pre amp question????

[jugalo180]

does a preamp improve or add anything to the vocals or does it just boost the signal?
i'm running my mic directly into my sound card for my r&b it sounds good. would there be an improvement in the quality of the vocals with a pre amp?
if so, what is the best inexpensive pre amp that i can purchase?

thanx in advance

 

[esactun]

A preamp *theoretically* shouldn't add/remove anything -- the "wire with gain" effect. It doesn't happen in practice though, but you can get close if you spend big money. "Colorful" preamps are different, they have a "sound," and depending on the source and your preferences these may add "something" to the sound (or flatter it, if you will).

If you have a cheaper soundcard like a SoundBlaster, then yes, even a cheap outboard preamp will improve the sound (unless you hate the sound of that particular preamp...). SB mic inputs are famous for sounding lousy. Many folks don't like their line inputs either, but an outboard pre will sound better through an SB line input than the mic right into the mic input. (Expensive audio cards have good mic inputs.)

What's the best inexpensive pre? Define "inexpensive". If you mean "dirt cheap" then you're in the Audio Buddy category. If you mean "one step above stealing" try a Behringer MX802a mixer-- four preamps for $100, plus eqs and stuff! (But you get what you pay for, and esp. with Behringer, Your Mileage May Vary Greatly, Like Their Quality Control.)

I will say a Behringer sounds *way* better than an SB mic input.

For super-cheapo color, ART makes quasi-tube pres for $80 and up. Like Behringer, some like 'em, some hate 'em. I like the ART for bas guitar, but you mayhate it for vocals.

If inexpensive means "under $1000," there's loads of options.

What mic(s) you got?

 

[jugalo180]

only two cheap ones right now

i have the shure 58 from a good audio store, and a 50 dollar condenser mic from radio shack.

i do have a soundblaster audigy mp3 card(maan, you make me feel bad).

i'm looking for something strictly for vocals, very cheap and will make a great improvement over the line in on my card.

are you familiar with mic modeler? if so, how do you rate it?

can i get around buying a preamp by just equing to improve the vocals?

 

[chessrock]

Re: only two cheap ones right now

i'm looking for something strictly for vocals, very cheap and will make a great improvement over the line in on my card.

are you familiar with mic modeler? if so, how do you rate it?

can i get around buying a preamp by just equing to improve the vocals?

* Audio Buddy.

* Yes, and I rate it a grand, colossal waste of money.

* Yes you can, as long as you don't mind vocals that sound really bad.

You might also want to stick with the 58 for now.

 

[jugalo180]

alright

thanx chessrock and esactun. you are very helpful in my venture
too bad about the mic mod, good idea though.

 

[jugalo180]

another question

is the theory behind the preamp to increase the signal to noise ratio?