I have $500 for a Preamp

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studiogenocide

studiogenocide

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After reading these posts for a while now, I have come to the conclusion that if I spend any less than about $500 for a USED preamp, I will pretty much be throwing away my money. Better to invest in a PS3 right?

With so many different pres to choose from, and a budget I cannot afford to buy, make a mistake, resale for less, and upgrade to yet another option in which I do not know anything about simply because I have not used that particular model.... what is one to do?

The only option I can come up with is to ask the question: What is your favorite mic pre for around $500 used?

I suppose I am like most, placing a lot of emphasis on vocals and acoustic instruments. I want warm, clean and true. What do you guys think would be my best option & does anyone have one for sale?

Guys, I know this has come up 100 times, so that is why I put warm, clean, and true as a wanted list. Somebody knows what I want, I am sure of it! I do not want to make another $300 mistake. I know there has got to be a good single channel pre for that money. Help me make the 2nd best decision I could make for my studio. (1st was the fact that I built the damn thing!)

Peace
 
True P-Solo

Grace m101

FMR RNP (dual channel)

Any of those are in that range new.
 
Sound devices MP-1 / MM-1 - $300-$350. Battery powered too if you want/need to be a little more mobile. Or only have 1 plug and no strips on you. I just got 2x MM-1's two weeks ago. Loving it. Probably would have rather had the MP-1's that I ordered, but for the same cash... having something that might be easier to sell with a higher MSRP, bonus...

cons: doesn't come with an actual power strip (but does have a piece of hardware needed to make a power strip). At least that's what I think that extra part was for...

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FMR RNP - $500-ish

DMP3 - $150-ish (+/- $50)

Naiant littlebox?

Church Audio 9100?

Art MPA Gold with tube upgrade. (or whatever the non digital one was, or pay extra for the digital half)

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Were you wanting rack mounted? Stand alone unit? Portable battery powered? Or anything specifically geared towards an intended use? Used at 50% MSRP is normally the way to go. If you don't like it, sell it and get your money back. Or make money, or take a small hit to get rid of it quicker. Semi-free rental.
 
In that price range i'm personally a fan of the FMR RNP. I've also had good experience with the M audio DMP3 which is very inexpensive. You may want to check out another post in "the rack" section titled "attention DMP3 owners. There are some mods available that might make it an even better value than it already is.
 
Ronan said:
I hope its OK to link over to one of my own web sites, but I dig into this exact issue here: Three mic pres under $500
Click to expand...

I'm glad you did. I watched the episode at work, and I suppose my question would be: I have a Mackie 1642 board. Would adding the true systems P solo be a noticeable upgrade to those onboard pre(s)?

Thanks again-

-Michael
 
Ronan said:
Yes. A whole different league.
Click to expand...

Thanks Ronan- I also appreciate the valuable insight on your show. I chose the RNP, simply because it had two channels, and I am beginning to get into double micing acoustic guitars. Thanks again, and I'll start tuning in to your shows.
 
That preamp is a really good value and i hope it serves you as well as mine served me.
 
tewfus said:
That preamp is a really good value and i hope it serves you as well as mine served me.
Click to expand...

I am really looking forward to getting it- should be in on Monday. Just dropped $1800 on all new gear, and to think its all a drop in the bucket- why does this stuff have to be so damn expensive? So economical to get started.......
 
How is that RNP treating you? I recently picked up an RNP and RNC in a funk logic tray for just under $500. Running through a Mackie VLZ 24/4 it makes the vocals sound much more full, and adds great warmth to Tenor and Alto saxes.
 
guitarjam6 said:
How is that RNP treating you? I recently picked up an RNP and RNC in a funk logic tray for just under $500. Running through a Mackie VLZ 24/4 it makes the vocals sound much more full, and adds great warmth to Tenor and Alto saxes.
Click to expand...

I can tell you I love it. This is coming from someone who never had anything besides an onboard pre before. I think it is an excellent first step. So, how is the RNC treating you? I almost got it, but went over budget, and I had to have the tray and that would have just set me way back. I use ren compressor by waves, and it is like magic. Others seem to like it too, as I saw Ashlee Simpson use it on her demos when she was filming that silly show about her dumb life.

Interested to hear back on that RNC- I still may get it after all.
 
I spent the last few days tracking with my band. I've only used light compression on the saxes and vocals with recording, but the sound is great. Very smooth, helps the vocals cut through nicely. I really like using it live. I put 2 vocal channels thru the RNP/RNC and my Mackie24/4 and its sounds amazingly better. Very crisp in the articulation of the words, and there really is a "warmer" tone to eh vocals. Great deal for 480 shipped on ebay.
 
The RNC is a duel? it's my understanding that the channel B on them is only governed by what you do to channel A is that correct?



:cool:
 
I just got in a couple of Golden Age Pre 73's ($300 each). I saw some great reviews and will be checking them out this week.
 
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