Mic Preamps

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Maniacal Genius
Contributor Since: Dec 30, 2002

hey gang. I'm in the market for a good quality mic preamp. I've been looking at the Joe Meek VC3Q and the Presonus BlueTube, but know that there are quite a few in the same price range. Does anyone have any feedback about these units and/or a recommendation for others?

Thanks!

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Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002

Mar 05, 2003 06:41 pm

Hey Ninja

Well, I own a Joe Meek and I think they're "proper bo" (good then). I've used a Blue Tube and wasn't that impressed - I personally feel the joe meek did a better job.

However, if you have the monkey - Focusrite make a gorgeous pre-amp - can't remember what it's called, but my friend has one and I wish I did :)

jues.

Maniacal Genius
Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002

Mar 05, 2003 06:49 pm

The focusrite that is in the ballpark pricewise is the Platinum Voicemaster. Could that be the one? I've got my eye on a few of them as well as a couple different models from Joe Meek. I don't want to spend a ton, but also want something that will be far superior to any built-in mic pres that may be in a near future mixing desk purchase. Thanks for your input jues!

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Mar 05, 2003 07:15 pm

This months GetFiddle Center rag has a Focusrite MH440 and a Blue Baby Bottle bundle for a "G". Might that be the one?

Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002

Mar 05, 2003 08:06 pm

Baby Blue Bottle's rock - I had the pleasure of using one at college and I really want one now :)

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Mar 05, 2003 08:18 pm

I would imagine for the price. But about the pre-amp. Is that the one?

Member
Since: Feb 20, 2003

Mar 05, 2003 08:22 pm

if you record on computer, you can get a kickin piece called sea sound solo which is a pre amp, and soundcard in one and it's preamps kick madly. Only problem is that they are out of business so support is sort of tough to get. It's what I have and I'm very impressed with it.

Moderators Note: Edited post by Loki. Have any questions why feel free to ask in Talking Smack.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Mar 05, 2003 08:51 pm

Ya Walt, the Focusrite Pre in the add is their mid road model. I forget the price alone, but the price they have on that bundle is a steal. I dont know how they manage, but I am guessing they get the 2 Mfgs. to give a little on price to combine the 2 pieces. I myself am asking Santa for an Avalon this year.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Mar 05, 2003 08:57 pm

Ya, I see the preamp being the next most logical in my arsonal too. No time frame yet, just next most logical. I really need to find a way to play with other folks stuff more. I truely love buying once for the most part!

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Mar 05, 2003 09:09 pm

All I know is I have used low budget pres, or borrow a good one. But I am thinkin Santa is gonna come thru this year for me. I just cant make up my mind yet. The Avalon is sweet and warm, but there are some others I need to try yet. But the Avaon I think will win. There is just something about looking into a glowing mass of hand built and hardwired valve goodness that twists my twinkie every time. And the smell when that thing fires up is incredable, I get flash backs when I smell that thing.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Mar 05, 2003 09:50 pm

Oh great! You'll probably get caught sleeping with it!

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Mar 05, 2003 09:59 pm

Well better to get caught sleeping with that then with, oh never mind that is for the back room.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Mar 05, 2003 10:01 pm

Almost gotcha! Man am I getting good or what? Does little circular dance, hands clasp above head.

Your smell so entrancing,
And warmth that's enhancing,
My mind it does wander,
To a past so much fonder,

I love you my lovely little pre amp!

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Mar 05, 2003 10:07 pm

OK,OK, so I got a thing for the smell of hot old electrical componants. There, now everyone knows. Im out of the closet. Dang I fell better now. Thanx Walt.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Mar 05, 2003 10:14 pm

Ever watched an upright bass player? Do you think we like the noise they make? I yikes mine! And the vibration!

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Mar 05, 2003 10:19 pm

OK, now I am thinkin we both been havin some barly pops, and startin to think about our instruments in an improper maner. and ol sponge bob here is startin to give me the eye, both him and Pikachu. Now I am thinkin it is time for beddy by, gotta get my arse up at 3AM again. Not liken that much at all.

Maniacal Genius
Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002

Mar 07, 2003 11:14 am

What about the DBX 586 Dual channel TUBE preamp? Anyone have any experience with this one or a similar unit from DBX?

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Mar 09, 2003 10:19 pm

I used one only once, so this may now be good judgement. But I did find it to be a bit touchy. It had pretty good response for about the first third of the adjustment of gain, then it got really out of control. The last 2 thirds of the adjustment for gain jumped up in big bursts. I found it very hard to use it for subtle warming, it went from barely noticable to way to much in just a small tweak of the knob. So I didnt care for it much. It was just far to touchy.

Maniacal Genius
Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002

Mar 11, 2003 03:28 pm

Well, I just picked up a Focusrite Platinum VoiceMaster. I'll have to fill you guys in on it when it gets here and I have a chance to play with it a bit. If you're interested, the specs are here:

www.focusrite.com/product...ster/index.html

Is this the one your friend has jues? Either way, I'm sure it will be a good unit.

Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002

Mar 11, 2003 06:41 pm

Yeah man, that's the one.

Lucky git - wish I had one :)

Maniacal Genius
Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002

Mar 11, 2003 06:55 pm

Right on. I figured out pretty quick that what I REALLY wanted was an Avalon or a Grace, but I have way too many fish to fry to go quite that far at this point. This one should do nicely for a while. Thanks to everyone for their input!

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Mar 11, 2003 11:53 pm

I may inherit the Avalon I want when we start bulding the studio for the guy in Indiana. He has a pair of them and when we do his new place, it sounds like he is gonna have a fire sale of the gear in the old place, and guess who gets first dibs on the gear he is selling. Yee friggin ha.

Oh ya, congrats Blue, your gonna love it.

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