Pre Amps

[x3rdretina]

Hello,
I am using a Pro Tools Digi 002 Rack and am looking for a Pre-Amp to use with it. I wanted to know if anyone has any recomendations. I am hoping to spend $600 or less.
Thanks

[Naagzh]

600, eh?

If you want 8 more channels, you can find a Focusrite Octopre on eBay for about that. Simlar models would be the Presonus Digimax or Mackie Onyx. It's safe to say the preamps on all of these are very nice compared to the stock 002's.

If you only want two channels, the Presonus MP20 looks nice.

Or, for only one channel, the Grace 101 might be good.

Most boutique preamps (Neve clones, tube pres, etc.) are probably out of your price range, but are worth saving up for.

Kinda depends on what sort of sound you're after, though. What do you want to record?

[JonMitchell]

I'd save your cash until you can put it down on something in the near $1,000 range. Personally I think quality takes a huge leap there. You could pick up an api512c and a lunchbox for it, or a great river m1nv for right at 1,000. If you gotta have something now, I'd buy used off ebay so you won't loose your ass on the resale.
jon

[JonMitchell]

Oh yeah, and secondly.. the 002 pres arent as bad as you think they might be. I upgraded to the me1nv after a\b against the api, and there was a very noticable difference, but *personally* I wouldn't consider it groundbreaking. So for me, that intermediate step seemed like effort wasted.

Drop that cash on monitors first if you don't have a decent set already. You won't be able to hear a difference at all on crap speakers.
Jon

[badperson]

in that price range, I think the rnp is the best bang for the buck, but if you're just recording one or two instruments at a time, then a high quality pre is a great investment. My great river me1nv was hands down the biggest impact on my recordings of any piece of gear I have ever bought. Well worth it. I don't think there's much in that price range that really blows the 002 pres away (although I'm an 001 user and have never heard the pres...)

If you are recording bands, with a drum kit and several instruments and need a lot of inputs, that's a different animal, I've hear the presonus units have respectable pres.
bp

[nickdahl]

Hey BP (or anyone else?)

I have a RNP that I'd like to use with my Mbox. Do you know of a way I can use it and not have to run through the Mbox's pre? Where could I find more information about how to do this?

Thanks,

Nick

[bb_aus]

I have a RNP that I'd like to use with my Mbox. Do you know of a way I can use it and not have to run through the Mbox's pre?

you could run the RNP into the the return of the insert. however this will be un-balanced soyou need to keep the cables short

[nickdahl]

you could run the RNP into the the return of the insert. however this will be un-balanced soyou need to keep the cables short

Hmm...I thought of that but didn't really want to go unbalanced. I may give it a try, though, to see if I like the difference.

Thanks,

Nick

[bb_aus]

if the units are next to each other and your using short cables it shouldnt make any difference if its balanced or un-balanced. stick with quality shielded cables and you will be fine