Mic Pres DMP3, RNP experienced users only

  • Thread starter Thread starter Wireneck
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Wireneck

Wireneck

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I've got a project coming up in december that I would love to try and take the sound quality up a step or two. The room were going to use is considerably better sounding than the ones ive recorded in the past. I also think my microphones would be considered highly usable for the applications. So it would Appear that my weakest link is my Mic Pres. I currently have a Alesis Studio 32 16 channel inline console. I think the pres are ok but mainly I own the board because of the routing features.
So how many of you have experience with both the M-Audio DMp3 and the FMR Audio RNP? I keep reading that the DMP3 is as descent if not better than the pres on a Mackie Mixer. So what makes the RNP worth the extra $200? Has anyone recording with either of these, used one unit primarily for all of their tracking?
Im thinking that if I pick up an RNP, I would use it for Kick/Snare or OH's then use my Alesis for the toms or whatever I don't put through the RNP. Then all of my guitars/bass would be tracked through this one outboard Pre.
I can get two DMP3s for the price of one RNP but which one is going to hang around in my setup the longest? I know it all depends but should i even be looking at upgrading in this price point? In other words, would It be wise to just hold out and pick up something like a 4 channel Sytek further down the road? Has anyone made this type of step and been disappointed by the results?
 
I made the step up from a DMP3 to the Sytek and I'm glad I did. When you think about it, the Sytek is really about the same price/ch as the RNP (you just get more of them). I heard a significant difference. I got the standard/BB combo which is really like having two preamps. I wish I would've started with the Sytek, now I have to get better mics.
 
I like the DMP-3 and the RNP, don't get me wrong. But if I had to do it all over again, I'd pick up a couple of Rane MS-1B's.

I honestly think that will put you relatively in the same league as the Sytek and/or RNP. Then, when you're ready for something nicer, you can either sell them or keep them around for spare channels.
 
Thanks for the responses guys. Chessrock do you know anywhere with more info on the Rane's? I don't recall ever reading or hearing about them. thanks again
 
I started with a Mackie vlz pro, and bought a RNP. I was very happy. Tons more headroom and beef. No comparison. Bought a second. Something that will always be in my rack, particularly for drums and high headroom type stuff.

Then I bought a DMP-3. It was surprisingly nice. Not as mid range full as the RNP but a respectable clean and quiet pre. I personally think it does not have the headroom of the RNP for percussive high transient stuff like close micing of snare or kick, but works fine for overheads. To me it really shines on acoustic guitar, mandolin etc and works well for voices that are not screaming loud.

There is place for both in my rack. If I absolutely had to sell one , I'd probably sell the DMP-3, because I can get the same results with the RNP.
But if you don't need the headroom of the RNP, You can easily score 4 channels of DMP for less then the price of 2 channels of RNP.

They both have other pros / cons. RNP has stepped detented knobs for repeatability. DMP has infinitely varialble knobs for those hard to match stereo micing situations. Blah blah blah, you get the picture.
 
I am in a similar situation as Wireneck.

I have decided to upgrade my current signal chain. I just bought a RNC (today) to replace my Nanocompressor. I currently have two outboard mic pres: A Behringer Ultragain Pro and a Art Tube MP. I want to go to the next level. As of today I believed that the DMP-3 was the next level considering my budget. But Chessrock suggests the Rane MS 1b which I had not considered until now. Two of my main concerns is getting a great acoustic guitar sound and vocals. I mic the guitar in stereo so if I bought mono pres I would need two.

Are the Ranes worth paying the extra for? Are there others that agree with Chessrock?

I have a budget hobby studio but as with all who are here, I want the best sound.
 
I've had both the RNP and DMP3 and both are very nice but, the RNP slight coloration didn't go with every application that i would hoped for. The DMP3 was very nice but, the transients wasn't as quick on bass but, for 160.00 it's a good bargain. I then landed the Sytek and it's been great! Well worth the extra bucks! The transients are faster than both of the other models and has a very transparent sound with a hint of darkness..which i like very much. Highs are not harsh or brittle. Just a very clean transparent pre that works great with drums as well as everything else.
 
Thanks for the input guys. After reading some reviews I don't think the DMP3 is going to make a large enough difference in my setup. The 4 channel Sytek looks like the obvious choice but is way out of my budget right now unless I can sell some gear in exchange.
I may take the plunge on the RNP for this particular project, then sell it later and pickup the Sytek.
 
The other mic pre I would recommend is the Groove Tubes "Brick" it's an all tube mic pre with DI that sounds great! It sounds similar to the Sytek except that it has more warmth and fullness due to the tubes. I've had great results using it for bass and guitar. I haven't tried it on vocals yet. You can get it for 400.00 including shipping at macmidimusic. It's worth checking out!
 
I really want that rane now! Sounds like it has what i'm looking for. Clean, transparent, good transient response. One problem. NO MONEY!!!
 
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