Advice on preamps to purchase

[Raoul23]

Ive just brought another A/D card for my 192 so i can record 16 channels at once could some one give some advice on preamps to use/purchase. Im not looking to spend millions but id like some that would be up to standard with my current set up. eg presonus, focusrite etc

Thanks

[Third Eye Studios]

Hey Raoul,

What are you recording? Bands? How many channels do you need?

I find it's good to have several "money" channels, in addition to some general purpose/utility preamps.

If you can swing it, an API 3124+ would be a great place to start. You can find them used for around $1800-$2000, and the preamps are great!! For around $450-$500 a channel, you can't go wrong. If you are coming from the 003, the 3124+ will take your tracks to a new level.

For a different flavor and on a budget, take a look at Chameleon Labs. Great sounding gear for a great price!!

[Raoul23]

Originally Posted by Third Eye Studios

Hey Raoul,

What are you recording? Bands? How many channels do you need?

I find it's good to have several "money" channels, in addition to some general purpose/utility preamps.

If you can swing it, an API 3124+ would be a great place to start. You can find them used for around $1800-$2000, and the preamps are great!! For around $450-$500 a channel, you can't go wrong. If you are coming from the 003, the 3124+ will take your tracks to a new level.

For a different flavor and on a budget, take a look at Chameleon Labs. Great sounding gear for a great price!!

Cheers third eye, im mostly going to be recording rock bands so id like to have 16 channels if possible i was looking at something along the lines of the presonus digimax are they very budget low quality preamps, are they any better than the ones that were in my 003 or are they the same quality

thanks dude

[Third Eye Studios]

Hi Raoul,

I have an older Presonus Digimax LT, and it's preamps are not bad. I keep it around for extra preamps/adat conversion when I need it. Soundwise, the Presonus is probably a side grade to your 003, maybe a little better, but definitely not worse. Also, with a Digimax, you might be paying for conversion you don't need.

Another good sounding preamp on a budget is Sytek. Keep an eye out for used Sytek 4 Channel preamps (around $600/700 if you are patient).

[EGS]

I'm very happy with my Presonus Digimax. Additional affordable options:

http://www.focusrite.com/products/mi.../octopre_mkii/

and

http://www.mackie.com/products/onyxblackbird/

What's your budget?

[Raoul23]

Originally Posted by Third Eye Studios

Hi Raoul,

I have an older Presonus Digimax LT, and it's preamps are not bad. I keep it around for extra preamps/adat conversion when I need it. Soundwise, the Presonus is probably a side grade to your 003, maybe a little better, but definitely not worse. Also, with a Digimax, you might be paying for conversion you don't need.

Another good sounding preamp on a budget is Sytek. Keep an eye out for used Sytek 4 Channel preamps (around $600/700 if you are patient).

I think id like something a bit better quality than the digimax if its on par with my 003 i used to own. What a RME fireface 800 see alot of people talk highly of these have you ever used one

regards

[Raoul23]

Originally Posted by EGS

I'm very happy with my Presonus Digimax. Additional affordable options:

http://www.focusrite.com/products/mi.../octopre_mkii/

and

http://www.mackie.com/products/onyxblackbird/

What's your budget?

I dont really have a budget i would just like to buy 2 very good units so i dont have to upgrade later on, but i dont really want to spend thousands

[BroomPole]

Raoul most of the options you mention (Fireface / Digimax) are preamps and converters in one box. As another poster mentioned its a bit of a waste of money after already investing in extra inputs on your 192.

Those boxes are great investments for someone needing to expand the inputs on say a digi 002 / 003 and needing a ADAT option.

Since you've already put the money down for conversion you are now free to choose any pre's you want depending on your budget.

As another poster mentioned splitting them into categories based on what your recording is a great place to start.

One or two nice channels of Tube preamps like from say Universal Audio might be nice for vocals. While a 4 channel box like the Focusrite 428/ 828 could be a great general purpose box.

In the game of Preamps buying "two really good boxes" and not spending thousands can be a bit hard.

I highly recommend renting some gear for your next project or two. This way you can not only try new gear out but use it in a real world situation and see what really works for your setup / goals.

cheers
Kevin

[Raoul23]

Thanks Kevin that's some great advice I have been thinking about the 828 but they are quite expensive I'll search around on eBay see if I can find some second hand lol

[Fullsound Recording]

Api - Neve - UA - Daking.