Any better pre's similar to the VTB-1?

[Diffusion]

Are there any other pre's out there under $400 that are similar to the VTB-1, in that they have a tube/solid state output knob? Im looking for a preamp that will give me both solid state and tube sounds, for under $400. Preamp will be used for vocals only, with a C1...

 

[scrubs]

No, not really. The combo tube/solid-state stuff runs the tube at a very low voltage (called a "starved plate") which is a very different design than a true tube preamp. The Aphex pres are more expensive, but not necessarily better than the VTB-1. The Summit Audio preamp might be to your liking, but is out of your pricerange. I'd say, if you want a tube pre, get a tube pre (the Groove Tubes Brick is nice and right at $400) and if you want a solid state pre, get a solid state pre (RNP or Grace).

 

[Diffusion]

thats the thing, I dont want one or the other... I want one unit that will give me both... I noticed the ART MPA Gold has an "Analog Output" knob... will this work?

 

[chessrock]

thats the thing, I dont want one or the other... I want one unit that will give me both... I noticed the ART MPA Gold has an "Analog Output" knob... will this work?

I want an ice cream cone that is both a hot dog and an ice cream cone at the same time ... I noticed that Ruffles have ridges ... will they work?

.

 

[tourettes5139]

thats the thing, I dont want one or the other... I want one unit that will give me both... I noticed the ART MPA Gold has an "Analog Output" knob... will this work?

No, I believe that that knob is for adjusting the analog output level, as opposed to the digital output. I don't own one, so I can't say for sure, but I'm pretty sure that's correct.

Well, I think that you are stuck. Just choose which one you like the characteristics of more, and go with that. And, (unless you're selling the VTB-1 to fund your new purchase,) if you are desperate to get a toob sound or a solid state sound, then you can use the VTB-1 to get that sound. Personally, I would go with solid-state, because I'm trying to get really clean recordings right now. Plus, I have a couple of Presonus Toob Pres if I really want to "dirty" it up.

 

[Reggie]

How bout this: Use the VTB for your solid-state pre, and get a Brick for your tube pre. If you are wanting "real" preamps, you either get a tube-based preamp or a non-tube preamp. The real sound comes from the preamp being designed around the main tube section; not just having the tube stuck in the circuit as an effect. The VTB is OK for an IC-based preamp, until you get into the price range of the Grace stuff or the API and Neve-type stuff.
Or save up a little and get the Summit pre. It is probably as close as you are going to get to having what you want.