M-Audio: 1 Octane vs. 4 DMP 3's

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SpotlightKid83

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I have to buy a mic preamp to record live drums, I can use up to 8 inputs at once and my doubt was to get an Octane or 4 DMP-3's, or any other better around those 600 bucks.

As far as mics I will use 2 Rode NT1 for OH, AKG D112 for bass drum, and a couple of SM57's for snare and toms, all to a Delta 1010 soundcard

Any advice on which preamp should I use?
 
I wouldn't want to deal with 4 Wallwart power supplies. That's just me, though.
 
4 DMP-3s will take up 3 to 4 rack spaces, due to the fact thet are just tall enough over 1 rack high to screw up your rack spacing.

If rack space is not an issue (nor the previously mention wall warts) then I'd consider them. They actually are pretty decent, I have 2 myself.

Tom
 
Go with a rack mount unit. There's other mid to high quality mic pre's out there with 8 inputs around the same price. Look at the Presonus digimax LT or the Focusrite Octopre (they have a low cost version I believe the LE).
 
The Octane is based on the DMP3 but it has some nice features such as an MS matrix and digital output. I bought one to do the same thing (use as a pre for drums) but haven't incorporated it into my system yet. I've used it some, though, and it's a nice clean pre.
 
I have the Octane and it's a really nice unit. The gain isn't quite as high as the DMP3, but it won't be an issue unless you're recording really quiet sources with really weak mics. The digital out is really nice if you get/have an interface with ADAT lightpipe i/o.
 
I got the Octane on sale for $550 with the thought that when it came time to upgrade to better AD/DA converters and/or preamps I would sell it at hopefully little loss. I wasn't expecting anything better than what's built-in to my Digi 002r, so I was very surprised when I first used it. Now I run almost everything through it using the adat out. It doesn't have a whole lot of gain, but usually enough for my mostly acoustic applications, including lots of drums.

All in all, I'm very happy with the Octane for the price I paid and the features and sound quality it gives me. I plan on upgrading as soon as I have the funds to do so though.
 
Thanks all for the replies. I'll probably go with the Octane then but I'll check the Focusrite first, just in case.
 
The Octane is a good unit.... sounds good, and seems like it will fit your needs well.... Good luck.......
 
Check out the TL Audio 4 channel tube preamp. I think it's the 5001 model. I have one and it's great for drums, especially if you push the tube element a little bit. It's not 8 channels, but a nice sounding 4.
 
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