Do I need a Pre-amp for my Vocal Mic?

[jbird6981]

I havent been recording for long. I do everything on my computer. Very basic but i want to get more equipment. I have a M-Audio PCI Delta 1010LT interface. To record vocals I just plug my mic into a phantom power box then right into the back of my computer. I record with Acid 7..... The question I have is do I really need a pre-amp or should I just use different plug-ins to mess with the sounds after I finish recording a track.

If Yes -
What would be my best option in the $400 range?

If no -
What Plug-in options would be best?

[Waltz Mastering]

The better your "front end" the better quality you will achieve in your recording's

In order of importance for your front end imo is:

1. Mic quality
2. Pre-amp quality
3. Compressor quality

There are plenty of great sounding pre-amps you can pic up used in the $400- 500 range.

I am sure you will get a lot of suggestions...

[snow lizard]

What kind of microphone?

What kind of phantom power box? Does this box have a volume control on it?

[Massive Master]

Originally Posted by jbird6981

I havent been recording for long. I do everything on my computer. Very basic but i want to get more equipment. I have a M-Audio PCI Delta 1010LT interface. To record vocals I just plug my mic into a phantom power box then right into the back of my computer. I record with Acid 7..... The question I have is do I really need a pre-amp or should I just use different plug-ins to mess with the sounds after I finish recording a track.

If Yes -
What would be my best option in the $400 range?

If no -
What Plug-in options would be best?

Yes - But your card (the 1010LT) has two built-in preamps. Not very nice ones (as you've probably noticed) and (evidently, and IIR) they lack internal phantom power.

That said - Most definitely, I think upgrading the preamp would be a reasonably wonderful place to upgrade.

If no - What do plugins have to do with anything? It's all about the core sound and how it's captured. You'd use whatever plugs pretty much no matter what preamp you'd be using to some extent. But better preamps will make any plug sound better - Not the other way around.

[jbird6981]

Thanks for the responses. Would I be better off getting a new interface or spend the money on a good mic and preamp first. I use a couple waves plugins I got from a friend. C4 and sometimes i use the doubler

Here is what I use:


Sterling Audio ST51 Large Diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone
Cheap but it was suggested at Guitar Center where I live. Sounds nasalish to me.

Sterling Audio PHP1 48V Phantom Power Supply
No volume control on it.

Thats it. I guess after reading what was suggested, a new mic might be worth it with a good pre amp&compressor instead of messing with the plug ins

[Massive Master]

Originally Posted by jbird6981

Thanks for the responses. Would I be better off getting a new interface or spend the money on a good mic and preamp first. I use a couple waves plugins I got from a friend. C4 and sometimes i use the doubler

(Why do so many people using pirated/stolen software always feel the need to publicly post about it? Little bit of help coming along and then WHAM - No one gives a flying crap about software pirates. Software pirates cost me more money in the last year than gear upgrades. I freaking hate software pirates.)

[RD423]

I have never used that mic or the pre, I actually use the akg 3000 & the Rhodes NT1 which in my opinion are great mics for what I do, Others bash them but 2 each their own, and I use a focusrite voicemaster pro compressor/pre. gives me a great sound with a treated room. And your delta you should be able 2 run your mic into it. I know some1 who uses that can't remember what other equipment they use but they got a good sound out of it.