External Mic Preamps for V Studio 100?

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Irisheyes
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2010/11/02 09:33:46 (permalink)

External Mic Preamps for V Studio 100?

Hello All:  I am a former analog project/semi pro studio owner circa late 80's, and have very recently gotten back into it in the digital realm.   I am extremely happy with the V Studio 100, but am interested in seeing if I can make even slight improvements in the signal chain using an external mic preamp (or channel strip).  Which of the following would be an improvement over the onboard preamps in the unit:  Focusrite ISA One,  Focusrite Twin Track Platinum,  Presonus Eureka,  Golden Age Project Pre73,  Groove Tube Brick,  UA Solo 610, DBX 386, or Event EMP 1.  I am fully aware there are much better high end units out there (former Avalon owner),  but right now these are the ones I am interested in, and are within my budget. My present mic locker includes decent AKG, Sennheiser, Audio Technica mics.   Will all (or any) of the afore mentioned preamps be an improvement over those in the V Studio 100??  If not, of course I can put the money elsewhere.  Any advice would be much appreciated. 
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    M@ B
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    Re:External Mic Preamps for V Studio 100? 2010/11/03 13:39:42 (permalink)
    i can't answer that - unfamiliar with the pre's you listed, but the onboard pre's are usable for recording and very good for live application from my experience.
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    Irisheyes
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    Re:External Mic Preamps for V Studio 100? 2010/11/04 10:06:12 (permalink)
    Thanks for your reply.  Yes, I do find the pres decent,  but all my recent research seems to indicate mic pres in audio interfaces can be the weak point in the recording chain, and I'm trying to figure out at what point (or price range) it would be worth using an external preamp in lieu of those on the V Studio 100.  Years ago I had an Avalon preamp with my old Ramsa mixer (to an Otari reel to reel), and loved the sound I got.  I know the Avalon line would improve the sound, but am not willing to spend over $2,000 at this point.  The units I mentioned are all in the $500 area, and I guess I'm basically looking for someone who has used one of the units I mentioned, and see if they feel they improve the sound or not.  Again, thanks for taking time to reply. 
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    AT
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    Re:External Mic Preamps for V Studio 100? 2010/11/05 22:14:57 (permalink)
    Yea, should be a step up.  I tested the VS100 against an API and it was lacking in the highs (or mids, depending upon your definition).  I've got the ISA One, great unit.  I can't compare it directly, I had the vs early in the year for review, but the one is rounder, fuller.  It ought to be something, since it costs almost as much, and the Roland preamps ain't chopped liver.

    I've got a Portico II channel now so I haven't been using the ISA - I need to get rid of it.  The Portico kills, as you can imagine, but the preamps are the same kind of sound.  Transparent, round, full, yada yada yada.  I've heard the groove tube, and only good things about the golden age sound (the build quality can be iffy, so be careful and get a good one).  The only thing about the groove tube is the output.  I like the ISA and Portico - both neve designed with tremendous output (80 dB for the ISA).  For $500 or so the ISA One is a killer deal, IMHO.  Certainly improved on my TC Konnekt 48's preamps, which are good.  At a pro studio (SSL, Apogge, etc) I use the owner engineer liked the ISA enough he was thinking of buying one.  He likes to buy stuff, use it, then sell it for more, and w/ the blow out of them couldn't justify it (I hinted later he could buy mine).

    When you get in the market for a channel strip, the Portico is hard to beat.  Expensive, but worth it.  Stuff comes out sounding like it went through a big board.  You can hear an all-portico song in the Song forums - Hip Shake.  The guitarist laid everything in track at a time through it, along with the vocalist.

    Have fun and welcome back.  I had a Ramsa board too back when, and a Tascam reel to reel.  SONAr certainly beats the edit block.

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    Irisheyes
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    Re:External Mic Preamps for V Studio 100? 2010/11/07 08:49:10 (permalink)
    AT:  Thanks for your reply; exactly what I was hoping for- someone who has used one of the preamps I listed (I had already been leaning towards the Focusrite ISA one based on specs and my research).  And although it was fun and challenging sometimes,  I don't miss the edit block at all!  PS My other reel to reel was a Tascam 38.  Great old stuff. 
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