Microphone Preamp yes or no

[Jr Toad]

Just want opinions on if it's worth it to buy an
inexpencive microphone preamp. under 200. Or will the
Protools preamp be ok.
Looking for the best sound I can get for my CD
without going broke.
If Yes, any recomendations

thanks

Jeff

[bigbubbaj]

Under 200 - NO.

[JonMitchell]

For under $200 I wouldn't even consider it. The difference will be so minimal, if existent, if not worse, you won't be able to tell a difference. Especially if your monitors aren't up to snuff. If you can't hear the difference.. well whats the point? Monitors first, microphone second. Then worry about the preamp.
Adam

[Chris Cavell]

For under 200...no. But, if you're talking about the 002 line, a pair of shure in-line XLR attenuators greatly increase the usability of the pre's. Even if we're not talking about the 002 line, they're a good thing to have at your disposal.

[vocalvoodoo]

Interesting Chris. I have never heard of an In-Line Attenuator. This has peaked my interest. What does it do to make the pres more useable other than attenuationg the signal? Sorry if I'm just missing it.

I'm using just the MBox 2 pres at the moment, so any help will help.

Thanks in advance.

[Chris Cavell]

The in-line attenuators or "pads" simply decrease the level at the mic input...just like a "pad" switch on a preamp. The 002 pre's don't have a pad and are considered quite "hot", so adding an aftermarket pad makes them more usable. Shure makes a couple of in-line pads to choose from. Depending on the preamp, these pads operate in exactly the same manner as those found on a pre. (Some pre's use resistor based attenuation at the input prior to the signal being converted from balanced to single ended, which is how the inline pads work. Other designs include removing a gain stage, or attenuating the signal after being unbalanced.)

I don't own an mbox, so I can't say for certain whether or not the in-line pads would really be of any use to you.

[vocalvoodoo]

Got it. The MBox 2 does have a pad, so an in-line is probably no use to me. Thanks for the info though, Chris. Greatly appreciated.

Josh

[Jr Toad]

Thanks for all the response. I have a 002 rack.
I read 101 recording tips. For a home studio it suggested that
one of the most important tools to good sound was a mic pre.

[Aussie169]

That's true, but you're not going to improve on the 002 pres for $200.
As stated above, you'll get more value out of a better mic at this stage.

[JonMitchell]

As stated above, you'll get more value out of a better mic at this stage.

Exactly