best rack pre-amp? and why?

  • Thread starter Thread starter dmbfan1981
  • Start date Start date
Well, I think my approach to this is going to go something like this....

buy a better mic, probably a studio projects b1 or a rode nt1 ( any opinions on this choice would be much appreciated. )

run direct into the 410 and see what kind of results I can get.
 
the only problem that I forsee with this approach, is figuring out how to route through any effects that I may have ( compressors, EQ ) once it goes into the 410 its going into the computer. I could just settle for plug-ins, but would I be really holding myself back by doing this?
 
dmbfan1981 said:
Well, I think my approach to this is going to go something like this....

buy a better mic, probably a studio projects b1 or a rode nt1 ( any opinions on this choice would be much appreciated. )

run direct into the 410 and see what kind of results I can get.
Click to expand...

I use a Rode NT1 into my Mackie ONYX and use an RNC via Insert for light compresion. Very inexpensive and works well as an entry level Vocal recording setup.

The Studio Projects is too bright for my Vocs so I went with the Rode. I don't have a recorded side by side comparison, but I did use the Rode, RNC, ONYX trifecta to record the vocs on this song "Magnificent Hero" - www.myspace.com/stevendolbey

It may or may not help you make your descision.
 
Presonus Eureka...

If you are still curious... :o

I like it (it being my main pre) because of a few things... Mainly, it's a channel strip, so you have not only a good (transformer coupled class A) preamp, but you have compression and EQ as well. I don't personally use the EQ on much, but on some things it helps out a bit. It also has variable input impedance, so you can either match it to the mic you are using or change it up and see how it affects the sound. Compared to the pre's on my FW-1804, to my ears, it sounds like a huge step up for the money.

Hope that helps a bit. But, I would agree with SonicAlbert on this one and try a few new mics through the 410 first. And I would also have to agree with Dobs on the Rode NT1(a). Good, low noise, large diaphragm for only $200. ;)
 
well I dont have any rack effects yet but am getting a v-amp for guitar. and will also probably get a compressor and maybe an EQ. Lets assume that I ONLY have a firewire 410 and a rode NT1 mic. How would I run through that signal chain? to lets say, add compression to a vocal track as I am recording it.
 
since you're using a DAW, i wouldn't even use compression on the way....if anything, you're more than likely to make a bad choice and not be able to go back...
 
Are you certain about recording on the Dell?

Just ensure that your USB ports aren't on power save, and that your video RAM isn't mapped into application RAM, that you have a fast enough disk, and enough RAM for your operating system.

These may not be issues for your specific PC, but if you have problems, keep them in mind.
 
dmbfan1981 said:
well I dont have any rack effects yet but am getting a v-amp for guitar. and will also probably get a compressor and maybe an EQ. Lets assume that I ONLY have a firewire 410 and a rode NT1 mic. How would I run through that signal chain? to lets say, add compression to a vocal track as I am recording it.
Click to expand...

The V-Amp you'd put direct into a line level input on the FW 410.

If you need to run anything you are miking through a compressor before it is recorded, then yes in that case you'd need an outboard preamp. The signal would go mic>preamp>compressor>FW410.

You'd probably be a lot better off waiting to eq until the track is recorded, and you are in the mixing process. Compression can be useful if you are recording a vocalist or instrumentalist that doesn't play at a consistent volume level.

But if your artist isn't having a problem with dynamic consistency, then you may want to leave that for the mixing process as well.

In any case, I think the starting point is to get a better mic and use the preamps on the 410 before doing anything else. Then take it from there.
 
orksnork said:
since you're using a DAW, i wouldn't even use compression on the way....if anything, you're more than likely to make a bad choice and not be able to go back...
Click to expand...
If you just had the Nt1a and the Fw, just plug the mic into the interface and run with it. IMO, it helps on certain things to have slight compression when tracking, but it's not really necessary if you have the plugins to take care of it once the track is laid down.

P.S. Yeah, what SonicAlbert said... :D
 
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ok first off, what does "IMO" stand for. I always see people typing that, but I am not completely hip to all of the internet lingo. I can make an educated guess but would rather just ask. :)

next, the dell is a 1.6 ghz core solo processor with 1024mb ram. It does fairly well for right now, but I will probably eventially get a desktop for the bulk of recording. ( use the laptop for just mobile recording ) I used to have a 1.8ghz desktop with a Front Side Bus of half the size as the dell and the same amount of RAM, and that did alright by itself.

As for the effects, I will just hold off on everything and get the mic and the V-Amp. I think I, as most newbies do, have a bit of rack envy, so I am glad that I consulted you guys first before pissing away my money. Thanks for all of the help.:D
 
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