A step up from the dmp3 ?

  • Thread starter Thread starter rockem
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rockem

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hello all,
I want to take a lip from the dmp3 to a better quality preamp
preferbly a dual one
what I have now is:
dmp3 pre
FAT1 and RNC compressors
baby bottle, B1, sm57, sm58 mics

my pre option are:
1. Focusrite TrackMaster
2. TLA 5060 (Can sell my FAT1)
3. M-Audio TAMPA
4. RNP (Can sell my dmp3)
5. Art MPA Gold (Can sell my dmp3)
6. Dbx 386


what do you think will be the bigger step versus price ?

thanx
 
i wouldnt say that any of those pre's you listed are a "significant" step up from the dmp3! arguably some small differences with some (mainly the RNP) but you wont be doing back flips over those differences.
 
I don't think you're really taking a "step-up," so they say, until you get in to something like a Sytek or a Grace Design. Maybe RNP. That's when the gear lust really starts, by the way, so beware.
 
The only real upgrade on that list would be the RNP and maybe the tampa. The others are just steps sideways. The RNP is definitely a step up, but it also sounds very different than the dmp3. If you end up getting an RNP then I would NOT sell the dmp3 as you will still find it usefull when you want a nice clean channel.
 
Based on the sound advice given to me here and given the oppty to to audience the units perf during several applications, I got me a DMP. Nice, clean and efficient, the DMP3 gave me a suitable alternative from my other 2 pre's. A more than adequate pre for the price! However, still desiring a pre that was able to provide some "shine" & clarity less the unnecessary & unwanted freq'y mid-boost coloration while maintaining the subtle characteristics and perf found in each of my varied mics (again, based on the sound advice given here, MP3 samples and a hands-on audition
at Manny's Music NYC) I took what I considered, an inexpensive
"step-up" and invested in a GraceDesign 101! GRACEDESIGN101!!
Are ya' feelin' me? The GraceDesign 101!!! Mmmmmmm!!!

Rather than give you the hype or my opinions why the GD101 s/b your next choice, if at all possible, go out and A/B one yourself!
In the meantime, I'll try and find some links where the GRACE DESIGN 101 was used so YOU can judge 4 yo'self!

Peace
Q.rM
 
Mr Q is quite correct, the Grace is a beautiful preamp, but if I had written that post I would have been telling you to get a Buzz Audio because that's what I have.

The truth is, they are both great high-end preamps. As are the likes of Great River, Chandler, Phoenix, API, Vintech, etc. etc. Where they all differ is in the tonal qualities (color) thay impart on your recordings. Now those colors may or may not suit your needs, so the only way to work out what you want is to try them out. What suits my voice may not suit yours, but sound fantastic on your drums, if you catch my meaning.

So keep in mind that people (me included) who recommend a particular preamp, are usually recommending something that suits them, and will not neccessarily suit you.
 
step ups come in different flavors...

the safe sound p1 is a step up in that it gives you a great expander/comp/limiter in addition to a good pre.

the rnp is a step up due to its tight sonics and unique color.

the grace 101 is a step up due to its big image in the monitors and more real than real tendencies.

but, if you want a big step up then think john hardy, great river or even sytek. these things would sell tons if mike stoica had better people skills. they are underpriced but i don't own any interest in sytek so i'm not crying about it.
 
ozraves said:
these things would sell tons if mike stoica had better people skills.
Click to expand...


:D I think Mike's an alright guy. He's just more of a techie / gearhead type than he is a business man. Which is pretty typical for a lot of these guys.
 
I'm getting a bit confused ...
is the DMP3 is such a good pre that other preamps cost
about 3-5 times more are not a significent step up ?

what does it mean sideways ?
I mean whats wrong with TLA 5060 or Art MPA Gold ?

I wish they'd sell the grace here but I can't buy it here
in israel


thanx
 
Last edited:
rockem said:
....I wish they'd sell the grace here but I can't buy it here
in israel


thanx
Click to expand...

Why not PM long-time, expert member SHAILAT(I believe he's a lieutenant in the Israeli Armed Forces) ! I'm pretty much sure he can provide you with info on purchasing a Grace and other gear!

Shalom!
Q.rM
 
thanx but I just found out that the grace is way over priced for me
:(
 
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