vocal preamp upgrade

  • Thread starter Thread starter jaz49
  • Start date Start date
J

jaz49

New member
I'm looking to upgrade my Aphex 107 to something noticeably better, but for under $400....for vocals only. Is that possible? I did a shootout last night between the 107 and the pres in my emu 0404 usb interface, and I was a little surprised that there was barely any improvement with the Aphex. And when I tried my vtb-1, I found that I liked it least of all...even less than the interface pre! I can buy a used RNP for under $400 and an ART MPA and upgrade the tubes...under $350. Any other suggestions under $400. someone recommended the dbx 286a, but I'm wondering if it would be much of an upgrade over the Aphex.
 
I'm considering a used Grace 101 at the moment. It's more money than the ART for sure, but may be a big step up. Don't know the line 6. I'll check into it. Thanks
 
jaz49 said:
I'm considering a used Grace 101 at the moment. It's more money than the ART for sure, but may be a big step up. Don't know the line 6. I'll check into it. Thanks
Click to expand...

It is tough to "UPGRADE" at that budget with what you have; you may only be "SIDEgrading" instead.

Here is a great deal on a single chan mic pre: JM-130.
This is not my auction, but I do own the 2 Chan Version which cost me more than double the price of this single version. I know this is a bit over your budget, but this is a pre you will never sell... "at least not under your own will!" ;)
 
jaz49 said:
I'm looking to upgrade my Aphex 107 to something noticeably better, but for under $400....for vocals only. Is that possible? I did a shootout last night between the 107 and the pres in my emu 0404 usb interface, and I was a little surprised that there was barely any improvement with the Aphex. And when I tried my vtb-1, I found that I liked it least of all...even less than the interface pre! I can buy a used RNP for under $400 and an ART MPA and upgrade the tubes...under $350. Any other suggestions under $400. someone recommended the dbx 286a, but I'm wondering if it would be much of an upgrade over the Aphex.
Click to expand...

An RNP would be a big improvement over the Aphex.
 
The Grace would be good preamp. Note that it is only a single channel as opposed to the RNP with 2 channels if that is significant to you. The Grace is a very clean pre. What are you recording?
 
pohaku said:
The Grace would be good preamp. Note that it is only a single channel as opposed to the RNP with 2 channels if that is significant to you. The Grace is a very clean pre. What are you recording?
Click to expand...

I only need one channel for tracking vocals only. A used grace 101 usually goes for around $400. FWIR, it's better than the RNP, which has got some stellar write ups. I would think either would be a step up from the Aphex, especially the Grace. The only problem with the ART pres is the noise when you crank up the gain. I would replace the stock tubes, though. The ART MPA's with upgraded tubes get a lot of love over at the Gearslutz forums. The JM-130 is way over my budget, unfortunately because my van needs major repairs, and I need wheels more than I need a high end preamp.
 
jaz49 said:
I only need one channel for tracking vocals only. A used grace 101 usually goes for around $400. FWIR, it's better than the RNP, which has got some stellar write ups. I would think either would be a step up from the Aphex, especially the Grace. The only problem with the ART pres is the noise when you crank up the gain. I would replace the stock tubes, though. The ART MPA's with upgraded tubes get a lot of love over at the Gearslutz forums. The JM-130 is way over my budget, unfortunately because my van needs major repairs, and I need wheels more than I need a high end preamp.
Click to expand...

I throw another vote for the Grace then. :D
 
You can also get a True P-Solo for $500--haven't heard it personnaly but the reviews are pretty strong.
 
I don't know much about the True, but FWIR, the Grace m101 is the best of the single channel pres in the $500 range. Both however, are outside of my budget. I've really got to check out that GoldenAge pre though. I think it's like $350 new.
 
If your budget is $400 but the Grace is $500, do yourself a favor and save up until you can get the Grace.
 
Buy cheap and you will buy often. Spend $ on quality and you won't have to "upgrade"
 
People who've been doing this a lot more years than I have tell me that I will notice a much bigger improvement by upgrading my mic than I will by upgrading the pre. I think I may take that route and try a better mic with the pres I now have. If I'm still not getting the sound I want, then the preamp will be next. So, my AT3035 I think, will be the first thing to look to upgrade. Then maybe a second hand MPA and upgrade the tubes. I've heard amazing tracks recorded with those. A couple of talented AE's, who's ears I tend to trust, use these 'cheap' pres with great results. I'm definitely not anywhere close to being able to spend $500 on just a pre right now... probably not anytime soon. I think I'll get some noticeable improvement just by getting a mic that suits my voice better....after that I might consider the MPA...or maybe the GAP pre73..
 
What mics do you have now other than the AT3035?
 
Last edited:
I like the sound of the Heil PR35 a lot....a little 'sweeter' sounding than the AT3035, but it's essy as hell on my voice. I tried some cheaper dynamics but they are not as good as the Heil. I once had an Oktava 219 that was very nice, but my friend ruined it by trying to mod it for me. I may try a 319, unmodded, or a Hamburg. I tend to be a pretty sibilant singer, so I need something that's not boosted or hyped on top.
 
so you find the Heil more sibilant than the Oktava? Interesting. I have a modded MK319 and I fond it A BIT sibilant,(even pre-mod) but my fave vocal mic right now is an old EV RE-16. It does not have that pro studio look, it's a hand held dynamic but it sounds great and it is alot less sibilant than any LDC I've heard including my MK319.
 
Rust E-Z said:
so you find the Heil more sibilant than the Oktava? Interesting. I have a modded MK319 and I fond it A BIT sibilant,(even pre-mod) but my fave vocal mic right now is an old EV RE-16. It does not have that pro studio look, it's a hand held dynamic but it sounds great and it is alot less sibilant than any LDC I've heard including my MK319.
Click to expand...

I guess that just proves the old saying YMMV. I'm surprised you got sibilance with the mk319. I found the mk219 to be one of the least sibilant mics I've tried. The PR35 is a lot more so. Interesting you like the RE-16. I had an old RE10...same element...and it was O.K....definitely nothing special on my voice...not sibilant, but the Heil sounds better to my ears. It's possible my old RE10 was just past it's prime though...maybe one in better condition would yield better results.
 
jaz49 said:
I like the sound of the Heil PR35 a lot....a little 'sweeter' sounding than the AT3035, but it's essy as hell on my voice. I tried some cheaper dynamics but they are not as good as the Heil. I once had an Oktava 219 that was very nice, but my friend ruined it by trying to mod it for me. I may try a 319, unmodded, or a Hamburg. I tend to be a pretty sibilant singer, so I need something that's not boosted or hyped on top.
Click to expand...

Telefunken M80? Less esssy, read some good things. Looks blingy, too!
 
mamm7215 said:
Telefunken M80? Less esssy, read some good things. Looks blingy, too!
Click to expand...

The Telefunken M-80 is a very nice mic. I don't find it esssy, but I'm not a particularly esssy singer.

The RE-10 is an RE-15 that didn't meet EV's specs. The RE-11 is an RE-16 that didn't meet EV's specs. Not bad mics (I have 2 RE-10s), but they won't necessarily sound like an RE-15 or RE-16 (since they didn't meet spec). As a result, I wouldn't necessarily judge the sound of an RE-16 by the sound of an RE-10.

The SM7 is another mic to consider.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top