Need Guidance toward the right Pre-Amp for my studio

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daeser1
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2011/12/09 14:37:54 (permalink)

Need Guidance toward the right Pre-Amp for my studio

First off, I'd like to say that i really appreciate everyone on this site who has taken time out of their day to help me. It truly means a lot.
 
 I'm currently looking to upgrade my Mic Pre-Amp, as i feel it is my studio's weakest link. Price range is up to about $500.00
 
Here's what I'm currently working with:
 DAW:
• Intel i7 930
• X58a motherboard
• SATA-III, TI Firewire, USB 3.0
• 6 GB DDR3 1600MHz
• 750GB & 1TB Hard Drives (32MB cache)
Sonar Version: Sonar 8 Pro
 
Mic: BlueBird cardioid condenser (via phantom power cable)
 
Interface: M-Audio Profire 610 (via FireWire)
 
Mic PreAmp: Art Tube MP project series (single channel tube)
 
Here's what my production sounds like: 
http://soundcloud.com/daeser1
http://soundcloud.com/daeser1/like-boom 

I mainly record hip-hop/rap/reggae vocals and once in a while record acoustic guitar. That is the range of recording i do. The rest of the instruments used are through varies programs including REASON.
Thank you all, once again, for your help.
post edited by daeser1 - 2011/12/09 15:06:30
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    leapinlizard
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    Re:Need Guidance toward the right Pre-Amp for my studio 2011/12/09 17:00:53 (permalink)
    The Golden Age Pre 73 seems to get a lot of good reviews from forum members ... there's a thread somewhere around here.  The Focusrite ISA-ONE is popular, as is the Grace Designs m101, which is slightly above $500.  Do you need just a dedicated preamp, or would a channel-strip type preamp be better for your needs?  Do you need dual channel, or just single-channel?  That might help narrow it down, as there are a number of choices out there.

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    AT
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    Re:Need Guidance toward the right Pre-Amp for my studio 2011/12/09 20:41:15 (permalink)
    The ISA one is a great allarounder.  Guitar center should have it for $400 (about what the gap sells for) w/ their $100 off $500 they are running.  Just be sure to get the whole kit, incl. the carrying case.  They sold me one w/o until I got it righted.

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    gibsongs
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    Re:Need Guidance toward the right Pre-Amp for my studio 2011/12/11 15:39:23 (permalink)
    Hi,

    I picked up a ART Pro MPA II from MF and really like the unit (around $350 if I remember). It is great as a direct in for instruments and also has a variable impedance adjustment to allow you to match mics (works really great for ribbon mics). I didn't want to spend a lot and this fit the budget. It also has mid/side mic switching if you wish. For instruments I actually use an ART DI box so I can go through the mic preamp circuit and use the variable Z control to adjust the color of the instrument (the direct input on the front does not go through the variable Z circuit).

    I also have a Blue Bluebird which works well with it and my A/Ds are Presonus FP10s.

    gs
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    daeser1
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    Re:Need Guidance toward the right Pre-Amp for my studio 2011/12/18 15:01:09 (permalink)
    I only need a PRE-AMP, don't need a channel strip. Dual channel is preferred.
     
    Here's what i was looking at: http://www.uaudio.com/har...s/710-twin-finity.html
    it's just a little out of my price range.
     
    I'd be willing to go to maybe 600 or 650. So this kinda gives a better description of what i'm looking for.
     
    FYI: MY MIC PREAMP IS MAINLY FOR VOCALS (not instruments).  
    post edited by daeser1 - 2011/12/18 15:06:48
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    AT
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    Re:Need Guidance toward the right Pre-Amp for my studio 2011/12/19 01:46:58 (permalink)
    http://www.fmraudio.com/

    RNP - dual channels @ $500

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    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.
    #6
    daeser1
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    Re:Need Guidance toward the right Pre-Amp for my studio 2011/12/22 02:54:34 (permalink)
    After getting together a few bucks i ended up going for the most expensive lunch box I've ever seen:
    http://www.uaudio.com/hardware/mic-preamps/solo-610.html 

    Thank you all. Wish i had the resources to test run all affordable pre-amps, but i don't. So here goes. I will update this thread later on after i have gotten a good feel for the 610. Either way, it's a huge jump from what i had. 




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    batsbrew
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    Re:Need Guidance toward the right Pre-Amp for my studio 2011/12/22 10:41:07 (permalink)
    the solo 610 is an excellent preamp.
    you will not regret that purchase.....

    since you've decided to go that route, this should be your next purchase....





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