Syncing Preamps

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soulfulvirtuoso

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Is it necessary to sync 2 or more preamps if you want to use them simultaneously?

I was thinking of getting 3 DMP3's for drum recording, but then they don't have wordclock with them.

It's probably better to get a multichannel preamp, isn't it?
 
Clocking/TimeCode are digital issues. I just looked at a DMP3 (didn't know what it was) they seem to be straight ahead analog pre-amps. Analog gear does not require sync. I do have one question though, where does your signal chain go from here?

It's not "better" to get a multi-channel pre-amp. The factors to consider however are: # of inputs/price/quality. There are some cheap analog mulit-channel pre-amp boxes out there, but the quality follows the price. It just depends what your priorities are.

I have a Behringer ADA8000, and while there are definetly much better quality pre's on the market, I couldn't pass up all that for less than $200.
 
RAK said:
Clocking/TimeCode are digital issues. I just looked at a DMP3 (didn't know what it was) they seem to be straight ahead analog pre-amps. Analog gear does not require sync. I do have one question though, where does your signal chain go from here?

It's not "better" to get a multi-channel pre-amp. The factors to consider however are: # of inputs/price/quality. There are some cheap analog mulit-channel pre-amp boxes out there, but the quality follows the price. It just depends what your priorities are.

I have a Behringer ADA8000, and while there are definetly much better quality pre's on the market, I couldn't pass up all that for less than $200.
Click to expand...

I see. I'm actually thinking of putting it through a Delta1010. The ADA800 comes to my mind as well. But i'm just not too sure if it'll work with the Delta1010 since i'm not really familiar with how the signal works at the lineouts.

I'm also taking this http://www.music123.com/SM-Pro-Audio-PR-8-Eight-Channel-Mic-Pre-Amp-i82426.music into option. I mean for $99, it sure is a deal! But then again quality is of compromise as well.
 
The ADA8000 routing goes like this: Analog Input directly to ADAT (digital) Output. ADAT Output directly to Analog Output. So unless the Delta1010 has ADAT Input, it probably won't be your best option. Theoretically you can use an ADAT cable to route the ADAT Out to the ADAT in, but then you're going through through an A/D/A conversion before you even get to the Delta.

I've never actually used the SM box. I think Nady also makes an inexpensive mulit-channel pre. My guess would be these boxes are on the lower end of the spectrum in terms of quality, but again, I've never heard them.

My advice (take it or leave it), is to focus on musicianship, not technology. If you have great players, you don't really need amazing pre's (or even mics), it will come through. On the other hand, you don't want a bunch of noise cluttering up some great playing. And you don't want to be struggling with not being able to get enough gain from a pre.

That said, buying a series of single or dual channel pre's can get expensive, depending on how many inputs you want to end up with.

Ever looked at the Focusrite OctoPre LE? It seems to sell for $599 from Sweetwater. That would only be $120 more than getting three DMP3s.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/OctoPreLE/
 
RAK said:
The ADA8000 routing goes like this: Analog Input directly to ADAT (digital) Output. ADAT Output directly to Analog Output. So unless the Delta1010 has ADAT Input, it probably won't be your best option. Theoretically you can use an ADAT cable to route the ADAT Out to the ADAT in, but then you're going through through an A/D/A conversion before you even get to the Delta.

I've never actually used the SM box. I think Nady also makes an inexpensive mulit-channel pre. My guess would be these boxes are on the lower end of the spectrum in terms of quality, but again, I've never heard them.

My advice (take it or leave it), is to focus on musicianship, not technology. If you have great players, you don't really need amazing pre's (or even mics), it will come through. On the other hand, you don't want a bunch of noise cluttering up some great playing. And you don't want to be struggling with not being able to get enough gain from a pre.

That said, buying a series of single or dual channel pre's can get expensive, depending on how many inputs you want to end up with.

Ever looked at the Focusrite OctoPre LE? It seems to sell for $599 from Sweetwater. That would only be $120 more than getting three DMP3s.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/OctoPreLE/
Click to expand...

Yeah, i use Octopre whenever i record projects in one of the sudios in my college. :) And yeah they're awesome! But i'm also a home recording enthusiast as well and for that i'm to sorting things out according to my budget (as student).hehe :p

But anyway, you're insights are really helpful. Thanks alot man.

Case closed i guess. :)
 
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