Vocal hardware needed

[muzak13]

It's become obvious to me that I need a hardware Vocal signal processor with a digital out to plug into the SPDIF input of my MBox. Needed is a clean preamp, compressor, EQ, anything else would be a bonus. All the things you need to track a good vocal. Primarily I need a good compressor in the chain before I hit ProTools with it. My vocals are all over the place.

I am using an AKG C 3000 B to track - I've always liked the sound of the AKG a little better than the Neumanns for my voice (which is terrible)

One more question: does the digital out of one of these units add more latency?

Money is always an object but I would have no problem spending a grand or so for something great. Or tempt me with something truly high end…

thanks in advance

peace

[Park Seward]

Everything that digitizes the signal adds some delay. It may not be bothersome but it is there.


You may consider the 230 Master Voice Processor. Designed by Aphex, it is designed for radio announcers but will do what you want.It has everything.

http://www.aphex.com/230.htm

Of course picking audio processing for someone is like picking a girlfriend for them. You never get it perfect. Some will suggest that the plug-ins available for PT will give you all you need. And remember there is no undo on a hardware box. If you don't like the compression, it is hard to undo it.

The Voice Pro http://www.tc-helicon.com/default.asp?id=6536

The Gold Channel http://www.tcelectronic.com/GoldChannel

Voice Live http://www.tc-helicon.com/VoiceLive

[muzak13]

Understand about the compression Park. Just want to tame it a little before it gets into ProTools and I would think that if I pick the right one the preamp should be a lot better than on my original MBox. I don't think the Aphex is the one for me - not a fan of Big Bottom or Aural Exciters - just really looking for a quality preamp and compressor with a digital out. Maybe some light EQ.

You're a really good board member - thanks for the advice.

peace

[muzak13]

What about the Focusrite VoiceMaster:

http://www.focusrite.com/product/voicemaster_pro/

Anyone using one of these?

peace