whats a good preamp?

[wilkins978]

im looking for a preamp for a reasonable pricwe around 500 the most ill spend
what could i get that sounds good and clear and it would bring smoothness to the vocal was lookin into digimax d8 because of the xmax preamps would like to know more on that or what ever is good please help me oput thanks

 

[bouldersoundguy]

Grace: silky.

But that's just one of many.

 

[Gizzmo0815]

There's a search function built into this forum. I would recommend using that to find the answer to this question. It's been asked a LOT. It's also a very subjective question, so you won't ever get an answer that is a "definite". The absolute best answer to this question is...go try out several in your price range and see which one you like the best.

Also go to www.gearslutz.com and look in the "low end theory" forum. You'll find a whole lot of options.

And just because I'm a super guy...here's some choices:

- Golden Age Pre 73
- Art PRO MPA II
- FMR "Really Nice Preamp"
- True P-Solo
- Black Lion Auteur

 

[moresound]

A preamp is a preamp.
Like what Gizzmo stated there are many to choose from and twice as many will be suggested.
What you should be looking for used cause new will be out of your price range is a good preamp that has all the bells and whistles on it....something like the chameleon lab 7602 mk11, this unit sounds real good (neve1073 clone) and as a bonus feature you have a selectable 3 band EQ.
This preamp can be had new if you save just a few hundred dollars more than your cap of $500. and will be worth the wait, and can be modified in the future if you so desired.

 

[Monkey Allen]

There's a thread at gearslutz where some fella offers up a blind shootout...cheap Art Tube Pre vs some expensive one (Can't recall what it was)...anyway...most people in the poll voted for the cheap one. It was pretty funny.

So...don't always believe the hype.

I dunno what kind of quality control/ control conditions were used for the shootout...they might be off.

Anyway...the point is...I don't know if there is a point

 

[wilkins978]

well thanks guys ive been hearing the octo pre mkii by focusrite sounds good and i was wondering if the tascam dm 3200 had good preamps how would it sound recording vocals?

 

[Monkey Allen]

For vocals? It'll make your voice sound like Frank Sinatra. Just joking. I don't know anything.

 

[JIMBOdrummer]

simple is good

below is a link to a good one. its a Presonus tube. warm sound but wont manipulate ure frequencies , and it provides phantom power

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/PreSonus-TubePre-Microphone-Preamp?sku=184125

 

[jdier]

Good Preamp? FMR RNP
Great Preamp? Great River

For the full smooth character you are describing (when coupled with the right mic) the Great River is pretty tough to beat.

 

[Chibi Nappa]

Good Preamp? FMR RNP
Great Preamp? Great River

For the full smooth character you are describing (when coupled with the right mic) the Great River is pretty tough to beat.

I had a Great River me-1nv. I lost it when moving. DAMN IT!

Yes, those things are beautiful.
Yes, it hurts knowing I will never have the $$$ to buy another.

 

[wilkins978]

thanks guys but does any one own or know anything about focusrite octopre's
how would it sound with a m-audio sputnik mic? or is there anything else out there
thats affordable like around 500$ u guys been great i just need something around 500
not so expensive

 

[jd_z7t8]

Don't forget that mastering is important

 

[lastdays]

Don't forget that mastering is important

ok.

Remember that the microphone brings the lion's share of the tone, your technique brings more and down there somewhere is the preamp... What preamp can I buy that will turn me into an audio engineer? Can I buy that for under $1k?

Incidentally, here is a nifty little guide:
http://www.sweetwater.com/shop/studio/preamps/buying-guide.php

 

[RAMI]

Don't forget that mastering is important

Huh??????????

 

[moresound]

Went over the top of my head too RAMI.