Members Danhedonia Posted September 1, 2014 Members Share Posted September 1, 2014 Have a home studio set up with NON computer desk; looking for suggestions for a mic preamp <$300. My beloved PreSonus Blue (mark I) died on me, and I just want something that will do:* leveling* toggle phantom power* nice and clean and quiet* minimal processing* XLR out preferred I don't need USB and/or MIDI. Anybody using / see anything they like? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cryptosonic Posted September 1, 2014 Members Share Posted September 1, 2014 When my DMP3 died I temporarily replaced it with a Mackie 402vlz4. It is now a permanent replacement. Two pres and does multiple duties like DI and headphone amp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Danhedonia Posted September 1, 2014 Author Members Share Posted September 1, 2014 Thanks - that's a candidate - not sure I'm ok with TRS outs vs. XLR, but the price sure is right. Quiet? Anyone use one of those retro-looking Akai's? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O'Keefe Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Check out the FMR Audio RNP. It's the best mic pre out there for under $500 that I'm aware of. However, it's not a "leveler", and most mic preamps don't have compression or leveling built in... for that, check out the FMR Audio RNLA (Really Nice Leveling Amp), which is another winner from FMR Audio... but it's not a mic preamp; you'd still need the RNP to go with it if you must have both types of devices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Danhedonia Posted September 3, 2014 Author Members Share Posted September 3, 2014 $475. You trying to make me sell a guitar? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O'Keefe Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 No, but I am trying to get you to get a really good preamp and not just an inexpensive one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Trick Fall Posted September 3, 2014 Members Share Posted September 3, 2014 Have a home studio set up with NON computer desk; looking for suggestions for a mic preamp <$300. My beloved PreSonus Blue (mark I) died on me, and I just want something that will do: * leveling * toggle phantom power * nice and clean and quiet * minimal processing * XLR out preferred I don't need USB and/or MIDI. Anybody using / see anything they like? By leveling do you mean compression or just setting the level? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O'Keefe Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 "Just setting the level..." - you know, I didn't think of it that way - I'll bet you're right and that's what he meant; it probably was just misunderstanding on my part. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Trick Fall Posted September 3, 2014 Members Share Posted September 3, 2014 "Just setting the level..." - you know' date=' I didn't think of it that way - I'll bet you're right and that's what he meant; it probably was just misunderstanding on my part. [/quote'] At first I thought the same, but then when I reread it I thought maybe he is just looking for a preamp and not a channel strip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Danhedonia Posted September 3, 2014 Author Members Share Posted September 3, 2014 I honestly don't care about format / power requirements. I'm handy with that stuff. And by leveling, I originally meant a range of -20 to +40db minimum, but on 2nd thought it'd be nice if it had some compression, though not essential (have multiple compressors appropriate for vox). Phil, bless you re: the really good preamp. Reality is life changes made me abandon the six figure career and get paid as a first year teacher. So - $475 is like a week's pay, and my wife is still working on her degree. Belt got cinched way tight. And I'm recording NOW. So, I know PreSonus stuff pretty well - what can people tell me about Focusrite? And if I find another 200k, I will not be so dumb as to ignore Phil's advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cryptosonic Posted September 4, 2014 Members Share Posted September 4, 2014 That's why I suggested the mixer. You're not going to find better pres for under around 220 a channel. Most of the akai and focusrite USB stuff can be used as pres but you'll still have to configure them via some other device due to their software mixers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O'Keefe Posted September 4, 2014 Share Posted September 4, 2014 Any objection to getting a used unit? If not, you might want to keep an eye on this auction: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Presonus-MP20-Two-Channel-Pro-Mic-Preamp-/251636651839?pt=US_Signal_Processors_Rack_Effects&hash=item3a96b6973f Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Danhedonia Posted September 6, 2014 Author Members Share Posted September 6, 2014 No objection. I will keep an eye peeled .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Danhedonia Posted November 30, 2014 Author Members Share Posted November 30, 2014 Someone on Amazon reviews said this is dark-sounding ... Phil? I like things open and airy as an abandoned cathedral .... thoughts? And: should I be scared of Warm Audio? Tonebeast beckons ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O'Keefe Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I have not had a chance to review any of the Warm Audio stuff yet myself, but want to. They have a preamp based on the API 312 that's supposed to be really good (and I LOVE my API 312's), as well as an 1176 clone they just started selling recently for way less than you can get one anywhere else... and I've generally read good reports about them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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