Affordable tube preamp

[lttoler]

I am looking for a Preamp to use for recording bass and vocals on my Boss Br-1180. Does anyone know what is a good brand at the best price? Thanks!

[andycerrone]

Originally Posted by lttoler

I am looking for a Preamp to use for recording bass and vocals on my Boss Br-1180. Does anyone know what is a good brand at the best price? Thanks!

I just bought the Studio Projects VTB-1 and from what people say it's really good and it was only $60 used from someone on the board. Good luck!

[zacanger]

How about a Presonus t00b pre?




















...






just kidding.

[andycerrone]

Originally Posted by zacanger

How about a Presonus t00b pre?

...






just kidding.

....good one....


.

[Kevin Deschwazi]

What's your actual budget?

Why do you specifically need a tube preamp?

The vtb-1 is OK considering the price but don't be fooled into thinking you're getting a 'real' tube pre. Do a search on 'starved plate', this will give you an idea of what you're actually getting for your money when you buy a budget tube preamp.

Real tube pres cost a lot of money, I've recently built my own and the parts alone cost around £350 ($600+) not to mention the time it takes.

The Electro Harmonix 12AY7 is as close as you'll get for not much money.

When you say you want to record bass do you mean you need a DI in as well or will you be micing the amp? If you need a DI input too that rules out the EH pre.

[bigwillz24]

I got a Bellari MP-105 laying around.

[Massive Master]

Affordable tube preamp

"Cheap" and "tube" in one sentence usually leads to "crap" in the next.

[andycerrone]

Originally Posted by Kevin DeSchwazi

What's your actual budget?

Why do you specifically need a tube preamp?

The vtb-1 is OK considering the price but don't be fooled into thinking you're getting a 'real' tube pre. Do a search on 'starved plate', this will give you an idea of what you're actually getting for your money when you buy a budget tube preamp.

Real tube pres cost a lot of money, I've recently built my own and the parts alone cost around £350 ($600+) not to mention the time it takes.

The Electro Harmonix 12AY7 is as close as you'll get for not much money.

When you say you want to record bass do you mean you need a DI in as well or will you be micing the amp? If you need a DI input too that rules out the EH pre.

I don't really expect it to sound like a TUBE preamp, but for $60, I'm not going to complain. Better than a lot of shit you'll get for over $100.

[Kevin Deschwazi]

Originally Posted by andycerrone

I don't really expect it to sound like a TUBE preamp, but for $60, I'm not going to complain. Better than a lot of shit you'll get for over $100.

Yeah that's a great deal, if I saw one going for that price I'd grab one myself. I had a vtb-1 a while ago, not bad at all.

I was just making the point (to the topic starter) that it's not a tube pre in the traditional sense, that's not to say it'll sound bad, but it won't sound like a fearn.

[andycerrone]

Originally Posted by Kevin DeSchwazi

Yeah that's a great deal, if I saw one going for that price I'd grab one myself. I had a vtb-1 a while ago, not bad at all.

I was just making the point (to the topic starter) that it's not a tube pre in the traditional sense, that's not to say it'll sound bad, but it won't sound like a fearn.

Yeah, I think terms like, "tube" and "vintage" get thrown around too much, and it's making it so someone just starting will buy it because they want that "tube" sound or that "vintage" sound, and it's getting to the point where it's rediculous.