Cakewalk by BandLab
Prev Thread
Next Thread

Preamp recommendations? What else might I need?

Author
Post
Essentials Only Full Version
soydevon
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 13
  • Joined: 11/21/2008
  • Location: Rochester, NY, US
  • Status: offline
September 05, 09 1:29 PM (permalink)

Preamp recommendations? What else might I need?

I apologize if this question seems too noobie or annoying. I've been searching the forums to try to figure out what would work best, but I'm just getting more confused so I'm just going to ask, since you know a lot more about this than I do.


I have Sonar 8 Studio edition, running on Vista 64 bit, trying to set up a small home recording studio for myself.

I need a preamp for my microphone... as I plan to mostly record my acoustic guitar & vocals (using Sonar's studio instruments to add backing tracks 'til I get a keyboard a few months from now). So...what's a good inexpensive preamp? I think the UA-1G would work, but I'm not quite sure if it'd work. A little confused. 

Someone else told me they use Signal Flex MM40, but that seems to be a guitar amp, which probably wouldn't be so good for vocals & stuff? I don't even know if it's a decent product or if it'lll work with Sonar.

Any recommendations or suggestions on good inexpensive preamps?

Besides a preamp, is there anything else I might need to record? I thought that all I needed was the software (Sonar 8) but I'm finding that I need a preamp and now I'm not sure if that's all I'll need. Suggestions are very welcome.


post edited by soydevon - September 05, 09 1:41 PM
#1

3 Replies Related Threads
    AT
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 10654
    • Joined: 1/9/2004
    • Location: TeXaS
    • Status: offline
    Re:Preamp recommendations? What else might I need? September 09, 09 0:01 PM (permalink)
    looks like a mini mixer to me, but it is battery powered.  Not a good thing since you'll be running through batteries a lot and doesn't seem to have an XLR in either.

    Preamps bring the rather small signal from a mic up to line level and run from -$50 to as much as you want to spend per channel.  But your best bet is to get a cheap mixer - one w/ a preamp built-in.  Behringer has some cheap mixers -  less than $100 for one or two mic inputs.  For a little more you can get more inputs, more preamps and more functionality.  A mixer is better, since you can do a couple of other things w/ it other than using it as a mic preamp.

    @


    https://soundcloud.com/a-pleasure-dome
    http://www.bnoir-film.com/  
     
    there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.
    24 And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.
    #2
    Doc_Hollingsworth
    Max Output Level: -52.5 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 2289
    • Joined: 3/2/2008
    • Location: Boise, Idaho
    • Status: offline
    Re:Preamp recommendations? What else might I need? September 09, 09 10:42 AM (permalink)
    The UA-1G would work The question is more along the lines of whether you intend to use a Condenser mic or a dynamic mike. The condenser requires phantom voltage and the dynamic can use a standard XLR line in.

    I would suggest the first as most good acoustic instrument mic for the home studio are within the financial realm of most hobbyists or home recordists.

    If that is the case then you may also want to look at the Lexicon Alpha or Lambda (stay away from the Omega it has problems). You might also want to look into the Line 6 Pod Studio series. Disregard the GX in the line up as it is underfeatured. You may also want to look at the Edirol line of USB or Firewire connected audio intercaces as well.

    All will get the job done and allow you to have multiple inputs for recording both vocals and instrument at the same time.

    Doc
    MacBook Pro 15.4 Retina (mid 2015)
    Focusrite Clarett 8PreX & OctoPre
    Logic Pro X 10.2.4/Reason 9.2/Pro Tools 12.7
    Long haired dachshund - requisite studio dog (no short hairs need apply - read the sign)
     
    #3
    MuttJunior
    Max Output Level: -89 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 69
    • Joined: 2/12/2008
    • Status: offline
    Re:Preamp recommendations? What else might I need? September 09, 09 3:17 PM (permalink)
    Sounds like so far all you have is a PC, microphone and a guitar.  To get yourself started with recording, I would go with a USB or Firewire audio interface that gives you the flexibility to use Dynamic or Condenser mics (i.e. with phantom power)as Doc says... units like that have built-in pre-amps and aren't too expensive.  I use the Presonus Firebox, but there lots of choices out there and many newer/better than mine.  That will get your mic signal into Sonar.  Next you want a way to listen to what you've recorded, so you'll need some type of monitor speakers.  Lots of powered monitor choices out there.
     
    By the way there are lots of threads in this forum covering this question... try a search and you'll find some great recommendations. 
    #4
    Home » [The Studio] » Hardware » Preamp recommendations? What else might I need?
    Jump to:
    © 2025 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1