Preamp Consumer Dilemma.

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Simmons

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I'm shopping for a preamp that I will use primarily for vocals and acoustic guitar. I was looking at the HHB Radius 40 (preamp/compressor/EQ), until I read two articles by Dan Richards and Harvey Gerst reviewing the Studio Projects VTB-1. They both like the Studio Projects unit a lot and had nothing but good things to say about it. Dan Richards went even further to say the VTB-1 unit sonically blows away the HHB Radius 40 (a unit he uses often and loves). The HHB Radius 40 ($680) is considerably more expensive than the VTB-1($129). I would also need a compressor as I like to keep a lid on things while tracking....so that's an extra expense, however I could buy something like the RNC for about $177 still keeping me well under the price of the HHB unit. From what I've read this seems like a really nice compressor ;)

I'll be recording the basic tracks for a new project in a good studio with quality preamps (high end TL Audio preamps) and great mics. I'll be tracking the vocals and acoustic guitar tracks in another studio (without quality preamps) and want the additional tracking to be as least as good as the basic tracks, but I know I'll need to buy some new equipment to finish this part of the project.

Budget: no more than $1500

Things on the list to buy:
1) Lucid 2496 A/D converter $800 (or maybe the Mytek D/A unit when it comes out)
2) A quality vocal preamp (I'll be using a variety of mics on the project like Neumann U87, Studio Projects C1, Rode NTV)
3) Compressor for tracking vocals/guitar (if the vocal preamp doesn't have a compressor)

The problem is I get a bit confused when I read statements like "this preamp blows away other preamps that cost four or five times more" and in the same paragraph I see statements like (particularly about the VTB-1) "obviously the best preamp IN IT'S PRICE CLASS". I believe you get what you pay for. I'm willing to spend $600-700 on the best preamp for vocals that I can buy. Do you guys have any suggestions for the best preamp/compressors in the $600-700 price class? A preamp that would be an obviously better choice than the VTB-1? I feel a little strange about tracking the vocals for this project on a $129 preamp, but if it's THAT good then I don't want to spend the extra money on something like the HHB Radius 40.

Simmons
 
Focusrite ?

Musicians friend (If they get the order right !) or zzsounds carry them though I think they are UK based. I love em !
Platimun Voice Master Pro 600 USD, 24/44.1-96 S/PDIF card 230 USD. Im using it with a Shure KSM44 and it sounds fantastic.
 
I just saw this:

DBX 376 Tube Channel Processor : $499 it has a compressor AND De-esser.....that's a big plus.

Anybody used this before? Can anyone compare the sounds quality of this unit to the VTB-1 or HHB Radius 40? I've heard the HHB Radius 40 unit before, but not the VTB-1?


Dr_simon....thanks for that tip!

Man that Focusrite looks incredible! That may have just taken the lead....
 
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Hey Dr_simon

Is that the optional card that's available for this unit?

24/44.1-96 S/PDIF card 230 USD

I was looking at buying an A/D converter as well....I wonder if that would still be necessary if I purhcased this unit with the card? What do you think?
 
I have a Radius 10 which looks to me to be a 4 channel version of the HHB tube preamps. I have a Fatman 2 as well. I LOVE the Radius 10.
I also have a DBX 386 which is two channels of preamps only. Personally, I feel the HHB smokes the Silver series DBX preamps.
 
Track Rat,
I have a FatMan2 also. How would you compare the Radius 10 to the FatMan 2? Do you use the FatMan 2 a lot?
 
i have used the voicemaster pro, and i have an RNP and i think the RNP is good for a lot more things than the voicemaster. the RNP can does great for drum overheads, vocals, acoustic guitar. decent as a bass DI, mic-ed electric guitars and synths. the voicemaster is awesome for vocals and ok for most other things. i'd go with the RNP any day and add an RNC to get the compression and de-essing. oh, don't get the DBX, it's pretty much as versitile as the voicemaster, but not as good sounding.
 
that's good to know...I'll probably check out the RNP as soon point...however I stated in the original post I'm looking primarily for the best *vocal* preamp I can get my hands on....so it sounds like the Voicemaster still ahead of the RNP.

Willovercome,
Would you say the Voicemaster handles vocals much better than the RNP? How would you compare the two units on vocals only?
 
I have used the RNP and the Voicemaster Pro too. If you want a up front, near professional sound on your vocals then the VM Pro wins against the RNP. It does fall flat in the overall usage category as it is rather a one trick pony. That is, except on Bass were it does a respectable job on DI in my opinion.

If you want an overall instrument type of preamp i.e. acoustic guitar, Bass DI, other acoustic insturments, then I would reach for the RNP because it gives a neutral to slightly warm sound with very clear upper end. It would not be my choice for lead vocals in a mix unless they are background vocals because it is rather unflattering and most vocals need a little flattering. Not to say there are not some stellar mic/preamp match ups out there but I have not come across one yet using the RNP for a lead vocal.

Not to redirect your thought process but at $1500 I would get a Great River MP1NV and maybe the Delta 1010 AD/DA box. The convertors may be a little less quality but you will not be able to tell the difference all that much. Great River $1075 from mercenary.com, Delta 1010 $500 on ebay.

This would provide you with a very high end sounding preamp and your mics would have no excuse for their performance.
 
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