So I set out to find myself two more channels of high-end preamps. I usually prefer to use dynamics or ribbons over condensers, which of course shows in my choice of preamps.
Let me just say that if you don’t have any experience with a high-end preamp, then I suggest you get yourself some. While it’s true that the preamp is only a very, very, small part of the sound (player, instrument, microphone and yada, yada, also plays a part you know!) the difference between a quality preamp and a low-end one can definitely help your recordings sound better.
The best way I can describe the difference is that you will hear sounds coming from your source you didn’t know could be captured on recordings. Comparing, for instance, the preamps of the Digidesign LE interfaces to a higher-end one, you’ll get the feeling of a blanket is put over your monitors when you’ve recorded through the Digidesign pre’s. Not that they are useless, but there is quite a difference. And if every sound goes through them, well, imagine the difference yourself.
Another thing is that with a preamp that I really like is that I have a hard time keeping the levels moderate. It just sounds so good I want to crank it more and I often find myself clipping in Pro Tools (then immediately turning down the output of the preamp).
The thing is, if you start digging into the preamps that are $1000+ per channel it’s not very likely to find something that sucks, I can’t think of a single one at that price point that I’ve ever disliked. You can’t go very wrong and you can’t blame your preamps for bad recordings.
For years I’ve been trying to preach one thing, and big studios already know this, but to the home recording enthusiasts out there: try to save up and get your recording chain right! Buy one great piece instead of five mediocre.
Mixing is secondary, recording comes first… At least in my world.
My absolute fav mic pre that I always get comments on is the tab-funkenwerk V78M. Astoundingly great. I also have the stereo Millennia which is great for piano and (thru a D.I passive) for electric guitar when you want to use plugs for all efx. (A necessary evil in the TV world.)
It’s only a matter of “when” I pick up one of the many Vxx’s floating around. Beautiful things.
Even the 003 preamps? There are that great difference?
Have you thought about a lunchbox for the API 500 series?
Me? Many times
I think I’ll get one at some point but for now I’m doing fine with the preamps I got. Actually just got another pair because I kept running out of nice ones when tracking. I don’t cry blood if I have to use the occasional 003 pre in a multi-mic scenario, but I rather not so I hunted down a new pair.
Jose, yes it is.
I’ve got the 002rack pres which I barely use and an RNP. the RNP is only slightly better IMO. The forums lead me to believe otherwise… Saving up for the API A2D… better conversion and pres that I know I’ll love!
I’m in love with the Metric Halo preamps in the ULN8. I really have no further need for preamps, but next big royalty check or session fee surplus, I’m gettin’ me a Lachappell preamp. http://lachapellaudio.com/model-583e.html
Not a need thing. A want thing.
- c
For the non-studio guys using Mboxes & whatnot – if your interface has SPDIF or other digital input, get a good pre with good converters built in. Seems like every season there’s more of ‘em out there, API, Aphex, DBX… you really won’t believe it when you bypass everything like that. Besides the sense of space & clarity, I got a massive drop in oddball noise problems. Everything’s dead quiet now.
n8tron, I really like API pre’s, punchy. I think it will be a great upgrade for your setup even if I’ve never tried that particular unit.
Chad, I keep hearing that the Metric Halo preamps are great and stands the test of time. I really wish Avid would make a somewhat similar interface feature-wise where they didn’t skimp on things like preamp and conversion.
Ultimate product: a lunchbox protools interface. Patch the outs of your fave lunchbox or other pres in.
Or at least a lunch box AD converter – with a one-slot lunchbox patching matrix??
I’d love having 2 or 3 sets of 2-channel pres that could be switched to my converter with no patching…