Rode NTK > Which Preamp ?

[Warda]

Hi Guys,

Apologies if I repeat a many heard question.
I am currently recording my vocals through the Rode NTK and a dBx 376
channel strip with tube.

Altough I think the 376's converters are really good, I wonder if I cannot get better vox quality if I go for a shorter signal chain and use a solid state high quality preamp and use different seperate convertors.

So I consider a high end Mic Preamp, much better then the dbx 376, without the compressor + EQ, probably solid state (I can always choose for the dBx's tube sound when wanted)

Any suggestions ?
And what about tracking your vocals without compressor/limiter before the convertors ?

Budgetwise I am prepared until I can make the investment in a really good (dual ?) mic preamp that will make a good combo with my Rode NTK.

Thanks in advance for your help, especially if you have experience with the NTK.

warda

 

[manning1]

really its down to the question of your personal taste on mic preamps.
even somebody using the same mic as yourself there are many variances.
what he is happy using a rode through might not make you happy.
so i'm gonna just throw out some budget and expensive ideas.
one mic pre that a lot of folks dont know about that is affordable is a rane ms1b. on the expensive side some senior engineerrs like the dacs pre.
(an english company). a very interesting site you should check out is DACS.
but very hi end AND expensive products. many reviews by senior engineers.
now at the ridiculously cheap end is the behringer mic100.
for 40 bucks.(no flames please). now ive heard some people are modding these with different tubes etc. but if you dont know what your doing
and dont have electronics experience, for your own safety i wouldnt do this till you get trained in electronics. you can also get kits or clones of vintage preamps. which you have to put together yourself.
an interesting site to peruse is jlmaudio.com. hope i got that right.
just some ideas. maybe demo a bunch of hi and low end pre's and see which takes your fancy.
peace.

 

[Warda]

Ok, thanks so far, I heard a lot of good things about the Grace 101, there are so many models out there. I am looking for a rather transparent preamp, as I can always
go for the coloured dbx sound.

 

[Big Kenny]

Safe Sound P1