2 channel pre perhaps with SPDIF Output preferably < $1000?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ibleedburgundy
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ibleedburgundy

ibleedburgundy

The Anti-Lambo
I have a digi 002, using 8 channels of ADAT, also have RNP hooked up to analog 5 and 6. I would like 2 more channels with preamps so I can use 16 mics. Ultimately I might even need 4 more PREs.

I haven't heard much about preamps with SPDIF outputs. Most of the pres people seem to be recommending these days are not equipped with SPDIF. Really, I would like a preamp that has a different sound from the RNP and 002. 002 pres are perhaps grainy, not bad though. RNP seems to be fairly dry. My room is OK so perhaps a colored pre is in order. Maybe even with a tube.

Doesn't have to be under $1000, but if it's over $1000 I want to be able to justify it.

A little more background: I have a Neumann KM 184 that I use to record classical guitar. I am not thrilled with how the classical sounds on the RNP or the 002. Believe it or not the mackie 1604 VLZ -> ADAT seems to have a warmer sound better suited. But I think I can do better. I also use an AT 4040 and various SM57s and 58s to record my band. Also am not thrilled with my vocal sounds.

So a pre geared towards classical guitar and vocals. For use with KM 184 and AT 4040.

So if you were me would you get a pre with SPIDF in order to free up the analog channels 7-8? I do use a line input to them for the PA but it's not essential. If SPDIF pres are that much worse, I don't want one.

BTW I've searched on this topic and I saw threads from 2003 but I would prefer more recent information.

All recomendations are appreciated.
 
I don't have any experience with one but I came across this when I was looking for something similar.


http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Joemeek-SixQ-Mic-Pre-with-Digital-Out?sku=180268

The thing that kept me away from it. (besides being a broke ass bastard) was it's only single channel.


I'd like to find a nice 2 channel pre with digital out myself. I've actually heard really good things about the art DMPA. Again no personal experience with it.

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.co...rophone-Preamp-with-AD-Conversion-?sku=581818
 
You might want to check out the Summit 1/2 rack stuff. I've used their pre's and everything I've heard from them simply sounds right.

I've had no major repairs on my Summit comps or tube eq in 20 years and when you phone the company Mike, the owner who probably soldered my gear answers the phone.
 
http://www.gracedesign.com/products/V3/lunatecV3.htm

More than $1K and only 2 channels.

I've heard of issues with clocks and settings that can cause artifacts with digital units. But I've never really used them myself. And have only heard samples of the tainted results in passing. Supposedly a computer resource or software setting issue, but an issue for some. And it probably doesn't get better when the device count adds up.
 
S/PDIF and AES are not duplex formats; the Lunatec would have little idea what was on the other end.
 
I do like seeing a "Recommend a <insert device here> for less than <Insert $ amount here>" thread where $ amount > 999

Such a nice change from the Newb forum...
 
Yo Burgundy! My setup is very similar to yours, and I use a Joemeek twinQ for what you are talking about. Right in your stated preicerange, and should do exactly what you seem to be asking for.-Richie
 
Richard Monroe said:
Yo Burgundy! My setup is very similar to yours, and I use a Joemeek twinQ for what you are talking about. Right in your stated preicerange, and should do exactly what you seem to be asking for.-Richie
Click to expand...

Doh! How did I miss that! Perfect!

Great now I have something else on my wish list that I can't afford.:(




:D
 
Richard Monroe said:
Yo Burgundy! My setup is very similar to yours, and I use a Joemeek twinQ for what you are talking about. Right in your stated preicerange, and should do exactly what you seem to be asking for.-Richie
Click to expand...

With out a doubt Burgundy, this is the unit you want!






:cool:
 
Just searching around, looks like some folks have had problems sinking the twin q clock with their DAWs. I am using the clock from my alesis ADAT as the master clock. I saw where folks recommended using the twin q as the master clock with pro tools. How do I get the twin q to communicate with the ADAT?
 
No clue. I use the Digi002 as the master clock, sending the twinQ to channels 17-18 by S/PDIF, and a Behriinger ADA8000 for channels 9-16 by ADAT. The one thing I can say for sure is that that works just fine, with the Digi002 as the master clock. That's only when I need a ton of channels. 90% of what I do goes to channels 5-6 by Avalon and 7-8 by Pendulum. Works for me.-Richie
 
I have an ART Digital MPA that I like (it's the older model of one of the units that Yonce & Mild posted). I'm not sure I'd used it for classical guitar, at least all the time, but it's nice for vocals. I plug it into a MOTU Traveler.

I had a lot of clock problems. I wound up using an external clock (Black Lion Audo Microclock) and that got things working, but only at 96khz, strangely enough. If I knew I was going to have to buy an external clock, I might not have gone after the DMPA. I'm not 100% sure I know why I had so much trouble - could have been the DMPA, the MOTU, both of them, or maybe solar flares or evil spirits - I'll never be sure.
 
Dr. Stawl is correct that the DBX386 meets the requirements on paper. However, it doesn't produce enough clean gain for many dynamics. Having used it extensively, I can say that even without the compressor and the EQ, the twinQ blows it out of the water. At their comparative price points, it should, too.-Richie
 
Honestly save $800 more and get a API A2D for 1,800 you would get two api 512cs, a better clock, good AD conversion all spdif. Sounds like a no brainer and quite a deal. I ended up with a lunchbox for my digi002 and bought a rosetta 200 used with spdif for 1,000 off ebay. It really was a night and day change!
 
OK so I finally got the TwinQ for $600 off ebay. I love it! No clocking issues or anything, I hooked it up to the 002 with no problems. Just as simple as plugging it in. I hooked up a pair of Naiant SDCs to it last night to record some steel string guitar and it sounded much better than anything I've recorded ever before. My next best signal chain is an RNP going into the 002 A/D converters. The Naiants are new too though and I've never used the before with the RNP. I have used a KM 184. There was absolutely no need for me to spend that kind of dough on a mic.
 
I'm glad it works for you. One of the scariest things is the idea of giving someone bad advice. Nothing feels better than when you use the exact units you are recommending extensively, and you *know* they talk to each other, except when the poster comes back and says, "I did what you said, and it rocks!" That's priceless.
 
The twinQ is a perfect fit. I can't wait to test it in all sorts of different combinations. Problem is, now I want a channel strip on my other 16 tracks. Damn you Richard Monroe! Damn you to hell!!!!111
 
Don't worry. By the standards applied by those who believe in such things, I'm conclusively damned already.
 
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