Different mics and pres to provide seperation?

[KingstonRock]

Is it a good Idea to use different preamps and mics on instruments in competing frequency ranges, for example one large diaphragm condensor into an outboard preamp for vocals, and another large diaphragm condensor into my mixing board's pre for guitar? For me this would require some upgrading but it logically works, if this mic/pre boosts this frequency and that mic/pre boosts that frequency, the two sounds should have more seperation.

Eric

P.S. Also, what's a good vocal preamp, I use the pres in my allen and heath board now and I'm looking for something on that level, I guess mid-level, with a good vocal sound.

 

[CyanJaguar]

many pros swear by using different pres, but I would rather have one great board (something better than an SSL) and track everything through that.

To me, it gives stuff a coherence. I truly dislike it when different parts of a mix sound like they were recorded at different times and in different places.

 

[littledog]

Is it a good Idea to use different preamps and mics on instruments in competing frequency ranges, for example one large diaphragm condensor into an outboard preamp for vocals, and another large diaphragm condensor into my mixing board's pre for guitar? For me this would require some upgrading but it logically works, if this mic/pre boosts this frequency and that mic/pre boosts that frequency, the two sounds should have more seperation.

While i compliment you on your original theory, unfortunately you may be trying to reduce art to a formula, and that is very difficult, if not impossible.

For example: if you were a painter, and part of your painting was black, you might say "the other part should be red, because that would create contrast." Well, you might be right, but it might just turn out that the whole painting would be more artistic if it stayed completely in shades of black and grey. Only experience (usually obtained through trial and error) provides any real insight - and it still may come down to individual judgement, taste, and preference.

A good example is what Cyan said (which many pros agree with). The fact is, at least as many pros would disagree with him as well, which kind of proves the point about individual preference and the futility of trying to "formulize" artistic decisions.

 

[KingstonRock]

I see where it could actually be more of a problem, but it might be good for just vocals, or a guitar solo, just a subtle way to get one part to stand out. Outside of higher quality, would there be any gain from getting an outboard preamp? Considering it would probably be of the same quality as my mixer.

 

[Shailat]

I use that technique a lot and it is exactly as you thought it out to be. I also match my instrument/vocal to pre as I find some suit the pre more.

People who use the same the same pre's/board no matter how good they are will get a single dimension sound.
Using multiple pres will give you more dimensions aiding your mix in a more exciting and dimensional way. It will not give your mix a feeling that you recorded in a different time/place.