Help upgrading vocal chain?

[dickiefunk]

Hi. I'm currently using an Oktava MK-319, MXL v67g and Rode NT-1a into an M-Audio Tampa preamp. The Tampa then goes into my Echo Layla 3G interface.

I have recently made a makeshift vocal booth using mattresses and a duvet which has made a noticeable difference in tone. I also use a T.Bone MicScreen (reflexion filter copy).

I am pleased with the results of this and am now able to justify upgrading my vocal chain.

I trying to decide whether I should keep my Tampa and add a preamp with a different tone (Chameleon Labs 7602, Audient Mico, Sontronics Sonora etc) to give me a wider choice of tones?

or

Keep the Tampa and get a new mic such as EV RE20, Shure SM7b or decent tube mic?

or

Sell Tampa and buy a preamp such as Chameleon Labs 7602, Audient Mico, Sontronics Sonora and get another mic like the KEL HM-2d?

What would be your advice to help me upgrade my vocal chain?
My budget is going to be between £300 - £450 (depending on whether I keep my Tampa or not).

Thanks

[jaz49]

I think a different mic is the way to go, since it can give you a radically different flavor. The HM2D is handling everything I throw at it very well with my vocal tracking. It's very different from previous mics I've used...darker and thicker. It's definitely a different flavor...which I like... but I have no way of knowing how it would suit your needs. I wouldn't necessarily describe it as an upgrade...just an alternate flavor. There's also the Kel HM7U which is entirely different from the HM2...but also highly regarded.

[pohaku]

I think the Tampa has something like 66db of gain in total? Assuming that's correct, I'd look to get a diffeent mic - perhaps an SM7b or RE-20 (I prefer the SM7 to the RE-20, but that's a personal thing). I think getting a different/better mic will do more to improve your vocal chain than getting a mid-priced preamp.

I'd start there. While different preamps can certainly give you a different/better sound, I think many people who haven't really heard a variety of preamps would be surprised by how subtle those differences actually are - particularly given the marketing hype which protrays them as providing the Voice of God that you have been missing all your life.

The Tampa, by all accounts, is a decent preamp. I think you would get more bang for your investment at this time to get a better mic. Later, if you really want the incremental improvement, you could consider additional preamps. My 2 cents.

[dickiefunk]

Thanks for replies. The singer I'm working with has a Shure beta 58 and I have access to SM58's and SM57's so I'm not sure I want to spend £230 on a SM7b.

I've been liking the Oktava MK-319 on her voice recently and I think that this mic would sound better with a warmer/smoother toned preamp.

At the moment I have £310 to spend. For this I could add a secondhand Chameleon Labs 7602 which looks like it could warm and smooth things up - especially with the EQ!

Alternatively I could sell my Tampa, DMP3 and Yamaha MLA7 which would give me approx £550. This opens up my options to the Daking Mic Pre One, DAV BG-1, True Systems P-Solo, Focusrite ISA One.

Thing is I like having different sounding preamps for certain sources and
I'm a little nervous selling all my pres and getting just one as I don't like to put all my eggs in one basket.

Whilst I'm mainly looking to improve my vocal channel I also record Ac/El Guitar, El/Upright Bass and occasionally brass.

Would the Daking/DAV etc be a big step up from the Chameleon Labs?

[darrin_h2000]

That MLA 7 would come in handy for miking whole drumsets...I holding onto mine in hopes that someday a 16 input interface will pop up.

No to say that Im a fan of paying the extra to do this...but why not get rid of what you are contemplating getting rid of and get a Neve clone like the great river or something instead of spinning your wheels and starting a which lowend preamp should I waste my cash on thread every couple of weeks.

Id say shit or get off the pot...Im not saying you should follow my advice...but if you arent going to take it...what good is asking going to do you?

[dickiefunk]

Heck if I had the money for a Great River there would be no hesitation to get it.
Unfortunately the Great River costs £1099 over here!!!

[darrin_h2000]

Originally Posted by dickiefunk

Heck if I had the money for a Great River there would be no hesitation to get it.
Unfortunately the Great River costs £1099 over here!!!

And if you hadnt have bought all those cheap ones...you would have the money for it...the Line6 stuff I suggested gives you the same sound. for alot less...plus 5 other commercial pre model's...but you havent even tried that Ill bet.

[dickiefunk]

[QUOTE=darrin_h2000;3153181]And if you hadnt have bought all those cheap ones...you would have the money for it...[/QUOTE

Actually I picked up all those pres secondhand for £300!!! The Great River costs £1099!!!!
Even if I bought them new they would have cost around £600 so you're statement is not correct!!

[darrin_h2000]

[QUOTE=dickiefunk;3153248]

Originally Posted by darrin_h2000

And if you hadnt have bought all those cheap ones...you would have the money for it...[/QUOTE

Actually I picked up all those pres secondhand for £300!!! The Great River costs £1099!!!!
Even if I bought them new they would have cost around £600 so you're statement is not correct!!

So...how much is a Line6 ux2 there....it is a Neve clone too...but a two channel...basically 6 pres in one.

I too have paid out the nose even more for preamps and I like to think if I can save a few of you guys from making bad purchases.

Kudos on buying used...I do that too when new is way too much money.

[dickiefunk]

I'm really torn between a secondhand Focusrite ISA One with Digital Card or a Golden Age Projects PRE-73.
Has anyone had experience with both of these?

Also has anyone compared these to the Tampa?

[davidguevara80]

Originally Posted by dickiefunk

I'm really torn between a secondhand Focusrite ISA One with Digital Card or a Golden Age Projects PRE-73.
Has anyone had experience with both of these?

Also has anyone compared these to the Tampa?

If you wanna sell your tampa let me know....i am looking for one of those.