Firebox or DMP3

[Frank Story]

I want to update my preamps. I record nylon string guitar with MXL 603s (90% and DI bass 10%). Considering that I'm more guitar player than engineer, would I be happier with the Firebox, DMP3 preamp into my current M-Audio 2496 or with an up-scale preamp like the Eureka?

[cominginsecond]

I assume you don't need Firewire? If not, then I'd just get the DMP3. It's a great pre for the price. Tons of clean gain.

[Kevin Deschwazi]

I agree with CI2. You have a perfectly good two channel soundcard so i'd spend the money on preamps.

The DMP-3 is very good value and it's 'cleanness' suits acoustic instruments well.

[jonnyc]

I have to third the dmp3, I own it and its very clean and surprisingly good for the price. The Eureka is pretty nice, nothing outstanding, I own it and while I like it I think I would've been better off buying a grace101. I find the Eureka's eq and compression to be so so at best, in fact I rarely use them.

[Frank Story]

Thanks for all the input. The only things that swayed me toward the Firebox were the latency and driver issues with the 2496. Truthfully, that's never been a large problem. The only other question I have is whether there are any issues with plugging the balanced outputs of the DMP3 directly into the 2496.

[Treeline]

Another vote for the DMP3.

Mine does yeoman duty - there's always something I need it for. It's a hell of a good preamp. I can't recall ever having a problem with the outputs on the DMP3, althought I've always used TRS cables. Try a set of TS cables and see what happens. I bet it'll be fine.

[Erockrazor]

Frank , thanks for asking a question i was tempted to ask.

I actually asked my parents for a DMP3 for christmas. ( I better not get an mp3 player )

But otherwise, Ive really only heard good things about the DMp3. I use my Audio Buddy with a cable that has 2 1/4'' cables to two RCA cables into my Audiophile 2496. Has been working good for me for as long as ive done it. Im looking forward to stepping up to the DMP3.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/...se_pid/339009/

Those are the cables I use for the outs into the 2496.

Good Luck with everything my man.

[Frank Story]

Thanks to one and all for your replies. Looks like it it's unanimous - DMP3.

[Kevin Deschwazi]

Originally Posted by Frank Story

The only other question I have is whether there are any issues with plugging the balanced outputs of the DMP3 directly into the 2496.

I use a DMP-3 with the M Audio delta 1010LT card which has unbalanced inputs. No problems at all.

[tdukex]

The DMP3 and the MXL603s into the 24/96 is a great (budget) setup for acou guit (both steel and nylon). As long as you have a decent guit and player it's pretty hard to mess up a recording with that setup.

[ido1957]

Another vote for DMP3

[jaykeMURD]

Yet anoooooother vote for the DMP3. The DMP3 is a lifesaver.....kinda. I love mine to death! I also use a Delta 1010lt......so works fine.