Maybe a channel strip type of thing like a Manley Voxbox?

where are you located?

I live in Toronto

Why bother recording with a good mic and pre if you can only capture it with a 001? You may as well use a Samson mic and Behringer Pre. Save your cash and upgrade your interface instead, then worry about the rest.

Rap vocal & U87 doesn't seem to be a good blend. An SM58 would do a better job and save your cash for the capsule replacement on the U87...
All vocal style doesn't deserve a U87, like for rap. You better have the top
pop filter if you use that kind of mic. I f you finally rent the U87 or something similar, do the test while your tracking, and try a Shure SM58/57
to compare with the Neumann, you will be surprise how the sm58 is closer from rap sound than the U87.

Digi 001 and U87 (IMO) can totally Rock. I would totally suggest Avalon Pre-amps for the U87/ Hip Hop Combo.

Cheers

Totally Toally totally ....AD2022

You Guys would buy an Avalon Pre and then run it through the Digi 001Converters ? You might as well run it through a sound blaster card! Dude, you want some solid advice about purchasing options then talk to Kurt. He will set you in the "right" dirrection. Your signal chain is only as strong as its weakest link ( your Digi 001 ), so unless you have a great interface with top notch converters you will never get the full benefit of high end pre's and Mics. A waste of your hard earned money at this stage......

fair comment. My bad, I actually thought the "AD" 2022 meand A/D converters, but it turns out the facility I've used runs the Avalon though the Sony DMX R-100 A/D's. Poor Sad Sack of Bones 001