Pre-amps???

[DAN.O96]

I have another stupid question.Just think if I ask enough of these dumb questions instead of asking questions I can answer a few.First I just want to say thanks to everyone for the help they are giving me.This is an awesome site,everyone seems so eager to help,and not try to make you feel bad because you dont know something.
anyway my question is how important is it to have a pre-amp.My vocals are not up to my expectations.I am avocalist and I have a few things that I have done in "profesional" studios,now when I record in my studio I feel like less of a singer I have played whith my effects and improved them a littlebut I still dont get the "professional" sound I am looking for will a pre-amp give me the higher quality vocals???I know I am probably asking questions that could be easily answered with a little research but I seem to get different veiws by asking these questions here.

THANKS !!!

 

[Wide Awake]

Preamps are important but not as important as using the right microphone and good miking technique. What brand/model of mic and preamp are you using ?

 

[zip]

Pre a must....

Wide Awake is right on - a good mic is essential! I think WA he was asking if a mic pre is needed....

"my question is how important is it to have a pre-amp"

If you are running a mic into a COMPUTER it is a MUST. What I am not sure of by your post is....what system are you using to record? A true mixing console which have built-in pres or a computer?

If mixing on a console I fully agree with Wide Awake...it could be the mic you are using...if you are singing into a nice Neumann in the studio and a low end condenser or dynamic at home......

zip >>

 

[DAN.O96]

Pre-amps?

I have a tascam 564 4 track md recorder.I do not use a computer at all right now .I am going to get a little more gear soon and I am trying to decide what to get next.All I have right now is the 564,a Peavey efects unit,and a couple of guitars,keyboard a sony cassette recorder and 4 "cheap" monitors.I will soon be getting a compressor/limitor,and considering a pre-amp.Right now I am using Sure mics ,I beleive they are 58s but Im not positive.They are new and I am still learning.

THANKS FOR THE REPLIES.....

 

[Wide Awake]

There are a few different types of mics that sound good for vocals. You should be able to get good results from the SM58, but keep in mind that it's a dynamic microphone. Dynamics are mid-range rich and "color" the sound in a flattering way. Condenser mics give you a more accurate, flat response, that give you better results in high frequency detail and transients.

A condenser mic might be the sound you're after. If you can borrow one from a friend you could see if you like it better. Small condensers and large condensers start at about $200 and up.

I like dynamic mics on vocals, it just depends on the singer. An ART tube MP preamp is about $100 and would help your dynamic mic a lot. If you can spend more than that the better.