IS there a point in a pre amp change for me?

[Freudian Slip]

I am looking at maybe getting a pre-amp. I have a mackie vlz pro board and I am wondering if there is really any point unless I am going to go to a Joe Meek or something more.

Do you think that there is any point in getting a bluetube or an ART over the mackie? I would love the Joe Meek VC1QSC with the compression and all, but I wonder if anything less is even worth spending my money on when I have other things I need as well.



Thanks for any response.


F.S.

PS I am working with 1 LD cond. and 1 SD cond. on vocals.
everything else is shure.. 57's, a beta 52 , a 548. I have some others but they are stricktly live mic's.

 

[participant]

a highly subjective answer:

IMNSHO you can compare preamps and crayons....

If I have a black crayon, there's a limited type of drawing I can make. With more colors of crayons in the box, more options are open.

Preamps are similar, once you get over the "crap" threshhold

I fully expect to keep and use the DMP3 and Blue Tube after the API 3124 Lunchbox is paid for, plugged in, and ready to go (in a limited fashion, but... you get the point )


Chad

 

[Freudian Slip]

What about this automatic mic loading? Is that a huge advantage? would that make the preamp more versitile than a pre with no loading adjustment at all?


F.S.

 

[chessrock]

What about this automatic mic loading? Is that a huge advantage? would that make the preamp more versitile than a pre with no loading adjustment at all? F.S.

I'm slowly discovering that there is a lot to be said for how you load a mic. That said, I think something like that, in theory, would be very worthwhile. I'm intrigued as all hell over the current-sensing, if it works. I've noticed a difference between the Mindprint (very high impedence), to a Grace Design (lower-than-average impedence).

A lower one can breathe new life, in some cases, to cheaper dynamics like the sm57.

There are other factors that I won't even pretend to know anything about, but I do at least know that a transformer at the input, particularly a good one like a Jensen, will affect mic load in other favorable ways.

I would say it would be very worthwhile to look at some of the options available to you in terms of loading characteristics. In particular, Summit Audio is just now coming out with a variable-impedence pre. It is a tube design, but not in a true "old-school tube" sense. The good news is the tube does have plenty of juice to it, so it isn't the starved plate design that so many people are getting sick of. More importantly, these guys are known in most audio circles for just making damn fine-sounding pres.

I get the feeling this is going to be very popular for a long time. http://www.summitaudio.com Model number is 2BA-221.

 

[Freudian Slip]

Thanks Chessrock I think I will wait on the pre till I can get somrthing that I know will make a noticable difference.


F.S.

 

[chessparov]

Freudian, the "magic" of the Meek lies in the opto compression,
and the nice EQ section with the "mid sweep".

Been continuing to use the Studio Projects VTB-1 with excellent
results both WITH and without the "tube blend" for vocals.
It really "opens" up a SM57 BTW so that it becomes an VERY
good vocal microphone indeed!
Also, the Oktava MC-012 that runs at 300 ohms impedance is sounding stellar too.
"Noticable" is an understatement...

Chris

 

[chessparov]

Freudian, just posted a "private message" for you at this bbs.

Chris

 

[Freudian Slip]

Thanks

I got your message and have sent a reply.
I think my next purchase will more than likely be a joemeek or maybe this RNP if it hits the market.

I have looked at the vtb-1 but have not had a hands on with it. I was wondering if many had tried it. It sounds like you are very happy with yours. I really would like a built in compressor though. I am not so set on an EQ being part of the package but it wouldn't hurt. I am all digital and my mic has a high pass on it so eq'ing after the fact is no problem. Actually right now I have been getting pretty good results with next to no eq. It took me a while to get used to this AT-3035, but I am starting to like it.


Thanks

F.S.