Floor model preamp?????

  • Thread starter Thread starter Smokepole
  • Start date Start date
Middleman said:
TexRoadkill

I am selling the Powerpad which is the low end but their site says the following:
Click to expand...

Just for the record you can't compare that to the M series. It's entirely different. The M series has the same pres as their $7000 Ghost board.

I'm not dogging the DMP3 but I did want to clear that up.
 
I am using a Behringer board into a Motu 24i. I am micing a Marshall DSL401 Tube amp with an SM57. I keep getting a very harsh guitar sound. Kevin Becka of Homerecording at About.com and he said "The M-audio (DMP3) should be better (than the Behringer preamps), I think that's where you're getting your problem when recording. The harsh sound is happening AFTER the amp. You'll need to upgrade your signal chain to get better results. Do what you can and improve as your budget allows." What do you guys think? Will this fix my problem? I don't wanna end up spending a few hundred on a preamp unless it will actually fix this problem.

Thanks.
 
it'd be great if someone could post some clips comparing the preamps in boards and stand alone preamps.
 
I have a Behringer board (MXB1002), and I just got a DMP3. As soon as I have a little free time, I will post some comparison clips. Can anyone tell me how to put 'em up somewhere for free?

I've only had a chance to try it out for a few minutes, but it seems quite a bit cleaner to me. I don't know if it will solve your particular problem keilson. It's hard to judge without hearing the sound you're getting now, but it sounds like every other piece in the signal chain is up to snuff, so it's probably either the Behringer or a technique issue.
 
keilson said:
it'd be great if someone could post some clips comparing the preamps in boards and stand alone preamps.
Click to expand...

Comparisons using MP3's is rather useless in my opinion because the sound quality is too compromised. The only way to evaluate is to use it in your own studio for weeks or months. The real test comes when you start mixing the recorded tracks and that's where a quality preamp will show it's worth.
 
Lame Thrower, if you'd like me to host them on my site I can. Just email them to jkeilson@buffalo.edu

Here are 2 clips of my friend Ben playin some guitar. No need for comments on his playing ha ha. Just need advice on how to make it less harsh sounding. These clips are without compression or EQ, with th setup I stated a few posts up. The first clip is with more distortion from the amp, less volume. The second clip is more volume using the tubes, less distortion. Let me know if it's the preamps or something else. Thanks



 
Keep in mind that I'm a total amateur at this, and my monitoring system here at work is a $20 pair of Sony headphones.

First off, I don't think that the clips that you posted sound all that bad. To my untrained ears, it sounds to me like your problem may lie in the EQ settings on your amp.

Are you "scooping" out the midrange? Lots of guitar players like this sound, but it doesn't always translate well to a recording, and it's very difficult to get it to sit well in a mix.

I apologize if I'm totally off base here, but that was my first impression. When I can check it at home, maybe I'll hear something else.

Thanks for the offer of your web space. I'll let you know when I'm done and see if you're still interested.

Seeyuh!
 
I believe my EQ was fairly flat on the amp. I'm not at home so I can't tell. Maybe my monitors are off or something. It sounds harsh on mine. Can someone let me know on their monitors?
 
You might want to try putting those clips up in the MP3 or Guitar and Bass forums for a little more help. I'm probably not the best one to help you with this.

That said, have you tried futzing with your mic placement? Moving your SM57 toward the outside edge of the speaker surround might give you a fuller sound.
 
Doesn't sound particularly harsh to me.


If you don't like the sound, then I'd mess with the mic placement. Pressing it up against the center cone will have a much more treble / gritty sound. Pointing it more towards the outer parimeter of the speaker will give you more bass.
 
If you are able to spend $500, save another 3 notes and buy a Sytek MPX-4Aii. You get 4 channels, of killer transparent preamp. 2 channel have Burr Brown op-amps for a more silky sound. This is a high end pre that compares favorably with the very best.

The units list for $1,680, but you can buy overstock units (brand new units) direct from Sytek on eBay for $803.65 shipped.

Here are some reviews by the rags. These reviews are for the cheaper units without the Burr Brown IC's that list for about $1,400.

Here are some reviews of the unit:

A review in Electronic Musician

http://www.sytek-audio-systems.com/review3.html

A review in EQ magazine:

http://www.sytek-audio-systems.com/review2.html

Electronic Musician Editor's Choice Award:

http://www.sytek-audio-systems.com/review1.html

Tube Dude made a post not long ago in the Microphone forum and he said: "think smart". This is an area where I think that advice is apropos. You can spend $500, or you can exercise a little patience, and save up 3 more Franklins. It would be comparable to spending 500 dollars on a unicycle, or saving up and spending 800 bucks on a Lamborghini. Sure the unicycle will transport you, but not as good as the Countach. :D Plus, you will have something you will never need to upgrade. Sure you might buy other preamps, but this one will never become useless to you like some of the cheap preamps.

My $.02 worth. YMMV

Taylor
 
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