Proper Preamp for my baby SPB1's?

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billisa

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I'm using 2 SPb1's for recording both voiceovers and music. I've been very happy with going direct into my Fostex VF80, but I'm considering the purchase of a 2-channel preamp...

Any thoughts on these would be helpful:

ART TPS Tube
Presonus Blue Tube
Behringer UltraGain T1953

The last issue of HR magazine seemed very impressed with the Behringer. I would like the convenience of 2-channel, and as you can tell, money is a consideration.
 
The Blue Tube is rather weak and dark and flabby. It'll get you a fairly decent recorded sound if you don't have many tracks. No experience with the ART or Behringer. I believe, based on a lot of reading and on experience with the Blue Tube, you would get the best sound out of the Behringer. I have some other Behringer stuff and all of it is OK for the price. You'll get ragged around here for owning Behringer equipment though so tread lightly. :D
 
I think a lot of people will recommend the M-Audio DMP-3. I have the company's Omni mixer thing, which has two preamps that are similar to the DMP-3. I also have the SP B1, and the combination is pretty clean and quiet.

If you want a channel-strip type preamp and are looking for a colored sound, Joemeek is about to introduce a new line, or series of lines, of redesigned preamps that may fit your bill.

Also, some might suggest Studio Projects' VTB-1, which is a one-channel pre. But it's cheap enought ($129 or so) you could get two of them.

Finally, if you have $500, I have heard many recommendations for FMR's RNP (really nice preamp), a two-channel unit you can buy for $475.

Hope this all helps. I had some ART stuff for a time but found it too muddy for my tastes.

Fab
 
I've had pretty good luck matching a pair of SP B1's and a DMP-3. I have a Blue Tube and it's OK, but the DMP-3 is cleaner, I think.
 
I have heard that if you replace the tubes in the Behringer unit it can REALLY help the sound and make it quite usable. I have not really heard too much good about it otherwise.

I would definately consider the VTB-1 and the RNP. The DMP3 could also help considerably.

Those are really the only 3 I would consider in the under 500 price range.
 
Its really to bad Sytek doesn't make a 2 channel version of the MPX 4, at $200 a channel, it would really help me personally.


SoMm
 
Stay away from the Blue Tube at all costs! I know this from experience. Actually, though, it makes a pretty nice Bass DI. I've heard the same thing about the ART tube pres. But don't use the Blue Tube as your primary pre. It's muddy and way too dark. Switching to the DMP-3 was night and day.
 
Ok, I'm going for a DMP3. However, I can't seem to get my local GC guy to go below $199. He says he won't without some documentation from elsewhere that shows it sells for less. Now to be fair, they're taking back and giving me full credit for a Behringer Ultragain 2200 that I bought in February... Still, any way to get paperwork showing a lower price. Thanks for all your help. his board is great.
 
I would offer you my receipt from GC, but it does say "special customer- Boston quote". Somebody fax this guy a receipt. I second the DMP3 as a good dual channel budget choice. Under no circumstances pay more than $150 for it.-Richie
 
Richard Monroe said:
Somebody fax this guy a receipt. I second the DMP3 as a good dual channel budget choice. Under no circumstances pay more than $150 for it.-Richie
Click to expand...

Thanks Richie. My email is: billisa@erols.com Fax: 203-488-7900 If anyone can send a copy of their receipt I'd really appreciate it. I'm out of town for a few days, so attaching a copy to an email would be better. Anyway, thanks.
 
billisa said:
Thanks Richie. My email is: billisa@erols.com Fax: 203-488-7900 If anyone can send a copy of their receipt I'd really appreciate it. I'm out of town for a few days, so attaching a copy to an email would be better. Anyway, thanks.
Click to expand...

My receipt is a little blurry. I tried to take five digital photos but none came out clear enough. I can't fax a copy until I get back to work on Wednesday.

However here are the details from the receipt:
Guitar Center, 733 Center Dr., San Marcos, CA 92069
760-735-8050
Sales Date: 5/23/03
Sales No: 1110511495
Slaes Type: Regular Sale
Customer Name: Tom Duke

M-Audio DMP3 SKU 7626031000 $119.00
Oktava MK012 SKU 4821715000 $ 66.61
Subtotal $185.61
CA Tax 7.750% $ 14.38
Total $199.99

Cashier: 021346
Salesperson: 021346 Ronald Enos

Hope this helps.
 
Cool beans! If a company like GC is going to tell you they'll meet or beat anybody's price, then they have to match their own. They may try to weasel out of this saying they'll beat any "advertised price". Generally, though, for a few measely bucks, they'll just cave.-Richie
 
I'll be away from my PC for a few days, so if anyone sends along a copy of a receipt, just accept my thanks in advance... The guy at GC says he's going to "see what he can do..." on the price. Again, I can't fault them because they are giving a full exchange on a Behringer UltraGain 2200 preamp I bought from them in Feb. It developed this awful hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Not good. But I really liked this one until it went bad.
 
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