Looking at pre-amps, NEED OPINIONS!

[mastershredder]

I have no decent mic pre-amp whatsoever. The pres on my 002 and Octane do the job as far as instruments are concerned, but I need a really good vocal preamp. I'm looking at prices between $800-$1500. Right now, I'm debating between the Groove Tubes SuPre and the Manley Mono Mic Pre. They're both $1440. I like the idea of the SuPre because I can use it with overheads and micing guitar amps (since I use 2 mics) as well as vocals. But I feel partial towards the Manley because I'm a huge fan of the Manley sound. I have a Blue Baby Bottle and I'd really prefer a tube pre over solid-state. I'm also looking at the Summit Audio 2BA-221 for $629.

Does anyone have an opinion about these pres or any other tube mono or dual mono mic pres in my price range?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

.eric

[IntelDoc]

THis is what I would look at in order: if it is 1 that you are looking for

1. Vintech X73i - Very versatile and great for rock guitars, vocals, bass, kick/snare

2. Vintech 1272 - 2 channel - great for vocals, kick, snare, bass just about anything really

3. Save up a bit more and get a API 3124 - AWESOME, flat out.

4. You can always put together a SSL lunchbox?

None of these are tube pres, but I think that you will love any of them.

Doc

[mastershredder]

Thanks Doc, I will definitely check those out.

[jjhuntfox]

Get one of these:

Hamtone Tube Mic Pre, Two chanels. As good as any other pre out there. Built like a tank and sounds like "butter".

Sounds great on vocals!!!!

http://hamptone.com/HVTP2.htm

[Matt Rouch]

I also like the x73i. For a dual, the Neve Portico 5012 is at the upper end of your price range and it's incredible, especially on acoustic guitar.

[Lapick]

Just built a set of SCA J99 Jensen Twin Servo clones. Two channels, chasis and power supply under $1k for kits or a few hundred more prebuilt. Solid state but very pristine for vocals and acoustic instruments especially when used with the John Hardy 990c op-amps. A little more color may be desirable for rock/pop vocals in which case the N72 preamps might be more appropriate.

http://www.seventhcirclestudios.com/SCA/SCA.htm

Rick

[johnwayne]

JI'm thinking about getting a Universal audio Solo 610. Anybody use these? Heard they were excellent for guitars, kick drums, and bass guitars.

[albee1952]

I love my LA610 and the solo610 should be the same pre without the compressor.

[bigbubbaj]

This is a vote for the vintech 1272. I love mine.

[Third Eye Studios]

I have a Trident S-40 that I really like for vocals. An SM7 sounds great through it!!! Sometimes I'll send it to a tube compressor on the way in to Pro Tools.