Which Mic Pre?!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Velvet Elvis
  • Start date Start date
Velvet Elvis

Velvet Elvis

Ahh humma humma humma
I'm trying to figure out which mic pre I should look into getting. I'd like to spend no more than $500 on it (I know that's slim). I have three fairly decent large diaphram condensors (4033, and two Audix 101's), and am recording through a Mackie 24X8 onto ADAT.

I've looked around at some of the following:

Focusrite
Joe Meek
DBX
Presonus

Any help on making a decision would be great. I am looking for one that is fairly warm sounding, but am well aware that tube does NOT mean warmth in all cases.
 
Besides those you mentioned, I'd also put Bellari and the upper-level ART stuff in there.

Here's a good site to check out, just scroll down to Mic Preamps:
http://www.fullcompass.com/lit/s_signl.htm

There's also a bunch of stuff on this site already about mic pres, so do a search. Also do a deja-news search on mic pres in the rec.audio heirarchy.

After looking at what was out there for a few weeks, I got an ART Tube Pac for about $200 and I'm pretty happy with it. But if I had $500 to spend, I would have gone with one of the better ART units like the Pro VP (or whatever they call it).

Bellari and Joe Meek seem to have a colored "signature" sound, so it will depend on how you like that coloration. I like the "Q" series of stuff from Joe Meek because I'd rather have some control over EQ instead of an enhancer circuit.

Also, check eBay for used stuff.

Good luck.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by CharlesThomas:



Bellari and Joe Meek seem to have a colored "signature" sound, so it will depend on how you like that coloration. I like the "Q" series of stuff from Joe Meek because I'd rather have some control over EQ instead of an enhancer circuit.

Also, check eBay for used stuff.

Good luck.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


"colored sound is what they're calling the Bellari? and I thought it was just noise! Hahaha
I looked at the Bellari stuff when it first came on the market-and I just didn't see that it was worth it; The Joe Meek products on the other hand I liked.

If given the choice in the under $500 range-I'd take a serious look at the DBX unit.
Just my Opinion. :)

Tim
 
I use my AT 4033 and Shure SM57 with my JoeMeek VC6Q. It really warms up the sound a lot. I also use it a lot for tracking bass, keyboards, guitars, etc. Anything that needs that warmer sound.
 
Forgot to mention that it probably helps vocals the most. BIG difference in the sound (helps you get away from that sterile digital sound). Some people complain that it colors the sound too much. To me it does color it, but in a very beneficial way.
 
I'm in the same situation as you, Elvis.

These are the finalists of all my research:

Mindprint Envoice
DBX 386
Joe Meek VC6Q (or the VC1)
Presonus VXP
Art Pro Channel

The most important factors to me are:

1: Low Noise
2: Warm Sound
3: Compressor built-in
4: EQ
5: 24bit/96 Khz
6: Digital "outs"

So far, the Mindprint is at the top of the heap... since it has everything I want.
But, I still haven't heard one with my own ears. It's supposed to be a really fine unit. It gets some major accolades from some of the members of this BBS.
The sale price is $549.00 right now at Guitar Satan... I've already talked them down to $499.00. It seems like a great deal to me. :)
 
I looked at the Mindprint unit last night on their site. Looks very nice. Do you have a web address for Guitar Satan? Every post I say about the Mindprint indicated that it was going to be around $700.

The Presonus is the only one with a De-Esser on it. Is that not such a big deal anymore?

I'm torn between the Mindprint and the Presonus. For some reason I just have a bad taste from past use of ART products, although I have admittedly never heard one of their mic pre's. The Joe Meek and the DBX look like nice units, but not nearly as full featured as the Mindprint and especially the Presonus.
 
Well, actually I meant Guitar Center.
"Guitar Satan" is what we call them around here. :D
I believe you can get them at... www.guitarcenter.com
or better yet, try thier sister company... www.musiciansfriend.com

Musicians Friend has a much better website and more products to view than Guitar Satan's site... er, I mean Guitar Center.
Your best bet is to go one of those stores and try to talk them down in price.
Like I said, I got 'em down to $499.00.
Good Luck! :)
 
Buck,

I actually figured it out :) I'm just a little slow these days... Anyhow, unfortunately we don't have any Guitar Center's in Iowa. Any other suggestions? According to what I've seen on the web, the best prices I can find are around $549 or so.

