Hi!

Newbie to this forum.

I'm on my way to purchase a budget micpreamp. Have found two good deals on two separete products; a SPL Channel One and a TL Audio 5051 mk2. The SPL is second hand and the 5051 is brand new. The prices for them are about the same (990USD for the 50501, 1070USD for the SPL)

http://www.spl-usa.com/Channel_One/in_detail.html
Monteverdi - Ah dolente partita

The mic I'm using is a RODE NT2a. Recording on a Digi 002R.

I'm mainly going to use them for recording voice-overs for Tv, but also for recording various instruments, like acoustic guitars.

Having tried the SPL one one VO-session i find it overall good, the de-esser is a nice feature. The meters are also easy to work with.
But I think I'll miss attack and release buttons when it comes to recording musical instruments.

The TL Audio seems good, but I don't have opportunity to try it before I buy it. It does have attack and release controls, but from what I've heard, these buttons doesn't do much effect on the attack/release times. I've also heard that the compressor is working in a very transparent way, compared to the SPL, where you can "beef up" the sound a lot.

Any suggestions?

Anyone who have tried any other brands in the same pricerange?

Forget about the tube circuits and go for a PreSonus Eureka?

Any tips would be great!