2 channel pre-amp

[toadies]

Whats a good 2 channel pre-amp around $500 that can bypass my digi001 convertors? Using SPDIF? or ADAT cable maybe?

I heard of tracmaster, but not sure how that works.

thanks for any info.

 

[ozraves]

Whats a good 2 channel pre-amp around $500 that can bypass my digi001 convertors? Using SPDIF? or ADAT cable maybe?

I heard of tracmaster, but not sure how that works.

thanks for any info.

i think the first two that are worthy of actually being an improvement are going to cost a ton more than $500. i'm thinking of the apogee mini-me and the grace lunatec v3.

if it were me, then i'd stick with the digi 001 which has made plenty of good recordings but upgrade the preamp situation to something like the fmr rnp or the sytek mpx-4aii.

steve
mojo pie

 

[chessrock]

Mindprint makes the DI Port and the AN/DIpro.

http://www.mindprint.com/english/indexproducts.htm

These guys kick out some damn nice preamps and a/d conversion for the money. A nice step or two up from Digi.

Another I would give consideration to would be the dbx 386. Very respectable a/d conversion. Whether or not the preamps are a step up from the digi is up for debate.

 

[toadies]

Re: Re: 2 channel pre-amp

i think the first two that are worthy of actually being an improvement are going to cost a ton more than $500. i'm thinking of the apogee mini-me and the grace lunatec v3.

if it were me, then i'd stick with the digi 001 which has made plenty of good recordings but upgrade the preamp situation to something like the fmr rnp or the sytek mpx-4aii.

steve
mojo pie

yea but i'm still useing digi001 convertors.

 

[c9-2001]

maybe the m-audio Tampa.. its under $650
The DBX 386 and 376 are both under $450
the Presonus VXP has a digital option..its around $450

thats all i can think of off the top of my head

 

[geekgurl]

Re: Re: Re: 2 channel pre-amp

I second Chessrock's suggestion. I have a 001 and a DI Port. The DI Port is an improvement in the AD conversion AND the pre. However, I believe the DI Port is discontinued; if you can't hook up with one used (I don't think they're really common on the used market), check into what MindPrint is offering now ... maybe there will be a pre with AD/DA conversion in your price range in their product line.

Of course, I am just making these recommendations because I'm a happy customer of the MindPrint product; I don't know how it compares to other similar products.

 

[JuSumPilgrim]

The DIport kills everything in its range and is a major player as far pres go although its basically an underground unit. I can tell you when I first got mine last spring I was using soundcraft M8 pres on drums and overheads, while not horrible, the first time I used the mindprint on overheads the clarity was effortless. It was one of those times where the mix was pretty much done after tracking. I didnt have to struggle as much with that lack of definition that I had with the DMP2 or soundcraft. The transients were right there. The sense of space was better, the top end opened up and theres a tight linearity all around. Even the hyped upper mid which is a bit hyped, is hyped with a wide q in a predictable way. The conversion is great although Ive had issues syncing it up with my 1010.

 

[chessrock]

Jusum, what are you using for overheads? Just curious.

 

[JuSumPilgrim]

Mostly 603s or mc012s like everyone else. Why screw with what works, eh? When I can get a second one,,, occasionally NT2s (which when placed right, with enough dampening on the walls are really really nice), 4033s, AT3525s (with a room mic). Nothing too crazy.


Hows that dragonfly treating you?

 

[chessrock]

Hows that dragonfly treating you?

It's found a permanent home, ironically, in front of whatever guitar amp makes it's way in here. It just seems to smoke whatever else I put in front of it, and it ain't even a close race much of the time. And I was (originally) thinking all I was getting was a vocal mic.

I'm discovering the 603 and/or MC012 combination with the DI port to bring out some harshness on the hi-hat (a little moreso with the 603). I've found some workarounds for this, but it's a bit more time-consuming. Have you found this to be the case at all? Otherwise, it is like "lifting the proverbial blanket" off the speakers, so I'm not giving up on this setup just yet.

 

[JuSumPilgrim]

Actually yeah...a bit in the hihats and my small 12" (for some reason the 10" is never a problem although it shares similar frequencies) but its pretty dependant on placement and what hihats/cymbals youre using. I would look there before I looked at the mic/pre combo. Im using zildjian A custom hi hats/cymbals, unless a drummer brings in his own and they are equal or better. If youre having an issue with the hi hats it probably pays to pick up a pair of zildjian K series which are very nice, balanced and a bit darker than most hi hats. They go for around $225, maybe $120-150 used. Theyre also not that loud as cymbals go and should give you an easier balance with the rest of the kit. I think theyre actually made more for recording than live playing. Theyll probably work for you if youre having issues with the mindprint 2-4.5k hype. Obviously placement is a pretty big issue also. I assume youve exhausted most of the placement possibilities.
Ive been using a tubedude placement recently which works pretty well with one OH in the middle of the snare--the height of 2 sticks from the center and one behind my right ear. That should help with any annoying hi hat emphasis.
Try more auralex and more carpet.

BTW, Ive had a hard-on for the dragonfly for some time but havent followed through bec umm it seemed slightly one dimensional. Also the blueberry. How are they with the mindprint pres. Probably VERY upper middy, aye? Can you hear the singer's esophagus?

 

[chessrock]

BTW, Ive had a hard-on for the dragonfly for some time but havent followed through bec umm it seemed slightly one dimensional. Also the blueberry. How are they with the mindprint pres. Probably VERY upper middy, aye? Can you hear the singer's esophagus?

Not at all. The DF doesn't sound hyped to me in the way the BB does. It doesn't seem to be as sensitive to loading as most other mics I've worked with, either, so it sounds consistant from pre to pre (including the mindprint). It IS very sensitive to how/where you point it, though. The trick is to angle it very slightly downwards if it's too bright-sounding for the source (and it sounds like a different mic).

From that perspective it is far from being one-dimensional. I'm assuming it probably gets a little flack from those who are too lazy to experiment with positioning, as is the case with most of their mics. Their loss.

Thanks for the tip on the cymbals!