$500 preamp...

  • Thread starter Thread starter EdJames
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EdJames

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I am using an MXL V67 at the moment but have been advised to upgrade to the AT 4040 (which I'm going to do). Currently I'm running the M-Audio Audiobuddy Pre, but I've been told that the preamp won't bring the best out of that mic.

I reckon I have about £200-£300 (say $500 cause our electronics in the UK are hella expensive) to buy an appropriate preamp. Which would have the best effect at giving a clean dry vocal for mixing?

I'm not so worried about features cause I prefer to mix AFTER recording, so I just want "The Best" preamp at giving a clean sound for aroudn that price or a little more...
 
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cause our electronics in the UK are hella expensive)
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You also have one "hella bad" electronics designer there too!
I dont know how far you want to go with your recording.If its to stay at a hobby level, than a mid range mic pre will do you just fine. However, if you want to go further than just playing around,I would try to buy the best my money could get,or save untill I had it. I wish 10 or 12 years ago,when I started, I had that train of thought,so I wouldnt have wasted money on stuff I couldnt really use later on. ie; cheap mics ,pres,effects,power amps.....
Anyway, for around $500, you could get 1 channel of API 500 series used. But no power supply. that would be an extra $300-$400(used). But you would indeed have a single channel of RIGHTOUS, well known and respected pre amp. And ,depending on which PS you get, have 3 to 5 spaces left for more of the same or their eqs and compressors or add different companies pres, compressors or eqs to that frame. It leaves you with options, which are very valuable in my eyes. There are also other good used deals to be had, you just got to look around. Sometimes it takes a while. So, that would be it,....how far do you see yourself going? Good Luck
 
$900 is a little out of my range.

It's not so much a hobby since I've already been signed to a label before, I'm just trying to record the best I can in the situation I'm in really. I release stuff to fans direct from my site and get quite a few sales but I want to offer higher quality vocals than I currently do.
 
You mean an MXL V67, right?

The BG-1 is great, I own one and love it. Bought it thanks to hearing some tracks Big Ray recorded with it. The BG-1 is a good suggeston, but it does break your $500 budget. Too bad Mick doesn't make a single channel version of it.

With a budget of $500 I'd suggest the Grace 101 for the sound you seem to be looking for.
 
Yeah, sorry Albert, I chanegd the mic details.

As I stated in the other thread we spoke in, the Grace 101 isnt seemingly available in England, any other suggestions?
 
Grace 101, The Brick, or an RNP.

I'd go with the RNP or the Grace personally...

Jacob
 
Since they are probably more available where you are, a used BG-1 might meet your financial target. Other than that, I suppose an RNP would be good, although I don't know how they are priced there. I'd look in the used market in any event.
 
Sadly, none of those you've suggested are available here from what i can see :(
 
D&R 2 channel preamps sell for about $500 here in the states. I am not sure what they would be in your area, but they are made in Holland so it may even be cheaper:)
 
do a search on DAV BG-1 here...excellent pre. in your backyard...680 bucks,2channels.. but Decca Designed. David Gilmour ordered an 8 pack as did Mark Knopfler..it was designed originally to replace the Neve Pres on Decca's console. Since then it has become popular as a modular unit...FWIW, I own Millennia, Pendulum, and have owned many others...DAV is my favorite.

teddy

EdJames said:
$900 is a little out of my range.

It's not so much a hobby since I've already been signed to a label before, I'm just trying to record the best I can in the situation I'm in really. I release stuff to fans direct from my site and get quite a few sales but I want to offer higher quality vocals than I currently do.
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No, I think Big Ray types that with great enthusiasm every single time! ;)

Big Ray is a good guy, he is just on a mission to make sure everyone knows about the BG-1.

It is a great preamp, I really love mine and the price is right. Actually just sold my Grace 201.
 
Yeah, I guess :) His second post here is identical word for word to the first...

Not to hijack this thread, but in fact the only reason I have not purchased one myself is that I do not trust endorsements such as Big Rays - precisely because it strikes me as spam. I no longer feel he does not have some vested interest in the product.

So, for the time being, my search continues.

