Good Mic Pre/Strip for Jazz Trumpet?

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Neelix

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I'm about to start working on a modern/smooth jazz project with solo trumpet. The ensemble will run the range from tradition to synths, so certainly using the usual gear there, but I really want to kick the juice on the trumpet (it's me!). I have several mics to play with, so that won't be an issue. Looking for the darker smoother sounds ala Miles Davis/Chris Botti, so I'm looking for a pre or strip that will fit the bill - preferably tube, doesn't have to be transparent, if you know what I mean. I was originally intrigued by the UA combos because they were built around some good simple classic pres and compressors. Not too much junk on the front to play with, just dial-and-go preamp and absolute classic comp! But I've seen to much adverse press about the 610 handling levels, and I know that would be an issue with any horn (especially dynamic players). The Avalon 737 is certainly an option and I've worked on them quite a bit, but I would like to hear some other ideas first. Summit's MPC-100 (I think that's the model) is a candidate, but I haven't found anyone around here with one to try. 1200.00-2000.00 price range is fine. Let me know what you think! Thanks!


[Please don't tell me to keep trying some of the gear I have. Obsessive Compulsive means: Obsessive - empty rack spaces? Augh! Compulsive - that's everyone here! (or is that impulsive...) :) ]
 
You might want to take a look at the Chandler TG channel strip as well:)
 
If you have access to a ribbon mic, look at the A-Designs-MP2-R. It's a nice-sounding tube pre.
 
Giganova said:
Wynton Marcalis (spelling?) uses a TLM 170 into an Avalon if that's helpful.
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Yeah, try to sell me on the Avalon! :) I may end up going that way because it's such a useful piece on a wide variety of sources, and pretty standard in my area (Nashville). Kind of hoping to latch onto something not quite as mainstream, just for kicks, but the Avalon has been on the list for a while anyway.
 
fraserhutch said:
If you have access to a ribbon mic, look at the A-Designs-MP2-R. It's a nice-sounding tube pre.
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Been a little afraid of using a ribbon mic because of the high SPL of the horn. Not out of he question though. Any specific ribbon mics that could handle pretty loud sources (without breaking the bank!)? Just checked out the site on that pre, and it looks sweet!
 
It is important to remember that most of your well respected studios have a couple of Avalon's. However, they don't usually get used as much as you might think.

As far as ribbon mics go, the Royer ribbons will handle most any spl you would need to give them, and they sound fantastic too:)
 
xstatic said:
It is important to remember that most of your well respected studios have a couple of Avalon's. However, they don't usually get used as much as you might think.

As far as ribbon mics go, the Royer ribbons will handle most any spl you would need to give them, and they sound fantastic too:)
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I know what you mean. Nashville is the mecca of Gear For Show. Racks full when only key pieces get used. Big on name-dropping, too (hate that!).

Any particular model you would recommend on the mic? I may try to borrow one and give it a test drive.
 
I have been using a Chandler TG2 for brass instruments and for electric guitars with my Royer R121. It sounds amazing. I am not sure that there is another mic and pre combination that i would prefer no matter what my budget is. Earlier I reccomended Checking out the Chandler TG channel. The TG2 is jsut 2 preamps, but the TG channel is a single pre with a killer EQ. Having the EQ would add a lot of flexibility to what you need:)
 
Neelix said:
Been a little afraid of using a ribbon mic because of the high SPL of the horn. Not out of he question though. Any specific ribbon mics that could handle pretty loud sources (without breaking the bank!)? Just checked out the site on that pre, and it looks sweet!
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I use a AEA R84 for my trumpet. Trumpets work wonderfully with ribbons. Royers are also very popular with trumpets, especially the R121, as Xstatic mentioned, in fact, it's pretty much a classic for trumpet.

Ribbons are used all the time on trumpets.
 
xstatic said:
As far as ribbon mics go, the Royer ribbons will handle most any spl you would need to give them, and they sound fantastic too:)
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+1

absolutely... I have to get me one of those too :)
 
What has been the general consensus on the Focusrite 430 (or 430 MkII) Producer packs? I had a couple of people recommend them on another forum. I've used the 428 (4 channel pre's, no frills) with good results on a couple of projects (drums, general stuff), but never the full channel strip.

Thanks for the info on the ribbon mics. I'm probably going to rent a couple to try for a demo tracking session next week, so I'll see how they work for me!
 
Neelix said:
Looking for the darker smoother sounds ala Miles Davis/Chris Botti, so I'm looking for a pre or strip that will fit the bill - preferably tube, doesn't have to be transparent, if you know what I mean.
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I prefer to run brass instruments through a tube comp, which will both darken and fatten it up. It will have a much more dramatic effect than the pre, with the exception of Neve pres, which also exhibit a darker sonic quality.

Regards.
 
gemsbok said:
one word HARDY.
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Had a 4 channel Hardy a couple of years ago but ended up selling it. Wasn't getting used enough considering the cash it could bring, but wish I had it back now since I'm working on more multi-channel tracking sessions! Really wanting something with a little more colour and flavouring than the Hardy, just so I can mix it up a bit...
 
CCS said:
I prefer to run brass instruments through a tube comp, which will both darken and fatten it up. It will have a much more dramatic effect than the pre, with the exception of Neve pres, which also exhibit a darker sonic quality.

Regards.
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Really regretting selling a TubeTech I had a couple of years ago.

I had looked at the ADL tube comp a little while back. Seems like it was actually a fair amount under a grand. Single channel, but coupled with a nice clean pre would make a kickin' strip and still be within the budget. What's been the take on those comps with you guys?
 
The ADL comps are often overlooked, underrated excellent compressors. I wouldn't mind a pair of those myself, but I always forget about them:D
 
Neelix said:
Really regretting selling a TubeTech I had a couple of years ago.

I had looked at the ADL tube comp a little while back. Seems like it was actually a fair amount under a grand. Single channel, but coupled with a nice clean pre would make a kickin' strip and still be within the budget. What's been the take on those comps with you guys?
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That's a nice price.

I've used a lot of the older boxes, but I haven't worked in any rooms with ADL equipment.
 
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