different preamps

[jeffmaher]

When it's said that one should use different preamps for different tracks or instruments, is it meant that one should use different brands; or is it that , say, four idendically manufactured preamps in the same unit will each have a variable enough 'stamp' to scatter the stacking tendency?

 

[ssscientist]

four idendically manufactured preamps in the same unit will each have a variable enough 'stamp' to scatter the stacking tendency?

In the old days of recording (a decade ago or more) outboard preamps were a rarity. You typically used the board - be it Neve, Mackie or one of the many in between - for the entire song or project or LP or CD and didn't worry about having a variable stamp to scatter the stacking tendency.

A good quality preamp can be used on many sound sources and add very little if anything to the sound of the instrument.


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[Cosmic]

Multiple pres (unless you record live with several channels at the same time) are a luxury that will only truly reap benefits when you have a quiet, well-tuned room where the subtleties of each pre can really be appreciated.

For most home use, getting away from the $100 junk and getting up to a set of quiet, neutral pres is plenty for starters.

That way you know you have clean gain, and every other variable is then due to mic/mic placement/room acoustics/recording gear/mixing.

All the other variables should be addressed before you go further. For the same money for a super-pre or a different pre, you can make significant progress elsewhere in the chain.

Best,
C.

 

[Lo-Fi Mike]

When it's said that one should use different preamps for different tracks or instruments, is it meant that one should use different brands; or is it that , say, four idendically manufactured preamps in the same unit will each have a variable enough 'stamp' to scatter the stacking tendency?

instead of collecting many brands of preamps, think more about collecting many brands of microphones.


--mike--