Any good recording gear store in LA?

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CarlosMartin

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Hi, I'm going to Los Angeles in two weeks (I'm from Peru) and was wondering if someone could help me with store recommendations in which I could buy a new mic and preamp. Right now I have a B-2 PRO Behringer Dual-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Mic, which I plug to a small Xenyx802 preamp, and would like to change it for one that gives me a clearer and crispier sound for recording vocals, the one I have right now has a slight hiss, I don't know if it comes from the mic or from the amp (my budget is in between 200-400 dollars). Is there any good and affordable store in LA? Thank you in advance!
 
OK, they say they'll beat any deal. These are fair prices for reference. For preamps, I like this, in your price range:

This one has a lot of extras, and is good on vocals:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=24684&Category=Audio_Processors

This has no bells and whistles, but is a good cheap pre:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=10268&Category=Audio_Processors

Mics are more personalized, so therefore harder to recommend. But- it's not that hard to beat a Behringer. I like this:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=6458&Category=Microphones

or this:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=7732&Category=Microphones

I believe, in your price range, either one of those mics with either one of those pres would be an upgrade for you. I personally like the "all Green" solution- Joemeek 3Q and MXL V67g. You might want to call them on the phone, and see if these items are in stock. If not, they can probably be ordered and shipped to the store in time for you to pick them up. Best of luck-Richie
 
I'll second the West L.A. Music recommendation....
...I personally like the Universal City location - a little smaller and homier, a little more personalized service, in my experience - but have had good success at both locations.
...and while I didn't get mine there, I'll also second the V67G and the JoeMeek as a very good budget combo and upgrade to your current equipment.
 
Thank you for all the advice! I'll be sure to visit West LA. I think I'll follow Richard's recommendation and buy the Joemeek 3Q amp and MXL V67g mic, will that give me the crisp and clear sound I'm looking for? I was happy with the sound my mic used to had, but I didn't take proper care of it and now it has a very pronounced hiss :( I'm still open to suggestions so please feel free to do so, thanks again!
 
I will 3rd West L.A. Music.

A buddy of mine worked there for quite a while and later ended up as a DW and UFIP rep. They are always willing to work with you on a deal. Just negotiate.

If you want cheap, go to Sam Ash or Guitar Center.

If you want good gear at a good price, West L.A. Music is the way to go.

BTW, there's 2 buildings right next to each other on Santa Monica Blvd. There's also a West L.A. Music off the 101 in North Hollywood on Cahuenga blvd near Universal Studios. Oh, somebody mentioned that.
 
Regarding your hissy mic, it may have condensation on the diaphragm. Try putting it about a foot/.03 meters (no closer) to a light bulb for a day or two. Them listen again. Then put it into an airtight plastic bag, like a ziplock, with a couple of silica gel packs, like they pack with computers, and keep it there when you are not using it. High humidity is an enemy of microphones.
Will you get the clear sound *you* are looking for? Who knows? No one can guarantee that. I can only tell you that in your stated price range, that's good equipment, made for what you want to do.-Richie
 
Check the pawn shops...you will find that you can find Caddilac on a chevy budget that way...be sure and make them test it for you...and dont just take thier word for it.
 
Carlos, if you've already purchased the Joe Meek 3Q that's cool.

But...

If you haven't, let me know. You're welcome to send a private message at this BBS too.
I have a Joe Meek 3Q in mint condition-complete (like most of my gear/non-smoker BTW!) that you could get a nice deal on. Otherwise it's probably going into gear classified(s) shortly.

Usually I'm in the L.A. area on weekends (Saturday morning or Sunday evening best).

Chris

P.S. It's being sold as my interest orientation shifted more from recording to live
performance. IMHO the pre is somewhat superior to the M-Audio DMP3
or DMP2 based Duo (I own the Duo). The Duo is MUCH harder to dial in to avoid
volume "clipping", but for live stuff it's fine.
 
If I were you, I'd work a deal with Chessparov in a heartbeat. He's an old-time homrec'er, and will probably treat you better than the average audio salesman. Have him ship to wherever you are staying.-Richie
 
Thanks for the kind words Richie.

BTW am about to sell an AKG D790 vocal mic (yes the exclusive Guitar Center one!). So Richie if you'd like "first dibs", please shoot me a PM within the next week.

Chris
 
Bookworm appears to be a Spambot, for the record. You'd think a robot could spell, wouldn't you?. Wow- D790- that's a new one on me. I see them for $40 or so on ebay, but they aren't even in the AKG archives. What's the polar pattern?-Richie
 
To the best of my knowledge, it's a rebadged D880, as it has the same specs and pattern.
IIRC there's mention of it on AKG's website BBS.

Chris
 
That's what I suspected, looking at it on ebay. It's not a favorite of mine. Besides, I have a pretty much full complement of AKG dynamics, from vintage classic to late model bleeding edge.-Richie
 
That's fine Richie, I may just keep it for my weekly barbershop harmony chapter meetings.

It makes the "bass" (really baritone voiced) singers sound more like... basses.

Good for that purpose, and also nice sounding on tenors-if you back off on it IMHO.

Chris
 
Hi Carlos, will send you a private message shortly, to check whether you're still interested.

Chris
 
I'd check...

I'd check Pro-One AV in Burbank.:eek:;)

It's a pro oriented recording specialty shop that caters to the Burbank/Hollywood Media Complex. They may not have the selection of the big box stores, but the owner is a real pro.:eek:;)
 
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