mic preamps

[opensky]

I'm currently use a presonus tubepre mic preamp. I'm thinking of upgrading
to the next level, around $350 level. Anyone have a good suggestion?

 

[chance]

Yoy might want to try the ART MP-gold. It's in your price range. ($299.00)

 

[Somnium7]

You can try getting lucky on this auction for a Grace Model 101
Ebay Item number: 180193078582

Or try the Eureka which seems to be running about $300 lately.

http://instruments.search.ebay.com/PreSonus-Eureka_Microphone-Preamps_W0QQcatrefZC6QQdfspZ2QQfclZ3QQfgtpZQQfposZ23462QQfromZR2QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ2QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQlopgZQQsabfmtsZ1QQsacatZ119018QQsadisZ200QQsaobfmtsZinsifQQsaprchiZQQsaprcloZQQsargnZQ2d1QQsaslcZ2QQsbrftogZ1QQsofocusZbs

 

[opensky]

Yoy might want to try the ART MP-gold. It's in your price range. ($299.00)

Someone else on another forum suggested it too. But do you think it's an
upgrade over the presonus tubepre?

 

[opensky]

You can try getting lucky on this auction for a Grace Model 101
Ebay Item number: 180193078582

Or try the Eureka which seems to be running about $300 lately.

http://instruments.search.ebay.com/PreSonus-Eureka_Microphone-Preamps_W0QQcatrefZC6QQdfspZ2QQfclZ3QQfgtpZQQfposZ23462QQfromZR2QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ2QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQlopgZQQsabfmtsZ1QQsacatZ119018QQsadisZ200QQsaobfmtsZinsifQQsaprchiZQQsaprcloZQQsargnZQ2d1QQsaslcZ2QQsbrftogZ1QQsofocusZbs

Thanks for the hot tip. I'm watching it on my ebay.

 

[Daisy]

I think just about anything would be an upgrade over the Presonus.

.

 

[scrubs]

GT Brick =

 

[antichef]

Someone else on another forum suggested it too. But do you think it's an
upgrade over the presonus tubepre?

I've got both of those (well, the ART Digital MPA (gold in color), which is essentially the same thing) -- it's a huge improvement. The TubePre is a "starved plate" design, while the MPA actually fires up the tubes to specification voltages. I was able to get a decent low gain sound out of the TubePre by not really using the tube part, but unable to get any good tube-y sounds out of it. The MPA Gold is much more versatile, better sounding, provides more clean gain, and also has variable input impedance, which can be very useful.

 

[Somnium7]

Thanks for the hot tip. I'm watching it on my ebay.

No problem! If I had the extra right now I'd be shooting for that Grace.

I don't have any experience with either of the units I mentioned but based on specs alone they will be a big improvement. I am a TubePre owner myself so I do understand your need.

 

[Shadow_7]

The Art MPA Gold would be an improvement. Not so sure about the Art Tube MP. Although it is likely better as well. The DMP3 aint too bad either.

Up your ante to $500 and a lot of well respected preamps fall into reach. Tampa, GT Brick, ...... Which can be picked up for $300 used in most cases.

I've pretty much given up on ordering new. The day after you place your order, a used one pops up on craigslist for half the price. It's like some unwritten rule or something. And to top it off, your "on order / 3 weeks" status suddenly turns into +4 months. And your free shipping turns into "let me talk to the manager".

 

[antichef]

Not so sure about the Art Tube MP.

I should have mentioned that I've also got an ART Tube MP, the bottom-of-the-line version. It's really awful - sounds worse than the TubePre, and is much noisier.

 

[Somnium7]

I've got both of those (well, the ART Digital MPA (gold in color), which is essentially the same thing) -- it's a huge improvement. The TubePre is a "starved plate" design, while the MPA actually fires up the tubes to specification voltages. I was able to get a decent low gain sound out of the TubePre by not really using the tube part, but unable to get any good tube-y sounds out of it. The MPA Gold is much more versatile, better sounding, provides more clean gain, and also has variable input impedance, which can be very useful.

I've had the opposite experience with my TubePre. I cannot for the life of me get a decent clean sound out of it. BUT, I do manage to get a sweet tubey sound which I use for effect. I suppose it has something to do with using different tubes than the one it shipped with. With a GT 12AX7 and gain up around 1/2 to 2/3 the tube color is nice on clean electric guitar and vocals as an effect but I need a noise gate for the not so pleasant TubePre grunge.

 

[dickiefunk]

I have the Tampa and DMP3 and I love them both. I've had experience with Focusrite Trakmaster Pro, Studio Projects VTB1 and Behringer pres and my current M-Audio pres are my favourite.

 

[Shadow_7]

I should have mentioned that I've also got an ART Tube MP, the bottom-of-the-line version. It's really awful - sounds worse than the TubePre, and is much noisier.

If I'm recording the Cat meowing, then yeah, I've got the MP cranked and it's noisy. But for trumpet, trombone, and various marching brasses it's alright. As long as you stay below 75% on the gain knobs, it's not that noisy. I definitely wouldn't use it on vocals. Or for anything other than a live gig in a questionable establishment. Since I have better equipment now.