Cheapie preamp for me?

[errr314]

Hello all,

I am going to upgrade the pre's on my overheads (cheap). Right now I have them running through a Behringer mixer and the sound is ok but I would like to get something a little better. I am looking at the DMP3 and the Presonus TubePre (not the blue tube). Does anyone have experience with either one of these as overhead pre's? Or any suggestions for my price range? I only have 200 bucks max for two preamps. Yes I know there is much better stuff out there for more cash but I have to make due with the 200 extra that I have. Any info is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Supercreep]

for 200 bucks you're not going to get much of an improvement. You don't say what you're using for OH mics or drum mics in general, and I don't know what your room is like.

Upgrading your mics will make a bigger difference than upgrading your pres.

Upgrading your room will make a bigger difference than upgrading your mics.

If your instruments are crappy or ill cared for it dosen't matter how or where you record them.



Anyway, you'll get lots of suggestions for a cheapie pre or two, but if you save your money you won't have to buy twice.

-Casey

 

[errr314]

Thanks for the response! I forgot to mention the overheads. They are SP B1's.
The kit sounds pretty good in the room (Yamaha Stage Custom) and is well tuned ... etc. So you are saying there will be a nominal sonic difference between what I have now (Beheringer) and 200 buck (for two) pre's? I have actually heard that before ... I guess I thought there may be a 200 dollar difference. Hmmm...Maybe I should get a new crash cymbal instead .

 

[MadAudio]

I have a DMP3 and use it for overheads w/ a pair of MXL603's. I think the DMP3 would be an improvement on the Behri mixer pres, but as Supercreep mentioned there are other factors to consider.

 

[mortiky]

Presonus Tubepre

I have been using a the tubepre as a preamp on a single OH mic (cheapie MXL 990) when recording my drums. I will say that it is all really low budget gear but the tubepre makes a big difference when i use it. It really adds a lot to the kick and snare, though it will make the cymbals sound a bit fuzzy if you crank the gain on it.

 

[tmix]

Here is a sample

I just got through recording some Jazz drum tracks for a online music collab.
90% of the sound is a pair of Kel Audio HM-1s going though a DMP-3. There is just a tad of Kick and snare mic for low end.

You can go here (hear) and check it out.
http://www.nowhereradio.com/artists/album.php?aid=1955&alid=-1
The bottom 2 songs Summertime and Autumn Leaves.
My playing isn't the best but you can get an idea of the sound quality.

Tom

 

[errr314]

Thanks for the samples tmix. Its always great to hear what they sound like. I think that sounds better than a Behringer cheapy mixer pre. Sounds good to me! I actually decided to go with the VTB1's but if I dont like the improvement I can always take them back. We shall see. Ahh Mansfield. Nice and hot there.

 

[tmix]

I think you will be happy with the vtb-1s.

Yep! it is getting into the time of the year that is hotter than I like it.It is 88 degrees at 5 am ...yuck.

Have fun with your new toys.

Tom