mic preamp

[dtb]

semi-newbie here. which would be more cost effective to have pre amps for each mic? I use a 424mkIII. when I am just recording myself using acoustics(guitars, mandolins) I use either sm57s or my 603s depending on what I like. most of the time I use an art pre and get a wonderful sound from these acoustics.
now I want to record a 3-pc(guitar, keyboard, vocal) all together.
we get good levels on the 424 and thru our phones but seems to be lacking volume when we listen back thru the monitors(yorkville)
sorry, back to the question. cost effective-spending big bucks on a pre that may have 4 channels, or a mixer with decent pres.
I have seen a st audio 8 channel pre for 250.00. But also thinking a good mixer would give me more value as to the other things a mixer can do. anyway, just tring to boost the signal is what I am looking for. the art is super but I would not think it would be cost wise the best choice to have 1 for each mic(plus allowing a plug in for each). sorry this is long but just tring to give all the imfo for you guys and gals to respond.
thanks,
dtb

 

[Vurt]

I'd say it depends on how you may be recording in the future. If you think you'll eventually need to record 4 or more tracks simultaneously (drums, whatever) AND don't intend to upgrade from the 424, then I'd say get a mixer like the Mackie 1202 VLZPro for around $400 new. I used one with my 424 and loved it.

If you think you'll eventually want to upgrade your recorder but aren't sure which one yet, then I'd just get a preamp. You can alswsys use a good preamp. Choosing one is more difficult than a mixer, but if you do a seach on this BBS, you'll find no shortage of discussions on them.

I don't know what that 8 channel pre for $250 is, but it's probably a piece of shit. Also, you may only need a single channel preamp if you already have the ART MP. I used to run keys straight into the 424 all the time and it souded great.

have fun...