Good budget mic pre amps?

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word_play

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What are some good mic pre amps for around $150 cdn

thanks.
 
IMHO, for a decent low-cost "clean" solid state preamp, try the AudioBuddy ($79USD at Guitar Center). For a decent low cost "clean or dirty" tube preamp, try an ART Tube MP (on sale for $59USD at musicians Friend).

There are others, but these are two I've used and have had very good results with. The retail sources I mention are just for your reference... these preamps are sold through many other retailers.
 
i heard the ART pre amps are loud... hows the newer V3 do u know?
 
I didn't notice you were talking 150 cdn. I don't know how much that is here, but that dmp3 is 200 amer.
 
$150 Canadian is $107.51 US......

Id stretch that to $129 to get the Studio Projects VTB-1.......

if stretching isnt possible, the Audio Buddy and the Art Tube are good also.......
 
I agree that the Studio Projects VTB1 would be a good choice if you can stretch your budget a little. A friend of mine and I recently recorded a band using an MXL V67G on the vocalist through the VTB1 and into an RME Multiface. The vocal sound is quite satisfying. The VTB1 sounds pretty darn good!

I've used the Audio Buddy and found that I prefer the sound of the preamps in the new Behringer UB series mixers (avoid the older Behringer MX mixers as the preamps in them are murky sounding). The UB preamps sound more transparent than the Audio Buddy, and you can pick up a UB802 for $129 Cdn.

Another plus for the Behringers is that they have standard 48V phantom power. The Audio Buddy has only 41V no load and drops below 30V with two condensers plugged in, which leads to loss of headroom and distortion.

All that said, the VTB1 sounds best of this bunch to my ears, so I'd recommend that first.

http://www.piemusic.com/mp/vtb1.html
 
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