while doing some research, I came across the Focusrite MH443 TwinTrak Pro Platinum Series 2-Channel Preamp/Compressor
http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--FOCMH443
and the ART Digital MPA Solid Gold Microphone Preamplifier
http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--ARTMPAD

I have heard people say to stay away from art products, is there any weight in this? what is the overall public opinion regarding these pres? anybody have any experience with them? I'll do more looking around, and post what I find

I think the TwinTrak pro is a great option in your price range. Solid preamps, compressor, and eq. Not as many features as some of the higher end stuff, but IMO it is a great deal for the price. It also has an optional AD card.

Boltino

I don't think there is much difference in any of the less expensive mic pres in terms of sound quality. In the end, at mix time I doubt that anyone could tell the difference between the $150 VTB1 and any other pre costing $600 ... so I reccomend you look to the features list to base your desicion on.

I kind of like the VTB1 ... at first I didn't ... but to be fair I was comparing it to a $2500 mic pre so that wasn't really fair. Then I compared it to a Mackie pre and I still wasn't that impressed.

Finally, I took it to my best friends sons studio and compared the VTB1 to the pres in his KORG D1600 ... wow! Night and day difference ... so for the money I think it's hard to go wrong with the VTB1. I seriously doubt there's anything that's really better sounding at twice the price.

That ART MPA Gold is about the best deal you can get for a 2-channel toob pre under $600.
But, you know, don't expect to squeal and wet your pants over it or nothing. It is more of a Budget Pre than "Pro Audio."

these are both going to be better than the pre's in the 1820m, correct?

Most likely not ... perhaps more flexible with some tonal options ... but you really have to get into the high end before pres become "better" IMO.

i have found the RNP by FMR audio to be signifigantly better than the Presonus Blue tube, M-audio Duo and the single channel Joe Meek VQsomething (which are the only preamps i have had the opportunity to compare it too back to back.)

It would not sound anything like an expensive tube preamp however i have found it to produce tracks that sound less 'hazy' and are much easier to blend come mixdown time. it is in your price range (2 channels).

cheers,
greg

I just picked up a groove tubes "THE BRICK" and this thing is great, for well under $600 you get a nice sounding tube preamp with phantom power it,s also a great DI box not to mention it's built as solid as a brick, very handy unt.