What first, Mic or PreAmp?

[rustyfingers]

I had planned on gettin' a bunch of new gear after CHRISTmas but a bunch of unexpected expences (dental, cars, termites) prevent me from doing what I wanted so...

I currently have a Behringer mixer, an AudioBuddy, two 603s, PG57 and a Behringer B1. I can afford either a new mic or a new preamp but not both right now.

Possible Pres:
vtb-1
RNP

Mics
Sp C1
SP B3
Marshall v67

Which first Pre or Mic (vocal)

Thanks
Dennis

 

[kid klash]

I'de suggest another mic, since you've got the preamps in your mixer and you've got an Audio Buddy. Regarding which of the three mics (for vocals) that you mention, it depends on the vocalist. If you want a bit of boost on the top, try the C1. If you want a smoother response with more patterns, go for the B3. If you like the smoother response and don't need multiple patterns, buy two B1s for the price of the B3. Sorry, I'm not a Marshall LD mic fan.

 

[knownuttin]

The Behringer mixer is the weakest link. Goodbye! The RNP is the finest piece of gear on your wish list. Buy it and smile.
-kent

 

[tdukex]

What I would do

Sell both Behringers and get the RNP. Keep the Audiobuddy if you can, but if you have to sell it to get the RNP, sell it too.

Then build your mic collection.

 

[maskedman72]

sell as much stuff as you can to get the best pre you can. e-bay is a gift from god to me when i want to make money for new gear.

 

[chessrock]

For the love of all that is good and holy, ditch that B1 and get yourself a better Large-diaphragm condenser before you do anything else.

 

[kid klash]

In my earlier post, I referred to C1's, B1's and B3's. These are the Studio Projects mics, not Behringer mics. Frankly speaking, I think you'll notice a bigger (better sounding) change by buying a Studio Projects mic and using it with your existing Audio Buddy than you would by running your existing Behringer B1 mic through a new RNP. But it's up to you. Best of luck.

 

[chessrock]

I think you'll notice a bigger (better sounding) change by buying a Studio Projects mic and using it with your existing Audio Buddy than you would by running your existing Behringer B1 mic through a new RNP.

Exactly. Garbage in -- Garbage out.

 

[Robert D]

I say ditch the termites and replace them with Beatles. You'll be much better off, especially if you have any norwegian wood in your house.
As a general rule, which violates the first rule in recording, which is that there are no rules......but I digress........I tend to think that getting a better mic gets a little more milage than getting a better pre, givin that you have a decent pre now. If all you had was the Behringer pre's, it'd be different, but with the Audio Buddy, I'd get a new mic first, then a really nice pre (hey, that could be a product name). As for ditching the Behringer, not a bad idea, except I'm guessing you're using it for more than a preamp, and would need to relace it with another mixer, which wouldn't do anything for your cash flow situation.
another 2 sense, RD

 

[tdukex]

The problem with the "buy a mic first theory" is that for a lot of people saving up $500 for a quality mic pre is not an easy thing to do. So I believe if it is hard for you to save this kind of money (but you are actually close to it) this may be your only chance for a couple of years to get a truly fantastic dual pre. IMO it's much easier to then start saving again for a $80 - $200 mic.

If saving in the future for an RNP (or something equal) presents no financial problem, then I also would buy a better mic first.

 

[Freudian Slip]

I'd go for a mic. Maybe the C1 or an AT3035.


Later

F.S.

 

[ozraves]

I'd go for a mic. Maybe the C1 or an AT3035.


Later

F.S.

good advice.

i think that a behringer mixer and an audio buddy are good enough for most people. either the at3035 or the c1 should pair well with the behringer mixer or audio buddy. i know firsthand that the c1 pairs well with the audio buddy.

steve
www.mojopie.com