need preamp for acoustic, vocals + DI box for electric

[fast]

OK, here's my (current) setup...let me know what you guys think and recommend as I'm having a too tough of a time trying to decide:

1) need 2 channel preamp to record acoustic (2 mics) + vocals (1 mic)
* right now I have a 12-string Yamaha acoustic...will be getting a 6-string soon

2) also needs to be compatible as a DI Box for electric guitar

3) will be recording direct to an Audiophile 2496 (analog RCA IN or SPDIF IN)

4) Mics: 1 - AKG C2000B & 1 - Oktava MC012

Right now my eyes have been set on the DMP3....but also flirting with the RNP. Have also thought about the ART DPS II for the Analog + SPDIF outs, but as I said above...just can't decide.

I hate to spend the money for the RNP as I just don't think I'm "worthy" of it now eventhough I know it will be an investment....but I also need monitors, so I'm thinking the DMP3 will be a decent preamp for a couple of years and spend the extra bucks right now for a 6-string + monitors and I'll be set.

Unfortunately the guitar shops around here don't carry any of these preamps, so no chance to try them out

Appreciate any input....
Thanks,
fast

 

[baekgaard]

Do you have anything you're recording through at the moment?

The DMP3 is a nice and clean pre-amp with lots of gain. If you don't have anything at the moment, it is an infinite improvement over your existing setup

For me, I'm trying to keep the chain balanced. With a DMP3 you can hear the difference also if you decide to upgrade your mics, and probably a larger impact can be made with your money by investing in mics and working with the room acoustics and placement, once you have the DMP3. So it should last well for some years and then you can ebay it -- or just keep it. As maybe your next step could be a good vocal strip, you might still want to use the DMP3 for the guitar.

So... I'd say: Go for the DMP3.


-- Per.

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

Another nod for the DMP-3 here. I've never used either of the other units you mentioned so not a comparison I'm afraid.

When I upgrade I think I'll still find uses for the DMP-3. It's cheap gear for sure but it's not complete junk.

 

[mrbowes]

have you considered a decent cheap mixer like the Yamaha MG 10/2? The DMP3's pres may sound slightly better(never heard the DMP3), but for the money, you'd be getting 4 solid mic pres plus a mixer.

they run ~$100 shipped.

 

[paddyponchero]

have you considered a decent cheap mixer like the Yamaha MG 10/2? The DMP3's pres may sound slightly better(never heard the DMP3), but for the money, you'd be getting 4 solid mic pres plus a mixer.

they run ~$100 shipped.

The yamaha desk is a good idea too but the DMP3 is definitely a step up. You'll never regreat buying the DMP3, you always have applications for a clean pre with plenty of gain.

 

[Lanny Cox]

I'm gonna go with the flow here and agree on the DMP3. It's definitely quite the piece of gear for the price, and you can get em on Ebay now for less than 150 bucks. Hell they're so cheap I'd buy 2. I've got one and it definitely hasn't disappointed me.

 

[holymoly]

hey fellas...it's me Fast! Had some trouble with my account and am trying to get that fixed as we speak

Anyway....really appreciate all your comments.

baekgaard - I have a VS-1680, but the pres are crappy and I want to end up in the computer anyway, so I'm now thinking to go direct since I'm aiming for an external preamp. Doing SPDIF is probably important as that'll give me the flexibility to go thru the Audiophile 2496 or straight to the VS-1680 bypassing it's internal preamps.

mrbowes - yeah...I've thought about using another board, but I'm finding hard to justify getting another mixer when I already have the VS-1680, albeit one of those boards would indeed offer a few more types of connections that the 1680 does not have.

I have no doubt that the DMP3 will work, but now I'm sort of leaning towards the Art DPS II as it has SPDIF + analog outs, so I could go straight into the preamp/converter and into the 2496 or 1680. If I get the DMP3...I'll have to purchase a separate converter (ART DIO) + crossover cables (I already have SPDIF cables), so I'm thinking that for now the DPS II will suit me OK with the converter and if I outgrow it...then I can keep it and use it only as a converter and upgrade to one of those $2000+ preamps when the time comes.

I don't know....it sucks there's no good place in town to audition this kind of equipment. You would think Giter Center would have that kind of setup, but they just end up trying to sell you something else!