MONITORS or a PREAMP, hmmm...

[MEM-NYC]

I am interested in some input.

Here' the set-up elements in question: I monitor with>>>Edirol DA10 optical monitors (small) & a home stereo system with subwoofer... also have a digi002, Octava MK-219 mic, SHURE SK57 mic, electric guitar, acoustic guitar (which I mic), and all running through my G5, with soem decent plug-ins...etc.

SO,... I am trying to decide what the next purchase should be and get an idea of what is good out there...I keep reading mixed reviews abotu preamps and monitors --unless I spend 1200 and up...which I cant at this point.


The price range I am looking in is $160-$400.

So do you all think I even need a preamp with the 002? I am tryign to get more control over my vocal recording and I saw an MAudio DMP3 Dual mic pre and direct box combo for $160... I dont have an amp for the guitar... so...I dont know.

Or do I go the monitor route?

HELP ME OUT GUYS.

[pk_hat]

Based on what you described in your setup, dunno but for me, it's rather unanimous: get monitors.

The 002 preamps, while nowhere near Neve, SSL, or even Universal Audio, are nothing to spit at. They're clean and rather neutral, and most certainly get the job done if that's all you have. On the other hand, the little Edirol speakers have to go. Not bad for a second set to use as a reference, but not as your main monitors. For $400, you can get a pair of Alesis M1mk2 Actives which will make a world of difference.

[sugarfuzz]

Yes, I would say go with the monitors also, but I favor more the Event Monitors.
I bought a pair of th PS6's, as my first set, and did not think much of them. So I
tried a few others, and bought the KRK V8s. Now to get most part of the mix correct, I
GO BACK to my events. They are the most honest in the MIDRANGE .
I still use the V8's to tell me if my mix is getting harsh, and they also
have a LITTLE more low end to them, but the majority of my mix is done on the PS'6 Monitors.

Whichever Monitors you get, just make sure they do not scoop all the midrange out or
have the Smiley Face EQ effect.

Goodluck!

[nedorama]

i agree - right now, hearing what your mixes really sound like is important. I bought the Event Electronics Tuned Reference 6 powered monitors and really like them -- they're clear, loud enough, and accurately portray the mix. Since they're powered, it's one less rackspace of equipment, and just 2 balanced cables from my 001.

Preamps are great, but with the 002 I'd definitely hold off - you may also find that plugins, etc are a better buy.

[Bender]

I agree check out some different monitors.
The 002's pre's are just as good as most preamps in that dollar range.

[where02190]

If you can't honestly hear whats going in, what difference does it make what the quality of the mic/preamp is?

Monitors, no question.