Another newbie question about pre's

[Son of Mixerman]

Newbie Question

I ased this in the wrong forum piggy backed on another thread and no one answered my question, so Im trying again.


If you mixer has 2 xlr inputs and the preamps sound ok, but your other inputs are 1/4 inch unbalanced, would it make sense to get an outboard preamp that plugs into the
unbalanced inputs. Im slowly converting from a live rig into a home recording setup for demo's and misc projects. I have a Yamaha 12X4X2 mixer and the preamps sound a little
harsh, and treblish plus there is some noise between 12 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions, would a outb preamp help by not using the mic/line input gain adjustment?

Thanks,
SoMm

 

[Seanmorse79]

I think it should (in theory). If you're sending a line level signal via an outboard pre, and not boosting the gain with the mixer's pres, that should take care of it.

As I'm not familiar with your setup (or mixer), it's tough to say for sure though. Some mixers route your signal through unnecessary stages if they're designed that way. Are you routing through a channel insert or through the bus?

If it was me, I'd borrow (or rent) either a mixer with nicer pre's or an outboard mic pre and test it to make sure. Depending on how many channels you're recording at once, you might want to just look into another mixer (it would suck to need 6 outboard pre's if your doing 8 tracks at once, assuming the first 2 are good). Plus, if you're getting noise through the mixer, you might discover other things you don't like when you're knee-deep into a session.

...just a thought.

Sean

 

[Son of Mixerman]

Thanks seanmorse79,

Texroadkill in another post said to use a little M series (folio) as a cheap alternative to increase my preamp quantity and quality.

Thanks

SoMm

 

[TexRoadkill]

The Folio and M series are two different boards. I believe the Folio is their older compact mixers

 

[Seanmorse79]

Good advice. Spirits are known for good pre's.

 

[Son of Mixerman]

The Folio and M series are two different boards. I believe the Folio is their older compact mixers

Good catch Tex, I wasn't sure...so there ya go.


Thanks again,
SoMm