Best Channel Strip in the $500-$600 Range...

  • Thread starter Thread starter scarboro78
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Best Channel Strip in the $500-$600 Range.

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    112
My take on the tampa is that it is a glorified DMP3 with an inexpensive opto compressor and an inexpensive convertor probably similiar to the 24/96.

So at street that would be $99 + $125 or $224 leaving about $110 for the compressor. That sounds about right with a few components to make it class A.
 
Buck, no one's getting raped. The Tampa was worth it when the price was $700 - testing out at the top of all the mid-level channel strips we've used. If a model is successful and they crank up the production lines and the brand company places bigger and bigger orders - the cost per unit lowers. It's not uncommon for the price to fall. Now that it's available - in the US at least - for $399 and even as low as $328 - there's no mid-level channel strip that can touch the Tampa for price vs performance.

And in the last couple of years I've almost stopped recommending mid-level channel strips. They're sort of in no-man's land. They don't give you the performance of the higher-end gear [ some of which doesn't cost that much more ] and they're not really much improvement over some of the excellent budget products. Also, there are so many affordable separate units now that can be put together to give an overall better signal chain than you can get in any one mid-level channel strip for about the same money or less. With separate pres available like the RNP, VTB-1, MS 1b, DMP3, 101 - and comps like the RNC and ART Pro VLA - and even EQ's such as the Speck ASC, you can put together a chain with many of these separate units that knock that shit out of any mid-level all-in-one's. Getting into that $500-$700 range and getting a mid-level channel strip is a waste of good money, IMO. Either go low or go high. The main and only reason I still recommend the Tampa is because at prices like $328 it makes sense to invest because the price is so low and the performance is so good. And since it tests out at the top of the mid-level channel strips, a price of nearly $300 just knocks everything else out of the running.
 
Dot said:
The main and only reason I still recommend the Tampa is because at prices like $328 it makes sense to invest because the price is so low and the performance is so good. And since it tests out at the top of the mid-level channel strips, a price of nearly $300 just knocks everything else out of the running.
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Well from all the reviews it seems like the Tampa is the way to go as far as channel strips are concerned. But now I'm a little confused, should I get the Tampa... or should I get the DMP-3/RNC Combo? Which would offer the best quality, best compression? :confused:
 
I find it rather strange that you'd buy a preamp based on recommendation only, anyway.

When I went out to buy my first "decent" preamp, I went out and listened to over 15 different models before making my choice. What sounds good to other people might not sound all that great to you. You may even enjoy the distinct sound of a Joe Meek preamp for all you know.

You're very trusting of other's opinions.

Me?... I trust my own ears.
 
Buck62 said:
I find it rather strange that you'd buy a preamp based on recommendation only, anyway.

When I went out to buy my first "decent" preamp, I went out and listened to over 15 different models before making my choice. What sounds good to other people might not sound all that great to you. You may even enjoy the distinct sound of a Joe Meek preamp for all you know.

You're very trusting of other's opinions.

Me?... I trust my own ears.
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Totally agree on this.

scarboro78, try to find a place that rents preamp gear. They probably won't have the DMP3 but you can find one of those at Guitar Center. Rental places near me have the RNC as well as a host of preamps. It's a fun day checking out the gear and you will get a better idea of what a really good preamp brings to the mix.
 
Buck62 said:
I find it rather strange that you'd buy a preamp based on recommendation only, anyway.

When I went out to buy my first "decent" preamp, I went out and listened to over 15 different models before making my choice. What sounds good to other people might not sound all that great to you. You may even enjoy the distinct sound of a Joe Meek preamp for all you know.

You're very trusting of other's opinions.

Me?... I trust my own ears.
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Well obviously If I think the unit sounds like crap I WILL return it.. BUT this is a message board full of seasoned veterans who I trust have been around the block alot more than I have.. So am I trusting of others opinions.. yes.. does that mean I won't build my own opinion about a particular unit.. of course not. But that's what the message board is here for.. to get different views and opinions from others who obviously know what they're talking about.
But anyways, I think I'm going the Tampa route. It seems like alot of people not only across this board but others seem to be really happy with theirs.

