Behringer Eurorack Mixers

[Executivos]

I just bought a behringer mx2004a mixer, and I'm not sure if I like it yet. I have a rode ntv (which I love) and the sound is not amazing when I run it through this board. (I've only used it on one other mic pre....one that I'm sure isn't nearly as good as this)
I don't know how to tell if the mic pres in the board are anygood or not. Everyone always mentions noise and it's EXTREMELY quiet clear sound, but it's kinda harsh sounding I guess? Is this a character of this mic pre or am I being too picky? I haven't been able to find any professional reviews on the unit, just users like me giving their opinions and they are all mixed. I still have the ability to return it, and I guess my other option is an aphex 107 and a smaller mixer (I need the effects sends for my setup) Please help!

[Gidge]

Yes, that is the character of the Behringer...you arent doing that NTV any justice with it.....you will need a Mackie at least to get a good sound, but I would suggest a dedicated preamp for that mic, maybe an Art Tube MP.....I know you need effects sends, but thats another story....you want your mic to sound good then select a preamp based on its sound and not whether the mixer has eff sends....

[Executivos]

Allright then I have a right to think that the harshness is a crappy preamp. (I was worried someone was going to tell me that it's normal unless I spend 5 grand on some gnarly preamp)

I looked at the art tube mp. They had a desktop unit for about $100. I'd like to get a 2 channel pre if possible. Are there any other's you would recommend? (Preferably rack mountable) I guess I can spend up to $300 or so, but would like to keep it under 200. A friend has the aphex 107 and it's in my price range...Anyone know about it?

The reviews I saw of the art tube mp were outstanding so if thats really the one I should go with, say so. THANKS!

[c7sus]

I would look for something solid state...... the one review I read about using the NTV with a tube pre was too many tubes in the chain turned it to mush......

You also might try turning down the trim on the Behringer. It could be getting harsh from too much opamp signal.

I've got an NTV too. And I'm still trying to figure out how to get the sound I want from my acoustic guitar. I've just fooled around with it on vocals.... I've run it through Mackie VLZ and Meek VC6Q. The NTV has a fairly hot signal..... 6dB hotter than my NT2 when I put them both through the Mackie in an x/y configuration.

Anyway, good luck. If you can, take the mic to your local store and run it through different pres until you hear something you like.

[Gidge]

http://www.digitalprosound.com/Htm/R.../June/DMP2.htm

http://midiman.net/reviews/DMP2PAR2.pdf

M-Audio DMP2


or 2 Art Tube MP's

[James HE]

The NTV may be a tad hot for the DMP-2, depending on the source.

Sounds like you may be well off to get a MACKIE 1202. There's four channels right there, plus a free mixer!

And how, exactly, do you know you love the NTK and have only tried it on crappy pre's?

-jhe

[Executivos]

Actually I don't have the NTK, I have the NTV. The other mic pre I've used it on is an onboard mic pre In an 1980's powered yamaha mixer (it's huge and it weighs a ton) I got it from my old high school when they rennovated the theatre. I'm assuming the mic pre's aren't as good because from what I've read, mic pre's weren't an important factor back then. It seems to be pretty noisy, but it still sounds 20 times better than the other condensers I've used (Oktava 319 and Rode Nt1)

I think I've found another option though...tell me what you guys think:

I have a digi 001 coming in a week and that presents new options in routing (which will elliminatie the need for the mixer) So I'm toying with the idea of ditching it completely, a concept hard for me to grasp but it makes sense. I'm looking at 2 of the joe meek mic pres, namely the Joe Meek vc3q which I found for 199. It's solid state and has built in comp/eq on it. The reveiws I've seen swear by it. Any ideas?

BTW Thanks for all of the advice. It's nice to get an opinion from someone who's not trying to sell me something.

[MISTERQCUE]

See above icon on Behringer mixers.

[gordone]

Originally posted by Executivos
Allright then I have a right to think that the harshness is a crappy preamp. (I was worried someone was going to tell me that it's normal unless I spend 5 grand on some gnarly preamp)

I looked at the art tube mp. They had a desktop unit for about $100. I'd like to get a 2 channel pre if possible. Are there any other's you would recommend? (Preferably rack mountable) I guess I can spend up to $300 or so, but would like to keep it under 200. A friend has the aphex 107 and it's in my price range...Anyone know about it?

The reviews I saw of the art tube mp were outstanding so if thats really the one I should go with, say so. THANKS!

Borrow your friend's Aphex and see if you like it...That was my first pre which I used with my Audio-Technica 4033, kind of smooth sounding, but not terrible detailed. I've since upgraded to a Great River so I rarely use my Aphex anymore. Also check out the Mackie pres (which come with a free mixer!), maybe your store will let you try it out at home and return it if you don't like it? I've never tried the Mackie's but people seem to like them.

Good luck!
-Evan

[Executivos]

Just to let everyone know, I sent that terrible behringer back and got the joemeek vc6q for 399. A bit more than I wanted to spend but I really needed a better compressor. This thing is great, it's just the sound I was looking for. The other really good thing about it is bass going direct sounds so much better than everything else I've tried. I'm a happy camper.

[MISTERQCUE]

Executivos, see above icon.