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  #1  
Old 12-08-2009, 01:24 AM
Luke K Luke K is offline
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Default Low budget preamp/monitors

Hello,

Im just after a few suggestions for some quality but low cost options for preamp and for studio monitors. I really am extremely low on budget for this so the lowest costing gear with the best value for money is what im after.

I realize you get what you pay for but i am led to believe you can get fairly good quality at lower prices if you know where to look.

Any ideas?
Thanks,
Luke K
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  #2  
Old 12-08-2009, 01:58 AM
Ian Palmer Ian Palmer is offline
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Default Re: Low budget preamp/monitors

What sort of money do you have? I don't know any shops in Australia so I'll quote you prices in Sterling from www.jigsaw24.com to give you an idea.

I'd recommend Genelecs for your monitors. Get the best you can afford.
The 8020s will set you back £500, while the 8030s are £800.

Genelecs have excellent fidelity, they'll show up everything. That said some do think they are a little on the bright side, nothing some tuning can't cure.


As for Mic PreAmps. How many channels do you need? Are you looking to double the amount on the 003?

I'd recommend anything by Focusrite. Lovely natural sounding equipment.
An OctoPre LE is only £250 giving you 8 mic inputs.
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  #3  
Old 12-08-2009, 06:25 AM
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albee1952 albee1952 is offline
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Default Re: Low budget preamp/monitors

I love Genelecs, but they hardly fit into the "low budget" field. For decent sound on a budget, I recommend the Behringer 2030A's. This is the 6" woofer model and is a little over $200US. While the bigger 2031A is a decent bargain monitor, I recommend the smaller one as most home studios(spare bedroom setup) have lots of low frequency issues and the smaller woofer helps to not aggravate that.

For 8 channels, the OctoPre is an option, as is the Presonus D8. On a smaller budget, the Behringer ADA8000(around $200US) works at a similar quality to the stock preamps( IOW, not bad but not stellar). If you want to get the maximum 18 inputs, I would also check out the ART Digital MPA(this 2 channel digital version can be patched in via SPDIF). BTW, anytime you use an outboard preamp, don't patch it into the XLR input of your interface as that will overdrive the Digi preamp(use a line input).
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Old 12-08-2009, 06:51 AM
mindnoise mindnoise is offline
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Default Re: Low budget preamp/monitors

try hunting down some Alesis Monitor One MKII.

and don´t let the low price fool you. They can compete with much more expensive speaker.
Of cource not with the Genelec.

Or the Yamaha HSM80. One of the best of their kind in that price range.

best
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Old 12-08-2009, 07:03 AM
1ace1 1ace1 is offline
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Default Re: Low budget preamp/monitors

A pair of used Mackie 624's come in cheap, are active and IMO sound great.

Failing that one of my all time favourites are spirit absolute 2's (the old passive ones) very cheap but great detail.

A:)
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Old 12-09-2009, 06:10 AM
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chrisdee chrisdee is offline
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Default Re: Low budget preamp/monitors

I don't think there is much to gain in buying a low budget preamp or monitors. If you want something that really improves the quality and sound it will cost.
Save up money and get a really good preamp.

If money was tight I'd rather look at some high quality headphones instead.
For me Beyer Dynamics DT770Pro headphones works great.
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Old 12-09-2009, 06:16 AM
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chrisdee chrisdee is offline
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Default Re: Low budget preamp/monitors

To get the best results out of your monitors it's going to cost you $$$ to treat your room well. Another reason to go for headphones rather than monitors if you dont have big bucks to spend.
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