SonicAlbert said:
No, I think Big Ray types that with great enthusiasm every single time! ;)

Big Ray is a good guy, he is just on a mission to make sure everyone knows about the BG-1.

It is a great preamp, I really love mine and the price is right. Actually just sold my Grace 201.
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Hmmm, you're right. BigRay's second post is identical to his first. Might be a text macro going on, or a copy and paste job!

That's kind of the only problem with Big Ray posting so much about the BG-1. There's that law of physics that says any action has an opposite and equal reaction, and maybe that's true of message boards as well. He has been pushing the BG-1 so hard that I believe it may have turned a few people off of the BG-1, and they are starting to push back. I don't know if he has a financial vested interest in it--he says he doesn't and I am taking him at his word.

I can tell you without any spamosity whatsoever that the BG-1 sounds great. I truly love the way it sounds. So much so that I just sold my Grace 201, which is a superb preamp in it's own right. But for me the BG-1 really does it. It has this bigger than life sound that I find very appealing.

It is certainly not the only great preamp out there, and I don't doubt that you can get something equal or better suited to some tasks perhaps. But this is really good stuff, and for a cost of $700-800 it's pretty amazing. Yes, the feature list is short and the cosmetics are a bit primitive, but the sound is there.

You also need to decide how well suited your preamp will be for your intended work. The BG-1 is excellent for me in that regard as well, partly due to the history of the development of it, and my own musical history and tastes. So it's a good match. I could see it not being right for everyone, but that's true with anything.

All I'm saying is don't rule this preamp out because of any perceived spamming on a message board. The BG-1 is really good. What are you intending to use a new preamp for, primarily?
 
Sorry to get your panties in a wad, sweetheart.

the identical post was an accident. Humanity happens. Dont buy it if you dont want to. I have no vested interest in the company other than the fact their products are great. You have my word there.
I fluff Schoeps, my AKG 426 and other things too. just not here..I know they are too expensive to be talked about on this forum.. I fluff the DAV here a LOT because it is cheaper and is in the budget for some people ... So if you DONT buy it based on my fluffing, then fine...be a crybaby... You are potentially cheating yourself. Please though.., look at other peoples opinions of it on GS.. I will continue doing my thing though.., and please keep doing yours. Im sure Mick will be really dissapointed that you arent buying one. :rolleyes: Like ive said many times before...I heard about it from someone else fluffing it...

Ill keep getting gigs, buying more gear and fluffing the product. Whine or no whine. If you dont like it, then just skim over my posts. Aint nothin changin.

And for every whiner there are 4 or 5 that love the product and thank me(and others such as Plush, Ivo, etc) for the reccomend. C'est la vie. Cope with it however you choose.

Ribbon mics are best for live trumpet.











fraserhutch said:
Yeah, I guess :) His second post here is identical word for word to the first...

Not to hijack this thread, but in fact the only reason I have not purchased one myself is that I do not trust endorsements such as Big Rays - precisely because it strikes me as spam. I no longer feel he does not have some vested interest in the product.

So, for the time being, my search continues.
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This is getting real old.

BigRay said:
.... endless drivel snipped.

Ribbon mics are best for live trumpet.
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Yeah, you go risk your $1000 ribbons on stage. I'd rather not, thanks. Apparently your ego just cannot handle being disagreed with.
 
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So if you DONT buy it based on my fluffing, then fine...be a crybaby... You are potentially cheating yourself. Please though.., look at other peoples opinions of it on GS.. I will continue doing my thing though.., and please keep doing yours. Im sure Mick will be really dissapointed that you arent buying one. Like ive said many times before...I heard about it from someone else fluffing it...

Ill keep getting gigs, buying more gear and fluffing the product. Whine or no whine. If you dont like it, then just skim over my posts. Aint nothin changin.
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BigRay said:
I dont know, do you have being a whining pussy on speed dial? ;)
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Big Ray, this is somewhat along the same lines as what Albert is talking about; when ya behave like that, it can reflect badly on the product you are trying to "fluff". Just like you say, humanity happens, and that is human nature...

All bullshit aside, as Big Ray is telling you in his own way,
the preamp kicks ass....and just happens to be affordable too.
 
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