Buying a mic and preamp, opinions are appreciated !

[kidvybes]

I see that GAP get a lot of recs, but if people like it, it's not because of 80dB gain. Gain is cheap, what is important is noise performance. So I imagine the GAP is low noise (although I can't find its specification). Plus I think people dig its transformers . . .

I mean, if you had a preamp with a bad noise spec, say EIN of -100dBV, then 80dB of gain would get you noise of -20dBV. Not particularly useful . . .

Another way to think about gain and noise is to consider that the quietest possible pre is roughly -130dBV, plus 80dB is -50dBV of noise. If you are using a very low sensitivity mic, say -60dBV/Pa, and recording a 74dBSPL source (I sincerely hope nobody would use a mic that low on a source that low), you have signal of -80dBV and dynamic range of only 50dB with your -130dBV EIN pre. No amount of gain can ever change that.

...good points...I have A/B'd the GAP with my vintage/rebuilt Neve 1290 (same circuit layout) and the difference in noise floor is very evident even without doing any technical measurements...the GAP is noticeably quieter and retains enough "Neve-type" tone to make this pre a real bargain...highly recommended...

Out of the mics Id pick the shure [SM7] of course....its the only one listed that Ive ever seen someone with a record deal using...

...the KEL HM-2d is surprisingly similar sounding to the SM7 and fits well within the OP's budget...I've actually comped vocal takes using the HM-2d and one of my SM7's, and with a drop of EQ, the files blended excellently...great little mic for cheap...

 

[darrin_h2000]

...the KEL HM-2d is surprisingly similar sounding to the SM7 and fits well within the OP's budget...I've actually comped vocal takes using the HM-2d and one of my SM7's, and with a drop of EQ, the files blended excellently...great little mic for cheap...

I was really refering to the KSM27 at that point....but the SM7 is also a good choice...Ive never heard the Kel...but Im sure its pretty good.

There are a few choices around that range...I really like the MD421 too.

The SM7 gets alot of mileage due to MJ using it on the thriller LP...but its better suited for guys like Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam...the only reason they picked it for MJ was the u47 was picking up all the fidgeting that he does while singing.

 

[dickiefunk]

Another +1 for the GAP PRE-73.

I replaced an M-Audio Tampa with the PRE-73 and am extremely happy!!

Whilst the Tampa wasn't a bad preamp I prefer the PRE-73 a lot more. The PRE-73 also has less noise than the Tampa.

The PRE-73 is a real bargain!!