preamp or not to preamp

[LordSire]

im running my akg2000 thru my alesis studio 32. Ive read a lot in the last couple of days about preamps for mics. My question is, does my studio 32 come with built in preamp capabilities, or do i have to purchase yet another piece(seperate preamp module, or somethin) to hook to my 32 for a better mic sound and/or response? And if I began to use a newly acquired alesis multimix16firewire, does IT have those capabilities for preamping, and would it be better to just use that(firewire), or should I(is there a way to) combine the 2 mixers for more channels, etc?

 

[FALKEN]

im running my akg2000 thru my alesis studio 32. Ive read a lot in the last couple of days about preamps for mics. My question is, does my studio 32 come with built in preamp capabilities, or do i have to purchase yet another piece(seperate preamp module, or somethin) to hook to my 32 for a better mic sound and/or response? And if I began to use a newly acquired alesis multimix16firewire, does IT have those capabilities for preamping, and would it be better to just use that(firewire), or should I(is there a way to) combine the 2 mixers for more channels, etc?

Here is one person's opinion:

take the retail cost of your mixer and divide it by the number of channels and busses. consider that your $/channel. I have outboard preamps that range from $75 per channel (about as low as it gets) to about $600 per channel (major bucks but still not as high as some people go) and they are all about the same. seirously. There are subtle differences in tone and color but quality-wise they are all more similar than different.

I have also had about 4 different outboard mixers, which usually come in at $10-$20 per channel. These are always horrible. Don't get me wrong; they function and they work. They get the job done. They just dont sound as good quality-wise.

Both of your mixers are more than capable of getting the job done. but for not too much $$ you can get something much nicer. you might benefit from spending your $$ elsewhere at first though, like on monitors or mics or something.

 

[ChadAustin]

Specialized PreAmps are always better.

 

[ChadAustin]

it's a damn expensive hobby... ain't it?

 

[xstatic]

Always better? My per channel cost on my console is about $2500 a channel if you don't count the tape returns (which do have full EQ, automation, and aux sends, just no mic pre). $1250 if you count the inline section.

In general though, you are right about outboard being better

As for the Alesis mixer, I say try them first. Decide what you do and don't like about them, and then buy an outboard pre now that you will know more about what you are missing

 

[LordSire]

ok, that confused me a bit guyz.

thanx for the immediate answers, its more than appreciated, however, im "fresh off of a babies ass" new! Meaning i was having a hard time follwing you.

 

[FALKEN]

the answer is you don't need anything else. just plug the mic in where it looks like it goes and hit record!

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Lord Serene:}

For doing "better" vocals, a mic preamp really helps out. I have a couple of micpres; I use Grace 101 for vocals. I also have an ART dual channel. I like to run my drum box through that one--it mellows the sounds.

However, to get to the place I like to get to with overall volume, I use the dynamics on my DAW. [2816] The vocal can be boosted OR the stereo mix can be also boosted. [or any track you wish to kick up a notch] {Sorry Emerald}

Thus, it depends on the song really. You can get the vocal WAY up front or if the song is instrumental, you can boost your solos and, of course, lightly touch up with EQ.

If you get too involved with EQ it's kind of like going uphill and downhill on a roller coaster; so, I limit use of EQ most of the time.

When you consider that you can twiddle with a 3 minute stereo mix for several hours before you get what you want, or what your ears want, it's worth having a decent mic pre to help you get some nice clear sounds.

If you want to review many mic pres, check out TapeOp magazine--it's still free.

Merry Christmas
Green Hornet

 

[Farview]

Your mixer has built in mic preamps. All a preamp does is bring the signal up from mic level to line level. It's just an amplifier. Anything that you plug a mic into has a mic preamp built in. You would only use an outboard preamp if you wanted a different sound than you get with the board.

 

[LordSire]

good lookin'

thanx 4 all your responses, but i think jayrock pretty much nailed it with simplicity

 

[xstatic]

Just to be technically correct, you can plug your mic into a line input that uses an XLR jack and it won't have a preamp. Also, preamps can defiantely change the way a mic sounds and even reacts. They do quite a bit more than just amplify.

 

[Farview]

Just to be technically correct, you can plug your mic into a line input that uses an XLR jack and it won't have a preamp. Also, preamps can defiantely change the way a mic sounds and even reacts. They do quite a bit more than just amplify.

If you plug your mic into something that says 'line input', you deserve what you get.

Different preamps sound different? Really? You don't say.

 

[xstatic]

Don't take it too personally Mr. Sillyhat. This thread is a fairly newbeish post. I just wanted to clarify things. Otherwise the next question may be about getting no gain on a mic while inadvertantly being plugged into an XLR line in jack.

And yes, different preamps do sound different. Yes they just amplify, to an extent, but it is important to understand that not all amplification is equal. Although, it would be nice if it was because we could all just go out and buy a ton of Nady and Behringer gear and I personally could have saved myslef close to $200,000 dollars

 

[The Green Hornet]

Verily Jayrock:

How many preamps have you tried? Name them. Do they all sound the same?

If not, you word me.

Green Hornet

 

[Farview]

How many preamps have you tried? Name them. Do they all sound the same?

I have tried and own preamps from Neve, API, Trident, Great River, Amek, Langevin, Manley, Soundcraft and SSL. No, they don't sound the same. Yes, they all amplify. The reason they exist is to amplify the mic signal to line level. Just like all compressors don't sound the same, all boards don't sound the same, all reverb units don't sound the same, etc... DUH!

The last line of my last post was sarcasm (look it up)

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Hat and ken of lixiviated thought:

Congrats man. You do know it all. You have certainly listened to more mic pres than I. But, your demeanor needs a mind amp.

However, I look forward to learning from your wisdom, so, do more posts about everything.

Ciao

PS I do have the meaning of sarcasm in my ken. I'm surprised you could spell it!

 

[Farview]

your demeanor needs a mind amp.

I'm putting out good signal, you are just having a hard time recieving. I think you need the mind amp, or at least a longer antenna.

And please find a new word. Lixiviated really has a limited usefullness. The new Readers Digest should be out now.

 

[The Green Hornet]

He who wears a juggler's hat to avoid a toupe?:

READER'S DIGEST? Nay, 6 years of college outdoes that text--but it does contain funny stories--maybe that's why you mentioned it?

New word for you:

anthropomorphic

Now with two new words, you can enhance your ken.

Your sarcasm sound strangely familiar but then, so is the world.

Green Hornet

 

[Farview]

Your insipid use of the word ken makes you sound like the obtuse piece of flotsam that you are. I've grown weary of your hebetudinous comments, you're dismissed.

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo head of juggler's balls:

I dismissed your integrity about four posts ago. But, it's Christmas.

Happy New Year.

Glad I got you to use the dictionary.

Green Hornet