Preamp, what would you do?

[H-man]

I wish I had a grand to spend and I wouldn't need to post this. However, I'm really looking to add to my setup and my signal chain is priority one for now. What I would like is a Rosetta converter and Neve preamp, but wouldn't we all. Now, what would you do if you had about $400 to spend? I have been looking at a few preamps, and what has me stuck is that I have also heard great things about the Mackie vlz-pro 12 series mixers. If I got the Mackie I would have something to submix with and I really don't care about the tube aspects, cause I doctor my tracks up myself if I want a tubeish feel. Oh what to do? Any insight would be great, and yes, I read many posts on preamps, but I want to hear from you guys today. Also, where is the best deal on the Mackie's that you guys know of. I really need to buy something, my gear impulse button is going off, like always. haha. Thanks guys.

[fresh_meat]

If I were you I would buy my mint dbx 376 tube channel strip. it has a tube micpre, compressor, eq, de-esser and it has built in a/d conversion and dithering all for $300 US

check out http://www.dbxpro.com and see it looks like someting you could use or ask around here and see what people think.

_MEAT

[MarkGenero]

H-man,

I have a mackie vlz pro 1202 and there is minimal noticeable difference between those pre amps and the 001.

What mic are you using? Allen Hallada mentioned in another post that you can get some great sounds using a Rode NTK mic (about $500) through the 001's mic inputs. So if I only had your money to spend and I didn't have a comparable mic, I would seriously consider this route first.

Mark

[fresh_meat]

yeah I've got to vouch for that mic too. you could definatley get into one for $400 and some small change.

[J. FO]

are you needing to add more preamps to your existing setup? if so, how many? if you only want to add 1 or 2, try the focusrite platinum line. if you just want a better sound, i'd go with a mic like the NTK. also, i'm getting good results from the Studio Projects C3, which is a multipattern version of the cheaper, cardiod C1 ($250) through the digi pre's. if you need to add more than a couple of pre's, i'd say mackie is probably the best option in that price range.

[3Dbuddah]

I am using a focusrite Penta($400) matched with a sm58, and have good results. I don't have a lot of experience with other pre's/compressor's but am very happy with my focusrite. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[pk_hat]

Focusrtite Penta with the spdif A/D card installed.
Stunning, for the price.

[vonbleak101]

I use the focusrite trackmaster and love it!

[mjames08]

Save your money...

[Phinski]

I use a mackie 1202vlz and unlike some people, I hear a very noticable difference between the mackie and the 001's preamp. When I mic my banjo with my studio projects C-1, the digi preamp has a harsh metalic sound in the high end where as the mackie is smoother and sweeter but still with lots of shimmer and sparkle. My girlfriend could hear the difference between the two tracks without any prompting on my part.

One thing that to be careful of I think is to plug the preamp into one of the digi's inputs 3 - 8 and not the 1/4" jack on inputs 1 or 2 or you won't get as good results.

Jonathan