M-Audio DMP3 or Studio Projects VTB1?

[guitarplayr]

Which has the best versatilty for the buck? the M-Audio DMP3 or Studio Projects VTB1.

 

[punkin]

I went DMP3...the VTB1 is a pretty decent (in the "budget" price range) tube pre but there's just one channel and it has a coloured sound. Once you've got "colour" you can't take it out. At least with a clean signal, you can add the spice to taste after the fact while preserving your original perfect take. You asked for bang for buck and versatility...there ya have it

 

[guitarplayr]

You hit the key word, "colour", not something I need

I want clean and pristine!

Thanks!

 

[guitarplayr]

Are there any other contenders that anyone can suggest in this price range?

 

[mrbowes]

Rane ms-1b.

Super clean and clear with good amount of gain. Runs about $100, has no DI, and is single channel.

 

[guitarplayr]

Cool, will look at that one too, are any of these better than what I have in my MBox?

I understand the ones in the MBox are Focusrite

 

[Diffusion]

guitarplayr, get the VTB-1... I have been using the VTB-1 for a while now and it is an excellent pre... it is not all color, if you want clean, simply turn the 'Tube Blend' knob all the way to solid state and it is squeaky clean.. the color is added when you turn the knob to 'tube'... I would be willing to bet that you will not hear any significant difference between the two preamps anyway... the only noticeable difference is that the DMP3 has two channels, for an extra $100... You will probably not hear any difference until you get into the $500+ range...

EDIT: The Rane ms-1b is good also, and also much cheaper... Just remember this, and most will agree with me... You DO NOT need expensive equipment to get a good sound, just knowledge and skill with what you have... On that note, I think you will be glad to save an extra $100 or so and get the Rane or VTB-1...

 

[guitarplayr]

Thats even better, cheaper and more flexibility. I had read about the Tube Blend
and the coloration it added. Nice to have to toy with if you needed the warmth,

Thanks for the insight, I agree on the knowledge and skill end of things, you ears ultimately know, it sounds like crap or it don't.

Thanks

 

[cellardweller]

I paid about $150 for a DMP3 at Full compass.
You have to call for pricing, but they are almost ALWAYS cheapest.

http://www.fullcompass.com/

 

[Diffusion]

Thats even better, cheaper and more flexibility. I had read about the Tube Blend
and the coloration it added. Nice to have to toy with if you needed the warmth

Exactly. Unless you need the extra channel, I just dont see why anyone would want to pay the extra $100 or so for a pre that has less features and flexibility, yet will yield the same results. It's really up to you and what fits your budget/needs etc, but I have never been happier with my VTB-1, and I have no intentions of upgrading until I can afford an Avalon 737.

As for what cellardwellar mentioned, fullcompass is a great company. I scored a pair of BX5a monitors brand new for $225, free shipping.

 

[SRR]

For what its worth, I think one of my VTB-1s was $88 from fullcompass.

 

[punkin]

Well, there ya go...get one of each . I have both. I like the VTB1 when looking to "dial in" more of the tube/distortion sound. It also has the giddyap for a ribbon mic. The DMP3 will do it too but gets a little grainy to my ears when turned all the way up but it does have two very clean channels ready to go at the same time and my favorite budget package for stereo x/y work on the ol' acoustic.

Variety, the spice of life and yet available at a bargain even by today's standards.

 

[cellardweller]

For what its worth, I think one of my VTB-1s was $88 from fullcompass.

Holy shit, $88!!!

I must have one!
The wife may not even notice....

 

[punkin]

You know she will...she'll see the shiny new thingmajig sittin on the desk. By now she know's that techno looking things that plug-in to the wall aren't free and just WAIT until the first time she sees a mic cable plugged into it! You're SO gonna get owned...I'll send you a box of bicuits for you and the dog to share while you're workin' out the sleeping arrangements with fido.

My motto is, if you're going to have to beg for forgiveness...make it really worth while

 

[bad intentionz]

for recording rap vocals which would eb better?

 

[cellardweller]

You know she will...she'll see the shiny new thingmajig sittin on the desk. By now she know's that techno looking things that plug-in to the wall aren't free and just WAIT until the first time she sees a mic cable plugged into it! You're SO gonna get owned...I'll send you a box of bicuits for you and the dog to share while you're workin' out the sleeping arrangements with fido.

My motto is, if you're going to have to beg for forgiveness...make it really worth while

Ehh, feck.

You're right.
Thanks for talking me down man....

 

[SRR]

Dude, its much easier to ask forgiveness then permission, go for it!

 

[JeffLancaster]

I've had a new VTB-1 sitting on my desk for about two weeks now. Wife hasn't noticed yet...I'm wondering if I'd be pushing my luck to get a second one and one of those rack mount trays that hold two of em side by side

 

[cellardweller]

Dude, its much easier to ask forgiveness then permission, go for it!

With some wives....maybe.
Not mine, unfortunately.

 

[Big Kenny]

You guys are totally whipped man! I buy what I want when I want. Of course when I bought the DRS and Brauner mic it cost me a kitchen remodel but that's not the point here.