Best pre amp for me

  • Thread starter Thread starter ColdAsh
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ColdAsh

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I wont be buying my next preamp for a while now but i like to plan ahead. I already own a envoice which is fine for my uses at the moment which is basicaly just learning and helping to arrange songs. I play rock/alternative and I would like to use my studio in the future to record demos of my band to get signed and become hugely famous (well in theory anyway :))
When we do record a demo/EP i'm going to hire an Avalon VT-737 SP for recording the vocals but i'll need something to record guitars and bass (drums will be done in a "professional" studio). I want a preamp that wont sound bad when used with the Avalon. The only problem is i'll only have about $2000 Australian ($1000 US). After the demo is done i'll use it to record vocals as well but its main purpose will be recording guitars (through a NT1000, NTK, SM57 or Pod). I'm looking at a few options but was woundering if anyone can give me any insight into what will be the best choice for me. A few of the preamp i've been looking at are
HHB Radius 40
JoeMeek VC-1Q
Trident MTA Signature One
DBX 376
Let me konw if there are any others that would suit my need.
Am i likely to find something that i'll be happy with (ie wont sound like shit compared to the Avalon) in this price range?
 
what you want is a sytek mpx4a. About $800 new(the owner of the company sells off ebay.)

4 channels of high quality solidstate preamplification.

I did this rough demo with just the sytek



It is very focused and clear, but smooth.
 
Thanks i'll give it a listen but by the sound of the preamp it really isnt what im looking for. Four channels is more than i'll need because like i said i'll only be recording guitars/bass. Is it just 4 preamps and nothing else? Im realy looking for a channel strip more than a preamp and nothing else eg EQ, compressor and possibly de essor . I could get a RNC but at $800 i might not have any money left for one. Also is it likely i'll get deleivery to Australia ( i have no credit card)
Thanks anyway
ColdAsh
 
In that case, I'd say go with a joemeek vc1q. It has a very pleasing sound and it will nicely complement your mindprint.
 
How about the Brent Averil Neve-alike/API stuff?
 
wont go in coldash's pricerange.

BTW, I have heard APIs twice and both times, I did not like them.
 
Check out the Buzz Audio stuff, they're from New Zealund.

Very nice stuff.
 
I listened to the MP3 CyanJaguar. Its not my style of music, i hate slap bass and the high hat was a little weak but all in all it's very good sonicaly. Very professional sounding. Also im not looking for something to complement my Envoice, as i said i want something to comlpement the Avalon i'll be using (or atlease not sound completely out of place)
 
ok,

something under $1000 for guitars to go with an avalon. THat's a toughie.

you also want a channel strip as opposed to just a preamp. I assume you are looking for one channel, maybe two if the price is right.

I still think that the joemeek is a mighty fine piece for that job. It depends on what you want. ITs colored in a fine way, not pristine. Especially for guitars, you might want more pristine, and a guy I knew used to use a sytek for guitars while using the joemeek for vocals. I think guitars through a dbx 786 would sound quite good.

by the way, what are your other choices to rent for vocals. Many people like the avalon, but many others prefer something like a great river, or a neve etc.
 
I'll admit that it could be hard finding something in that price range that doesnt sound out of place along side an Avalon. Unfortunately I only know of one place in my area that hires pre amps. The range are as follows:
AVALON VT-737 SP
JOEMEEK VC-1
SYTEK MPX-4A
GILES AUDIO
PULTEC EQP1-A
I can also hire compressors if needs be. Here's the list of them:
UREI 1176
UREI 1178
DBX 160-X
DRAWMER
RNC-1773
DISTRESSOR
Thanks for the advice and keep it coming
ColdAsh
 
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