I caught the upgrade bug, but I'm over it now.  I just need to learn the gear I own.  The Quad-Capture has controls I haven't even tried, a Gate and a Compressor for example.
 
I'll probably go for a better condenser mic at some point, but for now I'll bank the bucks.
 
Apologies for my temporary loss of perspective:)

Well, I picked up a nice AKG C 214 condenser mic on ebay and I am now thinking about adding an affordable tube preamp.
 
I can't justify $500, but I'd spend $300 on a new PreSonus Studio Channel or something better, used on ebay, which will be in front of my Quad-Capture interface.  Any thoughts or recommendations?

It is bad when the bug bites.  I just ordered a CAD 8000 Trion tube mic.  $200 at B&H Photo.
 
As to the preamp, I've heard yea and nay on the PreSonus.  Personally, I'd go with the WARM or a focusrite ISA One, which can be found close to $300 used.  They are two preamps you won't get rid even if you win the lottery. 

AT
 
Personally, I'd go with the WARM or a focusrite ISA One, which can be found close to $300 used.  They are two preamps you won't get rid even if you win the lottery. 

Thanks.  I'll check them out.

see this thread.  I just went through the preamp thing, and there was lots of good info shared.
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/new-preamp-m3202175.aspx

sven450
see this thread.  I just went through the preamp thing, and there was lots of good info shared.

Thanks.  Yeah, I read that thread recently and again just now.  I was looking at that JoeMeek threeQ because of features for the price, but there are some budget tube preamps out there I may try, like the ART Tube MP for $50 new. 

olemon

sven450
see this thread.  I just went through the preamp thing, and there was lots of good info shared.

Thanks.  Yeah, I read that thread recently and again just now.  I was looking at that JoeMeek threeQ because of features for the price, but there are some budget tube preamps out there I may try, like the ART Tube MP for $50 new. 

I'm sure I can vouch for many of us here that have wasted good money on cheap gear because of g.a.s. only to regret it. I have come to realize that a better approach is to utilize what I already own for the time being and save up for quality items that will be useful for years to come.
 
Rocky

Like Rocky, I'd skip the ART and save up for the ISA One( I got my ISA for $377 "new" with warranty)or the Warm Audio TB12 ($599 unless you can get it used)which you can very easily upgrade for $50 to a John Hardy 990C+ opamp (I did and am very pleased), giving you the option for a very clean side or an API colored side- 2 preamps in one.  The ART Digital MPA II would be way more useful than the cheaper one, and is near your budget.
You could also, consider the GPA Pre73 and then later on get it modded up to the DLX/better transformers etc, like Zen Pro Audio offers. I had a Joe Meek 10-12 years back(long gone unfortunately) and really liked it, though I don't know how it would compare to my current options.
 
Check out this chart on where various preamps fall clean to colored. It's pretty handy info as you plan where you'd like to take your studio options.
http://www.prostudioreviews.com/mic-preamp-graph.html
Michael
 

If you have to go inexpensive the little ART MP isn't bad.  It is the same ole IC preamp everyone else puts in their cheap mixers and interfaces, which is decent and works fine under most circumstances.  It has a starved-plate "tube" that adds some distortion (little saturation before).  Works great if you want a fluffy bass but precious little else I've found, but there is not much else use for it, tho you may find you like it.  Otherwise, it works well as splitter, DI, etc.  A great little box to have around, although it is in my live kit these days.
 
@

Sound advice, pun intended:)  Can't argue with any of it.  Thank you.
 
I think I will look for a good deal on a used unit or go for something like a Joemeek threeQ, or the ISA or something in that mid-range.  I've got a Guitar Center credit that I've been holding onto:)
 
Any thoughts on a Joemeek 'oneQ', not the 'oneQ2' I see at Sweetwater for $999.00?
 
I have to go back and read the answers to my previous post about a preamp running into my Quad-Capture.  As I understood it, the Quad-Capture preamps would be virtually bypassed/transparent....