003R - Only 4 mic pre's!

[JM11]

I have a digi003rack and I'm getting to the point now where I need more than the 4 mic pre's on my interface in order to track drums the way I want to. 1.) What connectors should I use in order to take advantage of the 4 TRS inputs? (I need top quality reproduction from my mics) 2.) Whats the best option for a mic pre with at least 4 XLR inputs and 4 line outputs? (budget oriented of course). 3.) Should I just get an analog console? Any information that can answer any of these three questions for me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and happy holidays to all.

[StavrosSound]

You could get external preamps to output line level +4 and input that as +4 using Analog 5-8. Additionally, the TOSLink provides 8 ADAT channels (if you can find a bank of preamps capable of supporting TOSLink), so technically speaking you can run up to 16 channels of analog input.

It's all a matter of being resourceful

There's a lot that can done with just an LE rig if you put your mind to it, think sideways, and open to different workflow methods!

[JMS40]

JM11... nice screen name...

How to get 18 inputs with an 001/002/002r/003/003r?

(You can thank spkguitar for this helpful PT Newbie site...)

[will the moor]

...(I need top quality reproduction from my mics...

...(budget oriented of course)...

those two requirements don't always work out well together, you know?

a small console will generally get you the most bang for the buck. a used mackie can be a great quality/cost value. plus, mixers are just handy things to have in a studio.

if you want four great pres for 600-800, google up a sytek.

you can find a bank of 8 pretty good pres that will output to lightpipe (TOSlink) for a little cheaper. you can get a behringer unit for, I think, 200 bucks. behringer is not bang for the buck, generally. you'll throw it away in a few years.

[MrJoshua]

Pick up two of these:

http://www.mercenaryaudio.com/fmrrnmp.html

Use balanced 1/4" TRS cables to connect them to your 003R line inputs. This will give you four channels of solid mic preamps that you won't outgrow.

[JM11]

Thanks a lot for helping me out everyone. I've only had this system for a few months and it's awesome to be able to learn from people who have more experience.

[Keybeeetsss]

I have the 002r but got it modded by BLA...of course thst doesn't change the fact that I only have 4 pre's on the rack; but I have a Macie D8B so I actually use the analog in to that & then digitally assign tracks thru my DA'88's which are running straight into the 8 analog ins on the 002...Of course since the mod my gain staging is crazy now so I actually go in with no compression, eq, or anything...11 mics on drums, (I also use the Adat i/o's thru the mackie & I have a JoeMeek TwinQ which gives me another 2 i/o's Coaxial for the 18...I know that may sound like i'm not helping ur situation but if u really read it I think it will....

[JM11]

I'm thinking that I might go with the ART MPA Gold. Two of them that is. They're in my price range around 600 combined and I get tube warmth. If anyone has had any experience with these preamp i would appreciate any input you can give. Thanks

[Petander]

I will get punched in the nose for this one... but:



Have you actually tried what kind of drum sound you might get by simply connecting some good dynamic mikes in the 003R line inputs at -10 ? At least the signal chain is short.



This is obviously "wrong" and your impedances are wrecked and the level will be low in most cases. But I have done this a few times in a pinch with a 002R. Use the micpres for OH and BD / Sn , for example. Or just room mikes, experiment. My results have been quite usable in a "rock band plays live" -type of mix. Worked for 4x12 guitar cabimets,too. Try different mics.




You can always get the low level up. And with this "mixed-impedance-way" there´s not as much need for hi / low cuts.

[EGS]

I will get punched in the nose for this ...This is obviously "wrong"...

If your standards are THIS low, then go for it . . . otherwise, use excellent mics and good pre's. My 2 cents.