Need help picking a mic pre-amp

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SWAGKING420KOSH

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Hello forum

I recently bought a blue spark and am currently looking for a USB pre-amp for it.
I'm currently torn between two:

The Art tube MP project series with a aftermarket tube
The Line 6 Pod studio UX2

I know the Line 6 is more of an interface but the people that use it for commentary sound really good.
My budget is $200 or less and I want some recommendations.

For those that have used the Art tube: Did changing out the tube help at all with the quality?
What tube should I upgrade too? (willing to spend $50)

I'm not singing into the mic I'm doing commentary and prefer a warmer/deeper sound. I don't know if the preamp would effect the warmness I'm just sayin.
Thanks for any help in advance, I'm a pretty big audio newb.
 
Tubes in low end devices are generally regarded as little more than a gimmick.

Warmer and deeper have a lot to do with vocal technique, room (uncontrolled reflections can add to perceived harshness), mic and position with regard to mic.

Someone else will drop in shortly with specific interface recommendations. Personally I wouldn't get either of your suggestions - add the $50 for your tube onto the $200 and I'm sure you'll be fine.
 
You can find great interfaces on ebay for under $200. I would shy away from tube preamps under $200, they only function as good as a lightbulb. Stick with solid state.
 
Listen! To those responses New Chap!
You just need a decent interface. I favour the Steinberg UR22 but the Focusriite 2i2 gets a good rep' even tho' I personally think it is worse value for money.

For "warmf" you will surely find an FX plugin to help in Reaper? If not there are a zillion freebies you can download.

Dave.
 
arcaxis said:
Most of that warmer/deeper "radio" sound you'll get with.... Proximity Effect - YouTube . The amount of proximity effect you get may depend on the design of the mic and you'll need to experiment with distance to achieve the best sound. Important>>>> use a pop filter.
Get a good interface and don't bother with an inexpensive "tube" pre. If you want add a preamp later there are some that are solid state that use transformer coupling in the design that will lend a character to the sound that could be defined as "warmth".
Click to expand...



A1+ :thumbs up:
 
arcaxis said:
Most of that warmer/deeper "radio" sound you'll get with.... Proximity Effect - YouTube . The amount of proximity effect you get may depend on the design of the mic and you'll need to experiment with distance to achieve the best sound. Important>>>> use a pop filter.
Get a good interface and don't bother with an inexpensive "tube" pre. If you want add a preamp later there are some that are solid state that use transformer coupling in the design that will lend a character to the sound that could be defined as "warmth".
Click to expand...

Yes and keeping "in the zone" to get that deeper sound requires skill and practice.
Then you will achieve the hairy chest VOs I hear on Classic FM who do not consider the hearing impared like me so I don't understand a bloody word!

Reminiscient of 1970s discos where the voice started in a crappy Shure Unidyne clone and struggled out of a 15" bin!
 
ecc83 said:
Reminiscient of 1970s discos where the voice started in a crappy Shure Unidyne clone and struggled out of a 15" bin!
Click to expand...

So it's official; We're just handing out trade secrets now...
 
I'm a Line 6 fan (rare around here), but the UX2 is a guitar interface. Yes, it can be used for a mic, but is not the best choice for the price.
 
I always pipe up and suggest the Studio Projects VTB-1. I know it's not really a tube pre, but none of these cheap pres are really a tube pre, they just have a tube for effect. The vtb-1 does sound very good for the price.

Alan.
 
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