JLM Audio TMP-8.

For more variety a 500 series rack offers a multitude of different manufacturers modules that do different things. Customizing a rack for different mics and sources can ease the work in some ways, but being old skool as I am, it can also be too many choices.

The JLM stuff is built down-under and is extremely good.

if i had a chunk of change, i would buy an API 3124 and maybe a Focusrite ISA 428. and a more comfortable chair!

We had some pretty extensive discussions of 500 series preamps
[="http://recording.org/ftopict-45656-500.html+series+api"]here[/]="http://recording.or…"]here[/] and
[[url=http://="http://recording.or…"]here[/]="http://recording.or…"]here[/]. If you are going for eight or more channels, the up front cost of the rack gets distributed pretty well and the cost per channel is good. As you will read, I ended up getting aa API 3124+ and not going with a rack. I love it.

Mr. Rogers, those two threads you linked are great. Two thumbs up.

yes they are thank you and thanks all for the suggestions i've definitely got some great insight now.

My next is 3124+ its a great 4 channel pre.

my only question is why do all these preamps have xlr out when it seems like the next step would be to run to the A/D with a 1/4" TRS? Should there be something else in between the two?

? My ADC has XLR connectors....

but it really doesn't matter what type on connector you use.

i just got an apogee ensemble and it's got 1/4" TRS. So it kind of matters.

XLR and TRS are both balanced connectors. You can buy, make, or have made XLR to TRS individual cables or four or eight channel snakes.

[[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.sweetwat…"]For Example[/]="http://www.sweetwat…"]For Example[/]

thanks i just wasnt sure if XLR to TRS was really accepted in the industry as a professional way about hooking up gear. im used to just running everything out of the groups/aux of a mixing board.

In general, xlr and trs are both fine. You are safe running slightly longer distances with both since they are balanced. If you have to translate from unbalanced gear, then you are best to convert it to balanced via a d.i. box to then connect to xlr or trs so that the distance of the cable is balanced. If you are translating from balanced to balanced, there is no loss using an xlr-to-trs.

Some consider xlr the best choice bc it can be locked/clicked into place, depending on if the equipment uses the nicer connection.

MightyFaulk wrote: thanks i just wasnt sure if XLR to TRS was really accepted in the industry as a professional way about hooking up gear. im used to just running everything out of the groups/aux of a mixing board.

Presonus M80 with upgraded Jenson transformers is a great sounding workhorse pre IMO.