Preamps: the next step

[Fab4ever]

Hello all.

I have a Meek MQ3 and a Delta Omni with DMP2 preamps. I am well aware of the plethora of opinions on low-priced preamps, but I have a very specific question:

I want to improve my vocal channel. Would the new SP VTB-1 give me a noticeable improvement, or should I bide my time till I can afford a RNP?

Other info: I have only a V-67G, an SP B-1 and a couple 603Ss for mics. (A related question: would a better mic give me a quicker, more noticeable improvement?) No other outboard compressor, though the RNC is on my wish list. I record pop/rock in a bad-sounding spare bedroom, and never record more than two channels at the same time (i.e., no live drums).

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Fab

[ozraves]

Originally posted by Fab4ever
Hello all.

I have a Meek MQ3 and a Delta Omni with DMP2 preamps. I am well aware of the plethora of opinions on low-priced preamps, but I have a very specific question:

I want to improve my vocal channel. Would the new SP VTB-1 give me a noticeable improvement, or should I bide my time till I can afford a RNP?

Other info: I have only a V-67G, an SP B-1 and a couple 603Ss for mics. (A related question: would a better mic give me a quicker, more noticeable improvement?) No other outboard compressor, though the RNC is on my wish list. I record pop/rock in a bad-sounding spare bedroom, and never record more than two channels at the same time (i.e., no live drums).

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Fab

The RNP is a real step up for a vocal channel. The VTB1 might be depending on how you perceive things.

You might order a VTB1 from www.humbuckermusic.com. If you don't take to it, then send it back for an RNP.

--Steve
www.piemusic.com

[Fab4ever]

Thanks, Steve. Nice idea. I wonder if I might not ought to look at another flavor of mic first, before getting a preamp. The real answer: I want it ALL. NOW.

G.A.S. for sure.

Fab

[SLuiCe]

Also...the VTB-1 is a single channel, and I believe the RNP is dual. I have a pair of VTB-1's that I love, but I've heard samples of the RNP that are nice too. Do you need 2 channels or one?

[Fab4ever]

Well, I have the Meek and the Omni Studio, both of which have two channels. I really wouldn't NEED two more channels.

But....

The though of someday having an RNC and an RNP as my front end really does appeal to me. Then, Meek and Delta become alternate flavors.

Better go play the lottery.

Fab

[chessparov]

You get free 3 day shipping on the VTB-1 at www.bpmmusic.com
The VTB-1 is a "step up" from the MQ3's pre's. There's a perceptible difference. I'm a big fan of the compression/EQ section
on the Meeks though.
(had 2 V3CQ's)

Chris

[ozraves]

i don't know about the mics. you've got a nice selection of basic mics there.

i think you'll have to move a little ways up in price to get into some different territory as you've got some different bases covered.

here's an article on building a mic cabinet -- www.piemusic.com/mp/micproj.html

have you listened to dan richard's listening session no. 2? -- www.thelisteningsessions.com it might give you some ideas between mics and preamps.

i like both the vtb1 and rnp but if i were looking to upgrade i'd jump at the rnp. but, that's my personal choice from using both and making a decision about my needs.

steve
mojo pie

[Richard Monroe]

Unfortunately, I think the next big step up in your chain is several hundred dollars or more away. Either the RNP or a middle level vocal mic ?NTK would give you a small improvement over the V67 into Joemeek, but I said *small*. A real step up would be Grace 101 and a B.L.U.E. Dragonfly. Yeah, we all want to win the lottery.-Richie

[ozraves]

Originally posted by Richard Monroe
Unfortunately, I think the next big step up in your chain is several hundred dollars or more away. Either the RNP or a middle level vocal mic ?NTK would give you a small improvement over the V67 into Joemeek, but I said *small*. A real step up would be Grace 101 and a B.L.U.E. Dragonfly. Yeah, we all want to win the lottery.-Richie

actually, i've got a grace 101 and an rnp on my desk right now. i should test this step up theory.

[Richard Monroe]

Knock yourself out, Ozraves. Start with Joemeek as above, and a cheap Chinese condenser, a good one, as they go. Now switch to rnp. Then go back to the Joemeek ,and switch to NTK. Either one will give you an improvement, but not a huge one, all other things being equal. Then put a Dragonfly, or a TLM103 or a C414 TLII into that 101. That will be a quantum leap. All I'm saying is that a V67G into a Joemeek MQ3 is not that bad, and the change to a cleaner middle level pre or midrange mic will not produce a massive improvement. I believe the next logical step is a notch higher.-Richie

[chessrock]

Originally posted by ozraves
actually, i've got a grace 101 and an rnp on my desk right now. i should test this step up theory.

Maybe you could do a review on it.

[ozraves]

Originally posted by Richard Monroe
Knock yourself out, Ozraves. Start with Joemeek as above, and a cheap Chinese condenser, a good one, as they go. Now switch to rnp. Then go back to the Joemeek ,and switch to NTK. Either one will give you an improvement, but not a huge one, all other things being equal. Then put a Dragonfly, or a TLM103 or a C414 TLII into that 101. That will be a quantum leap. All I'm saying is that a V67G into a Joemeek MQ3 is not that bad, and the change to a cleaner middle level pre or midrange mic will not produce a massive improvement. I believe the next logical step is a notch higher.-Richie

well, i've been playing with the grace and the rnp tonight with a studio projects c1. the grace is way clean and uncolored. it is the sound of the sound. it pairs quite nicely with the studio projects c1.

the fmr rnp on the other hand has a color to it. it's more of the current sound of pop radio.

i'm not going to put one above the other. they have different vibes.

[ozraves]

Originally posted by chessrock
Maybe you could do a review on it.

I do have the Grace in for a review.

[chessrock]

Originally posted by ozraves
the fmr rnp on the other hand has a color to it. it's more of the current sound of pop radio.

Do you mean it has sort of jacked-up high end kinda' glossy thing going on?

[ozraves]

Originally posted by chessrock
Do you mean it has sort of jacked-up high end kinda' glossy thing going on?

not so much the jacked up high but there is that "sheen."

it kind of two-dimensional in filling the space.

[A1A2]

ozraves:

Do you think you can do a short recording test on the 2? I have been wanting to hear Grace for awhile, but no one seems to have it or done a test with it.
As a mackie&meek pre owner, both rnp and grace look very appealing. Mackie is really got that metallic sound which I don't desire...

AL

[Fab4ever]

Wow, a lot of information here. Thanks for all the knowledgable comments! A lot to think about.

I need to do some listening, so thanks for the reference above. And if anyone wants to do some comparisons here, I'd love to listen to them.

Fab

[ozraves]

Originally posted by A1A2
ozraves:

Do you think you can do a short recording test on the 2? I have been wanting to hear Grace for awhile, but no one seems to have it or done a test with it.
As a mackie&meek pre owner, both rnp and grace look very appealing. Mackie is really got that metallic sound which I don't desire...

AL

I'm loaning my FMR RNP to Dan Richards for the Listening Sessions. It's going out the door tomorrow. If I have time to do a sample, then I will. But, otherwise, Dan will have samples of both on his next go around.

Steve
Mojo Pie

[A1A2]

appreciated!

AL

[ozraves]

Originally posted by A1A2
appreciated!

AL

you're welcome. i'm curious to see how the rnp fairs as well. dan did a great job on the second listening session. i've got high hopes for the next one.

steve
www.piemusic.com