Mic Preamps... confused!!!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Juan_M
  • Start date Start date
J

Juan_M

New member
Hello!
I'm looking for a mic pre amp, my first, and I just don't know what to do (even after searching for pre amp threats on the forum), there are so many options! My budget is tight, $100-$150, so I can't afford big toys. My set up is simple too so it's not like I big toys either.

Right now I have an Oktava 319 and 2 Shure S57 straight to my M-Audio 410, and use Aphex 1403 for my electric, that's all. I'' mostly record vocals and acoustic guitarwith the preamp. Any suggestions?
Thanks!!

Juan
 
Well the M-Audio DMP-3 will run you $159.00 new, and around 100 or so used on ebay. It is considered by many to be one of the "Best bang for your buck" pre's. It also is a 2 channel preamp so you could record two things together at the same time.

Another good inexpensive one is the Studio Projects VTB-1, it'll run you 100 bucks new, but is only one channel........but it does have a tube blend feature.

There are other pre's out there that are a bit cheaper, but for the money these to will give a bit better sound and milage.

Rick
 
m audio must have built a fucking nice preamp, its all i see recommended aronud here anymore
 
There is a very good reason why the DMP-3 is recommended so much.

Of course if you have a bigger budget there are better options but at the price point I've not heard anything better.

And it's particularly good for acoustic guitar.
 
Well, thanks so much guys! I'll go and look for both on ebay, though I could get the Studio Projects new..... anyway thanks for your info, it's been very helpful!

Juan
 
yeah M-Audio built a good pre in the DMP3, but if your budget can afford it go for the M-Audio TAMPA ....another good one they built. Very transparent with a cracking compressor to boot.
 
Going the other direction, Guitar Center's selling the M-audio Audio Buddy for $50 now. Two independent channels with 60db gain - one caveat, the phantom power is a little less than 48v. I think it's 41.4v and that's not really mentioned anywhere on the product info. Sneaky marketing.
 
I got that Audio Buddy and it would clip without the clip light showing. It had slight distortion at anything over -20 to -25 db. It's on the shelf as I would not sell it to anyone. I measured the phantom at 44 with a Fluke multimeter.
 
One thing that might help this guy out is telling him a bit of what to expect with the DMP pre. I've heard others here say it's basically just a clean pre, so maybe good for what he's doing. Another possibility: from what i've heard, the Symetrix SX202 is also a clean stereo preamp. Looks boring as shit, but supposedly all the Symetrix stuff are sleepers. That unit used on eBay will probably fall in that price range.

On the super cheap end of course is the ART TubeMP.
 
vwcsonic said:
One thing that might help this guy out is telling him a bit of what to expect with the DMP pre. I've heard others here say it's basically just a clean pre, so maybe good for what he's doing. Another possibility: from what i've heard, the Symetrix SX202 is also a clean stereo preamp. Looks boring as shit, but supposedly all the Symetrix stuff are sleepers. That unit used on eBay will probably fall in that price range.

On the super cheap end of course is the ART TubeMP.
Click to expand...
To be fair at the price point Juan has mentioned ($100-$150) I don't really think he has many options sound wise. There are a fair few shades of shitty to choose from or he could just go for no-frills but clean. The DMP-3 fits that category and i can vouch for it. I've heard good things about those symetrix pres as well, in fact I missed out on one on ebay a month or so back. :rolleyes:
 
vwcsonic said:
Another possibility: from what i've heard, the Symetrix SX202 is also a clean stereo preamp. Looks boring as shit, but supposedly all the Symetrix stuff are sleepers. That unit used on eBay will probably fall in that price range.
Click to expand...
Shhhhh...don't let other people in on the secret!

I have a couple SX302 preamps. They remind me of the DMP3 in that they don't add very much color to the signal chain, but I find the Symetrix to be a little less brittle sounding. They're well-constructed and have been two of the most reliable pieces of gear in my studio.

The SX202s are a little overpriced because they are popular targets for modification; they apparently sound great after a few simple mods. They have been out of production for several years now. However, you can probably find a used SX302 (the current model) for under $100. It's well worth it.

- Jerfo
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top