First of all, I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to e-mail you like I said I would... I've been dog-tired (read: lazy) the past 2 days.
Anyway, the main difference between the VXP and the Envoice is that the Envoice has both tube warmth AND 24-bit digital capabilities. While you can get close to that sound with units like
the Presonus VXP and the Focusrite Voicemaster, nothing sounds like *real* tube warmth.... especially if you keep the unit on for a long time and put it to work. It's common to switch tube preamps "on" several hours before a recording session, just to get it nice and hot. It makes for some really sweet tones.
As far as price goes, I paid $420 for the Envoice and $80 for the 24-bit Di-Mod upgrade. Add tax and $20 for shipping (both were out of stock at the time).
But remember, I bought a shitload of gear from the guy who gave me this deal, (and spent lots of $$$) so he did me a big favor and discounted everything to the bare bones. If you find a place that has one in your area, and you like it enough to buy one, I'd be happy to hook you up with this guy and see if he can get you close to the deal he gave to me.
But please, PLEASE listen to as many preamps as you can before you buy! The VXP is a fine unit, as is
the Focusrite Voicemaster, and the Joe Meek VC1Q. All of these units have the built-in compressor that you want, and the Focusrite also has the de-esser. Your decision should also ride on the type of mic(s) you plan to use with your preamp.
I have an AKG C3000, which is a fairly transparent, large condenser mic. Using a non-tube, transparent preamp like the Voicemaster wouldn't benefit my vocal tracks as much as a tube preamp would. But if I had
a Neumann U87, the Voicemaster would be nice match.
I bought the Envoice for it's all-around versatility at a reasonable price. I plan on buying a few more condenser mics in the near future, and I wanted a preamp that would work well with an array of mics, and also with my acoustic and bass guitars.
I'm not sure if I can be that much help locating
an Envoice in your area, though.... where do you live?