mic preamp in 800$-range?

Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2002 6:10 am

Any suggestions?
I have a studioprojects c1-mic running into spirit f1 mixer and terratec-soundcard.

I live far away from everything so I'm able to test-run only the major brands like dbx and focusrite. Do they they any good in this range?

I've red some good things about joemeek twinQCS and spl goldmike. Any comments on these?
thanks.

Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2002 6:36 am

Hi,

I can really recommend the Joemeek VC1Qcs or the Dual Channel version (Twin Qcs). Very nice pre-amp. Smooth top, lots of balls and a super silky, beautiful compressor build in. Really deserves the tag "warm sounding".
I haven't heard the Goldmike, but from what I gathered it is a clean sounding, uncoloured pre.

Best,

Markus

Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2002 8:01 am

If yer lookin' fer neutral, check out the Grace Designs 101. :tu: Beautifully clean and transparent and within yer budget. Plenty o' gain too. I use it with the C1 and love it for clean vocals. Try Wind over the Earth in Colorado. They usually have them in stock and will give you a fair price.

Ciao-der-head. <img border="0" alt="[retard]" title="" src="graemlins/retard.gif" />

Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2002 9:48 am

Auburn, CA???!!! I'm just up the road from you! Here in good 'ol Orangevale/Sacramento!

Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2002 11:47 pm

I've got to second that VC1Q suggestion.
I use a C1 also and LOVE it!
If you want clean, bypass the compressor and use a RNC on the insert. I love the warmth of the Meek comp.
Lots of headroom.
One of my smartest buys.
All over EBay for ~ $450.00.
Try here
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&pb=&ebaytag1=ebayreg&ht=1&query=j oemeek&SortProperty=MetaEndSort

or here
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&ht=1&ebaytag1=ebayreg&query=joe+m eek&query2=joe+meek&search_option=1&exclude=&category0=&minPrice=&maxPrice=&ebaytag1code=0&st=0&Sort Property=MetaEndSort

I love mine!
Carmen

Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2002 10:35 am

Just a thought,

I've seen the two-channel Aphex "Tubessence" pre (model 107 I think?) selling used in the $150-200 dollar range. Might be worth a look depending on what sound you are going for. I've used that particular model for years, and there are times when it compares favorably to much more expensive pre's.

One caveat: the whole "Tubessence" thing is kind of a marketing ploy IMO. The Aphex to me DOESN'T sound particularly "tubey". But, it's very transparent, clean and quiet with a nice open top and maybe a hair of midrange "warmth". If you can find one in the $200 range, I would consider it a steal.

Preamp wise, there really isn't much else I've used in the under-$800 range. Is the RNMP out yet??

Good luck!

Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2002 10:49 am

One more thought.... what about the 4-channel Sytek unit? $750-ish for a very decent 4-ch box. Dunno if you need that many inputs but it might be worth a look.

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