5 grand to spend-mic pre

  • Thread starter Thread starter mikeeb
  • Start date Start date
If you are talking drums, get an API luchbox with 8 preamps. Then get a decent DI for the bass.
 
I don't know. I would get something with color like an A Designs Pacifica ($2K) and something really clean like a Grace Design m201 ($2k). Variety is better than multiple channels of the same pre IMO.
 
Micter said:
I don't know. I would get something with color like an A Designs Pacifica ($2K) and something really clean like a Grace Design m201 ($2k). Variety is better than multiple channels of the same pre IMO.
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But if you are using the multiple preamps to mic one instrument (drumset), then it makes sense.
 
Farview said:
But if you are using the multiple preamps to mic one instrument (drumset), then it makes sense.
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No, not at all. In that case I would use the Pacifica for overheads, and the Grace on kick and snare. That makes sense to me. ;)
 
Micter said:
No, not at all. In that case I would use the Pacifica for overheads, and the Grace on kick and snare. That makes sense to me. ;)
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I suppose it makes more sense if you use more mics. having the kick and tom mics matching makes a lot of sense. I can see using something different for overheads (I actually do), but having the close mics with the same color preamp. I will use up to 11 mics on a 5 piece kit.
 
Farview said:
I suppose it makes more sense if you use more mics. having the kick and tom mics matching makes a lot of sense. I can see using something different for overheads (I actually do), but having the close mics with the same color preamp. I will use up to 11 mics on a 5 piece kit.
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I used to use 12-15 mics on a drum kit. Now? I only use 4. I get way less phase issues and end up with great sounding drums. On occasion I will add a room mic.
 
Since I mostly do metal, I can't get away with that. I can barely get away without using samples. The bands actually want to use samples and I end up having to fight to use the acoustic drums.

I'll have to admit, I have never had problems with phase. But I have to gate the toms because the amount of EQ and compression I use makes the bleed sound really bad.
 
Oh man, if I had that much, I would get the Helios type 69 mic pre which is $1500 leaving me 3500. With the remainder I'd get the manley dual mono mic pre in case I wanted to use tubes.
 
The lunch box solution gives you lots of options. You can get very good preamps in this form factor (pretty much all the high end ones mentioned in this thread have a 500 form pre). Then you can add additional pres as you have money or the need strikes. I currently have 2 X API 512c, 2 X A Designs P1, and a Purple Audio Biz in one of my lunch boxes. Works well, very portable. Great River makes a lunchbox pre as well, as does Grace. There are plenty more really good pres out there - spend a little time looking and listening.

That said, API pres are great for rock and roll, and certainly a standard for drums. Lots of classic rock albums were recorded through API consoles with, surprise, only API pres. The other thing about lunch box pres is that there are lots of them available these days and thus the used market is pretty good. You can typically find used API and A-Designs lunchbox pres for about $600 of so each. If you do want to commit to API, a 3124 is still a great option, especially if you can find a used one.

Look for a used (only kind there is) GT Ditto for a direct box. A very nice tube direct box that preceded the Brick. They often go for cheap since they were replaced by the Brick (@$150 or so is typical). Otherwise a Radial direct box is a great thing to have around (I like the JDI model), or you can look for a Sansamp RBI rack mount box if you want more control for bass DI.
 
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