Now the only other big question is.. which high-end mic to go with it.. and I know I know... go out and try 15 mics.. right? :rolleyes:
 
Middleman said:
Totally agree on this.

scarboro78, try to find a place that rents preamp gear. They probably won't have the DMP3 but you can find one of those at Guitar Center. Rental places near me have the RNC as well as a host of preamps. It's a fun day checking out the gear and you will get a better idea of what a really good preamp brings to the mix.
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Yeah I might have to do that.. don't get me wrong though guys, I will be trying out different equipment before I purchase anything. But hey getting a bunch of good opinions really helps narrow than the search.. alot.
 
I voted for the Safesound P-1. I love that compressor and limiter.
 
What he said.... the limiter and expander are a real bonus added to a good comp and pre
 
I know you said channel strip, but have you given any thought to picking up a Groove Tubes "Brick", and RNC, and using EQ plugins? I love the Brick. My experience is with an MBox, Focusrite (Penta), Presonus Eureka, 002R pre's and the Brick. I love the Brick out of this small selection and Fletcher seems to like how it sounds. You can get a Brick for $325 if you are buddies with anyone at GC (maybe cheaper). And an RNC for around $175.
Just another option.

Jeff
 
mosier said:
I know you said channel strip, but have you given any thought to picking up a Groove Tubes "Brick", and RNC, and using EQ plugins? I love the Brick. My experience is with an MBox, Focusrite (Penta), Presonus Eureka, 002R pre's and the Brick. I love the Brick out of this small selection and Fletcher seems to like how it sounds. You can get a Brick for $325 if you are buddies with anyone at GC (maybe cheaper). And an RNC for around $175.
Just another option.

Jeff
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I was thinking about the RNC/RNP Combo... seen stuff written about the Brick but never thought about it as an option. I'll have to look into that. I just picked up a Blue Dragonfly mic the other day.. I'm wondering which pre would do this mic justice... hmmmm....
 
> Best Channel Strip in the $500-$600 Range?

That would be a used Focusrite Green (Ebay around $400)
 
Giganova said:
> Best Channel Strip in the $500-$600 Range?

That would be a used Focusrite Green (Ebay around $400)
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This is the first I hear of that model.. is it any better than voicemaster pro?
 
The Green series has been discontinued a few years ago because it has one of the worst designed faceplates ever, and people hated the looks. Sonically, its closer to the Blue series than to the Voicemaster series.
 
scarboro78... thank you for making the Poll so we can see who voted. I wish all the Polls showed who voted. :)

I noticed some people who voted for "Any Other Suggestions? Please post" didn't post.
 
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My vote goes to the Joe Meek VCQ1...I have used this pre for years and have not found a need to switch. Some say it colors the sound..Its a nice color though. the opto compression is transparent, te EQ useful (to "discolor" if needed). Its a great unit under $700. I am looking at the Brick though for a (I hear) more transparent pre for the rare vocalist that just has such a great tone that any change in it would be a shame. :D
 
I recently ordered a second safesound p1. Vocals and bass sound killer through the p1. Mic'ng up a fender blues jr. amp with an sm57 powered with the safesound... I was able to get an excellelent guitar recording too. I just picked up a second one to use as a dual channel compressor for drum machines. I would definitely recommend the safesound.
evt
 
VC1Q has served me well for years, but there are a lot of new items out since I bought mine. The Safe Sound gets the most good comments on this Board. The new One Q (not out yet) would be a good choice according to richie's review of the Twin Q.
 
Middleman said:
Totally agree on this.

scarboro78, try to find a place that rents preamp gear. They probably won't have the DMP3 but you can find one of those at Guitar Center. Rental places near me have the RNC as well as a host of preamps. It's a fun day checking out the gear and you will get a better idea of what a really good preamp brings to the mix.
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......Middleman, Im in the so.cal area, can you recommend any rental places that have a decent inventory of recording gear? That would be invaluable.
thanks, Mike
 
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