Pre Amps

[CP2]

Hello everyone. I'm new to this forum. So, please bear with me. I have (what I consider to be) a modest home recording studio. PC based. I finished recording 2 Jazz CD's a couple of months ago. I play saxophone. About a year ago I bought a PreSonus BlueTube Pre Amp to use as an all around pre amp for my saxophones, sound module, and my partner's keyboard and guitar. The BlueTube was to replace a Mackie 1202 for studio recording. The BlueTube works great for everything except my saxophones. I have an AudioTechnica ATM 35 clipon for the saxes and a DR-2000 that I also tried. I get acceptable results through the Mackie with either mic (on saxophone), but through the BlueTube the sound is extremely bright. Way too bright. The sound was not acceptable. I had to use the equalizer in the DAW to tone down the higher frequncies. Although I plan on keeping the BlueTube, I am looking for a pre amp for recording the saxophones. Do any of you either have or know any one that has an A R T Tube MP Studio V3 pre amp? If so, what is your opinion of this product. Or any other pre amps that would be worth trying for my situation? Any help would be greatly appreciated. CP2.

 

[cominginsecond]

In this price range I really like the DMP3. It's just really true to the source, IMO.

I really, really don't like the Presonus BlueTube. Mine was noisy and dark and just cruddy in general.

 

[DJL]

At one point in time I owned the ART Tube MP Studio V3... and IMO, it's a cheap preamplifier... meaning it has very limiting control (presets) and doesn't sound very good. I wouldn't recommand it... I think you'd be better off saving up for a better preamp.

 

[cavedog101]

For a mid-priced channel strip,the PreSonus Eureka is pretty good.The varible input impedance is handy for different mics,as well as the complete compressor and EQ and the fact that you can run one before the other depending on your needs.I need to do more tracking and testing to get a better idea of what this unit can do, but so far its been a nice inexpensive addition.By inexpensive I'm talking under $500 street price.And it has pretty blue lights.I never liked the ART Tube MP Studio V3, though I do like the ART MPA and the ART Pro Channel.

 

[still4given]

I would second the DMP3. I also wonder if you have tried using the "one click" insert method with your 1202. This by-passes the tone stack and just uses the gain stage only. You might be pleasantly surprized.

Blessings, Terry

 

[Gidge]

the DMP3 will give you a sound very similar to the Mackie......if you want a different sound from the Mackie, try the SP VTB-1........

 

[EddieRay]

I need to acquire a pre amp in the near future - something that is a couple of notches better than my Behringer mixer, preferably dual channels. Is there much difference between the PreSonus, ART, and M-Audio offerings?

 

[cominginsecond]

I need to acquire a pre amp in the near future - something that is a couple of notches better than my Behringer mixer, preferably dual channels. Is there much difference between the PreSonus, ART, and M-Audio offerings?

Yes, and there are even big differences between different models of ART preamp or PreSonus preamp or M-Audio preamp.

 

[EddieRay]

Yes, and there are even big differences between different models of ART preamp or PreSonus preamp or M-Audio preamp.

I hadn't realized their product lines were so large. I need the ability to track 4 or more instruments at a time with condensor mics. My Behringer will handle 2 so I need at least 2 more preamp channels w/phantom power. I'm considering the ART TPS, MAudio DMP3 and PreSonus BlueTUBE. I figure any of these would be step up from the Behringer pres. I also figure for that price range (abt $150) they are comparable in quality, yes?

 

[CP2]

Thanks to all who replied. Sounds like the DMP3 is something I should check out. Being that I am retired and on a fixed income, price is a major consideration. My extra money comes from selling things on e-bay and doing a gig once in a while.
Still4given---- I was not aware of the 'one click' insert method. I'll have to try it. However, the last few times I recorded saxophone tracks I used the ALT 3-4 out thereby bypassing the main mix. That worked well. Much easier to get the sound I wanted. But, I would like to have a dedicated (and smaller than a Mackie 1202) pre amp for saxophone. CP2.

 

[jameslucas]

1202 "one click"

someone mentioned a "one click" method with the UB1202 that will eliminate the tone stack. Is this true and how would one do it. that would be fucking great. thanks, lucas

 

[werewolf831]

One click method

I'd like to hear this to. Do you plug it into the "insert" point? And do you use TRS cables?

 

[CP2]

After looking at the block diagram in the owners manual for the Mackie 1202- VLZ, it looks like using the 'one click' insert method eliminates everything (tone stack, gain, pan and beyond) but the 'trim'. I would guess that you would use a 'TS' cable. CP2.

 

[spankenstein]

You plug a regular TS cable only partially in (the first detent). Sometimes it's very solid other times it's a little vague feeling but there. I've got a Behringer mixer that I use and use the "one-click" insert and it's a MUCH better sound than going through the rest of the mixer path. It's not near as good as the pres on my M-Audio card but passable for now.