Preamp choice??

[ckett]

Hello,
Trying to decide on a 2 channel preamp. I will be recording in my home studio. Looking for a preamp that is very detailed with great transient response and a nice open sound. Doesn't have to be completely transparent, but something with a great rich tone that won't loose clarity. Budget not to exceed $1400 if possible. Something that works on a wide range of microphones.

Here are a few on my list:
DAV BG-1
True Systems P2 Analog
A Designs MP-2

Right now I am just using the preamps on my Allen & Heath Mixwizard. Would the preamps listed be a great leap
in audio quality?

Thanks for your input!!

 

[Joel Hamilton]

Something discrete would be good, like a vintech X72 or a brent averill 1272. I have both. They both work quite well for a variety of sources.
I would rather have something like the EH 12aY7 (i just wont shut up about this thing!) than a cheaper IC based pre like the sytek.... Though the syteks are good, they are not a HUGE step up from the console pre's you are using. The biggest benefit is that with the sytek, you are not going through all the other "stuff" in the console....

 

[ckett]

Here are some more details about what type of music I will be
recording for. I come from a classical orchestral music background and that level of detail to the sound is what I am looking for. I will be recording a variety of acoustic world instruments and blending them into the fabric of an ambient sound work. My mic collection for right now consists of a Gefell M930, and will later include the Peluso CEMC6 or AT 4051a, Avensons STO-2s.

Thanks!

 

[PHILANDDON]

Have you looked into Grace Design preamps. They are extremely transparent and may be just what you're looking for.

 

[Joel Hamilton]

The millenia stuff with a pair of avenson omni's (stapes) would be an amazing way to record orchestral stuff on a budget. Budget meaning not two neumann M50's.....

Those millenia mic pres are incredibly detailed. They are on my list for something to get for sure. I was amazed by the two channel thingy they make.

 

[CCS]

Here are some more details about what type of music I will be
recording for. I come from a classical orchestral music background and that level of detail to the sound is what I am looking for. I will be recording a variety of acoustic world instruments and blending them into the fabric of an ambient sound work. My mic collection for right now consists of a Gefell M930, and will later include the Peluso CEMC6 or AT 4051a, Avensons STO-2s.

Thanks!

I've worked with a few small essembles and pretty much prefer my Focusrite Green 1 and Grace 101. The Focusrite was in the 1K range and are probably not made anymore, but the Grace is a must have for the recording you're doing. It's the best 550 bucks, you'll ever spend.

 

[nonovice]

Grace Designs

Have you checked out their Preamps? They Sound right up your ally in price range. They have great warmth and clarity. Check em out

 

[nonovice]

Sorry Phil

I hadn't noticed you recommended the same pre; but like I said great preamps.

 

[xstatic]

If you are considering the Grace preamps, maybe have a look at the D&R preamps as well. Personally, I like them better at the same price, but for 2 channels. Very open and transparent. There won'tbe a lot of character though. More of a what youhear is what you get preamp.

 

[ckett]

Wow!! Just did a listening test of the 3D Pre CD. Of all of the guitar recordigs I narrowed it down to these few:

John Hardy M-1
Millennia HV-3B
Grace 201

The Millennia is incredible for detail. Blew away everthing else in this realm of sound. The Hardy was richer, smoother but with great clarity and detail. The Grace was sort of a slightly lesser quality version of the Millennia.

Its now time to save the coins for one of the above!