are you talking guitar effects? As far as preamps go, I'm using a TAMPA by m-audio. I do the blues rock thing and I'm pretty happy with what sounds I get. Old mics are gonna be the key for this one. Keeping the recordings as live as possible will help as well. Eric Clapton's "From the Cradle" is an excellent reference. As far as guitar effects, Fulltone all the way. Just about anything Mike Fuller makes is good.