Suggestions for good rack-mountable mic pre?

Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:09 am

Any suggestions for a really good mic pre, particularly for drums? API was suggested and it would be great if I could gradually get some of the 512's, but I think you need a different type of rackmount system (lunchbox???). I'd like to keep it at around $600-800 per channel. I'd like to be able to gradually collect due to price range. I saw the API 3124, but it comes w/ 4 pres at araound $3,500 and I don't want to shell out that much in one setting.

Someone I know suggested a Germanium, I think that gets over $1,000.

Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:57 am

Check out http://notoasters.net/. I just found out about this and want to check it out myself. I want to say it'd be just about your range - about $600 per channel.

Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 9:42 pm

Try these API alternatives:

http://brentaverill.com/

http://www.oldschoolaudio.com/

or if you got the time and skill:

http://diy-central.com/DIYAPIPreampProject.aspx

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 9:18 pm

funkychiro wrote:

I saw the API 3124, but it comes w/ 4 pres at araound $3,500 and I don't want to shell out that much in one setting.

Look again the 3124+ 4 is about $2400. The 3124MB+ 4 is closer to $3200 but unless you really need the mixer you can save @$800.

Posted: Thu May 03, 2007 8:07 pm

You might want to consider the Joe Meek preamps. The 3Q is under $300 and can give you results comparable to more expensive units.

http://www.joemeek.com/

Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 4:44 am

may I suggest the Universal Audio 2-610 $2K (tube based unit with basic EQ)

the really good preamps tend to be priced more than $1K per channel.

if you are just starting out with your equipment - I recommend getting a recording channel - with preamp, eq and dynamics all in one. Check out the Focusrite Voicemaster Pro which should be $500 to $600 only.

Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 4:48 am

I forgot to add.

The VINTECH AUDIO 1272 and 273 are also very good options

VINTECH AUDIO 1272. PREamps only. 2 channels at $1,4k

VINTECH AUDIO 273. Preamp and 1073-style EQ. 2 channels at $1.7k

though you'll have to buy a $225 power supply (that powers 4 Vintech units - which will cause you to buy more Vintech because they are truly very great sounding Neve style preamps!)

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