Preamps: the next step

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Fab4ever

Fab4ever

Getting better
Hello all.

I have a Meek MQ3 and a Delta Omni with DMP2 preamps. I am well aware of the plethora of opinions on low-priced preamps, but I have a very specific question:

I want to improve my vocal channel. Would the new SP VTB-1 give me a noticeable improvement, or should I bide my time till I can afford a RNP?

Other info: I have only a V-67G, an SP B-1 and a couple 603Ss for mics. (A related question: would a better mic give me a quicker, more noticeable improvement?) No other outboard compressor, though the RNC is on my wish list. I record pop/rock in a bad-sounding spare bedroom, and never record more than two channels at the same time (i.e., no live drums).

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Fab
 
Fab4ever said:
Hello all.

I have a Meek MQ3 and a Delta Omni with DMP2 preamps. I am well aware of the plethora of opinions on low-priced preamps, but I have a very specific question:

I want to improve my vocal channel. Would the new SP VTB-1 give me a noticeable improvement, or should I bide my time till I can afford a RNP?

Other info: I have only a V-67G, an SP B-1 and a couple 603Ss for mics. (A related question: would a better mic give me a quicker, more noticeable improvement?) No other outboard compressor, though the RNC is on my wish list. I record pop/rock in a bad-sounding spare bedroom, and never record more than two channels at the same time (i.e., no live drums).

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Fab
Click to expand...

The RNP is a real step up for a vocal channel. The VTB1 might be depending on how you perceive things.

You might order a VTB1 from www.humbuckermusic.com. If you don't take to it, then send it back for an RNP.

--Steve
www.piemusic.com
 
Thanks, Steve. Nice idea. I wonder if I might not ought to look at another flavor of mic first, before getting a preamp. The real answer: I want it ALL. NOW.

G.A.S. for sure.

Fab
 
Also...the VTB-1 is a single channel, and I believe the RNP is dual. I have a pair of VTB-1's that I love, but I've heard samples of the RNP that are nice too. Do you need 2 channels or one?
 
Well, I have the Meek and the Omni Studio, both of which have two channels. I really wouldn't NEED two more channels.

But....

The though of someday having an RNC and an RNP as my front end really does appeal to me. Then, Meek and Delta become alternate flavors.

Better go play the lottery.

Fab
 
You get free 3 day shipping on the VTB-1 at www.bpmmusic.com
The VTB-1 is a "step up" from the MQ3's pre's. There's a perceptible difference. I'm a big fan of the compression/EQ section
on the Meeks though.
(had 2 V3CQ's)

Chris
 
i don't know about the mics. you've got a nice selection of basic mics there.

i think you'll have to move a little ways up in price to get into some different territory as you've got some different bases covered.

here's an article on building a mic cabinet -- www.piemusic.com/mp/micproj.html

have you listened to dan richard's listening session no. 2? -- www.thelisteningsessions.com it might give you some ideas between mics and preamps.

i like both the vtb1 and rnp but if i were looking to upgrade i'd jump at the rnp. but, that's my personal choice from using both and making a decision about my needs.

steve
mojo pie
 
Unfortunately, I think the next big step up in your chain is several hundred dollars or more away. Either the RNP or a middle level vocal mic ?NTK would give you a small improvement over the V67 into Joemeek, but I said *small*. A real step up would be Grace 101 and a B.L.U.E. Dragonfly. Yeah, we all want to win the lottery.-Richie
 
Richard Monroe said:
Unfortunately, I think the next big step up in your chain is several hundred dollars or more away. Either the RNP or a middle level vocal mic ?NTK would give you a small improvement over the V67 into Joemeek, but I said *small*. A real step up would be Grace 101 and a B.L.U.E. Dragonfly. Yeah, we all want to win the lottery.-Richie
Click to expand...

actually, i've got a grace 101 and an rnp on my desk right now. i should test this step up theory.
 
Knock yourself out, Ozraves. Start with Joemeek as above, and a cheap Chinese condenser, a good one, as they go. Now switch to rnp. Then go back to the Joemeek ,and switch to NTK. Either one will give you an improvement, but not a huge one, all other things being equal. Then put a Dragonfly, or a TLM103 or a C414 TLII into that 101. That will be a quantum leap. All I'm saying is that a V67G into a Joemeek MQ3 is not that bad, and the change to a cleaner middle level pre or midrange mic will not produce a massive improvement. I believe the next logical step is a notch higher.-Richie
 
ozraves said:
actually, i've got a grace 101 and an rnp on my desk right now. i should test this step up theory.
Click to expand...

Maybe you could do a review on it. :D
 
Richard Monroe said:
Knock yourself out, Ozraves. Start with Joemeek as above, and a cheap Chinese condenser, a good one, as they go. Now switch to rnp. Then go back to the Joemeek ,and switch to NTK. Either one will give you an improvement, but not a huge one, all other things being equal. Then put a Dragonfly, or a TLM103 or a C414 TLII into that 101. That will be a quantum leap. All I'm saying is that a V67G into a Joemeek MQ3 is not that bad, and the change to a cleaner middle level pre or midrange mic will not produce a massive improvement. I believe the next logical step is a notch higher.-Richie
Click to expand...

well, i've been playing with the grace and the rnp tonight with a studio projects c1. the grace is way clean and uncolored. it is the sound of the sound. it pairs quite nicely with the studio projects c1.

the fmr rnp on the other hand has a color to it. it's more of the current sound of pop radio.

i'm not going to put one above the other. they have different vibes.
 
ozraves said:
the fmr rnp on the other hand has a color to it. it's more of the current sound of pop radio.
Click to expand...

Do you mean it has sort of jacked-up high end kinda' glossy thing going on?
 
chessrock said:
Do you mean it has sort of jacked-up high end kinda' glossy thing going on?
Click to expand...

not so much the jacked up high but there is that "sheen."

it kind of two-dimensional in filling the space.
 
ozraves:

Do you think you can do a short recording test on the 2? I have been wanting to hear Grace for awhile, but no one seems to have it or done a test with it.
As a mackie&meek pre owner, both rnp and grace look very appealing. Mackie is really got that metallic sound which I don't desire...:(

AL
 
Wow, a lot of information here. Thanks for all the knowledgable comments! A lot to think about.

I need to do some listening, so thanks for the reference above. And if anyone wants to do some comparisons here, I'd love to listen to them.

Fab
 
A1A2 said:
ozraves:

Do you think you can do a short recording test on the 2? I have been wanting to hear Grace for awhile, but no one seems to have it or done a test with it.
As a mackie&meek pre owner, both rnp and grace look very appealing. Mackie is really got that metallic sound which I don't desire...:(

AL
Click to expand...

I'm loaning my FMR RNP to Dan Richards for the Listening Sessions. It's going out the door tomorrow. If I have time to do a sample, then I will. But, otherwise, Dan will have samples of both on his next go around.

Steve
Mojo Pie
 
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