Better preamp advice please

  • Thread starter Thread starter hemmick reef
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hemmick reef

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I have put together a basic recoring studio in a small room at home, it's not the best size or shape for a studio but......

Carillon computer running Cubase SX2
Edirol DA2496 soundcard+breakout box
Alesis M1Active mk2 speakers
Tfpro p3 preamp (Ted Fletcher model -£150) ????
UAD-1
Groove tube 67 microphone
Various guitars & software + midi keyboard

I am not particulary happy with my basic sound that I get from D.I. guitar & bass and mic'd vocals.
I have been pondering for ages about improvements/weak links to my sytem and if it's worthwhile changing anything. But I have come to the conclusion from reading posts & reviews that a better preamp is going to make the best improvement. The only thing is which one - I know that over a certain price I will not be able to tell the difference. I just wanted to get a few opinions before I buy, or not if thats the case - I don't want to waste money !
My ideas for preamps that will hopefully tighten, add punch & warmth over my present setup are:

TLAudio Ivory series 5060, 5051
Groove tubes the brick
Voice master pro
DBX 376
(My budget is £500)

I like the SPL gainstation, but price, and will I get the best out of it ?
I hope to add a bit of presence & warmth, and I'm not worried about added colouration as I think that it can enrich a sound.

Thanks very much
 
Safe Sound P1
Excellent limiter, compressor, di, and preamp
The Brick is supposed to be ok (per Fletch) though my experience is limited
You could use a couple other mics too (How do you record guitar cabs and bass now?)
 
I DI the guitar & bass and use UAD-1 amp modelling, although I'm not convinced it's as good as an amp !
 
hi hemmick

i have the voicemaster pro, the trakmaster and a tfpro P2 - i always go to my P2 first. for special fx (vintage vocals etc) i'll go to my voicemaster pro with it's tube emulation circuit - but i rarely record anything wet. it just works sometimes for quick one day demos.

but i swear by my P2 - i think it's warm, bright, open, squeezy - whatever you want it to be! it's really controllable and the EQ and compression are fantastic (though i know not everyone's cuppa!). being stereo, it's great for mixdown as well. i also use it on flying tracks in from other systems (like VSs or other MDMs). they don't make it anymore, but contact Ted Fletcher directly and he may be able to sort you out with an ex-demo or something for a good price. they are a good bunch and i guess you should be looking around £450-£500.

the trakmaster works well with bass but i rarely use it on anything else as a first choice - it gets pressed into service when i need more multiple pre's.

hope you find something you like! have fun
 
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