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Neumann TLM49 paired with?

Profile picture for user spgiebler
Submitted by spgiebler on

Hey everyone,



I have a home studio that is mainly used for voice-over work...ie commercials, imaging for radio stations, etc.



Currently I am using a Neumann TLM49 paired with a dbx 286A mic preamp.



I am looking to improve my sound through a different mic processor. I feel I have a damn good mic, just not enough behind it to make it shine like I want...But still no complaints. Just wanting to purchase the best bang for my buck!



Some considerations on my budget:



--Aphex 230 Master Voice Channel Tube Mic Pre



--Joemeek twinQ Dual Channel EQ/Compressor/Mic Preamp



--Mindprint Blem Envoice-MKII Single-Tube Channel Voice Processor



--PreSonus VXP Voice Processor



Thank you for your help!



--Stephen

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Profile picture for user moonbaby
moonbaby

The VXP is no longer made, and in my personal experiences with it, was no better than the 286a ( of which I have 2). The EQ was fancier, but the damned downward expander (which I like on the dbx) was "choppier". I would suggest 2 other strips ( I LIKE strips, personally): the Drawmer Front End One (MX60), and the rare and very nice Valley Audio mic processor they made under 2 names: the 401, and the Air Force One.

I have the Drawmer and the Air Force One version. Love the AFO for my voiceovers with either an RE-20 or an AT4047. The dynamics are set-and-forget, the EQ is limited but great on voice, and their resell is very good, as is the build quality.I looked at the Aphex 230 for a while, but there was so much bad talk about the 207 (not the 107), that Caesar dropped the pricing on it by $150.00...I just felt a bit skiddish about it.

Fri, 01/19/2007 - 07:45 Permalink
Profile picture for user Cucco
Cucco

moonbaby wrote: ... but there was so much bad talk about the 207 (not the 107)...



Yeah...definitely two completely different beasts. I don't know the new Aphex line well enough to tell you which mic pre is in the channel strip and right now, I'm too lazy to look that up. Feel free however and report back to us with your findings... 8)

Fri, 01/19/2007 - 08:07 Permalink
Profile picture for user Cucco
Cucco

24 - Goldpoint - prewired (I don't have that kind of patience)



Hey...I'm curious Kev -



when you do replacements of OpAmps, etc. Where do you find your source of information for what would be a good choice? Personally, I've been stealing others' hardwork and trusting their previous efforts. (At $3-$5 for an opamp though, if I'm not happy, I just get a different one.)



For example, other than the size difference and slight pin change, could a Millennia 990 be wired into a TI or AD's place?

Fri, 01/19/2007 - 12:30 Permalink
Profile picture for user Kev
Kev

pre the forums



I guess it sprang from looking inside equipment (broadcast) ... while doing maintenance



or



from the info sheets sent out by the manufacturers

Analog Devices and Texas and BurBrown

these days Maxim do a lot of info sheets and send them directly to techs thst work for the majors



but

most of this stuff is SM and mobile phone and computer card based ... and ROHS



also some time a manufacturer will do an upgrade and send out an ifo sheet on the chip choices and the component replacements if needed



you can then recycle this in other gear



my oldest retro ... was for the Auditronics upgrade from LM301(I think) to NE5534an ...

Son of Grand desk ... 501



other simple replacements like DBX or THAT 2150 to 2180 and 2181 ... etc

the manufacturers have lots of notes and app sheets



the 990 is a much larger unit and the power requirement might be un-friendly



so I'll say no ... to start with

but

yes it has been done before



replacing a 990 with another is an easier thing

but why .. well that's a different question



generalisations here can be very misleading and a specific situation can make for a much better discussion point

Fri, 01/19/2007 - 13:59 Permalink