Pre-amp suggestions for $400.00 or less

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mr blue

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I'm leaning toward the VTB-1, but I've read
that some folks can't seem to get that "warm"
sound on vox with it, and that is primarily
the sound I'm after.
So for the above-mentioned price what pre
in your opinion would do the best job of
achieving this?
BTW, I also plan to use it on guitar. Thanx
in advance.
 
that thing runs like $650 on ebay. They are no cheap animal. Depending on what you're recording probably has alot to do with the type of pre you're in the market for. The VTB-1 is great for an overall great sound on just about any source. Nice and clean in SS mode for clean vox and acoustic, but has grit for guitars and drums with the tube blend turned up. i think that's probably the best pre for a range of sounds for that price range. If you're willing to spend at most $600, it opens you up to a whole bunch of other options.

Brandon
 
What Chessrock said- warm vocals=Joemeek-Richie
 
You may want to read reviews of the PreSonus MP20. Available for slightly OVER your $400 (I've received quotes for $429 delivered). I have not even heard this unit, but it seems to have gotten very good press, at least (uh, what doesn't?).
 
I love my MQ3, and it will definitely get you warm vocals, but you should probably be forewarned: in my experience, it's kind of noisy. Not unusably noisy, but definitely the noisiest pre I have, and that includes the Presonus Blue Tube (with the toob sound turned down).
 
The "warmth" of a Joe Meek unit comes from the opto-compressor,
and the musical quality of their EQ section.
A nice set-up for around $400 would be a VTB-1 and either a Joe MeekMQ3
(EQ section included), or MC2 (if you prefer a more flexible compressor/no EQ)
IMHO.

Chris
 
Mackie 1202 VLZ Pro. MP20 may be marginally better. But you get four reasonably decent pres, and having a mixer attached sure comes in handy.
 
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