Hard to choose

[tone_aot]

Whasup people. I've read thread after thread and lots of reviews trying to decide on a new pre to buy. Well, i got the cash and i'm finally able to get a new preamp. Currently, i'm using a behringer pre. I've narrowed it down to three preamps: M-audio dmp3, Studio projects vtb-1, and rane ms-1b. The pre is going to be used with my current mic,a studio projects c1, and later i'll also be purchasing an adk a-51. Here's what i want in the sound: low noise, no mudiness, and clarity(not brittleness), better than behringer mixer pres. I know this is a low price range to find these requirements, but i need something better now and this is my range.

M-audio dmp3:

I only really need one channel of pre but if the dmp3 is better that's just another spare channel i can use. I've heard this pre regarded as having alot of very clean gain but i've also heard people call it bright. My c1 is pretty bright already so would this pre make it worse?

Studio projects vtb-1:

I've heard that this is a good pre but it doesn't have alot of "clean" gain. Also heard the tube function is good if you use it sparingly. I was wondering if it would work pretty good with my mic since it is the same company?

Rane Ms 1b:

Heard that this is an excellent preamp in it's price range. This sounds like a good deal but i read a review that called the sound scratchy or something like that. They also said the low end it thin. I'm wondering if i should choose this one simply because all the money was put in the pre instead of a flashy appearance?

I record guitar, saxophone, r n b style singing, rap vocals, pots and pans , and just about anything i'm curious to record.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Harvey?

 

[chessrock]

Any one of them should do what you want it to do, and should do it admirably for the cost.

I would personally tend to lean towards the MS-1B, but that's just a personal preference based on some experience with it.

Let the price and features dictate your final decision. How important is having two channels? And between the vtb1 and ms1b ... which one can you get cheaper, and how important is it to have a DI input? (vtb1 has one and the ms1b doesn't).

Honestly, if you're trying to decipher which one is going to sound best, you're going to be splitting hairs till eternity.

.

 

[tone_aot]

As far as channels go, i really only need one. I don't need a DI. I was kinda leaned towards the vtb-1 but some say it is not as clean as the dmp3, and i've heard the ms 1b is the cleanest of the three but i'll have to get an xlr to 1/4 cable to use it. I wish there was a place in my area that sold these units so i could test them out then decide. The decision would be much easier then because i could test them on different mics, and record multiple tracks with each pre to see how well they stack in a mix, i forgot to add that in my preferences. I already have spit hairs so i don't need anymore!!!

 

[scrubs]

Yeah, you're definitely splitting hairs. I have the DMP3 and VTB-1. Do they sound different? Yeah, a little. Would most people listening notice the difference? No, certainly not. I could sit here and throw a bunch of meaningless terms at you regarding how I would describe the sound of each (with my mics, on my sources, in my room), but they're cheap preamps. Buy one. Heck, buy them all and sell/return the ones you don't like. That's why God invented credit cards.

 

[tone_aot]

^^^^^LOL!!! Alright then. Guess i'll go with the vtb-1 since it's the cheapest for right now. I wanna get the others later and try them out and see what i'll keep. I wish i could just get an Avalon and a Neuman but i certainly don't have that kind of money!

 

[buryher17]

Whasup people. I've read thread after thread and lots of reviews trying to decide on a new pre to buy. Well, i got the cash and i'm finally able to get a new preamp. Currently, i'm using a behringer pre. I've narrowed it down to three preamps: M-audio dmp3, Studio projects vtb-1, and rane ms-1b. The pre is going to be used with my current mic,a studio projects c1, and later i'll also be purchasing an adk a-51. Here's what i want in the sound: low noise, no mudiness, and clarity(not brittleness), better than behringer mixer pres. I know this is a low price range to find these requirements, but i need something better now and this is my range.

M-audio dmp3:

I only really need one channel of pre but if the dmp3 is better that's just another spare channel i can use. I've heard this pre regarded as having alot of very clean gain but i've also heard people call it bright. My c1 is pretty bright already so would this pre make it worse?

Studio projects vtb-1:

I've heard that this is a good pre but it doesn't have alot of "clean" gain. Also heard the tube function is good if you use it sparingly. I was wondering if it would work pretty good with my mic since it is the same company?

Rane Ms 1b:

Heard that this is an excellent preamp in it's price range. This sounds like a good deal but i read a review that called the sound scratchy or something like that. They also said the low end it thin. I'm wondering if i should choose this one simply because all the money was put in the pre instead of a flashy appearance?

I record guitar, saxophone, r n b style singing, rap vocals, pots and pans , and just about anything i'm curious to record.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Harvey?

i own the vtb1 i just got it in the mail last week and i fell in love with it. it has great capabilities for the price and is amazing in my opinion.

but i heard rane is good too. im going to probably be buying a parametric eq from that company.

but i say go with the vtb1. the only downside i found so far is no power switch. you ahve to unplug it everytime fomr the ac adapter.... and i personally dont like that cause its a hassle, and im afraid of pulling it out a certian number of times will damage the vtb1. [like by just pulling the plug form a computer]

 

[travelin travis]

pulling the plug on a computer and a preamp are'nt the same. a preamp has no memory, storage devices, etc.

the vtb1 has alot of features and is good for the money, imo.

 

[buryher17]

pulling the plug on a computer and a preamp are'nt the same. a preamp has no memory, storage devices, etc.

the vtb1 has alot of features and is good for the money, imo.

yea i know i agree. im just saying thats the onyl thing i dont like. i know it doesnt have memory and storage devices i was just stating thats my ONLY thing i dont like.

i love the preamp though, it has done wonders to my recordings

 

[tone_aot]

The verdict is in. Vtb-1 it is!!!!

Now, what's the best rap mic for $100? Just Kiddin!
Thanks guys!

 

[buryher17]

The verdict is in. Vtb-1 it is!!!!

Now, what's the best rap mic for $100? Just Kiddin!
Thanks guys!

hahaha

a nice suggestion at2020 if you really wanted a nice condensor mic suggesiton for cheap. only $100 and can also double as recording acustic and overhangs for cymbals.

its almost liek an sm57 but in condensor form.

 

[tone_aot]

I already have two condenser mics, sp c1 and nady scm 950. I'm planning on buying a few more in the future though. I want the adk a-51.

 

[travelin travis]

you should always unplug those wall warts when not in use or put them on a power strip that has an on/off switch. they waste energy even when not in use.

 

[superbeatballer]

The verdict is in. Vtb-1 it is!!!!

Now, what's the best rap mic for $100? Just Kiddin!
Thanks guys!

I'd pull the plug on that verdict! With some patience you can score a vintage RCA broadcast pre off ebay for the same price. All you'll get is an xlr in and out with 46db gain, but it will beat the holy crap out of the other pres you're considering. Some come custom, but they cost more. Telefunken is another brand to consider for the big leap to hi-fi on the cheap. It's worth the trouble!