Looking for some Advice Volume 1 (Mic Pre Amps)

Posted on Jul 31, 2007 10:37 pm
Joshido
Sound Ninja
Member Since: May 29, 2007

So I got some money to burn (around 200) and wanted to invest into a mic preamp rack.

I have heard wonderful things about tube amps and found some dual channel amps that are in my budget and have gotten some good reviews. (ART, and Berhinger)

On the flipsside though, some say a bit of EQ on a standard pre is a better sound and is better for less noise.

Any Input would be greatly appreicated.

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crux
Typo Szar
Member
Since: Jul 04, 2002

Aug 01, 2007 06:55 am

I heard the ART units are way better than Behringer. Behringer's rep is more on the side of making affordable units that can get you through then actually being stellar, but the ART's as people say are working towards quality.

Anyhow, IMHO with this day and age of digital recording, getting a tube preamp is more important than getting one with EQ. EQ can be done very well in the digital realm, so its not a huge concern when your recording. The Saturation youll get from the tubes though are not something that most people accept can be done in digital.

I vote get an ART tube pre.

Tadpui
I am not a crook's head
Member
Since: Mar 14, 2003

Aug 01, 2007 12:03 pm

I have an ART Tube MP and I greatly dislike it for vocals, guitars, drums...everything but bass. The "tube" basically just sucks the highs out of it and leaves it lifeless. Makes a great bass DI though.

If you're going budget, forget tube and go solid state. ART, M-Audio, Presonus all make good solid-state budget preamps. Maybe start your search there.

hozomean
Member
Since: Jul 10, 2007

Aug 01, 2007 12:38 pm

Yeah, it seems like you almost need to be able to spend about twice what you're looking to get a really good, versatile, tube pre. That said, check out some of the ART stuff in the top of your price range (don't go for the cheap stuff). I'd avoid behringer, as others have said. I know folks who've had good luck with some of the low end Presonus stuff too.

TallChap
Answer:On a good day, lipstick.
Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004

Aug 01, 2007 04:33 pm

Although....I have heard that the Beringer T1952 with a tube change is pretty fantastic (just don't rely on those little analog meters - they are not accurate). I think banjocenter has them for about $125 - then add the cost of a couple of good tubes.

Joshido
Sound Ninja
Member
Since: May 29, 2007

Aug 01, 2007 10:26 pm

Thanks for the input guys you have pushed me towards getting an ART.