Preamp advice...

[Gumbyman]

Hi guys,

Having a bit of a problem here that I hope you can help me out with. I'm trying to decide on a new preamp for my home studio set up. I use a Rode NT1A to record vox and ac guitar and I have a protools 002 rack at home and a n Mbox mini for when I'm away (work in another city). The vox recordings sound a bit sterile at times and I want something to warm them up. I've been thinking about getting a Behringer 1953 and changing the tubes (from advice on other threads here). Also toying with the idea of an Art MPA Gold preamp. My budget is under €400 (about $500 or so). Just a bit lost to be honest. Every time I settle on one path I read something that convinces me otherwise. Just wondering what would YOU do if you were me? Besides have a shave and stop eating out of date easter eggs.....

While I'm at it this is probably a stupid question but how would I connect the preamp to the protools minibox or rack? Is there some way of bypassing the protools preamps or what do I do?

Any help appreciated!

Cheers,
Steve.

[tdukex]

I think what you need is a different mic. Maybe an SM7, AT4047, modded Oktava 219/319, or even a ribbon mic.

Originally Posted by Gumbyman

Hi guys,

Having a bit of a problem here that I hope you can help me out with. I'm trying to decide on a new preamp for my home studio set up. I use a Rode NT1A to record vox and ac guitar and I have a protools 002 rack at home and a n Mbox mini for when I'm away (work in another city). The vox recordings sound a bit sterile at times and I want something to warm them up. I've been thinking about getting a Behringer 1953 and changing the tubes (from advice on other threads here). Also toying with the idea of an Art MPA Gold preamp. My budget is under €400 (about $500 or so). Just a bit lost to be honest. Every time I settle on one path I read something that convinces me otherwise. Just wondering what would YOU do if you were me? Besides have a shave and stop eating out of date easter eggs.....

While I'm at it this is probably a stupid question but how would I connect the preamp to the protools minibox or rack? Is there some way of bypassing the protools preamps or what do I do?

Any help appreciated!

Cheers,
Steve.

[dickiefunk]

Yep a new mic would be a better option!

I have the MPA Gold and NT-1a.

The Rode is quite a sterile sounding mic.

I've been using my M-Audio Tampa as my main vocal mic pre. I used my Rode NT-1a with it and whilst the sound was good, it was a little sterile with and thin with the vocalist I was working with.
I borrowed an SM7b and AT4040 and the difference was big!!
I picked up an ART MPA Gold recently and tried the NT-1a with my MPA Gold and while things did sound less sterile the difference wasn't as big as the SM7b made with my original preamp!!

Since then I picked up an Oktava MK-319 and MXL v67g and am liking the results I'm getting with these!

[Monkey Allen]

Same as dickie...I have the Gold and an NT1a...the NT1a is a little bit sterile, as said. I find my other mics...CADm177 and MCA Sp1 a lot better.

[jaz49]

Agree...changing the mic can give you dramatically different results...the preamp, not so much so. I switched from a mic that was too bright for my voice to a Kel HM2D and the difference was NOT subtle! The kel is a darker...thicker mic. Personally, I would repeat what the others told you. Go with the mic first, not the preamp.