Upgrading....(Need help)

[Norm Mix]

I want to achieve a noticeably better vocal sound.

I have Mackie 1604 VLZ PRO.....for preamp
Mics.... AT 4040......Rode NT2
Using Cuebase SX

Question:
Should I upgrade the mixer? Maybe to the Mackie ONYX 1640....Or other?
Should I upgrade the Mic?.......Neuman...or Other?
Keep everything and buy a separate preamp?......
M-Audio DMP3....RNP Or Other?
All suggestions are welcome... Thanks!

 

[noisedude]

Do you feel those mics are well suited to your voice? If so, then I'd look at the preamp first. Don't bother with a mixer - you don't need all the channels by the sound of it. Get a channel strip such as M-Audio Tampa or, if you can spring it, something more expensive like the Focusrite Voicemaster Pro, JoeMeek twinQ or one of those around that price range.

If you're not convinced with your mics ... it's time to start auditioning some new ones!

 

[Warhead]

The Safe Sound Audio P1 is well suited to vocal work and has a compressor on board that is extremely well suited for tracking vocals. The limiter is very unique as well in its operation. But hey I'm biased!

I'd consider trying out some other mics as well...? Can you post some clips of your vocal recordings?

War

 

[Norm Mix]

Thanks Guys!........My vocal sound is kinda like (Don Henley) (Rod Stewart)
(Eddie Money).....Airy, rustic, husky sound..........
Do you think the Mics are OK?.......
What would be the best bang for the buck Mic pre?

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Norm caught in the Storm:

Opinion: Best bang for $$in a mic pre is the Grace 101. Great for vocals and instruments. Delivers a good signal and quality sound. Should run less than 500 pezzutos and that's down from about 1k back a few months.

Drawbacks on the 101: has only one XLR mic input; has one XLR balanced out and one 1/4 inch balanced out. Also, has HZ input on the front.

Happy Spring,
Green Hornet

 

[noisedude]

My favourite part of the Hornet's posts is his salutations. The number of spin-offs of "Yo Dude of Noise" he's come up with are just ... endless.

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Duty Dude of large Laphroigs with no ice:

Wish you lived closer so we could hit a pub for a few cold ones.

Enjoy reading your expertise and info.

Is there really a pub in the Tower of London?



Green Hornet

 

[noisedude]

Yo Hornet of a Viridian Shade:

I don't really have any genuine expertise - except on the practical subject of a few cold ones!

Dunno about a pub up there ... we could try get arrested and see what happens. Next time you fancy a visit to see the Queen, let me know and we'll hook up. London's not exactly near me ... but you could argue that in a miniature country like mine everything's pretty close!

The Noisey Dude