Audiofire pres and DMP3 pres

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rhythm

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I'm going to purchase one of the Echo Audiofire units, and would like to hear opinions on its pres vs. the DMP3 pres. Reason being is that I/O quantity is not likely to be a big concern, so I can go with either the Audiofire 4 alone or the Audiofire 2 + a DMP3. I realize that, being in the same price range, neither pre is likely a lot "better" than the other, but any kind of comparison info would be helpful and appreciated. I've read many things describing the DMP3 sound characteristics, but not much at all on the Echo pres.

Thanks,
Greg


BTW, I've considered spending a bit more and getting a MOTU Ultralite, but haven't read much about whether or not the pres and converters are noticeably better (than what I'm considering buying) to justify spending the extra money. I wouldn't want to buy the Ultralite if the addtional I/O is really the only big advantage. Thanks!
 
Can't go wrong with a DMP3. I've never used an Echo unit before, so I can't compare.

But generally, to get something "noticeably better" than a DMP3, you have to spend a bit more cash. My personal advice is, if there are other, more important things that could be improved in your signal chain, get something like the DMP3 and then worry about the important stuff before upgrading.

All of my recordings are done on a DMP3 if you want to hear them: http://www.dannydotguitar.com
 
Danny, thanks for the reply.

To all, when setting up signal levels with a mic, is there much of an advantage to having a full meter to look at (such as on the DMP3) vs. the 2 or 3 LED display on a typical recording interface with its own mic pres (such as the Audiofire)?

Thanks,
Greg
 
Just a warning, that I didn't think to mention, the meters on the DMP3 seem almost nonfunctional. They work but only at very high gains making them kinda pointless.

Just remember that -18dbFS on your software meters = 0dbVU on analog equipment, give or take a couple db. So when recording, try to get an average level of about -18db on your software meters.
 
While I'm a big fan of the mighty little DMP3, I'd agree that the meters are not a reason to buy it. They aren't useless, but they aren't much more usefull than a 2 or 3 LED display. In any case, the meters to monitor are the ones for the converters, not the ones for the preamp. Allmost all preamp meters are calibrated differently, to show 0dBFS at it's own safe level before clipping. That's almost always much hotter than OdBFS on the converters, which is why the meters are barely moving on the DMP3.
 
Danny and Robert, thanks for the replies and the help.

I guess all I'm really wondering about at this point is what kind of sound characteristics the Echo preamps have. From many consistent accounts in here, I've come to think of the DMP3 sound as "clean", "transparent", "non-coloring", and I"m just wondering if I can get opinions on the sound of the Echo pres. I doubt either one is really much better than the other...but I would imagine they're different, so any insight on the differences in the sound of them would be helpful in my decision.

Thanks,
Greg
 
Can't help you with the sonic characteristics of the Echo pres, except to say I don't recall anyone bashing them. I can tell you I like being able to choose between different preamps for different things, and that the DMP3 pres are my standard go to pres for stereo micing like acoustic guitar and drum overheads, but I use very different pres for vocals. So, my advice would be towards flexibility and accomodating different preamps of different character. But....... there's also something to be said for clean simplicity and plug & play recording. If setting up and patching in and out different gear is likely to distract you from making music, then the simpler the better. I know people who have tons of gear and never get anything done because they're too tangled up in the spaghetti. :rolleyes:
 
Robert,

Thanks again for the help. I'm still hoping that someone who has used the Echo stuff will chime in with something about the way the pres sound. The description of the way the DMP3 sounds does fit my taste, but if the Echo pres sound simliar then as you said it may be nice to have things simple and in one box. I don't know if I'll end up wanting to use any outboard stuff (EQ or compressor) on the analog signal, but if I do I suppose getting a separate mic pre will allow for that, since the Audiofire2 and 4 do not have channel inserts. Thanks again for your comments.

Greg
 
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