inexpensive preamps
Enchilada:
(1) A line mixer is really not the issue here.
(2) I think that you got good advice about the DMP3.
(3) If money's the issue and you don't really need a mixer, try
a Behringer MIC100 or
MIC200.
(4) If you're dead set on, or actually need, a small mixer, I'd suggest a Yamaha MG10/2. It has inserts on each mic channel and the EQ structure works better for vocal mics (IMHO) than the UB802 EQ. The smaller Behringers do not sound like the larger ones. The larger Behringers have semiparametric mids, detented at 800 Hz, and they have either inserts or inserts and direct outs. The MG10/2 and the UB802 both have the mid peak center fixed at 2.5 kHz, but the MG and UB have different centers for the low and high EQ controls (and the Mackie VLZ also has a different EQ structure). The EQ sound is important because you have no EQ bypass options on the UB802 and your Aux/FX is fixed at post EQ (although most Behringer boards have an internal trace you can cut to "permanently" [read "inconveniently"] change this from post to pre). You can use an insert send on the MG to bypass the EQ. Preamp-wise, I see/hear little difference, if any, between an IMP and an MG preamp from an insert send---they're both plain-vanilla, clean and quiet. There's a difference in price but, if you insist on the mixer route on a strict budget, the Yamaha is worth it for the inserts and the EQ (and some more channels). Incidentally, I have a variety of small (under $1000) mixers around here---Mackie, Behringer, Yamaha, Soundcraft---including the two mixers I wrote about. I keep my UB802 in the back of my Guitar combo as submixer/interface and every now and then it comes in handy. It's an small, inexpensive Swiss Army Knife but I think the MG works better for vocal applications.
(5) I think that you got good advice about the DMP3. Oh, sorry---did I already say that?
(6) On a budget, the Behringer VX2000 might be another option.
(7) A DMP3 would be a good place to start . . .
Good luck,
Paj
8^)
