preamps into 4track

[steev93]

Hi, im using a tascam 414mkll to record an album. I want to achieve as loud a signal from the vocals, acoustic and drums as possible and as the built in preamps arnt amazing i got my self a couple of arp tubemp preamps to boost the signals. I read that preamping a preamp will cause alot of noise and hiss. Is this true? If so, any suggestons on how i can get around it or reduce the noise.
thanks
steve

[k1enneth]

you can reduce the tascam levels as low as possible. Then increase the other preamp signals substantially, but not to where they distort. Then keep the tascam recording levels just into the red recording zone. I have the same setup with an Aphex 107 mic preamp for the microphones patched into the Tascam. I get a very clean signal path, as compared to using only the Tascam preamps which had big signal noise print. Experiment!!

[JRSIV]

I've always used outboard preamps with my Tascam PortaStudios. I patch them in through the 1/4" input and turn the mixers trim all the way down and keep the channel fader low as well (between 3 and 6), making sure the preamp out is as hot as possible without causing problems at the mixer. Like Kenny said, experiment with different levels at the preamp (hotter input gain vs. lower output, etc...) and just try to keep the Tascams levels as high as possible.

The ART Tube MP's have been fav's of mine for using with PortaStudios. I had my Dual MP fitted with NOS 12AX7's and it sounds awesome. Much better than with the stock valves. I recommend finding some good NOS tubes and if you're comfortable doing it, switch them into your Tube MP. I had a friend who retrofits amps do mine because I was a little uneasy popping the chassis off myself and digging around. But whether you do it or have someone else do it, it really made a difference. Just saying...good times man.