Mic Pre For Female Vox

[tk421 studio]

Hello all,
I am recording a lovely female voice and was wondering if there is a good upgrade from my mackie (32-4 vlz) or Aardvark Pre-amp (direct pro).
I really cant spend much over $400.00
I was thinking about that Focusrite Penta. Would this be an upgrade or an equal?
If I would have to spend over $500.00 for a noticeable upgrade then I can wait until I become a rock star

also, what would be good compressor settings for her voice? Think Dido, Sarah Mclaughlin.
I have been using my CAD M177 and direct into the Aardvark and then into Cubase SX, using the compressor in the Aardvark.
I own 2 Symetrix SX206's and an ALTO Bk 2.0. Should I use one of these instead?

any feedback would be great!
Thanks,
Jason

 

[tk421 studio]

Oh yeah-
What about the Joemeek vc6q?
I am looking for that "warm" sound before it hits the "cold" digital sound

 

[Track Rat]

I am looking for that "warm" sound before it hits the "cold" digital sound

Well, I have no idea what "cold digital" sounds like unless you mean you put in sound and get the exact same audio back without the colorization that tape puts in. All that aside, the Meek would definately give you a different color. It's an optical compressor which I like on vocals.

 

[tk421 studio]

"Cold Digital" was supposed to be a joke. I am not very funny though

I have not found a VC6Q yet but have found a VC3Q used for $150.00 or a Micromeek new for $150.00
Would either of these be an improvement?
Are the prices o.k?
Thanks-
Jason

 

[chessrock]

Would either of these be an improvement?

No. Just different.

If she's really good, then why not just get a good, clean take and run with it?

Mic pres don't come in different colors for male / female. And I doubt anything in your budget range is going to add anything magical to the take . . . more likely it will only serve to muck it up if you try too hard to outsmart yourself on this.

 

[tk421 studio]

Thanks Chessrock-
I have definately mucked some things up before

I visited one of my friends studios over the weekend and he showed me the difference with his new Focusrite ISA220. What a HUGE difference. Then I thought I would look around and maybe get one for myself (not a $2,000 one though!).
I think that I get carried away with all of the info in this list sometimes!

 

[Teacher]

Well, I have no idea what "cold digital" sounds like unless you mean you put in sound and get the exact same audio back without the colorization that tape puts in. All that aside, the Meek would definately give you a different color. It's an optical compressor which I like on vocals.

that only occurs with interfaces that cost 1000+...if its below most likely its coloring the sound in a 'cold' way

 

[Richard Monroe]

Actually, I like the Joemeek a lot. I use the twinQcs, which claims to use about the same pre as VC6Q. I don't know about the cheap ones, though. The secret isn't to get a preamp for female vocals. Just get a good preamp, which unfortunately costs money.With all due apologies, I have to disagree with the idea that you won't notice a big difference going from a Mackie board to a VC6Q. I doubt that very much.-Richie