Should I upgrade my mic pre?

I've recently upgraded some gear:
- mic (Neumann TLM102)
- nearfields (Adam A7X's)
- audio interface (RME UFX)
- and finally put some proper GIK Acoustics panel treatments in the room. 
 
I'm now considering whether or not to upgrade my mic pre from the pre's I'm using in the UFX.  I'd be interested in opinions on whether I'd hear a significant improvement using a ~$1000 mic pre over the UFX's pre's?
 
Thoughts?
 
Thanks
Russ
 

I've never used the RME preamps, but I suppose they are middle of the road, transformerless interface preamps.  Nothing wrong with them.  Before I spend $1000 I'd make sure they don't fit your needs.

An external, high-end preamp will have a couple of advantages over built-in preamps.  They usually have more gain - 75 to 80 dBs.  More even gain distribution so that the last twist of a knob doesn't go through the top 10 to 15 dBs.  Both those are great things to have and be able to play w/.  With your new room treatment you'll find you can back the mic off a singer (or whatever) a bit more and still have the "reach" to record - and get less hiss, head movement and proximity effect.  That can help even out a sound.

The other thing you might find is a different sound, esp. w/ a preamp using a nice transfomer or two.  I find that helps "round" out a sound and gives an analog touch in a digital world.

Wether you hear the difference and if it is worth it ... that is something only you can answer.  As much as I like a nice preamp, it is hardly the be all and end all - it is more like the topping on a cake.  You might not notice much or any.  Once you do use some nice analog outboard for a while it is hard to step back down.  You develop the hearing to notice it, or I did.  But the 1st pp is something you can still use.  Having a nice preamp along w/ built-ins lets you do overdubs w/ the nice one.

As far as what to get ...  the Gap Pre 73 is a dual transformer neve clone that you can use the input/output to get different textures w/.  The Focusrite ISA One is a single transformer, Neve inspired brick unit that does some nice thickening of the sound.  The RNP is a dual transformerless design for about the same price.  Over $500 is the Grace (transfomerless again), Daking and on up to API and RND etc.  For about $1000+ you might find an rnd portico unit w/ either a comp or EQ too (they are dual module units). Big, modern Neve sound.   2/3 of a channel strip is really fun - with the comp you can smooth your sound going in and as long as you don't overdue it can help come mixing time.  The only problem w/ that is you'll want a second one to master bus w/.

@

Thanks - great advice.  Much appreciated. 

 As much as I like a nice preamp, it is hardly the be all and end all - it is more like the topping on a cake.

forgive me in advance for being a jerk.  I'm not really a jerk, but this post to me screams to me that you have spent more money than you have the knowledge to use.

the pres on the UFX are going to be better than the pres on a Mackie Mixer, etc, but they're not in the same class as the Nueman mics.  The TLM is not a top of the line Nueman, but it is a Nueman.  running it thru an interface's preamps will work, but you're kind of defeating the purpose of having the Nueman by doing so.  it will give you a very sterile, unremarkable sound.

the Nueman deservers a good valve pre (not a starved plate design) or transformer pre.  the Avalon, UA and other pres mentioned by middleman and others would be where I'd look first.

batsbrew has an excellent suggestion as well.  see if you can rent some and try them out.

I agree with the others above. You have taken the time/money to pick a GREAT mic. Then you should take the time to pick a quality pre for it.  Look/play/listen . . . cause that mic is magic with some pre's and is just average with others.


GOOD LUCK
Kev