Need Preamp Recommendation

[nsureit]

I'm not happy with my Presonus Firestudio preamps. Can anyone please recommend a good preamp, preferably a 2 channel for these mics:

Sterling Audio ST59 Condenser Mic
Audix i5 Mics (2)
MXL V69M

I record my guitars that run through either a VOX AC15 Heritage or a Marshall TSL-122. My guitars have passive pickups.

Thanks.

 

[dgatwood]

What specifically don't you like about the sound?

 

[nsureit]

Well, the ST59 condenser sounds OK through the Firestudio, but not necessarily warm/rich. The input has to be turned way up with dynamic mics. The MXL is new, so I have not used it enough - it has its own preamp, and sounds good so far in my limited use. So, do all dynamics need to be cranked up a bit?

 

[dgatwood]

Well, the ST59 condenser sounds OK through the Firestudio, but not necessarily warm/rich. The input has to be turned way up with dynamic mics. The MXL is new, so I have not used it enough - it has its own preamp, and sounds good so far in my limited use. So, do all dynamics need to be cranked up a bit?

Yeah, dynamics tend to require more gain than condensers by their nature.

A preamp generally won't change the sound of a microphone much, or at least it shouldn't. Different preamps will have more or less noise at high gain. Some preamps may produce some undesirable fizz up in the high frequencies, so changing pres can fix that. If you're looking for warmth, though, that's about 95% a characteristic of the mic itself.

As an exception, some really high end, transformer-balanced pres may impart a bit of high frequency loss, add some extra harmonic distortion that may or may not be pleasing, etc. Not cheap, though.

 

[nsureit]

You're not kidding about the price of higher end preamps. I looked at a few on the internet. I need to walk, before I run, so I'll stick to my low end gear until I'm ready to advance. Thanks.

 

[RRuskin]

Yeah, dynamics tend to require more gain than condensers by their nature.

A preamp generally won't change the sound of a microphone much, or at least it shouldn't. Different preamps will have more or less noise at high gain. Some preamps may produce some undesirable fizz up in the high frequencies, so changing pres can fix that. If you're looking for warmth, though, that's about 95% a characteristic of the mic itself.

As an exception, some really high end, transformer-balanced pres may impart a bit of high frequency loss, add some extra harmonic distortion that may or may not be pleasing, etc. Not cheap, though.

Your last paragraph is bit off the mark. Some preamps (high-end or not) are designed to impart some "color" to the signal. Others are designed for the cleanest possible signal within the constraints of the desired price point.

 

[quickmill]

I use a firepod, which I believe has same or similar preamps, and I tired of the preamp noise when using dynamics (gain almost maxed). I got 2 MS1b's and haven't had any problems since. The ranes have 66 db of gain as opposed to 54 on the firepod and it does make a difference on the cleanness when using dynamics. The m audio DMP3 is rated similar and gets rave reviews. I've never used it but at the price it sells for I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. I love the Rane but the DMP3 is 2 channel and has a di which the rane does not. You already have a di on the presonus so it may not matter to you. I didn't feel any real sonic advantage to the RNP when I demoed it. If I upgrade from the Rane , it will be considerably more expensive for me to feel justified.

 

[dgatwood]

Your last paragraph is bit off the mark. Some preamps (high-end or not) are designed to impart some "color" to the signal. Others are designed for the cleanest possible signal within the constraints of the desired price point.

Yeah, but most of the low-end pres that are designed to impart "color" pretty much just add noise.

 

[RRuskin]

Yeah, but most of the low-end pres that are designed to impart "color" pretty much just add noise.

We call those units "Sonic Tinker Toys." Seriously, before parting with any money, you need to do more homework/research than reading the ads and paid for testimonials.

 

[up-fiddler]

Plus one

We call those units "Sonic Tinker Toys." Seriously, before parting with any money, you need to do more homework/research than reading the ads and paid for testimonials.

What he said........... I bought many low end and medium grade ($200-500) pres before settling on just a couple that cover about 80% of my signal. I settled on the UA LA610 and the RNP but that's because they were best for what I do and my vox in particular. They might not be right for you at all. I would have saved LOTS of $$$$ if I had spent my money travelling to wherever I needed to go to try other pres and then bought the two that fit me best. There is no substitute for plugging them in and passing signal and listening to what you get. If you already have something that works for you now then take your time and find what you really want by trying everything you can get your hands on. Then you only have to spend your money once. jmho, Dave aka up-fiddler

 

[countrylac]

Look at this.

Electro-Harmonix 12AY7 Tube Microphone Preamp
It's $190 new.

It's a real valve preamp (not like tubepre, art tube, etc). It will definitely add some warm and round out your vocals or any other source you may be recording. It's doesn't have as much gain as the dmp3, but it's a great piece of equipment.

 

[kidvybes]

http://www.blacklionaudio.com/auteur.html

...possibly the best sounding (cheap) high-end dual mic pre...anything less will not stand up to the quality of these preamps...

 

[Big Kenny]

That Rane is a great, low cost, benefit. I use them for remote stuff and they really are nice, uncolored "what you put in..."

 

[in a little row]

i have had great results with the Grace 101...id guess itd be low-medium price range, but it performs lengths beyond my presonus blue tubes