preamp - quick recommendation?

[ummwtf]

hey guys - i'm going to be doing some demo recording and i'd love a recommendation for a preamp to buy. preferably i'd like to spend $50-80 or so. i'll be recording mellow stuff, mainly acoustic guitar and vocals. i'm using cubase on my computer. thanks!

 

[scrubs]

There are lots of threads about preamps if you try the search.

At that price, the M-Audio AudioBuddy is probably the only thing worth considering. The ART Tube MP would work in a pinch, but it's noisy and fuzzy sounding. If you could spring for a little more, or buy used, I would recommend the following:

Studio Projects VTB1
Rane MS1B
M-Audio DMP3

 

[dementedchord]

you didn't mention an interface... assuming you've got one and it has any preamp at all built in... you'll be better off using that as is until you can afford something nicer....

 

[andycerrone]

Studio Projects VTB-1.

 

[danny.guitar]

I've owned the Audio Buddy. Didn't sound too bad but at semi-high gain the noise would start to kick in.

I replaced it with the DMP-3 and haven't had any noise even at high gain.

So I would recommend the DMP-3 if you can stretch your budget.

Otherwise, there's also the VTB-1 which I hear is good too.

 

[MadAudio]

In that price range, I'd say anything you can buy new you'll want to get rid of pretty soon. Save up and get something you won't want to replace for at least a year.

 

[tdukex]

If you have to have something now, the little Behringer mixers will get you by. I used one for a year back in 1999 before upgrading. The DMP3 is much better, though. I still use mine for acou guit.