Preamp question
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Posted on Aug 06, 2003 02:14 pm
autococ
Member Since: Aug 06, 2003
Hi all,
I have recently been considering the purchase of a preamp to improve the audio quality of my recordings. I've been looking at the ISA Focusrite range of mic pre's and I was also considering purchasing a single 'really high quality' channel strip (perhaps the Vintech X73). This idea was going great until recently a studio engineer friend explained that the purchase of any mic preamp would be a waste of money considering that I am using a Soundcraft Spirit mixing desk. He told me that the audio quality from the Soundcraft preamps would be audibly as good anything else on the market, especially considering I am recording in a home based studio. I found this hard to believe but he is adamant that this is the case having done several 'blind tests' with other prefessionals to verify his theory. Unfortunatly I am unable to test or hear this for myself so I would appreciate any thoughts on this matter as I am reluctant to shell out a lot of money if I don't hear the improvement. I have listed my recording gear below:
Mics
AKG 414, D112
Sennheiser 421
Shure Sm57
Tannoy System 800 monitors
Soundcraft Spirit 12 mixer
Motu 1296 Interface (into comp)
Recording onto Cubase SX
Thanks
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juesContributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002
Aug 06, 2003 02:27 pm Hey
First off the Senn 421 is a lovely microphone, as is the 414 - they are both very detailed and as a result, the cleaner the pre-amp stage, the cleaner the final signal will be.
The preamps present on Soundcraft desks are usually of very high quality, however, they are not up to the quality of Higher-end Focusrite products, etc - otherwise this would be reflected in the price.
A preamp will make a signal sound "sweeter" and "warmer" in a good way, I personally think you would notice the improvment offered by such a unit.
jues.
Aug 06, 2003 08:14 pm thanks Jues for the input. Anyone else have any thoughts on the matter?
MinkusMazBane of All ExistenceMember
Since: Mar 27, 2003
Aug 06, 2003 09:20 pm jues is right about the noticeable improvements when you get up to nice preamps.
you would probably do best to play it safe and buy the preamp you're looking at from a local store that will allow you to return it without tons of problems. i imagine guitar center wouldn't have any in stock, but you could probably get them to order it for you. that way, you can take it home and see if it actually makes a difference before making a serious commitment. find a good deal!
