an inexpensive but decent preamp for sm57?
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Posted on Mar 14, 2007 06:09 pm
erika
Member Since: Mar 14, 2007
I was wondering if anyone could give some advice for an inexpensive preamp for sm57 (like, really inexpensive, $200 maximum, preferably way below that if possible)? I have just started to record music on garageband using shure sm57 -without a preamp- for vocals, acoustic guitar, and flutes, and while i am not shooting for any sort of professional quality, I just want to be able to hear a decent sound when i record. I have no knowledge or experience in home recording, so it gets quite confusing to surf through various pages... I have been checking all sorts of forums to find out about preamps but usually the prices are beyond my reach. your advice will be much appreciated...
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cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
Mar 14, 2007 07:28 pm since you're just using one single SM57 and are not looking for super pro quality, i would suggest looking at a small mixer that has some preamps in it. These can usually be found for less than $100. Behringer mixers are a good place to start.
Mar 14, 2007 08:13 pm I concur with Coolo. It sounds like a little Behringer mixer would serve your purposes. It would also offer other benefits that a single pre-amp might not...for example recording two instruments at once.
What audio interface are you using to get the sound into your Mac?
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Mar 14, 2007 08:17 pm I've heard a few people being happy with the Maudio audio-buddy. I think that's around 60 or 70$.
Behringer makes a few low-budget preamps too.
And there's the mixer idea, like coolo mentioned.
There's also the art MP line, of tube preamps. They're not on par with higher tube preamps, but for general use, I've heard people are pretty happy with them.
I think Tallchap has a studio projects vtb-1, which he's happy with. that's a tube preamp as well.
Come to think of it, I think I've heard better things about the VTB-1 than the art tube MP series, but it's all a matter of taste, of course.
Oh yeah, welcome to the HRC, too.
Mar 15, 2007 12:10 am mixer wise i have an alto, and i actually like it, its really good n has preamps in it:P
i would highly suggest that, u get good stuff for wut u pay
LokiCone PokerMember
Since: Apr 07, 2002
Mar 15, 2007 02:24 am I like my behringer tube ultragain t1953. Nowhere near a class A preamp, but pretty much everything gets run through it at least once in my recording/mixing sessions. And I mean everything.
RigsbyUltra MagnusMember
Since: Nov 13, 2004
Mar 15, 2007 02:51 am I had a VTB-1 for a few days on trial, the mic pre was fine, but the DI was really noisy.
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Mar 15, 2007 07:17 pm No VTB-1 here...I have the Behringer MIC100 Ultragain. I use it just to add colour to stuff, I rarely take the chicken heads over "3" on either side. It sounds great with an SM57, by the way. Similar to Loki, I send a lot of stuff through it.
I'd concur on getting a little mixer for under $100.00, and spending the rest on some kind of interface/soundcard. You should be in good shape. www.zzounds.com...em--BEHXENTX802 - no idea how good these are, but they're only $60!
Of course, you've entered into the dark side of gear buying, and it's a hideous, slippery, slidey slope from here-on-in. Don't blame us in two years when you're posting here that your Neve's are playing up, and your unhappy with your Neumanns.
