Tascam NEO2488 - Any reason to buy a pre-amp? And an EFX Question

[JonahPavesco]

I have a NEO2488 and it already has 48V phantom power, so my condensors work fine. But would a quality (I realize this is subjective) pre-amp noticeably do anything for the sound quality of vocals, instruments, anything recorded with the mics I'm already using (AKG Perception 200 and 170)? Is there any reason to spend $500-1000 on a pre-amp for a mixer that comes loaded with phantom power already? I've tried reading about pre-amps in order to understand their full spectrum of potential, but I haven't found anything conclusive regarding the combination of a quality pre-amp with a mixer w/phantom power. Or would the money be better invested in superior mics?

Regarding the effects, I realize I can bounce a track w/the single effect in order to free up the effect for other tracks and all that. But I'm also not all THAT satisfied with the kinds of effects the NEO offers. They're not bad or too few, I would just like more variety and a higher quality of effects. My Roland VS1680 had a MUCH better chorus effect. I just want something that will provide quality effects, so any recommendations? I'm mostly interested in vocal effects (different kinds of chorus, reverb, etc.) I have a budget, but I'd like to hear about all possibilities.

 

[bassbrad]

The Tascam preamps are fine for most recording but i do prefer to use a tube mic pre for vocals, even my budget choices show some improvement. For quite a while I have been using an ART TPS II dual mic pre which has some nice preset starting points. I will soon be using a DBX Pro Vocal Processor that offers more possibilities with mic, preamp modelling, EQ comp, de-esser, expander and effects like delay and reverb.

 

[Ephi82]

The pre amps in the 2488 are rudimntary. You can make a giant leap ahead by invsting as little as $400 on a two channel FMR RNP pre amp. Here's the deal though. It sounds like you are just getting started, so I would spend time tracking and mixing and getting all you can out of what equipment you have. So much of the QUALITY of a recording comes from the performance, the players and the mixing of the sounds. It's not the equipment!

That being said, and if you have money to burn.........If you are happy with a single channel, the Great River MENV-1 is simply stunning (about $1,000)