Mbox Preamp addon?

[Super Seven]

Ok...I am about to get an Mbox. I used to own a 001 a few years back and have been out of the loop for a while. I am looking to get more control of the signal on the way in. I am looking at either a preamp or an EQ. My budget is in the $250-$350 range and was wondering what any of you would suggest? I will mainly be recording guitar(acoustic and electric) and bass in combo with a condensor mic.

Thanks

[Timster]

I just bought a new MBox. It has the focusrite preamps in it. I've heard they are much better than the 001s. I'm pretty happy with them, but hey, I might not know what I'm talking about.

I would save the 2-3 hundred for plugins.

I bought the MBox Factory bundle.. $550. It came with Maxim, Cosmonaut, and some other plugins... Maxim is a constantly used one for me.

Anyone care to comment on the preamp question?

Timster

[john joe daly]

The HHB FAT MAN 2 is a very cool microphone pre amp/compressor combo that you can purchase for $359 from www.music123.com. Ihave used one for the past year and it is very good for using with a DAW. It does have quite a bit of character, which may or may not be a good thing for you. It would be perfect on the sources you mentioned. All the same, It may become a little overbearing if everything in your mix is recorded through it.
Have Fun anyway.

[Bastiaan]

If i am correct the MBOPX has inserts for an effect. Use the MBOX's pre's, and use an FMR RNC to control the dynamics on your way in to the M-box. I feel you need more then your budget to get better pre's as the mbox's.

[Super Seven]

Thanks for the advice. I guess I would be best off with some kind of compressor as an insert. I am picking up my Mbox tomorrow and I am also picking up a Rode NT1 mic. I already have a C1000 mic. I think for my needs these 2 mics will do the trick. Any recommendations on a reasonably priced comp?

[Bastiaan]

FMR RNC

www.fmraudio.com

costs around USD200