Please Name A Good Mic Preamp Under $500

[epu]

Using a Behringer Condensor which is not the best in the world, but I do like the sound, and it is doing a wonderful job. I have the 003R and figured a Pre-Amp would greatly improve the vocals in my home project studio. Can anyone suggest a Mic-Preamp (rackmount) under $500 and state why it is a good pre-amp?

Thanks.

[TCM]

Difficult call.

There has been a test where a $5 preamp was selected as the best.

http://www.audiomasterclass.com/?p=a...nce-with-audio

There is definitely some psychology going on regarding the price of a gear and the sound: when somebody spends $1500 or more for a pre, it has to sound better.

I think the mic is at least equally important as the mic pre.
I have "cheap" pres, like a mindprint Di Port (99 €) which is nice and clean. Or my 002R pres which are, after the BLA upgrade, nice as well.

I also have UA LA610, and a Neve 1073 DPA, which are nice as well.
As recording is not a profession for me, my ears maybe not as trained as the ears of some pros here on the DUC, but I could hear a sonic difference with my higher end gear, subtle though. Moreover I noticed that I don't need to apply a lot of EQ to get my sound.

But I cannot use, for example my Neve with every mic. The best mic for vox (male and female) for the Neve is my BeesNeez Arabella. The best mic for male vox (rock) is my custom 47 and the LA610.

As I said, the differences are subtle, but you can do good recording with "cheap" pres, and get a similar sound with eqing.

It is all a matter of what you are willing to pay, what you can afford.

But the most crucial thing is your dedication, your craftsmanship, your creativity. Just get clear about the sound you want.

If your budget allows I can recommend this, which I own as well:

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/apr0.../mindprint.htm

my2c

[albee1952]

Well said. There's really nothing wrong with the preamps in the 003, but having another "flavor" might broaden your palette. The FMR RNP(Really Nice Pre) gets great reviews(not rack mounted but there is a kit for that). I also had a UA610 and miss it. Here's one that seems like it would be worth a listen:
http://www.zzounds.com/item--GOAPRE73
As for a rack-mounted, that doesn't make it sound any different(but the expense of the package may mean what's inside is cheaper). Its a tough range as most "good" (as in, actually really good) will cost closer to a grand per channel. The Presonus Eureka might be something to look at, or save a little extra and look at a Grace 101.

[JacentyS]

You might want to check this out as well:
http://ronansrecordingshow.com/2009/...and-fmr-audio/

[nst7]

One of the best values out now is the Focusrite ISA One. It just dropped from $799 to $499.

[BradLyons]

Originally Posted by nst7

One of the best values out now is the Focusrite ISA One. It just dropped from $799 to $499.

AGREED!!!!! This was a great value at $799, but now at $499 it's nearly impossible to beat. I've found one of the biggest users of this product now are bass players needing a killer DI for their rigs....at $599 it's less than a RED-DI and the U5, but it's a full mic-pre as well.

[Soundbaby]

I agree with nst6. Focusrite ISA is really worth the price. you will not want to get rid of it.