It sounds like your friend doesn't like that mic. I personally believe changing preamps will make a difference. There are preamps in your price range. ART and Presonus come to mind. I use the ART and it is not great, but it has some character. For vocals I like color and character in my preamp. YMMV.

I doubt the Roland will sound like anything they claim. But I must admit I have a bias against Roland products.

I'm not sure what kind of work your friend did in a studio, but boy is he way off base with that comment.

Any mic changes character with different pres, that particular 414 is no exception.

At $400 you might find a JOEMEEK or a Presonus used, both are pres you should check out in my opinion.

Not sure what kind of performance you can get for the price mentioned, but the preamp sure does make a heck of a difference.
Ted

I'm not sure this is what you want to hear but I think the best advice I could give you is to wait and pile up more cash before heading to the store so you can get something you're gonna get to use **and** enjoy for a long time.

The most accessible units I can think of that are worth spending money on would be an Earthworks Lab101 or a Grace 101, probably in that order. Of course the upcoming RNMP may bring a viable option at a lower price point in the near future, so my advice is still valid.

Personally, I once tried the whole ART line some years ago for a friend's homestudio after a referral from a local seller. I would hardly be able to find any use for the stuff other than as a doorstoop or something similar. :eek: Again, this is just my opinion

As for the Roland stuff, you have to realize that there is little precious odds that they can pull such a stunt. :w:

This month's issue of Pro Audio Review (February 2002) is the 2002 Gear Guide. I found it fascinating that there are over 110 manufacturers of preamps listed! (And of course, many of them have multiple offerings). It's a real eye-opener as to just how many options there are - and of course there must have been quite a few not included (like Buzz).

Thanks for the help guys.

I'm going to follow GroundControl's advice and simply save enough cash to plunk down about $8,000 for a decent combo. I have that funny personality where if something isn't utterly awesome, I will tire of it quickly. I'd rather get it right the first time and enjoy it forever.

Last time I'm listening to my friend about preamps. =) Actually, he loved the 414, he just didn't have the greatest ear for sound quality.

Again, thanks. :cool:

Originally posted by Mercuri:
Thanks for the help guys.
Last time I'm listening to my friend about preamps. =) Actually, he loved the 414, he just didn't have the greatest ear for sound quality.

Then he is definitely no 'friend.' I would drop that guy like a bad habit. NOW!

(okay, maybe a slight overreaction)

CS

For that budget I'd definately give the small Grace 101 a good listen