Movin on up - advice

[Fab4ever]

Hi all.

I am considering trying to improve my preamps.

Currently I have the starter Meek channel strip, the MQ3, and a Delta Omni Studio, which I believe has DMP2 preamps in it. I'm gonna keep the Omni, but I intend to either trade the MQ3 in for credit on a new Joemeek unit (once the redesigned products come out), or sell it and apply to money to a better preamp.

Better for what? Mostly vocals, but also acoustic and electric guitars. I'm looking for a recognizable improvement from the MQ3. I can go either channel strip or preamp only, though I am intruiged by the idea of having a compressor and eq, ala one of the mid-level Meek units. I do not own an outboard compressor, although I have several software compressors (incl. Waves Vox, Timeworks, Ultrafunk, etc.)

So, any advice? Think I should stick with Joemeek for a different "flavor" than the rather clean Omni pres, or should I go for an RNP? Or is there a mid-level ($500 range) option I'm overlooking?

I hope I'm giving enough information here. My mics are starter-level quality: MXL 603s x 2; MXL V67G; MXL V-93 (2003); Studio Projects B-1; Shure 545.

Thanks as always for the advice and guidance.

Fab

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Fabulous one:

Check out the Grace Design 101. You can get Grace Design on the net. I just bought one and it is very nice for vocals or anything else you want to do.

Grace makes a dual mic pre but it costs more.

I got mine for 545 pezzutos. You might find a better deal if you call all the 800 numbers. I don't think you'll find a deal much better but anything is possible.

Have fun,

Green Hornet

 

[DigitMus]

Yeah, GH is right on the money. The Grace is definitely a level above all the "slightly different flavors of just above OK" mid-priced preamps. And you'll probably still be using it when you're a world-famous engineer working with top 10 bands! (yeah, right )

Scott