Budget Mike & Preamp suggestions for CD Recording

[yavuzj]

I am debating to get either a Behringer ADA800 or Fopcusrite Octopre.

If I get the Behringer I could afford to get a nice tube mike like Studio Projects T3
or RODE NTK.

Focusrite is tempting since it has limiters.

I am recording a CD in December.
It will be a jazz recording live to 16 tracks.

I have a Senheiser MD421 MK II U4 for Soprano Sax.
I was wondering how different a nice tube condenser would sound?

OK.
Now, I have...

4 AKG C1000s + 1 Rode NT1 + 3 SM-57 + 1 Senheizer MD421MK II + 1 Shure Beta 52

I am planning to record like this...

Drums: 2 X AKG C1000s for Overhead + 1 Shure Beta52 for Kick + 1 SM-57 for Snare Hi-Hat shared

Acoustic Bass: 2 X AKG C1000s + Bass Pickup

Soprano and Alto Sax: (1 person either or...) RodeNT1 or Senheizer MD421MK II (or buy a nicer condenser )

Guitar: Either with POD XT or thru close miked AMP with SM-57.
For guitar I will split the signal into 2 and record direct as well for re-amping options later.

Now, my budget allows me to get an either...

1. Focusrite Octopre
or...
2. Behringer ADA8000 + a nicer Condenser mike.
Which one will improve my sound more?

BTW, I have the Digi002 Rack Factory bundle.

[mkosacek]

I had the Behringer ADA8000 and changed to the Focusrite OctoPre LE (with ADAT) and I would recommend it over the ADA8000. I got mine on eBay for $600 w/the ADAT option. Maybe still some money left over for that mic. I have the Studio Projects C3 and like it a lot.

[yavuzj]

I had the Behringer ADA8000 and changed to the Focusrite OctoPre LE (with ADAT) and I would recommend it over the ADA8000.

Thanks for your response.
So, you are saying there is audible improvement.
I was asking because I have heard mixed opinions about this.
Some people said they could not hear noticable difference between their Presonus Digimax and ADA8000.
It is in there at musiciansfriend.com reviews.

[surely]

yeah.... I also read mixed opinions about the ada8000..
I have 1, but don`t use it much (mainly for talkback, playing the guide and occasionally basguitar).
It`s not bad,.. but not super! If you need a good preamp I would go for the octopre (although also mixed opnions about that).. You already have some nice mics in your list!

[Bastiaan]

The Sennheiser md421 is an amazing mic for sax...... and the ada8000 sounds pretty much its cost. Low.....hehe


Go for the Octopre LE (8 in and 8 out but only up to 48 Khz and no AES (so....perfectly for digi001/002/002r)

[mkosacek]

to my ears, the ADA8000 pre's just sounded "thinner" (on drums). also more noise, although the Octopre LE gets noticeable too once you set the gain knob above 7 or 8...

[doylemusic]

Rule of thumb is better pres always, as they make any mic sound better. I can't imagine the B pres sounding as good as the octapre.

Also, I personally don't like the akg c1000s. I'd be curious to see what that NT1 would sound like on bass instead. Or better yet, stick the NT1 on sax and the 421 on bass. You have 4 of them (akg's) so maybe you like them......it's all subjective. Let us know what you decide and post your recording so we can hear the results.

[crookedtourguy]

I think you should check out the Apex Electronics 460 Tube. It is very reasonably priced, about half the cost of the Rode NTK.
I personally bought Apex's SP 2 (Studio Pack 2) package and their 210 large element ribbon for $600.
The SP 2 includes: 1 - 460 tube, 1 - 410 wide diaphragm condenser and a matched stereo pair of pencil condensers, 2 - 185s. And it is still priced LESS than the NTK. Plus, if you look around here on the DUC you will find a few that will recommend the 460 as well as other mics by Apex.
Go here http://duc.digidesign.com/showflat.p...fpart=1#888863
on th DUC and you will find a two songs posted that used the 460 exclusively for voice and acoustic guitar.
By the way, there is a posting that shows the 460 is the virtual clone of the M 16 tube mic that costs around $1200 and the people doing the review actually liked it 'Better' than the M 16.
If you can't find a dealer for Apex in your area, I can recommend one, just give me a shout at my email.

[yavuzj]

Also, I personally don't like the akg c1000s.

Check out the drums sound of these 2 songs;
Lost in the City
Halay

These songs was recorded with 2 X AKG C1000s as overheads and 1 Shure Beta 52Kick.
Rode NT 1 trumpet and SM-57 close miked for guitar.
For acoustic Bass Pickup + cheap $30 Radio Shack speaking mini mic.

You have 4 of them (akg's) so maybe you like them......it's all subjective.

Yes, I do. I think AKG c1000s are excellent for drums overheads.
Good drummers have better sound of course.
Like this guy here Aaron Johnston.
He is with Brasillian Girls now.
He plays Drum N Bass riffs that are supposed to be programmed not played.

I'd be curious to see what that NT1 would sound like on bass instead. Or better yet, stick the NT1 on sax and the 421 on bass.

That's an idea. I will check that out. Thanks...

Let us know what you decide and post your recording so we can hear the results.

I don't think my record company would like that but It may be OK to post some sample minutes.

[yavuzj]

I think you should check out the Apex Electronics 460 Tube. It is very reasonably priced, about half the cost of the Rode NTK.
I personally bought Apex's SP 2 (Studio Pack 2) package and their 210 large element ribbon for $600.

Looks, interesting.
Where can I find them online?