Where do I go from here (equipment purgatory content)?

[doctorrockit]

I'm trying not to be any equipment pig, but I have learned enough about preamps that I'm concerned about the quality of my equipment. In particular, I'm using the preamps from my FireWire 410 with my fair-to-middlin' grade microphones-only on my voice-with good results. I have a background in voice and radio. Please don't tell me to buy an SM7, it's inappropriate. Typical $250 condenser mics are what I've been using, I'd like better but I'm not ready to spend huge bucks. Let's call the situation "medium bucks". I have an nt1-a, a Studio Projects C1, and an MXL V69. The preamp situation has me baffled. What's worth using between what I have and a 1073?

 

[MrWrenchey]

I'm trying not to be any equipment pig, but I have learned enough about preamps that I'm concerned about the quality of my equipment. In particular, I'm using the preamps from my FireWire 410 with my fair-to-middlin' grade microphones-only on my voice-with good results. I have a background in voice and radio. Please don't tell me to buy an SM7, it's inappropriate. Typical $250 condenser mics are what I've been using, I'd like better but I'm not ready to spend huge bucks. Let's call the situation "medium bucks". I have an nt1-a, a Studio Projects C1, and an MXL V69. The preamp situation has me baffled. What's worth using between what I have and a 1073?

I LOVE the Universal Audio twin-finity preamps. They're god's gift to anything musical. I think they're about $800... I don't know what defines "medium-bucks," especially when we're talking preamps.

 

[Justsomeguy]

I don't know how much the £ to $ conversion rate is, but i love the Focusrite ISA preamps and the ISA One is about £399 new this side of the pond. Really clean, really classy sounding pre.

Although i've not tried it the FMR RNP gets good reviews and is about the same price as the ISA One, but it is also two channels rather than just one.

If you want something with a definite vibe the GAP Pre-73 and Warm Audio WA12 are both cool and, again, around the same price (£350 - £400)

 

[ecc83]

The Audient Mico is well liked and has the almost unique feature of excellent converters and S/PDIF output so you gain an extra two mic channels.

If you are not looking for preamps with "attitude" there is now a good deal of thought prevailing that there is little to chose between them.

Dave.

 

[doctorrockit]

Hey, I'd like to thank everyone for their input. I looked up the preamps that you suggested.

First of all, MrWrenchey, I also love the universal audio Twin-Finity. Unfortunately, its price is what I call "slightly beyond medium bucks." Unless I find a fleesable client, I'm going to spend a little less this time. But, I'm writing this one down. Thanks.

The Focusrite ISA is my preference if it performs like everyone has said. But at the FMR RNP looks more practical. I'm really fond of the idea of having two channels. Which brings us to the Audient Mico. I'm really curious how "vintage" the Vintage Vibe channel sounds.

It looks like I got my work cut out for me. Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[miroslav]

I'm trying not to be any equipment pig....

Very poor attitude......you can never have enough audio gear.
We are not "pigs"...the term is "gear slut".

What's worth using between what I have and a 1073?

So like....what is your intended application(s)?
You mention having a background in voice and radio....but is that what the primary use will be?
Hard to recommend something without knowing what your goals are.