What are you using now? How many channels do you need?
If you're looking for a 4-channel preamp in that range, chances are you won't be able to improve on the stock preamps in your interface.

i am using a digi 003 and a maudio octane 8...are there any two channel maybe even one channel preamps that would be WORTH spending the money on or should i just save

Don't go and buy crap cause your antsy to spend money.

Just save. An API 3124 (or any high-end preamp) is worth saving for. Everytime you look at it and everytime you use it, you will smile and think to yourself how dumb it would have been if you had not not saved and bought some crap. That's one regert that you can eaisly avoid before it happens.

AudioGaff wrote: Don't go and buy crap cause your antsy to spend money.

Just save. An API 3124 (or any high-end preamp) is worth saving for. Everytime you look at it and everytime you use it, you will smile and think to yourself how dumb it would have been if you had not not saved and bought some crap. That's one regert that you can eaisly avoid before it happens.

+1

I've bought some cheapos.
I've bought some nice mics and a few good preamps.
I do my research.

I can't agree more w/ Gaff's comments.
There's no better feeling than doing a session w/ a quality mic and/or pre and looking at it, knowing you'll use it forever.

The 3124 is #1 on my list to get, btw

You can have it both ways if you're intrepid and/or good with a soldering iron.

For $1000 you can build two channels of API-esque preamps from Seventh Circle Audio. Absolutely brilliant pristine preamps that sound wowser. Plus, for another $300, you can add a channel of Neve clone, $370 for John Hardy clone, $200 for Millennia clone, up to 8 channels.

I use my API and Neve channels next to my neighbors API 512 lunchbox and while there are differences in sound, the SCA often is the preferred box.

dshiloh13 wrote: i am using a baby blue bottle for recording vocals and sm57/md421 for guitar cabs

if i can't have an api3124 ... whats a nice pre amp for around $750-1000. most importantly for vocals and electric guitars

any suggestions?

I seriously suggest you look at the DAV BG1. It's a very transparent 2-channel unit and delivers great results. You can probably get it for a bit less than your stated price range.

I have a number of BG1s (but not as many as Dave Gilmour) as well as API 3124s, and there are many gigs where I prefer to assign channels to the DAVs rather than the APIs. The switched gain (as opposed to continuously variable) is a real boon for accurate repeat setting of levels.

for the money you have to spend, go with the ADL 600 and get some really good cables like Mogami for your mics (it makes a difference)

+1 on both SCA and DAV

For a little over a 1000 you could get the Great River ME-1NV which is a great sounding preamp that you will not be displeased with!

Cheers,
Nicholas

dshiloh13, post: 296477 wrote: i am using a digi 003 and a maudio octane 8...are there any two channel maybe even one channel preamps that would be WORTH spending the money on or should i just save

As AG say, don't waste money on junk. The Lavry Black AD-10 is just beautiful. I have one and it is a very excellent stereo preamp.

If it were me I would get a Hamptone HVTP2 or the Hamptone HJFP2 . I have both since 2004 and wouldn't part with either of them !!

[[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.hamptone…"]Hamptone Home Page[/]="http://www.hamptone…"]Hamptone Home Page[/]

Just based on what I have USED in the past I think that the Great River preamp, a Jim Williams High Speed Preamp or even the FMR RNP are all good solid units that can live on in your rack forever.

I am sure the API is great too, but the others listed above are capable of making good recordings also.

I'd start a little API lunch box rack :). I've used the below 3 pre's a week ago for overheads, DI electric Bass, DI electric guitar and vocals . I own two GR MP-500NV and love them. But I must say for vocals the API 512C were great, lot's of character. The True Systems Pres were 'so so'. The GR are just great all around, I hadn't use them on overheads until that day and I compared them to the True System which are both Neve alikes. The GR's were amazing.

API 512C
Great River MP-500NV
True Systems PT2-500

Happy shopping

the adl 600 looks like a sweet pre. have not heard anything bad about it.

What's missing (I know something is) about the ART MPAII pre? Not a good choice?

If you swap the tubes on this particular line of ART it can be adequate to decent depending on the tubes you use, but it isn't the equal of a higher end tube preamp.

It IS, however, better than most lower budget mixers' pres and certainly better than most found in converters.

preamp for under 1000

I have a golden age 73 with the mods. it's fantastic. I bet it cost me less that 500 dollars in total. great on everything