Is Tampa to vocals what DMP3 is to acoustic?

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Robert D

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Thinking about checking out a Tampa. Love the DMP3 for stereo micing acoustic guitar, probably untouchable anywhere near the price. Is Tampa to vocals what the DMP3 is to acoustic guitar?
Thx
-RD
 
I've got a Tampa and a DMP3. The differences are surprising and subtle at the same time. When using a DMP3, or regular mixer pre, or a Blue Tube, I never felt like the sound of vocals was very "alive" regardless of the mic (GT tube mic, AKG2000, SM58, Octava MC012)- it was always kind of 2 dimensional.

The Tampa feels very "alive" when singing through it. I now use a standard SM58 through the Tampa. It felt like a dramatic improvement and vocals now seem more 3 dimensional.

I once recorded some acoustic guitar through the same chain at the same time with the DMP3 and the Tampa. Based on the feel of vocals, I expected there to be a huge difference when I listened to each track. But there really wasn't that huge of a difference. It was only after I listened a few times that I heard that the Tampa is less "hyped" than the DMP3. Chain was Octava MC012 -> the two pre-amps -> ADAT.

A few people around here have said that a true test of a pre-amp is to record a 8 track song with it to see how the tracks mesh. I like the Tampa a lot and would buy it again, tracks just mesh better with it. I don't find myself always tinkering with EQ anymore...

Now that I re-read this, I'm not sure if this is a great answer to your question....
 
Also double the price for half the channels, but then again it has a compressor with it too.
 
Dot said:
The Tampa is a considerably better box than the DMP3. Definitely an upgrade.
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Just curious, can the same thing be said about the pres found in the Octane?
 
I have two Tampas that work just great and I just ordered a Neve Portico. Can't wait to see how they stand up to that. I'm sure they will hold there own.
 
smtcharlie said:
Now that I re-read this, I'm not sure if this is a great answer to your question....
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Yes, actually it is. :) Thanks.

Supprisingly, given that I live in the San Francisco Bay area, I'm having a hard time finding a Tampa to listen to. The "pro audio guy" (used very loosely here) at GC told me "those aren't out yet, but we'll be the first to get them". DORK!

RD
 
deepwater how would you descripe the differences of the tampa to soundcraft spirit preamps ?
 
Clit Torres said:
Just curious, can the same thing be said about the pres found in the Octane?
Click to expand...

I spoke with customer service at MAudio and asked about the differences in the pres. The rep said that the Octane was like getting 8 channels of DMP3. Btw, I prefer the Tampa to the DMP3.
The Tampa was designed by Aspen Pittman of Groove Tubes when he was working with MAudio, if that means anything. For the most part, I like and respect Mr. Pittman and his products.

Terry
 
tkingen said:
I spoke with customer service at MAudio and asked about the differences in the pres. The rep said that the Octane was like getting 8 channels of DMP3.
Terry
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Tonewise that may be true, I haven't tried the DMP3 side by side so I can't really comment. But just looking at the specs for the Octane and DMP3, they seem to be very different. I own the Octane and really like the sound, but it's a pretty weak piece when it comes to gain, I routinely have to crank the gain on quieter mics and sources. From what I remember, the DMP3 was a pretty hot preamp.
 
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fernandoesmaron said:
deepwater how would you descripe the differences of the tampa to soundcraft spirit preamps ?
Click to expand...

Clearly, I'm not deepwater, but I own a Tampa, 2 DMP3's, and a Spirit M12. I think the M-Audio stuff is a clear cut above the Spirit pres in terms of depth and "smoothness". The Tampa is a lot more verasatile than either because it gets more "in your face" toward the last portion of its gain range. If you are recording to digital medium, this is a great option because it gives you different sonic possibilities.
 
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