I would extend the budget up to $500 and get an fmr rnp (really nice preamp). in this pricerange I think the rnp blows pretty much every other preamp away...

RNP is quite nice for the price. As are ART PRO MPA, PRO CHANNEL, Presonus Eureka even a Mackie 2 channel Onyx will work quite well.

Just curious how are you getting to the recording process after the preamp? Are you using an interface, PCI card, etc?

Thanks for responding. I have a Tascam 244 neo.

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The reason I am asking is, is this unit capable of inputting an amplified signal or do all the inputs go through preamps built into the Tascam? That is what it appears to be when I glance at it. Running a preamp through a preamp may not give you very good results. Someone with more experience matching input levels may be able to give you better advice here.

The most solid pre's I've heard in that price range aren't in a rackmount box or desktop thing, but rather in the A&H ZED boards. Maybe a mixer isn't something you're thinking about but man, the pre's are so solid, quiet, a little bit sweet, and very fast - which makes for great transients. Plus the EQ section is invaluable with sweepable mids from 120Hz - 4kHz. The EQ section is really transparent (meaning no added noise or hiss when engaged) and won't f-up your signal like most outboard EQ's in that $$ range. when you get 6 pre's all together, totally useable EQ, inserts, A&H quality, blah blah blah...it's kind of a no brainer really for less than $400. You can connect with your interface using the analog outs or USB or straight to your DAW by USB - it's up to you. I've used a ZED14 now for about 8 months and am still blown away by the pre's, and record mostly acoustic music with the occasional guitar cab.

I'm using an ntk through a GAP Pre-73. I recommend this combo all day long. ;-)

I think I'll answer this question. "Which Preamp in the $2-400 range?". That's simple. For $2 the Signetic's 5534AN 8 pin IC chip can still deliver superb recordings. Yup, $2. $400 go for a classic sound like a used API 312 preamp module. A couple of switches, connectors and bipolar 15 V supply will be required. You might be even able to find yourself a Neve BA 438 operational amplifier and microphone input transformer. This'll all require some DIY. But then you get to know what you need to know better. I like transformer coupled microphone preamp's. But the 5534 can be used just as it is. Look for the schematic of a Sound-Tracs 16-8-16 from the mid-1980s. The 5534 IC chip has a resistive pad switchable at the input to the 5534. A volume control in the feedback loop and you're good to go. For two dollars. Such a deal.

Cheap is good. It's good to be cheap.
Mx. Remy Ann David

RemyRAD, post: 298854 wrote: I think I'll answer this question. "Which Preamp in the $2-400 range?". That's simple. For $2 the Signetic's 5534AN 8 pin IC chip can still deliver superb recordings. Yup, $2. $400 go for a classic sound like a used API 312 preamp module. A couple of switches, connectors and bipolar 15 V supply will be required. You might be even able to find yourself a Neve BA 438 operational amplifier and microphone input transformer. This'll all require some DIY. But then you get to know what you need to know better. I like transformer coupled microphone preamp's. But the 5534 can be used just as it is. Look for the schematic of a Sound-Tracs 16-8-16 from the mid-1980s. The 5534 IC chip has a resistive pad switchable at the input to the 5534. A volume control in the feedback loop and you're good to go. For two dollars. Such a deal.

Cheap is good. It's good to be cheap.
Mx. Remy Ann David

Don't forget to add charges for ambulance and emergency room care not covered by insurance when you electrocute yourself with a power supply.

Oh, and +1 for the FMR at $450 new

I have an M-Audio FireWire interface which is very mobile and an FMR RNC Mic Preamp. I use them to record classical acoustic concerts and recitals and I like both of them. However, I am looking at the TC Electronics Impact Twin. It "MAY" have a little more clean gain for use with Ribbons and the A/D converters should be a little better than the M-Audio. The TC unit can be had for $400. The M-Audio and FMR together cost $900.

It's not exactly apples to apples as the M-Audio handles more inputs and the TC has processing built in. I just want to get as clean as possible audio into my laptop with minimal set up.

As for Mics, You can not go wrong with a 57.... However, I have 4 Oktava MC012's that sound great. Only recently did I start opting for Earthworks Omnis. I am a vocalist myself, and for recording my voice, I'd have no problem using an MC012 Cardioid w/POP filter... I don't, because I have a TLM-103.

So, my point is, there are acceptable low cost options.