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

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.

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

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

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!

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.