Mbox And mic pre amps

[jpd]

I am a new user and and wondering if there is any significant benefit to using a low cost mic pre amp (100$-300$) over simply using the pres built into the MBox. Also any tips on good swiss army type mics that work well with percussion acustic guitar and voice

[lynxxx]

1.The only way to answer that is to try it on the application you need it for(before buying-if possible). Entirely subjective.

2.Shure SM 57 or SM 58. THE Swiss army knife of microphones (for a dynamic, anyway). Ultimately, you'll want lots, condensers, etc.

[Larryboy]

Don`t replace something that only goes to second base with something that only goes to first. If you`re looking for more outboard gear to use with the Mbox then a compressor (for use with the inserts) would be a better buy which can dramatically change the sound.

[glamfolk]

i use one of the cheap tube mic pre's (ART) and it warms up my 58 very nicely.

[Duardo]

The Focusrite preamps in the M Box are actually pretty decent preamps. I don't think you'd necessarily find anything "better" for the price, although you may find somethign "different" that's just as good. Some of the cheaper tube preamps especially certainly do offer a different color than the (relatively) transparent preamps in the M Box, although they may not spec out as well nor be a better choice for every situation.

-Duardo