Elvis
 
I think the ARTS are the best value (budget).
Though I like the options on the DBXs.

DBX386 has Dig I/O which would seem cool for mixdown as well as two mic pre's.

Is the 'Meek VC6Q the British Channel?? It looks cool and has that 1/4" on the front(gotta love the green!!!)

Anyway, just my thoughts..
 
I would try calling Musicians Friend and try to work a deal out over the phone.
The best way to do this is to ask the salesperson his/her first name and to lie to them... telling them that in the near future you are going to be purchasing a LARGE amount of equipment for your studio. Make sure to keep calling them by thier first name and continue to schmooze them on how helpful they are.
Usually, they'll give you a great deal, because they think they're gonna sell half the store to ya down the road.
If they don't budge, just keep hunting around the web until you get it for under $500 bucks. It'll happen if you're persistant. ;)
Good Luck...

.........Buck (King of the Schmoozers)
 
i'd reccomend Focusrite pre amps. they're great. i've used them on so many band's vocalists. go for it.check em out
 
I've been tracking with my DBX 386 and I really like it. High voltage tube circuit, S/Pdif output, 16 to 24 bit. Very cool.
 
Drstawl's got a serious affection for his dbx 386 too. People with better ears than mine say it sounds nowhere near as good as the dbx 786, but I listened to both of them on the 3D Audio Preamp CD comparison, and I don't think there's $2000 worth of difference in the sound. :) Not that anybody on this page has got the clobber for a dbx 786 - who am I kidding?

Question: What's the advantage of digital I/O when mixing? Or for that matter, what's the advantage of digital I/O at all? What do you use 'em for?
 
You extracted my emotional response to this preamp most accurately, Dobro. I love CLEAN.
You'd never surmise this from my studio, but that's another story...
I love the digital output because I can chain to another component without a generational loss in two (count 'em, two) great formats; AES/EBU and S/PDIF coaxial. But beyond this amazing transfer technology there is a great analog output section that works simultaneously to the digital output but with separate metering and gain controls!
So's I can set up the digital circuit to record to GINA and the analog circuit to use as a monitoring mix to a headphone amp.
The 1/4" unbalanced ins on the front are the way I imported the synth sounds for my latest work. Check mp3 forum for details.
 
I was doing some acoustic guitar ( Martin D-41) stereo mic'ed direct to DAT thru the 386 S/Pdif out. It would make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Damn, I love this thing.
 
I own the Mindprint Envoice.
I am very impressed with the transparency and quietness of the unit. I can even track with just the pre and use the eq, tube and compressor after. Even add as much tube as I want. It takes mic, line and instrument in. It's built in Germany with great prescision. I've used ART, Bellari, and Digitech and now the Envoice. (with a VS1680)
I was interested in the 386 but DBX took a millenium to get it here. Or maybe it's the local stores. Hey I'd love a D.W.Fearn but they are $3500.00 U.S. The Mindprint cost me $950.00 in Canada. That's why I thought about $700.00 U.S. Could be cheaper.

[This message has been edited by Ears (edited 07-02-2000).]
 
Does anyone have anything bad to say about the Presonus VXP? I have found it SHIPPED for $469, which seems like a killer deal to me. I read a couple of reviews on the mindprint and they both said it was excellent, but a little on the thin side.

Elvis
 
The Presonus MP-20 is amazingly transparent. I think all their gear is super and clean. If you're looking for a tube sound, though, they wouldn't be the one.
 
Hey V Elvis.....

Can you let me know where these reviews of the Mindprint are?

Curious why they would say that.

I find that it has as much fat as you want to give it. It would be an interesting read if you can let me know.
I advise you to try one out. With me it's clarity and transparency. I actually would like a Bellari or DBX 386 if I could have a second unit. I had to settle on the most versatile. That was the Mindprint Envoice.
You can't let a review make your descision.
I read a review last year on the Presonus unit that said it was real thin an had no balls. Obviously Saxman doesn't think so. I advise you to try them all out.
I'm sure the Presonus is a good unit too.

[This message has been edited by Ears (edited 07-05-2000).]
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top