preamp poll for purchase next week

anonymous 21 April 2006

Being in the UK I don't have access to the same range that are mentioned regularly and those that I do are at wildly differing prices. In my price range I have the following options to compliment my RODE K-2. Which of the above would you recommend?

Primarily it will be for vocals but the more versatile the better.

Many thanks,

Dave

Topic Tags

preamp

Comments

I haven't worked with / used all of them, but I do own a Trak Ma

Hawkeye Sat, 04/22/2006 - 08:19

I haven't worked with / used all of them, but I do own a Trak Master channel strip and an ART MPA (with JJ Tesla tubes).

I use the TrakMaster mainly for direct tracking bass guitar and it seems to have found a good niche there with its compressor, multi-band EQ (I have the older one, not the pro) and the A/D card (it's for sale in the classifieds).

The MPA is better for vocals and acoustic guitar IMO. It's airier and maybe more detailed, but also does a great job on bass.

I would think the Eureka is a step up from those two, and then the SPL a step up from that.

You've mentioned a combination of channel strips and pure preamps though. If you want an all-in-one solution, go channel strip, if you're looking for best possible sound at the $ point, then go preamp-only. I think you need to zero in on what you're looking for, then your choices might be a little easier.

Seriously, this is a BIG HUGE No-Brainer!! The SPL Gold Mike is

Cucco Sat, 04/22/2006 - 18:46

Seriously, this is a BIG HUGE No-Brainer!!

The SPL Gold Mike is a completely different (and FAR superiour) mic pre to ALL of the others listed.

The MPA is a good pre and the RME stuff is fine.

All of the other stuff....I just don't think so.

I like the Aphex 107, but I haven't been that impressed by the 207D as of yet. Though I've only used it once.

Cucco wrote: The SPL Gold Mike is a completely different (and FA

Markd102 Sat, 04/22/2006 - 19:35

Cucco wrote: The SPL Gold Mike is a completely different (and FAR superiour) mic pre to ALL of the others listed.

But aren't all mic pres the same? :wink: :wink: :wink: :roll:

Hawkeye wrote: if you're looking for best possible sound at the

Groff Sun, 04/23/2006 - 14:22

Hawkeye wrote: if you're looking for best possible sound at the $ point, then go preamp-only.

SPL Gain Station. Absolute amazing for $.

for use with vocals primarily, i like the groove tubes brick, an

anonymous Sun, 04/23/2006 - 20:07

for use with vocals primarily, i like the groove tubes brick, and I can generally talk any sales guy down to $300 on them.

To my knowledge, its a class a true tube pre. this with an rnc compressor is one hell of a vocal chain. If you bought either, I don't think you'd regre it.