Looking for inexpensive preamp

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jasgav

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Hey guys I’m looking for an inexpensive pre-amp mostly for vocals (with phantom power and preferred rackable). I am a solo hobby artist that records on a pc with cakewalk. I was looking to keep it under $300. Which brands out there should I start looking at first… thanks
 
If it's imperative you have something rackmountable, then I would check ebay and see if you can score a used Symetrix 528. Not the 528E, just 528. Nice, clean preamp, very usable EQ, compression and de-essr.

Another option might be a Focusrite platinum whatever. :D Voicemaster or Trakmaster, to be exact. Pretty versatile, good-sounding rackmountable channel strips.

If you don't need a lot of bells and/or whistles, and the rackmountable issue isn't overly important to you, the m-audio dmp3 is one of the best deals going out there right now in the sub-$300 category.
 
Haven't sent it in yet.
Planning to do it over the Holidays, perhaps sooner.

Chris
 
The DMP3 just got a thumbs up from Recording mag. They endorsed it as a good, first-time preamp for homerecording.

The VTB-1 faired well too.
 
Just read the Recording Mag review of the DMP3. I thought it was right on target. Worth a read for anyone considering this pre.
 
There is a major difference between 'inexpensive' and 'cheap'... you might want to keep that in mind while performing your search.

Best of luck with it.
 
IMO, the ART stuff is too committal.

Unless they've upgraded their design, you can't delete the "toob"
stage, and that's based on starved plate tube distortion.
Gets even more evident when you start to stack tracks on each other-yuck! :D (putting on flame suit now)

Chris
 
Say NO!

There seem to be a number of problems with this ART unit.
Per David Satz (pro AE), he reviewed the schematic, and found issues with the gain staging where it will "clip" without letting you know.
Also, the resale value of of ART products tends to slide downward dramatically over time.
In addition, again regarding starved plate tube distortion,
it won't give the same kind of sound as a "true" tube mic pre, like even a Peavey VMP2 on up.

For under $300, I'd go either for a pair of VTB-1's or a DMP3.

And for under $600, you could contact Fletcher, outside this
this thread, to discuss the Fmr. Audio RNP.
The website is www.mercenary.com

Chris
 
Just wanted to add...

J., it's flattering you asked my opinion, however, keep in mind that
professional engineers, like Fletcher, have a much deeper understanding of how these pre's REALLY sound, so my "vote" should be weighted about 1/10th-if that! :D

Chris
 
I second the generalized NO to ART. Do not be sucked in by Presonua Blue tube, either. Note- GC has been blowing out the DBX386 dual channel preamp for $300 even, which has a pretty good A-D converter, and is pretty damn clean, as long as you don't use the "tewb" drive, which as I understand it, is *not* a starved plate design. I've used the DBX386 for a bunch of stuff, and it really is a pretty good pre. It doesn't provide a lot of gain, but what you do get is very clean. It's also rack-mountable, no wall wart.-Richie
 
Okay, I get the idea that ART gets the thumbs down. But here is my situation:

I'm using a Boss BR532 4 track with a Shure SM58. I plan to upgrade to a condenser mic soon - I really need more clarity and headroom - but really could benefit from some front end compression too. The compression on the Boss unit is just plain bad.

An ART Tube PAC gives you a tube pre, large dB boost, phantom power and limiting for $200.

I know you get what you pay for, but I want to improve my 4 track's sound without spending thousands of bucks. Is this unit any good, or is there a similar pre/compressor that would do a better job for that kind of money? Or is it not worth it?
 
If you want a channel strip, you might consider the new Meek line. They are supposed to be out soon.

Fab
 
Bob C said:
I know you get what you pay for, but I want to improve my 4 track's sound without spending thousands of bucks. Is this unit any good, or is there a similar pre/compressor that would do a better job for that kind of money?
Click to expand...

Yea. A used symetrix 528, a dmp3/RNC combo . . . a dmp3 / Symetrix 501 combo . . . lots of options in that range that would likely be a better choice.
 
Bob, the SM58 can sound excellent on some singers,
and can be an "upgrade" from (most) high end condensers for them!

The ART "toobs" are not the same kind of tube gear used by professional engineers, like a Manley, etc.
So unless you're going to use that kind of distortion in a creative way, ala running the vocals through a Leslie, stay away. :D

The Meek compressors can thicken up vocals "like" a proper tube pre, though.

The Studio Projects VTB-1 is a nice sounding mic pre too IMHO
and can be considered along with the other reasonable suggestions posted here already.

Chris
 
Thanks Chris. I wasn't dead set on ART, or on tubes. I was only looking into the idea of a condenser mic, which would need a power supply.

Some folks have recommended to just put the power supply money toward a preamp. Now I've been noticing some pre/comp combos, and thought that might be suit my needs. Again, I'm recording with a $400 4-track.

Since reading a few of the latest posts, I've gone to Joe Meek's website, and have taken a peak at the MQ3. Any views on that?

Bob
 
I have a dbx286A that I got for like $100 used and I love it. I'm just a beginner, so maybe I'm easily impressed, but it sure does blow away my TubeMP and the crap pres in my crap mixer, and it's got some usable effects.
 
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