

Originally Posted by edwardiii

Anybody have any opinions on the MXL 991?

The MXL991 is the same mic as the MXL 603 (do a search), but then with upgraded electronics, so I've heard... It's a great mic! I also love my MXL990 , and my DMP-3

Stan.