microphone pre-amp question

[cephalectomy]

Is a pre-amp key with all mics? If i'm using a Shure Sm-58, is there any need for this, and would it make a big difference? We ran it through a cheap little mixer on our last recording and i'm just curious if there would be any substancial gain by getting something better.

 

[Farview]

It depends on how much better the mic pre would be. The little mixer you plugged into has a pre in it. If you go and get a $100 tube mic pre, it will suck just as much but in a different way. If you get a $2000 Manley, it will sound wonderful but it may not be appropriate.

You really have to define your goal. What does better mean in this context? There is no definitive 'better' there is only 'more appropriate'.

 

[chessparov]

Yes it makes a tangible difference, especially as the number of tracks adds up.

Right now the "bang for the buck" king under $200 is the Joe Meek 3Q.
The pre is quite clean and comparable to the Grace 101 IMHO.

Also, if you swap that SM58 for a SM57 plus a vocal pop screen it'll improve the clarity somewhat. BTW try to find the old Shure "Unidyne III's" that were made in the USA vs. their Mexican knock-offs, which are less consistant in sound quality. This applies to the 545 series as well.

Chris

 

[chessrock]

Right now the "bang for the buck" king under $200 is the Joe Meek 3Q. The pre is quite clean and comparable to the Grace 101 IMHO.

BWA HA HA ! ! ! Sorry. I just had to kinda' laugh at that one. Continue.

 

[chessparov]

Well it DOES have the same mic pre chip as the Safe Sound P1!

BTW the P1 seems as though it's an excellent product too, based on your and other's comments.

In any event, even with a SM58, getting to record in a good sounding room is more important than us fine pointing between these two voice channels.

Right?...

Chris

 

[ozraves]

I tend to like the expensive pres with the SM58. The A Designs MP-2 puts a fab sound on the SM58.

An FMR RNP is a good sound for hard rock vocals with an SM58.

 

[wheelema]

Ack, cough, choke, hack. Wow. A $100 mic into a $1,500 preamp!?! Hell, a Nady should sound great. Wonder how a Royer 122 would sound?

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Ack, cough, choke, hack. Wow. A $100 mic into a $1,500 preamp!?!

You better beleive it.... easiest Gtr sound to get in the world, throw up a 57 on a cab going thru a Great River.......!