I need a Preamp. Not sure what I need?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lazz
  • Start date Start date
L

Lazz

New member
I'm running a Delta 44 and I'm told I need a Preamp of some sorts to record guitars, bass, and vocals as the Delta's In's are Line Level. My question is, do I need a stand alone preamp or will a mixer with preamps in it be as good? For comparison say a Presonus BlueTube to a Mackie 1202vlz3? Nothing high end, no more than say $200. Or since I usually just record 1 at time get something like an Art Tube MP, or is this just a waste of money?
 
It depends how you decide to set up your studio. If you need to record bass guitar, you may want to invest in a device that has a HighZ/Instrument input - alternatively just use a DI box and plug it into a preamp.

If you are going to use a mixer, make sure it has direct outs. This will allow you to take the signal out the desk at line level, before its passed through all the faders and EQ's in the desk.

If you are recording 1 at a time, and mixing on the pc, then i see no need for a mixer. If you wish to mix on a 'real' desk, maybe a mixer and an analogue to digital converter would be a good option.
 
The ART Tube MP is worth the money. :cool:
You'll notice the nice warm "tube" sound from it. It should work well with the Delta "line in".
 
I would highly recommend a DI box and a Mic Preamp. If your on a budget you can ebay Behringers DI-100 for around 30 bucks....For the Mic Preamp..........unless you cant help it...........I would highly suggest buying a nice one....you never know when you are going to upgrade your studio......if you settle for a cheap one......just remember......your signal chain is only going to be as strong as the weakest link in your recording gear.
You dont have to buy a 1000 dollar preamp either....dont get me wrong.....But do keep in mind that a stand alone preamp will almost ALWAYS sound better than the preamps that are in mixers........most of the time anyway.....expecially around your 200 dollar budget. The more reading you do the happier you will be with your decision.

If you are new to recording check out this link


http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm you wont be sorry!!!!!!

So far you are off to a VERY good start with your delta 44.....once again if you are new to recording....tweakz guide will teach you everything from writing music to what DI boxes/preamps/compressors/limiters/gates etc etc etc are.


Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Just in case if you cant find the right link to answer your question. This link will tell you why a DI is important. Why you need a preamp in conjuction with a DI, and If you want to exclude a DI all together and Find a good all around mic that will suit your needs.......aka miking guitar/bass amps/ recording vocals.



http://www.tweakheadz.com/guitarists_guide_to_recording.htm



Just my opinion....................I would reccomend getting a DI box....expecially as cheap as they are...........and you are going to need a preamp anyway......so why not have alternate ways to record you creations!!!!!
 
But really, would you pay a grand for a tube to put it in a 300-dollar device? Of course not- you would ask here and do some research and figure out which 12AX7 was the best value. And I question the wisom of putting $600 worth of pre's in front of a $150 thingie, too. You can not make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
 
Tied up in tubes

I hear you brother. But when I entered the world of tube replacement I found a place of seemingly infinite technical gibber jabber.

I believe the Art MPA Gold is worth the price. Would you upgrade the tubes; if so, to what?

Of course I would not put a $1000 tube in a $250 pre – I was just rocking the bed so to speak.

Thaw me oh wise ones.
 
I've tried the cheap ART MP "tube" pre, also have a studio projects VTB1 with "tube blending" but the one I'll use is the M-Audio DMP3 miles ahead of the ART and better than the VTB1, don't think you'll find any bad reviews of it for what it sells for.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top