Looking for a new Pre

[andycerrone]

Ok, so I've got myself a decent line-up of gear (considering what I've spent). My pre's are totally lacking though, what I have though are the 4 pre's in my mackie board (1202vlz), a presonus bluetube (which i'm looking to sell soon) and a vtb-1 (also up for sale soon). I'm looking to spend around 400-500 for a new pre, I don't need more than 6 channels, and I'd be willing to just get a 2 channel if those 2 channels are *that* good (need be, I'll still use the pre's in the mackie for a little while on drums). Anyways, I play/record a lot of acoustic stuff, but also some really heavy rock. The vocals would be mostly tenor-alto. My mic selection right now is the SP C-1, the Naiant drum mic kit, a bunch of 57's, an SE609, and some other chinese 57 knockoffs. Recommendations?

[chessrock]

I'd consider an RNP. Or just stick with the Mackie board until you can afford a more meaningful step up.


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[andycerrone]

Originally Posted by chessrock

I'd consider an RNP. Or just stick with the Mackie board until you can afford a more meaningful step up.


.

Well what would be a more meaningful step up?

[chessrock]

Originally Posted by andycerrone

Well what would be a more meaningful step up?

John Hardy or Great River.

[andycerrone]

Originally Posted by chessrock

John Hardy or Great River.

What's the difference between the two?

[chessrock]

One's really clean, and the other is kinda' dirty.

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[andycerrone]

Well those are DAMN expensive. Anyone have one of them? The John Hardy looks more like what I'd want, but I prob won't be able to afford one of those unless I get a lot of bands interested in recording for like, months on end, haha.

[tdukex]

I have heard a lot of good recordings made with a Mackie board. Without knowing the quality of your instruments, recording/monitoring space, or monitoring chain, I think your money would be more wisely spent (or saved) for those three areas.

[FALKEN]

I have a couple RNP's for sale right now. [/end plug]

[andycerrone]

Originally Posted by tdukex

I have heard a lot of good recordings made with a Mackie board. Without knowing the quality of your instruments, recording/monitoring space, or monitoring chain, I think your money would be more wisely spent (or saved) for those three areas.

Instruments are top notch (gibson sg/jcm900, taylor 213). My monitors are M1 Active MK2's, and I'm kind of trapped in my bedroom until I get out of college, and probably a few years after. Pretty much, upgrading revolves around mics, pre's, and computer/plug ins for a while.

[Big Kenny]

broadhurst gardens are wonderful

[andycerrone]

Holy crap. I don't know any of these companies. Shit. The gardens one looks like it's a good vocal pre, but it seems like it' dbe a pain in the ass to get in a rack.

[Kevin Deschwazi]

I'm just saying what a few others have said in a round about kind of way but if you want a significant 'upgrade' then you're going to struggle a bit with your budget.

The DAV BG1 is now available in a 1u rack (called the BG1u), it'slightly more expensive though.

[MOFO Pro]

Originally Posted by Kevin DeSchwazi

The DAV BG1 is now available in a 1u rack (called the BG1u), it'slightly more expensive though.

Crap!!! I love the BG1... but I hate the footprint... I wonder if they use a different circuit board or if the original can be retrofitted... I'll have to look into that (I was already considering re-housing it)

[Kevin Deschwazi]

Originally Posted by MOFO Pro

Crap!!! I love the BG1... but I hate the footprint... I wonder if they use a different circuit board or if the original can be retrofitted... I'll have to look into that (I was already considering re-housing it)

That's better!

[MOFO Pro]

That can't be the same board...
Unless they got real creative with some pig tails and pots... Time to open it up

[Kevin Deschwazi]

Originally Posted by MOFO Pro

That can't be the same board...
Unless they got real creative with some pig tails and pots... Time to open it up

You could always ask?

enquiries@davelectronics.com

[warble2]

$400-500 won't get you a two-channel that would be considered a significant upgrade to what you have. For a bit more, I'd look into the True Systems P-Solo (one channel). Bought one a couple months back, and am very pleased with it. Nothing fancy here - won't color the sound, it will just give you a clean, detailed sound. Have been pleased using it with my CAD M177, MXL V67g, my Groove Tubes GT50, and SM57/58's. DI is pretty darn good too. To me, it's been a significant improvement over the mixer pre's I've used (Yamaha, Mackie), and other pres including DMP3, Tampa, VTB-1.

In your budget range, Presonus has a MP20 two-channel pre available, but I haven't heard raves reviews on it.

[jonnyc]

Originally Posted by andycerrone

Well those are DAMN expensive. Anyone have one of them? The John Hardy looks more like what I'd want, but I prob won't be able to afford one of those unless I get a lot of bands interested in recording for like, months on end, haha.

The Great River kicks all possible ass for rock stuff. Great on drums, great on guitars, IMO great on everything. My short use with one was blissful and enough to halt my purchasing until I can acquire one. BTW is a Neve knockoff, and surely you've heard of Neve.

[mentalattica]

It's no Great River or John Hardy but I just picked up a MPA Gold today, haven't played with it enough to form an opinion but I'll def. post when I do. From what I read around here is it's not a starved plate tube pre... however I'm kind of suspicious given the price tag.

[tdukex]

Originally Posted by andycerrone

...and I'm kind of trapped in my bedroom until I get out of college, and probably a few years after.

If I was going to be stuck in that room for a few years, I'd make sure it wasn't my problem (and then fix it if it was) before investing in more gear.

[andycerrone]

Originally Posted by tdukex

If I was going to be stuck in that room for a few years, I'd make sure it wasn't my problem (and then fix it if it was) before investing in more gear.

Well. Possibly make some bass absorbers or something like that, but nothing huge and expensive. I'd rather drop the cash on gear I can take with me.