DMP3 vs tascam us-122 preamps

[bendeho]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently stuck on a purchasing decision and looking for some advice, i'll try to give all the relevant information from my end regarding my setup and situation.

I have:
samick fender clone elec guitar
marshall 15dfx amp
tascam us-122 usb interface
sm58 (used for micing amp and vocals)
cubase (running on decent new pc)
midi + samples for drums (i know i know but recording a kit is unfeasible for me)

I'm recording traditional distorto guitar rock, some slower ballad stuff and from time to time hiphop vocals get recorded on there aswell.

Now, i find myself using all of my tascam us-122 preamp gain on vocals (and it still isn't overly loud) and most of the gain when micing the amp. I get the impression this could be leading to the flat thin sound that i've been getting.

Given the type of music i'd be doing, and my current setup, do you people think that a new external preamp like the DMP3 would be a significant step forward in terms of overall audio quality or are there other areas i should address first? I've considered a condenser mic in the order of a rode nt2 or so (or maybe a bit lower end) but fear that my bedroom 'studio' isn't ideal acoustically and its shortcomings would be captured in perfect detail on the condenser.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[scrubs]

Well, I have a US-122 and a DMP3. While the pres in the 122 are o.k., I think the DMP3 pres are both better sounding (more clear/open sounding) and hotter (+54dB [122] vs. +66dB [DMP3] for the XLR inputs). The DMP3 also has phase switches for each channel, low cut switches, and a gain pad (though that doesn't seem to be something you need at this point). I use my DMP3 almost exclusively for acoustic guitar recording, although it does fine for vocals as well.

Whether you should start with upgrading pres vs. other areas is a judgement call. The 58 is not a great mic for recording, though it is rather versatile. A condenser would likely solve your volume problems (as they tend to have higher gain than dynamics), but the room can become an issue. You'll probably want to upgrade your pres and mics at some point, so it's up to you which to tackle first. Both will improve your sound to some degree.

 

[notbradsohner]

adding a DMP3 would be a HUGE step up.

 

[XLR]

For me, the pre's in my US122 definetely perform better with condenser mic's than dynamics. My dymanic mic's sound pretty bad through the US122 compared to how they sound through my best pre's, which are transformer coupled. My condensers however (about 7 types ranging the price spectrum) all sound great through the US122 - pretty close to how they sound through my best pre's.

Tim

 

[XLR]

A condenser would likely solve your volume problems (as they tend to have higher gain than dynamics), but the room can become an issue.

I agree with Scrubs. If you get something like an NT-2 that's got a wider cardioid pattern, or omni, your small room might give you a whole new set of problems that your 58 isn't hearing.

A hypercardioid will help with that, as it'll get less room with the tighter pattern. Oktava MC012 has interchangeable capsules that include a hypercard. Not very expensive.

You mentioned the NT-2. I've got one and like my MXL V67 (under $100) better for most things.

Tim

 

[bendeho]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

A hypercardioid condenser sounds like it might be up my alley. Are there any you could recommend that aren't hyperexpensive?

To be honest i'd be using it almost exclusively for vocals so omni settings and so forth aren't really necessary.

 

[XLR]

The Oktava really is excellent in sonic detail and tone quality. Under $200 at the Sound Room. You can specify which capsule you want in order to get the hyper. If you do go with Oktava, get it from the Sound Room as other sellers have terrible quality control problems.

http://sound-room.com/customer/home.php?cat=2

Good Luck,
Tim