Do I really need a preamp?

  • Thread starter Thread starter dainbramage
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dainbramage

dainbramage

Well-known member
I've spent the last 3 days trying to decide which preamp to buy and I'm almost going crazy about it. I was thinking about enhancing my guitar sound with it but I am already using a T-Rex Spindoctor to a H4n recorder. I am using a DI setup and want to continue doing that as my apartment doesn't allow any noise.

So guys, will my sound get better by getting a preamp? I was thinking about a Focusrite ISA One or a Universal Audio 710 Twin-Finity. :confused:

Sample: http://soundcloud.com/fifthdragon/sample
 
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The answer 'in my opinion' will be yes. And no. What is it about your sound now that you think you need to purchase a better preamp?

You may have gone through this description already, but I will go at it because it was an experience I learned from myself:

In most cases, my personal opinion again, the problem resides in the sound of whatever is being recorded to begin with. If the source is not 'sweet' to begin with, a good preamp will have less affect. Adding a good preamp seems to be what most do, only to realize that the addition, really doesn't give much benefit. A great tone can sound great with a low end mic and stock interface pre's. A crappy sound through high end gear, will sound like a crappy sound regardless of the gear used.

So I ask, what is it that you have a problem with that you feel a preamp will help with?
 
jimmys69 said:
what is it that you have a problem with that you feel a preamp will help with?
Click to expand...

I understand what you're saying. I guess I just feel that my setup is so basic it being a portable recorder and all. I don't think the sound is bad at all but I was thinking maybe a preamp going from my SpinDoctor would bring more clarity to the sound.

That being said, I really like having the recorder close at hand at my pedal board and I really don't like recording on a computer. So my second question is: Would my H4n (which has inferior preamps built-in) "steal" the quality/clarity of a good preamp going in between the SpinDoctor and the H4n recorder? I guess my setup just feels so cheap and I want to have more stuff to experiment with. Also, I want a compressor for vocals and perhaps the guitar and the H4n doesn't have any inserts.

It's driving me crazy.
 
What's a flac file?

Possibly post a mp3 somewhere else. That download site really leaves a lot to be desired.
 
Sonixx said:
What's a flac file?

Possibly post a mp3 somewhere else. That download site really leaves a lot to be desired.
Click to expand...

You're right. Here is a shorter sample for streaming:



Also updated the first post of this thread.

A FLAC file is a lossless audio file by the way.
 
Wow, I am quite surprised at the quality that little recorder gives. Cool groove by the way. :D
 
dainbramage said:
You're right. Here is a shorter sample for streaming:



Also updated the first post of this thread.

A FLAC file is a lossless audio file by the way.
Click to expand...





Good work dain! Is that a full band or are you doing everything?
 
Then very, very good work dain. What else do you have?
 
I didn't really play the drums though, it's programmed using the XLR Addictive Drums plugin. I don't have much else as of yet as I've just gotten into the electric guitar again.
 
I think, The preamp is the signal processing part of an amplifier. This means it's the section of the ampthat allows you to plug in sources such as tuner and CD player. And there are some features-Switch between various input signals,
Amplify any phono inputs to line level,
Adjust the volume,
Adjust the treble and bass if necessary,
Present the right load impedance for the inputs, and
Present a low source impedance for the outputs.
 
IMHO opinion, the answer is yes. In general you need a preamp to boost the signal to line level when recording a guitar or a microphone.
This being said, I record my guitars directly with a pod xt... and it sounds ok.
The UA stuff will definitely give you more warmth, and/or compression and eq on the way in if needed.

You should check this video out:
Fab talks about the different uses for preamps and try different ones (UAD and great rivers) on vocal and acoustic guitars.
Gearfest 2011: Tracking 3/6 Preamp Choices - PUREMIX
Gearfest 2011: Tracking 4/6 Vocal + Guitar - PUREMIX
 
As a short answer I would say yes. By how much is only limited by how much you want to spend on preamps and mics.
 
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