Poll: Well, sort of...

[tubedude]

This probably has been done before, but I may base a decision with the help of some of your replies. Its time for me to decide on something...
Ok, If you had a choice of any preamp that you could have in:
1) The $400-600 range it would be....
2) The $600-$1000 range it would be....
3) The $1000-$1200 range, it would be....
I cant get over $1200, really, and I think around $900 might be pushing it.
I really want to find a Neve designed one for a good price, and I'm also really interested in the dbx 586, which is about $1000 list. Anyone know anything about API? What about Daking or Kendrick? I'm kinda thinking about trying out the HHB stuff.
Well, let me know what you would do, in MY shoes.
Paul

 

[VOXVENDOR]

Hhb Is nice stuff.......... (I don't use outboard Pre's but I know there other equipment is decent)......

Joe

 

[schwa]

Not really in keeping witht e poll...

But I have noticed in this and other threads that you have been looking at the 586. I did a search in the 400-700 range a month or so ago, and picked the 586.

This unit can easily be had fo $600 on ebay (there always seems to be at least one there), and I think I paid $700 for mine (retail).

I read every review I could find, and then narrowed it down to the focusrite (platinum), meek, presonus, and Art. I listened to the meek, the art, and the DBX, though it was in the store. I'm happy with it, and haven't been able to find anything really comparable.

Good luck with the thread, I'll be interested to see what people come up with.

 

[The Axis]

All two-channel PREs: (street prices)
Under $400: M-Audio DMP2
$400-$600: ART MPA Pro
$600-$1000: DBX 586
$100-$1200: Earthworks LAB102
Over $1200: Millenia Media HVB2 (?...the cheapest one), DBX 786

Not that I can justify or really know much about them. These are just what looks interesting in each category.

It actually seems that unless you are willing to step up to at least the 586, there isn't much incentive to move beyond the DMP2.

Peace,
Rick

 

[Dolemite]

If you know how the RNC turned the whole compressor market on its ass, I'd say put off the whole issue until the RNMP comes out (supposedly later this month). Until then, all bets are off on the best (clean) mic pre under $1000. Beyond that I can only echo Rick's DMP2 suggestion. I have been nothing but happy with mine and I have no plans to get rid of it. I have been thinking about getting an ART Tube MP based on what sonusman has been able to get out of those things. I'll also look into the RNMP when it comes out, checking out the inevitable reviews and comparisons that will flood rec.audio.pro.

BTW, if you're interested in the DMP2, I happened to run across this on ebay. I have no affiliation with the seller, I just happened to see it. BTW, if it closes anywhere near that starting bid, it will be a very good deal. I got mine on clearance from Mars Music for $80.

It may sound like I'm pimpin' this thing to hard, but I think it sounds excellent, and with it going for under $100 you really can't go wrong. If the RNMP turns out to be as spectacular as anticipated and stays under the $200 mark, I might replace mine, but until then I'm focusing on the mic side of things. I haven't had any experience with the higher end stuff in the sub $1000 market (though I have heard some of it in use), but I honestly think that the DMP2 is good enough that a good mic is going to make much more of a difference in my signal chain than any new mic pre that I can afford.

DMP2 reviews:

http://www.digitalprosound.com/Htm/Reviews/June/DMP2.htm

http://www.midiman.net/reviews/DMP2PAR2.pdf

 

[sjoko2]

Difficult one
For your just over 1200 I'd pick the Avalon M5, which I would definately favor over the Millennia.
Unfortunately, I'm not very familiar with a lot of pre's, as I use mainly custom build ones.
Any DBX pre - sounds hard. The 586 is very reliable and not that bad.
ART - anything they make, false performance claims, hyped, sounds bad, never heard anything they make sound reasonable.
Manley - open one up and count the cost of the components, totally overpriced and it sound BAD (like their Manley Gold microphones.
API if you can find one - save your pennies, sell the contents of your house etc. Simply sweet
Neve (any old one) Like API - you cannot go wrong.
AMEK 9098 - a solid state Rupert Neve designed dream machine.
For a cheap solution - a pre amp/ compressor/limiter/de-esser/EQ/alignment tool that's really good (for everything, not just vocals) Symetrix 528E voice processor. That's the one used by the vast majority of broadcasters all over the globe. I think its around the 500 bucks. Looks boring, performs awsome, never breaks, very versatile, I love it for toms and kick as well, always carried them in road racks.
Oh yeah, almost forgot, another cheapish one that's good is the Grace 101. I think that's about 650 bucks, well worth it.
Best ones on the planet? InnerTube Audio's preamps, but they are about 3 grand each.