SM Pro Audio PR8 8ch Pre

  • Thread starter Thread starter thomas1831
  • Start date Start date
T

thomas1831

New member
I was just wondering if anyone has used these pre amps. I have been told they are like Behringer but not as good as behringer (this coming from someone who hasn't used the unit). They are very cheap ($135cdn) so i am not expecting much. I know that its probably a crappy mic pre but i still would like a bit of feedback.
Thanks for your time

http://www.smproaudio.com/pr8.htm

I got the price from www.savedbytech.com
 
I have one and it's okay. It allows me to record 8 mics at the same time.. The max dynamic range with one of these is between ~70-90dB since they're not as clinically quiet as more pro-audio based high-dollar preamps. The biggest problem with the PR8 is that it only has 40dB gain of head room :rolleyes: . So, if you wanted to close mic a kick drum (I learned the hard way), you would have to keep the gain on 0.75 (12 being fully turned) to keep the preamp from distorting the signal. Anything higher than that for me would cause the preamp to overload because it doesn't have the headroom to handle the Sound Pressure Level coming from the kick drum...@ least that's my understanding. But, I'm VERY happy considering it only costed me ~$90 online somewhere & it let me start recording instantly :).

It gets a very "non-rich/plain-sterile" sound, but the ONLY reason you should buy this is if your on a budget and need 8 channels of preamp w/ switcheable phantom power (works fine)..it's been working for me as advertised.
 
Thanks for the heads up. Sounds like just the thing for me since im just getting my setup together. I am going to use it with my EMU 1820 system. The 1820 preamps are actually quite good so they are going to be used as my main inputs but in the rare instance when i need the extra ins for maybe a full drum kit. the Pr8 seems to be the perfect low cost solution (For Now).
 
i wouldn't recommend the PR8 for micing drums..the pr8 doesn't have much headroom (40dB only)...so for the kick drum mic, you'll need the dial on 0.65/12 so it doesn't overload the preamp.
 
thomas1831 said:
Thanks for the heads up. Sounds like just the thing for me since im just getting my setup together. I am going to use it with my EMU 1820 system. The 1820 preamps are actually quite good so they are going to be used as my main inputs but in the rare instance when i need the extra ins for maybe a full drum kit. the Pr8 seems to be the perfect low cost solution (For Now).
Click to expand...

Dude, if you have the 1820, why aren't you looking at ADAT preamps? The Behringer ADA8000 is a very usable piece.
 
hey i will be using the delta 1010lt and i need to record full drum sets. I dont have a digital mixer however and if the ada8000 uses adat isn't that a digital signal? Could i easily use that preamp with an analog mixer like the
ub-2222 from behringer which i am looking at? Also would that preamp have enough gain to record all pieces on a drum set and does it give a high quality sound that you would need for recording vocals? please help me.
 
Sklathill said:
Dude, if you have the 1820, why aren't you looking at ADAT preamps? The Behringer ADA8000 is a very usable piece.
Click to expand...

Im planing on getting the ADA8000 but until then i really need something so i think the PR8 will do nicley. Plus with both units i will have 16 ins.
ADA8000 $395 CDN
SM Pro Audio PR8 $135CDN
 
Never tried either. All I know is SM Pro is an Australian company, and I've heard they can be very hard to get a hold of if you need to contact them with a problem. (Don't quote me on that - I've read it on other reviews somewhere online). Go to http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837 http://www.harmony-central.com and other online music sites to check out some customer reviews if they have them.
 
thomas1831 said:
"....I have been told they are like Behringer but not as good as behringer...."


Whth a line like this, you should run and hide.


Any pre that is like a behringer, but not as good, is a pre that is broken.
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top