the avalon M5 you can get for $1500, (1 ch)the 737 channel strip will set you back 2k- the dual amek will set you back $1600- one channel great river me1nv will cost you a little more than 1k, 2 ch about $2200- You could also ger a chandler tg2 for $1600 (but then you have to get the power supply for another $130- it will service 2 units)

If you only want 1 channel the avalon m5 is within your budget- the great river is only 1k-
in that case, I would get the great river and pocket the extra 500

If you need 2ch, I would go go with the chandler for about 1700 bucs...

you want a channel strip? it would be hard to beat the avalon 737 for 2k

good luck to you and have fun shopping!

The Avalon 737 is a decent unit and is widely used although I'm not a big fan. It would work well the mic's you have and it is a R&B standard.

Audiogaff

Audiogaff, I know you don't mess around with the low level stuff (like Peavey VMP2) but have you heard a Peavey VMP2 and if so what do you think of it? Do you think it woud work for him? Or anyone else for that matter?

Ya, the Peavey VMP2 is an ok toy. If you upgrade the tubes and few other components. The real value is that it is an old school tube design with no frills. Mpre ;ike a real FYI project. But I don't really care for it upgraded or not. Too many other things I'd rather have and use. It certainly is something that I would likely own if I was on the low budget wagon.

Thanks for the opinions. Maintiger, I'll check into the M-5 and a seperate compressor/limiter as I've read the compressor on the Avalon 737 is not that great. I'll also see if I can rent a Great River for a day and listen to it on my mics. I just need one channel but I wouldn't mind two. AudioGaff, what mic pre do you most often reach for when recording male vocals?

Rubemac wrote: I've finally put aside $1500 to go towards a pro-level mic pre. I've read here on RO over the past 6mths about various prefences for clean vs coloured mic pres. I've listened to the Sebatron tests performed by Kurt. I would like to know the forums thought on a mic pre that would best suit R&B and ocassional hip-hop. In the circles I travel, most would point me to the Avalon 737. I haven't seen the Avalon mentioned nearly as much as Great River, Vintech, Amek, etc. My mics are the SP C-1, Cad M9, Rode K-2, SM58, and Octava 319. The forums advice would be very appreciated.

I realize the suggestion I'm going to make is more expensive than your budget. Nevertheless, you might want to check out the Pendulum Audio Quartet for your front end.

AudioGaff, what mic pre do you most often reach for when recording male vocals?

Gee, that can be all over the place. SM57/58, MD421, TLM103, U87ai or M149, 4050 or 4060, 414TLII and often a borrowed ELAM 250.

hello sdelsolray - when you mention the Pendulum Quartet, are you referring to the standard edition or the Mk11?

There's a big difference in price - what advantages, if any, does the Mk11 have?

thanks

omaru

omaru wrote: hello sdelsolray - when you mention the Pendulum Quartet, are you referring to the standard edition or the Mk11?

There's a big difference in price - what advantages, if any, does the Mk11 have?

thanks

omaru

I meant the Quartet I, not the Quartet II. The QII is not a replacement for the Q!, but (according to Pendulum and Mercenary) is a complementary piece.

I'd just focus of the Q1, it's an incredible front end unit.

thanks sdelsolray - that's just the information I need.

cheers

omaru