Mic / Pre Amp question

[sluggo47]

I use a Sure KSM27, SM81, and SM57's for vocals, Acoustics and guitars. I record to a Korg D1600. Is an inexpensive pre amp like a FMR RNP going to make a big difference?

 

[chessrock]

Yes ... no ... maybe ...

Compared to the built-in mic pres on a multitrack recorder ... probably, in all likelihood.

 

[acorec]

I use a Sure KSM27, SM81, and SM57's for vocals, Acoustics and guitars. I record to a Korg D1600. Is an inexpensive pre amp like a FMR RNP going to make a big difference?

You have to find out if you can bypass your recorder's pre-amps. If you don't have inserts, then you have a digital input that does bypass the pres. If that is the case then you need a pre-amp with digital outputs, so the RNP is useless (and no, just turning down the recorder's pre-amps to 0 will not by-pass the pre-amps).

THEN, read the post above.

 

[sluggo47]

My recorder (D1600) has no channel insert effects , so what I'm taking from this is that I need to use the "built ins" as best I can as the FMR RNP would do nothing, right?

 

[hampy]

I run a Korg D1600MKII and just recently started using some outboard pre's.

The trims on the Korg can be set to +4dB line level. The signal (as stated above) will still have to go through the Pre's in the unit but by setting the level to line you can maximize the effectiveness of the outboard preamp. Also, when connecting the pre to the Korg you should use a TRS line input, instead of the XLR inputs (to match impedance).

I've had good results this way, though it would be nice to be able to bypass the Korg pre's completely.

 

[sluggo47]

I guess that I could go through the TRS inputs but it doesn't sound like the "bang for the buck" is there with this unit. thanks

 

[Middleman]

I use a Sure KSM27, SM81, and SM57's for vocals, Acoustics and guitars. I record to a Korg D1600. Is an inexpensive pre amp like a FMR RNP going to make a big difference?

Define big.

 

[hampy]

Going into the line level at +4dB is pretty effective. If you can rent a preamp to experiment with you will notice that the outboard preamp retains its character.

Definetly worth a try.

 

[Richard Monroe]

Although my experience is more with Roland VS1824CD and Korg PXR4 Pandora, on those units, it makes a huge difference. Acorec is right and wrong. He's right that the signal will be routed through the preamps, and they do have an effect on the signal. However, using the cruddy pres for gain makes it much worse.
Here's a trick that worked for me. Jack the 2 balanced line outs from your outboard pre into a TC Electronics M300, a $200 FX box. Push the bypass button, which bypasses the FX and routes the signal straight to the coaxial S/PDIF out. Then to the S/PDIF in on your SIAB. The A-D conversion isn't really any worse (or any better) than the conversion on my Roland, but it bypasses the pres in the Roland completely. And- it's not really a bad little multi-FX box. Then you can use any pre you want. Even a DMP-3 trashes the pres in my Roland. And you get a De-esser, chorus, delay, flange, and a rudimentary compressor. For $200, what's not to love?-Richie

 

[CoolCat]

M300 converter box/SPDIF

yeah i bought the M300 from your refferal and its a nice unit...
never thought of it as a "conversion box" too. slick!
(loved the slapback echo too)

I have a SM7>JM VC1Q> M300--SPDIF> SPDIF--2488....

straight to the HD? how to assign track to the SPDIF?

very interesting concept. time to get the manual out again.

 

[Richard Monroe]

Yo coolcat! Probably the M300 is no better (or worse) than your soundcard, but that will let you use those 2 S/PDIF inputs and get you 2 more channels.-I think.-Richie

 

[CoolCat]

who would have thought!

http://www.tcelectronic.com/Default.asp?Id=773

bypass and serial
,together, must be selected to go straight thru to SPDIF.

still a power house unit for the money.

I was just wanting to try the thread idea on Vocal#1 clean IN and split Vocal#2 thru the comp....some Motown trick, per RAMI...this SPDIF + M300 might work!