VTB-1 vs VX2000/2496 (Preamps only)

[chrisma]

It's down to one of these two pres. Has anyone compared these side by side.
I'll be using SP C1 into a Roland SI-24. I'm leaning towards the VX2496 simply because I can use the digital out right into the digital on the SI-24. This is strictly for vocal work only.

 

[rokko]

I've used the VTB-1 and a coulple of behringer pre-amps (MIC2200/T1953). IMHO they're not that different. The VTB-1 is cheaply built (and looks pretty awful too) but with a reasonable sonic performance (low noise, lots of headroom, variable tube (ok you know this is not serious stuff), good as di-box to (thanx to it's lo-z input). Frankly i recently traded it for a relatively old Aphex 107.
Behringers are decent too. Consider they both -Studio Projects and Behringer- use NJR4580 opamps at the heart of their designs, so it's no surprising they're close sounding units. Behringer units are much better built though.
Let me recommend you a Joe Meek unit instead. A second hand VC3q or MC3q for example. These units really stand out of the crowd IMO for almost the same price (and you get an opto-compressor and basic eq).

Regards.

 

[chrisma]

Thanks for the feedback. I was able to nab a VTB-1 for $79 so I got it. I figured it would match up with the C1 better since it's made by the same company. I just need some smooth full vocals for 2 major projects I'm working on. So hopefully this will get me the sound I need and then I can invest some of my earnings into a hi-end pre but keep the VTB-1 as a DI.

Thanks again.

 

[chrisma]

Oh yeah...I also bought a emu 1212M just for the ProTools Digi 192 AD/DA convertors. The specs this card are unbelievable for the price. My path should be really clean.

Input Path:
C1 -> VTB-1 -> 1212M Analog-In to SPdif Out -> Roland SI-24 Spdif In -> SONAR 4 PE

Output Path
SONAR 4 PE -> Roland SI-24 Spdif Out -> 1212M Spdif In to Analog-Out -> Behringer Truth 2031a Monitors

Should be good.