preamp/compressor combo questions...

  • Thread starter Thread starter kranky
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kranky

kranky

I love toxic waste
Hello, I am looking at getting a new preamp and compressor around the $300 range. The only pre's I have now are my Mackie VLZ pros. What I need to know also is if 300 dollars will get me a better preamp than my VLS's. If not, I'll save more and ask later!
Thanks!
 
It's all about flavor... Try some of the ART units, the RNP... Rane makes a preamp ("A" preamp - Just one) that's barely short of amazing for around $150.

John Scrip - www.massivemastering.com
 
M-audio DMP3 is a very nice unit, for 300$ you can almost get two so you have 4 clean channels. In my opinion it would represent an improvement, however there are different opinion on how much of an improvement on the mackies preamps you get a with a 100-300 bucks unit.

Since you have ok preamps, I wouldn't go cheaper than 300$, if you can squeeze some extra $ then I'd definitely suggest the RNP. OR....if one channel at the time is enough, AND you like the idea behind one channel strips, then get the Tampa, seen as low as 350$, that was my route....
 
Wow, I've been doing a little research on the M-Audio Tampa. It's seems to be a good unit for the buck. Well, chances are that I will be able to squeeze a couple hundred extra into my Preamp cause. Now that I'm armed with $500, are there any other/better suggestions for my pre purchase?
Thanks!
 
Here's the best around $500 or so preamp/compressor unit I've used... www.mojopie.com/p1.html It's got a limiter and expander as well that are very nice. :)

The only thing else I'd recommend that is cheaper would be to get an M-Audio DMP3 for $149 from www.digitalproaudio.com and pair it with an FMR RNC which goes for as low as $105 on eBay but usually more like $150 used. The compressor in the RNC is good in super nice mode but it sort of pales when compared to the compressor/limiter/expander in the P1.
 
ozraves said:
Here's the best around $500 or so preamp/compressor unit I've used... www.mojopie.com/p1.html It's got a limiter and expander as well that are very nice. :)
Click to expand...

I have a feeling those are going to be in a lot of studios over the next year or two.


ozraves said:
The only thing else I'd recommend that is cheaper would be to get an M-Audio DMP3 for $149 from www.digitalproaudio.com and pair it with an FMR RNC
Click to expand...

Yea, but you still don't get the limiter. For that, you'd have to spend yet another $600 or so for an Aphex dominator if you want something analog that's transparent. The Safe Sound is a great deal when you think about it.
 
The Safe Sound unit is also looking promising. Most of what I do requires more of an upfront, crisp vocal sound. My thing is, with the budget I have, will I be able to notice an audible difference between the suggested units vs my VLZ Pro's?
Thanks!
 
Kranky, I thought the mic pre to be sort of up front and crisp.

The P1's limiter is very transparent as Chessrock points out.
 
whats the headroom like on that P-1 and how well would it work on snare drum (i usually dont compress my snare on the way in) but how would that limiter/expander work? ...I hate a squashed sounding snare!
 
I've heard it's pretty tough to make someting sound overcompressed. Also that it's just pretty tough to make something sound bad in general.
 
... i was just thinking about this sort of thing the other day, and wondering why there aren't more products like this, WITH a headphone amp for direct monitoring? seems like a one- track- at-a- time- to- a- soundcard kinda guy's dream come true. do headphone amps add potential noise or something, or are there other reasons there aren't more of these things around (at least right now... new trend, maybe?)
peace - jv
 
p1

... and no wall wart!... i think i want one:)
thanks for the link - jv
 
johneeeveee said:
... i was just thinking about this sort of thing the other day, and wondering why there aren't more products like this, WITH a headphone amp for direct monitoring? seems like a one- track- at-a- time- to- a- soundcard kinda guy's dream come true. do headphone amps add potential noise or something, or are there other reasons there aren't more of these things around (at least right now... new trend, maybe?)
peace - jv
Click to expand...

The headphone amp does not affect the sonics of the mic pre or the compressor/expander/limiter at all. I monitored through my usual system and the P1's monitoring system.

Why aren't there more things like this around? I think sometimes thing are so obvious that they get overlooked. Someone has to be first. :)

What makes this a soundcard guy's dream is the limiter. If you adjust it correctly (and it's easy to get it right as it's not fickle at all), then you won't need to worry about clipping.
 
Bobalou said:
whats the headroom like on that P-1 and how well would it work on snare drum (i usually dont compress my snare on the way in) but how would that limiter/expander work? ...I hate a squashed sounding snare!
Click to expand...

If set up right, then it'd work well. I'd suggest leaving the expander off on the snare and just running the pre and the limiter. The limiter is always on. You can switch off/on the expander and compressor. If you are a little artsy, then you can work with the mic pre gain to push the limiter a bit. There is a nice musicality there in that limiter in a certain zone.
 
The Focusrite VoiceMaster Pro has the headphone mix feature. These innovations are coming mainly out of Europe it seems.

Gotta agree this looks like a winner. Would like to hear that preamp amp though. If it is on par with the RNP then I am sold. Heck if its on par with the DMP3 I would be happy.

I would also like to hear a shootout with the RNC and the compressor in this thing.
 
Middleman--

If you'll give me some suggested scenarios, then I'll do an A/B for you between the RNP/RNC and the P1.
 
Howdy everyone. I am Warren with www.frontendaudio.com and we're the distributor of the Safe Sound Audio P1. I have posted here before.

The P1 is the reason me and my partner Shane started Front End Audio, so yes I feel it's a strong unit. Steve has one in for review right now, and if he's got clips that's great. I have clips if anyone is interested but again I'm the distributor and don't want anyone thinking I'm like super-pimp.

You are welcome to post any questions here and I'll answer 'em. You can also contact Safe Sound directly through their website if you wish, Robert Campbell is a great guy and very helpful.

Thanks.

War
 
ozraves said:
Middleman--

If you'll give me some suggested scenarios, then I'll do an A/B for you between the RNP/RNC and the P1.
Click to expand...

Oz, your my hero:D

1. RNP vs P1 no compression or limiting - straight preamp. With and without a tube mic (if possible) on male vocal. Then the same test with appropriate mic/s on acoustic guitar.

2. Put the RNC on the RNP. T=-4, R=1:4, Att=2, Rel =.5, G=2. Set the P1 compressor to the same settings. Repeat voice and guitar

3. Bass DI A/B with same compression setting as above.

I don't need a limiter test, I believe already.

Hey, you asked. Whatever you have time for would be appreciated. Thanks.

MM
 
Warhead--

Post up your drum overhead clips. I think those are pretty revealing.
 
Middleman said:
1. RNP vs P1 no compression or limiting - straight preamp. With and without a tube mic (if possible) on male vocal. Then the same test with appropriate mic/s on acoustic guitar.

2. Put the RNC on the RNP. T=-4, R=1:4, Att=2, Rel =.5, G=2. Set the P1 compressor to the same settings. Repeat voice and guitar

3. Bass DI A/B with same compression setting as above.
Click to expand...


Jeezus. Why don't you just tell him to give you some fries and a complimentary BJ while you're at it, Middle. :D :D :D

Middleman: "Uh yes, fries, lightly-salted. Half cooked in Vegetable oil at 400 degrees fehrenheight, and the other half at 350 using only hydrogenated oil of some variation. And I like my BJ's on the sloppy side. Not too much teeth, but just a touch on the tip of wee-wee."
 
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