Mic Pre amp?

[djdarwin]

I am running protools with the Mbox.

I got and MXL 990 Condenser Mic.

Since the Mbox has phantom power do i still need a mic pre amp?

I have recorded a bunch of stuff and i can still get my mic to peak out without turning up the line input too much.

If i can record at whatever level i need should i still get a mic preamp?

WHat benifits does a $150 preamp give to vocal takes?

[chessrock]

A mic pre allows you to get sound out of your fucking microphone.

Next question.

.

[Micter]

Originally Posted by djdarwin

I am running protools with the Mbox.

I got and MXL 990 Condenser Mic.

Since the Mbox has phantom power do i still need a mic pre amp?

I have recorded a bunch of stuff and i can still get my mic to peak out without turning up the line input too much.

If i can record at whatever level i need should i still get a mic preamp?

WHat benifits does a $150 preamp give to vocal takes?

Depending on the pre amp you should end up with better sounding vocals. Your mic isn't the best but it is OK for vocals.

[tarnationsauce2]

I looked at what an MBox is. It seems to be an interface with a mic pre built into it.
So, technically No you don't need another mic pre. However you can be pretty sure that mic pre built into the MBox is probably not the greatest.

[djdarwin]

Originally Posted by chessrock

A mic pre allows you to get sound out of your fucking microphone.

Next question.

.

Youre not to good at reading chess... But back to the subject. Id rather get help than get into a forum message war with you chess.

Anyway...

I have recorded many takes. At many different levels. All is working fine without any mic pre at all.

So in an effort to improve the quality of my recordings and the bredth of my knowledge i ask the same question again...

What benifits would a mic pre amp have on my vocal takes that seem to be "ok" to me thus far?

[djdarwin]

Thanks guys for the feedback. Especially those who took the time to actually read the question...

If i am recording rap verses from my artists and not any real phrase heavy complex vocal singing takes is the MXL 990 a good enough mic for this type of use.

I feel like recording rap verses doesnt need the sensitivity that a harmonious ballad would so why spend the extra on a really nice condenser?

If not the MXL 990 what would be the ideal mic for recording rap lyrics and some melodic hooks that arent to complex?

Thanks again...

[Micter]

Originally Posted by djdarwin

Thanks guys for the feedback. Especially those who took the time to actually read the question...

If i am recording rap verses from my artists and not any real phrase heavy complex vocal singing takes is the MXL 990 a good enough mic for this type of use.

I feel like recording rap verses doesnt need the sensitivity that a harmonious ballad would so why spend the extra on a really nice condenser?

If not the MXL 990 what would be the ideal mic for recording rap lyrics and some melodic hooks that arent to complex?

Thanks again...

Each Mic has it's own characteristics. The MXL 990 is a bit bright and noisey but can work well on certain things. I would probably not use it as a vocal mic but if that is what you have then get the most out of it. As always, mic's are so subjective it is so difficult to pinpoint one mic that will work in every situation.

[Robert D]

Originally Posted by djdarwin

I have recorded many takes. At many different levels. All is working fine without any mic pre at all.

Dude, your underwear is showing.

[scrubs]

Originally Posted by djdarwin

I have recorded many takes. At many different levels. All is working fine without any mic pre at all.

What the others are trying to say is that the MBox has built in preamps, so you are using preamps. You probably meant to say you are not using an external preamp.

If i am recording rap verses from my artists and not any real phrase heavy complex vocal singing takes is the MXL 990 a good enough mic for this type of use.

I feel like recording rap verses doesnt need the sensitivity that a harmonious ballad would so why spend the extra on a really nice condenser?

A Neumann U87 mic and an Avalon 737 preamp is one of the most common combinations used to record rap music (about $4500 for the pair). If you and your clients are satisfied with the 990/Mbox combo, stick with it. There's nothing wrong with budget gear if you know how to get the most out of it.

[djdarwin]

Originally Posted by scrubs

What the others are trying to say is that the MBox has built in preamps, so you are using preamps. You probably meant to say you are not using an external preamp.


A Neumann U87 mic and an Avalon 737 preamp is one of the most common combinations used to record rap music (about $4500 for the pair). If you and your clients are satisfied with the 990/Mbox combo, stick with it. There's nothing wrong with budget gear if you know how to get the most out of it.

Scrubs you are the man. Thanks for the tip.

I feel like im gonna hold off on the Mic Preamp till i run into issues with the Mbox.

The MXL 990 is another issue alltogether.

I am not real happy with it and i dont like the takes my clients are gettin out of it.

What is a better vocal condenser that its quite as spendy as the Neumann?

Something fitting for rap vocals in the <$500 range?

Thanks man.

[RAK]

You're clear on what Scrubs was saying about the Mbox having mic pre's right? When you plug in the mic into the XLR in on the MBox it is routed to the mic-pre which boosts (amplifies) the signal to a usable level.

Also in your first post you asked since the Mbox has Phantom Power do you still need a pre-amp? That's sort of mixing your metaphors. Phantom Power doesn't replace the pre-amp, it's a feature of the pre-amp if you will. It is needed for condensor mics. So for example, if you had a condensor mic and your pre did not supply phantom power, then you would need a new mic-pre, but the MBox does, so your set.

Also, since I just found this for another post, I'll throw it in here.

From Dictionary.com:

pre·am·pli·fi·er ( P ) Pronunciation Key (pr-mpl-fr)
n.
An electronic circuit or device that detects and strengthens weak signals, as from a radio receiver, for subsequent, more powerful amplification stages.

[BigRay]

a good mic for < 500 bucks is the AT4050

[scrubs]

Originally Posted by BigRay

a good mic for < 500 bucks is the AT4050

That's probably what I would have said. Another condenser to consider would be the Studio Projects T3. The Electrovoice RE20 and Shure SM7B are two world-class dynamic microphones that would work great for rap, although the preamps in the MBox might not have enough volume to reveal their full potential. Can't go wrong with the 4050, though.

[jonnyc]

So incase you didn't get it the last three times djdarwin, you're already using a mic pre. That's what the little plug on the back or your unit is, that you're plugging your mic into. If you're just doing project stuff you'll never really need to upgrade, but in the future you may want another mic preamp that has a different flavor. It can be confusing I know but you need to study up so you know what you're using. Try going here www.tweakheadz.com and study Tweak's guide. After reading over it a few times you should have a basic grasp of studio gear and terminology.

[buryher17]

Originally Posted by BigRay

a good mic for < 500 bucks is the AT4050

i definately agree on that.

but if you wana get even cheaper and be still really happy with a ncie condensor, go with the at2020. $100 flat, and it's a dream. and it record cymbals veyr nicely too [and acustics]

[chessrock]

Originally Posted by djdarwin

I am not real happy with it and i dont like the takes my clients are gettin out of it.

You mean to say that you actually have clients? As in people actually paying money for you to record them?

Oh Jesus Christ.

.

[fraserhutch]

Originally Posted by chessrock

You mean to say that you actually have clients? As in people actually paying money for you to record them?

Oh Jesus Christ.

.

Sorta makes you want to cry, doesn't it?

[buryher17]

hahaha

well im one to admit i dont ahve the best equipment in the world, but i have enough to make a good recording. i only charge $20 per song to local bands of my aarea [which is like 100 bands] haha

and people love it. im building an iso booth now,and upgrading some mic'sand adding more to my effects and such and eventually ill charge more, but things are going well for me doing it the wya i am now.