This may come as a subjective question to some but I'm looking for some opinions. using the at4050 mic and the preamps in the onyx1640 do you think i should still use a good preamp? As well as with my keyboards? I doubt i need to run my mpc through a preamp? Advice is well taken!
I think you are going on beyond practicality. Although I don't
I think you are going on beyond practicality. Although I don't have any experience with this brand-new version of the Mackie line of products, I feel that they are their newest microphone preamplifier and will be more than adequate, in your application. You are certainly not running an API or Neve front end (which I own and are certainly my favorites), nor a Massenburg, etc.. Certainly a subjective judgment. I once a made beautiful jazz recording with the singer on an AKG414 BULS and used a passive XLR split to my API 3124 and a Mackie 1604 . I preferred the smoothness of the API over the Mackie but both were more than adequate for a fine recording. I may have Grammy, Emmy and Soul Train nominations but after 20+ years with NBC radio and television, I find myself a brutally practical engineer. The biggest difference you will hear is the performer, performance, not the equipment. Save your money.