JWB
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Preamp suggestions for M-Audio Sputnik tube mic?
Hi,
Now that I just ordered a Lynx soundcard, I have some options when it comes to a condenser mic/preamp combination. The mic will be used only for vocals. I'm leaning towards buying a M-Audio Sputnik tube mic so I assume I'll want a preamp with a lot of transparency.... or maybe not?
Any suggestions?
Thanks
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IzovAge
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RE: Preamp suggestions for M-Audio Sputnik tube mic?
2007/05/31 13:20:47
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Can you give us some idea of how much you'd like to spend? Also, 1 or 2 channels, with or without comp.
I'm also interested in the sputnik, so please report back once getting it, if you do.
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JWB
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RE: Preamp suggestions for M-Audio Sputnik tube mic?
2007/05/31 17:53:08
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Good questions...
Well, since I already shelled out $1500, probably not as much as I should... maybe $100-500? One or two channels should be fine... no compression needed. My main concern is not undercutting the quality of the Lynx card, while still having enough headroom for the Sputnik to operate naturally. I don't know... maybe a compact mixer is in order? Soundcraft makes some decent ones I've heard.
Thanks
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IzovAge
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RE: Preamp suggestions for M-Audio Sputnik tube mic?
2007/05/31 18:16:13
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I've actually got the compact 4 and am very happy with it's performance. Not only do you get 2 real decent pres but you have connection straight to the card as well. With the xtra $ you can pick up a RNC.
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JWB
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RE: Preamp suggestions for M-Audio Sputnik tube mic?
2007/06/02 10:12:36
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Thanks for the replies. Aah.. I wish there was extra cash! Right now I'm looking at these in a preferenced order: DAV BG-1 True Systems P-Solo FMR Audio RNP If I knew I would hear the $250 difference between the RNP and DAV I'd go for the latter. Still, it's difficult to shell out $700+ using a $500 microphone! 
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IzovAge
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RE: Preamp suggestions for M-Audio Sputnik tube mic?
2007/06/02 11:46:38
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I wish I had the D.A.V. to make the comparison but I do have the RNP and will say that IMO it's one heck of a workhorse type of pre. From the talk on other forums I'd venture to say that the D.A.V. is definitely worth the xtra $ and if you had them side by side, especially for vocals, you'd pick the D.A.V. 98% of the time, or at least I would. IMO, the D.A.V. is in the high-end where the RNP is as I said before a great workhorse and just alittle better than average. Don't get me wrong, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it and it performs very well but, and you are getting this for vocals, I'd go with the D.A.V.
After saying all that, let me add one more thing. No matter which pre you choose, you really should think about a compressor, especially for vocals. So, since $ is limited, this is where I contradict myself and say that the RNP/RNC combo is in all actuality your best bang for the buck. The RNC is really very nice and is used by quite a few real engineers. It's transparent and hard to hear working but does a great job at keeping the peaks down.
Sorry for the rambling, I hope it was helpful.
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JWB
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RE: Preamp suggestions for M-Audio Sputnik tube mic?
2007/06/04 17:24:58
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Thanks for the advice... I think an "uncoloring" preamp will suite me best. I've done more research and it seems like a better approach would be to avoid the mid-level preamps for now and shoot for something over $1000 down the road. The Sputnik will have its own character. All it'll really need is a clean high gain... something that shouldn't cost too much.
post edited by JWB - 2007/06/04 17:28:47
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IzovAge
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RE: Preamp suggestions for M-Audio Sputnik tube mic?
2007/06/04 18:27:31
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You might want to look into the Grace 101.
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JWB
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RE: Preamp suggestions for M-Audio Sputnik tube mic?
2007/06/05 13:24:11
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Well, I think I'd probably choose the RNP in that price range. Dual channels, hi-Z inputs, good op amps. As far as I can tell, the DAV can't be used as a direct box. I forgot that I needed that..  The only other preamp I'd consider is the M-Audio DMP3. Not sure that would pay off in the end. Gosh this is hard!
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Dave King
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RE: Preamp suggestions for M-Audio Sputnik tube mic?
2007/06/14 17:06:33
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I have a Grace 101 and am thinking about getting a Sputnik to use with it. It appears they would be a great match because the Mic is somewhat colored and the Pre is not. If you go this route, please let me know how much you love it!
Thanks.
Dave King www.davekingmusic.com SONAR X2 Producer 64-Bit
StudioCat PC
Windows 7 Home Premium, Service Pack 1
Intel Corel i5 3450 CPU @3.10 GHz
RAM 8 GB
M-Audio Delta 44 M-Audio MidiSport 2x2
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JWB
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RE: Preamp suggestions for M-Audio Sputnik tube mic?
2007/06/23 01:57:50
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Dave,
If you're able to get this.....
How does your Grace 101 sound with bass and electric guitar?
Jon
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Dave King
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RE: Preamp suggestions for M-Audio Sputnik tube mic?
2007/06/23 10:39:35
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To be honest, I've only run vocals and acoustic guitars through the Grace (with excellent results). I haven't run any electrics through it.
Dave King www.davekingmusic.com SONAR X2 Producer 64-Bit
StudioCat PC
Windows 7 Home Premium, Service Pack 1
Intel Corel i5 3450 CPU @3.10 GHz
RAM 8 GB
M-Audio Delta 44 M-Audio MidiSport 2x2
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Middleman
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RE: Preamp suggestions for M-Audio Sputnik tube mic?
2007/06/23 14:15:48
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I would get a Brick in that price range or perhaps the Chameleon. The only better choices would be to build one of the Seventh Circle preamps or Hamptones. These are the best in that price range. (If you have any soldering skills the Seventh Circles are a no brainer and rival preamps in the $2000 range.
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