OK, here goes...
This summer I'm going to start recording small acoustic ensembles (mostly chamber music) in recital halls and small auditoriums. My 'reference room,' or the one I think sounds best and prefer to use, looks like this:
Ceiling height is 18 feet.
Wood floor (stage), carpeted seating area
25' W x 65' L
Curtains on-stage
Two large windows (approx. 5' x 10')
Flat ceiling (plaster)
Wood wainscoating on the walls (6')
As I said, the music is for small acoustic ensembles, mostly winds, strings, brass, guitar, etc.
The mics I own include (2) Neumann 103s, (2) Neumann K184s, a Royer stereo ribbon, and a RODE NTK.
I have begun auditioning mic preamps to use with these microphones to record this kind of music in this space. So far, the best I've heard is the Millennia 8-channel unit, though I did not have a chance to really use it. Given this specific scenario, what are some others that I should audition? Grace? GML?
After I decide on a mic preamp, I'll move on to A/D converters (I use Pro Tools. sorry Fletcher...), and will probably check out the Lucid and RME. I've already heard the Apogees, and they sound great, but before I lay down that much cash, I want to be sure.
I hope that I've described my situation in enough detail. Thanks very much to anyone who replies.
Doug
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It seems like you're looking for very clean (clear, transparent,
It seems like you're looking for very clean (clear, transparent, pick an adjective) kind of mic pre.
You say you've heard the Apogee converters, and like the way they sound.
Well...you might be able to kill two birds with one stone. The Apogee Trak 2 mic pre is exceptionally open/clear/transparent (pick an adjective), it has the A/D capabilites built right in [along with an analog I/O for an insert point should you want to add an EQ, compressor, phase shifter, etc.]...and, you can get an "Ambus" card that will talk digi protocol...so you can avoid the 001 or 888 or however you would normally interface with the PT system.
Just a thought.