DMP3 vs. TAMPA

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cellardweller

cellardweller

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I think I have my decision down to the above two pre-amps, but was curious as to how the actual pre-amp of the TAMPA compares to the DMP3?

And while I'm at it, how "user friendly" would a n00b find the compressor on the TAMPA? I think it would be a good introduction to the wonderful world of compressors... but hey, what do I know! :D

Thanks.
 
I got a Tampa a few weeks ago and have had the chance to track a 4 song acoustic session using it. It's got one of the best compressors I've ever heard and the Pre is nice and clean to but can be driven to some delightfull effects on vocal, bass and acoustic guitar.

Listen here to the songs PENNY and STAR, both were recorded using a Tampa for vocals and acoustic guitar. The microphone used was a Studio Projects B1

Never used the DMP3 but hopefully this'll give you something solid to listen to and base your decision.


Best money I've ever spent

Alec
 
Listened to Penny.....

Sounds Great!!!!

Penny was a sweet song.....
 
I have a DMP3 and a Tampa. I can say without hesitation that the Tampa is in a league above the DMP3. The Tampa sounds more present and lifelike. The variable impedance can also make your mic react differently, depending on what kind of sound you are looking for. The compressor is excellent.
The DMP3 certainly does a fine job. But if your micing skills are good you will notice a difference. That is, if the rest of your chain is quality enough to detect the differences.
Good luck with your decision.

Terry
 
Thank you. No, the rest of my chain is somewhat crappy.

Gotta start somewhere. This seems like as good as any place to start, with the addition of a couple of decent/good mics also...

So what exactly is the "variable impedance" for? Do all mics vary on impedance (probably a REALLY stupid question)? And is there a setting which will match your mics impedance, or do you just have to know what the specific mics impedance is? What about phantom power, does the Tampa supply phantom? :confused:

So many questions! :eek:
Thanx guys.
CD

PS- d/l'ing "Penny"......................(dial-up).............................................
....................................(jeopardy song plays)................................ :(

WOW!!! nice song. How was it recorded? What exactly all was used?
 
Yes, the Tampa has phantom power. To learn more about variable impedance, just use the search function and you will find out all you want to know.

Good luck
Terry
 
Amazing what can be found, given a certain set of keywords...

This is an amazingly complex and explanatory thread for any who may be interested in the subject.

impedance thread

Thanks tkingen

Lemontree,

What impedances have you experimented with, and with what mics?
 
Never really experimented with the impedence thing. My signal chain was Studio Projects B1 to Tampa to Delta 1010 via S/PDIF. Recorded at 24 Bit/ 48Khz into Cool edit Pro. Used the same chain for guitar and vocals (changed the input gain and compression settings, obviously) and the impedance was set at 300.

It was mixed back through a large frame Allen & Heath 24/16/16/2 where I used a Lexicon MPX100 and an Alesis Microverb III. I also used the Waves DeEsser plug in on vocals and mixed down to DAT.
 
cellardweller said:
This is an amazingly complex and explanatory thread for any who may be interested in the subject.
impedance thread
Click to expand...
Sort of like a picture of a picture of a picture.............. click on the link and it opens up the original thread, and click on the link.................

Maybe you meant to post a link to another thread?
 
It is sad the the TAMPA compressor is so good, when you consider the unit has no line in. Which means you can't use the comp at the mixing stage.
 
There is a line in on the front and it can and does work well at mixdown stage

:)
 
Hey Lemon,
have you tried the Tampa on drums etc? The comp has a release of 250ms .

could be slow for snare? anyone?
 
i also own a tampa. its a great clean pre. the compressor is so clean.. for the price the unit can't be beat. i get a great sound from the u87 or K2 > tampa > delta 1010 spdif 24/48 into nuendo 2.2
i haven't had a chance to use it with a snare yet. maybe this weekend. i mainly use it for vocals. i love the compressor.. othe songs that i produced.. i go back to them and run the vocals the the tampa's compressor b/c it sounds that good.
 
Apparently this was quite an unfair comparison.

Mostly I was curious about the difference in pre's, and didn't know it also had an above average (conservative estimate) compressor.

Has anyone ever had opportunity to A/B the pre's?
 
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