Preamps, buy?

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PCFour

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I saw these preamps on ebay and i was wondering if they are good for recording vocals:

Presonus TubePre
Studio Projects VTB-1
NADY TMP-1
Apex APA1
Audio buddy
M-Audio DMP3

I'm still not sure what preamp i will buy...please help, are these any good?
Thank ya.
 
In my opinion, the pick of the bunch there is the Studio Projects. But keep in mind that it is a single channel unit.
Keep away from those little Presonus units. They are noisy little suckers.

I still maintain though that you should look at a firewire or USB unit and bypass your computer soundcard. That soundcard will ALWAYS hold you back for quality.
 
I know this is not on your list. But it's in your price range. You will be very happy with a Joemeek 3Q. Its only $199.00 and you get a great pre and comp. Otherwise get the VTB-1
 
Markd102 said:
In my opinion, the pick of the bunch there is the Studio Projects. But keep in mind that it is a single channel unit.
Keep away from those little Presonus units. They are noisy little suckers.

I still maintain though that you should look at a firewire or USB unit and bypass your computer soundcard. That soundcard will ALWAYS hold you back for quality.
Click to expand...


I'm looking for a pre as well...thanks for the heads up on the Presonus.


I don't mean to hijack the thread but what would you recommend as a USB solution?? I know I have a cheaper soundcard and even though it's given me no problems so far I'm afraid that it won't be worth getting a good pre-amp and microphone if that's gonna hold me back.
 
I'd say that out of the ones you mention, the DMP-3 is by far the best option, and the best value for the dollar.

One that I really like in that price range is the Rane MS-1B.
 
I was in the same quandry as you, and I spent hours on the search function here researching cheap pre-amps. I wrote down all the ones you mentioned plus others and did google and ebay searches etc.

From what I gathered in these many hours was that unless you want to spend over a grand, there was real step down when you get to the under $1000 options. But, I don't have a grand.

From what i gathered from folks opinions, and there were a lot, it was either the DMP3 or the RNP. The RNP rarely sells for less than $400 on ebay, so its a lot more $. I have not used it, but based on everyones description it is the bomb for it's price, much like the RNC.

I did get a DMP3 on ebay for $100. I have to admit, I really did notice a quality differance over the preamps in my Alesis board/mixer. I think if you can get it for the $100 I paid on ebay you will be pretty happy.

That is, according to the very knowledgeable folks here), untill you can afford the $1000 ones, and someday I hope to save the clams to buy one too.
 
i am going with markd's idea and purchasing a usb unit...its made by m-audio,mobile-pre
 
The only one I can comment on (because it's the only one I own) is the DMP-3 and I would reccommend it.

My view is that if you don't have much to spend then go for clean pre's like the DMP-3. Don't waste money on something at the budget end if you want something with a character or colour of it's own. Only the higher end stuff will give you nice results (take it from he of the burnt fingers and the big overdraft :D ).
 
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