2 channel vs 1

[mentil69]

When i record accoustic guitar I run two MC012s into my mackie but i think the preamps are lacking a little for accoustic guitar. So Im thinking of buying a Dmp3. However I would rather buy two 1 channel preamps so I could get a variety. How important is it to have the same preamp on both accoustic guitar mics?

[Richard Monroe]

That depends, Mentil. There's 2-channel recording and stereo recording. If you're trying to create a true stereo image, matched mics and preamps are critical. However there's plenty of valid ways to record 2 channels that involve blending different signals. If it sounds good, it works. I have some douubts, though whether a DMP-3 will be a significant upgrade from your Mackie's pres. Your basically going from $50 pres to $80 pres- so what?-Richie

[Recording Engineer]

My thought exactly... while I've never used a DMP3, I'd bet it's more of a side-step, if your Mackie is a VLZ PRO version.

[mentil69]

Ya thanx i completely see what you guys are saying so im gonna go with a class pre probably a voicemaster, and i will just use that for one accoustic mic and the mackie pre on the other, Im not so worried about true stereo imaging, I just want to make sure that my guitars sound good.

[ambi]

Isn't the voice master specialized for vocals? And doesn't it have eq/comp and all that stuff as well?

You would probably find a better value/better preamps with a Grace 101 (definatly better), or a RNP (better).

The grace is single channel, the RNP is dual.

People say the huge imaging and the sharp transparency and clarity of the grace 101 is excellent for accoustic guitars.

But if you had an RNP you could do stereo...

Ooooh the choices.

[mentil69]

ya im planning on getting a 201 in a couple months but ive heard the voicemaster on guitar and it does a pretty good job, plus i need a good pre amp for vocals as well. Thanks

[Fletcher]

There are a couple of camps here... I for one don't feel that it's all that important to have the left and the right signal paths match. From my experience, you can often achieve a level of 'depth and dimension' using dissimilar signal paths when recording a single instrument in "stereo"

As always... your mileage may vary.

[Dave S.]

I've had excellent results recording trumpet and flute with a ribbon on one channel and a condenser on the other. Pan and adjust volume to taste.
Dave S.

[darrin_h2000]

I wonder how the toft ac-2 will sound or maybe even a Roland MMP-2

[plexi]

A Voice master isn`t exactly a "class" pre , I`d save up for a ME-1NV , micpre 5.0 or a DRS-1

Amund

[acorec]

The only Mic Pre-amp to consider is the Avalon. Anything less is just wasting your time and money............ Save and Buy!

[plexi]

Originally posted by acorec
The only Mic Pre-amp to consider is the Avalon. Anything less is just wasting your time and money............ Save and Buy!

Come on , that statement is jut plain stupid!!!!!

Amund

[acorec]

Originally posted by plexi
Come on , that statement is jut plain stupid!!!!!

Amund

Why? The Avalon is a "class" preamp. It is the best in the world. Very warm with lots of air. Start with this and you will only have to buy once.

[plexi]

Originally posted by acorec
Why? The Avalon is a "class" preamp. It is the best in the world. Very warm with lots of air. Start with this and you will only have to buy once.

Yes, Avalon is a class pre(that is M5/2022), but there are quite a lot of other pre`s that`s just as good/better depending on what you are using them for.......

Amund

[acorec]

I know there are some pres that are really overated. Neve for instance. Everyone is trying to copy the Beatles sound now. That "vintage" Neve sound is really horrible. No dynamics whatsoever. The Avalons, Focusrites etc. have great open sounds. Be careful about pros who only go by "legendary" namebrands. This "vintage" trend will die out. It is just a fad. The really old top of the line pres don't hold a candle to todays pres. We have come a long way in technology. Older people try to re-live their youth. Remember the trash that you threw away as a kid? Those crappy Big Muffs and MXR Phase shifters etc.? People are paying top dollar today. Those units of yesteryear sounded so bad. Try to live for today and realize that the "vintage" stuff is recycled trash. Buy new! It is the only way to get that "pro" sound.

Peace be with you!

[Richard Monroe]

Well I have to say, I own an Avalon, and it is a *very* good pre, but there are times a DBX386 does a better job. Like mics, you never know what will sound good in any given situation. I can tell you this for sure though, there are lots of other world class pres. DW Fearn, Pendulum, Great River, and quite a few others I'd like to own.-Richie

[plexi]

Originally posted by acorec
I know there are some pres that are really overated. Neve for instance. Everyone is trying to copy the Beatles sound now. That "vintage" Neve sound is really horrible. No dynamics whatsoever. The Avalons, Focusrites etc. have great open sounds. Be careful about pros who only go by "legendary" namebrands. This "vintage" trend will die out. It is just a fad. The really old top of the line pres don't hold a candle to todays pres. We have come a long way in technology. Older people try to re-live their youth. Remember the trash that you threw away as a kid? Those crappy Big Muffs and MXR Phase shifters etc.? People are paying top dollar today. Those units of yesteryear sounded so bad. Try to live for today and realize that the "vintage" stuff is recycled trash. Buy new! It is the only way to get that "pro" sound.

Peace be with you!

Vintage stuff is recycled trash! Oh , I get it , you are Jack Ortman!

Amund

[jslator]

Originally posted by acorec
Why? The Avalon is a "class" preamp. It is the best in the world. Very warm with lots of air. Start with this and you will only have to buy once.

Is this the same "acorec" who was going on about what a good pre the Focusrite Voicemaster was and who was also complaining that people spend to much money and attention on gear?

I think somebody left their computer logged in over lunch.

[eeldip]

Originally posted by acorec
I know there are some pres that are really overated. Neve for instance. Everyone is trying to copy the Beatles sound now. That "vintage" Neve sound is really horrible. No dynamics whatsoever. The Avalons, Focusrites etc. have great open sounds. Be careful about pros who only go by "legendary" namebrands. This "vintage" trend will die out. It is just a fad. The really old top of the line pres don't hold a candle to todays pres. We have come a long way in technology. Older people try to re-live their youth. Remember the trash that you threw away as a kid? Those crappy Big Muffs and MXR Phase shifters etc.? People are paying top dollar today. Those units of yesteryear sounded so bad. Try to live for today and realize that the "vintage" stuff is recycled trash. Buy new! It is the only way to get that "pro" sound.

Peace be with you!

i cant tell if this is a joke or not... you are joking right?

[ambi]

He's not joking he has no idea what he's talking about. hey man that's cool, neither do i! But i don't go around telling people things that i don't know are true and acting like i'm the foremost authority on it.

A lot of people on this board know their shit, so don't try and bullshit, even the people who don't know their shit know better than that.

[acorec]

Yeah....I am joking.

[ambi]

Yea, so was I...
Sorry fer the outburst. I get touchy about gear, especially because i can't afford it...