I personally don't care at all for the Platinum series stuff.. so I would put the nix on that if it were my choice... The TLA stuff is ok, it is well built but it is a hybrid type of channel. That is it is a solid state pre that is run through a tube stage to add harmonic content and "warmth". Not the same thing as a real tube front end.

My current pre amps of choice are (solid state) the Great River MP NV series, these come in 1, 2 and 4 channel versions.. I really like the JLM TMP8 pres, these are 8 channel units that go for around $2100 and of course the Sebatron vmp 4000e... if you want an all tube transformer discreet type of pre..

Thanks for the advice - i'll have a think about things. It is difficult to demo this sort of gear before buying thats the trouble, so it can be down to advice and reviews.
I use a Groove tube 67 valve amp. Will an additional preamp help or am I doing the same thing twice so to speak ?

If you really want to beef your rig up, get some Daking micpre/EQ's. It is a knock-off of the 'holy grail' Trident A Range. Think Yellow Brick Road or The Game or Ziggy Stardust. Don't mess around with all of that generic poon. A few key pieces of gear make all of the difference...also Distressors can help ;)

-BH

I think that it pays to keep things in perspective. There is nothign wrong with the Platinum series, given the rest of your setup. Obviously, if you can afford better and you see the value of something better, then you should go for it. But if you are not interested in paying the expense for a boatload of high end stuff, but just want to make some decent recordings, it would make little sense to spend big money on a single piece.... and if you DID decide to spend big money on a single piece, I would suggest that it be the monitoring system.

Bill

Originally posted by Hemmick Reef:
Thanks for the advice - i'll have a think about things. It is difficult to demo this sort of gear before buying thats the trouble, so it can be down to advice and reviews.
I use a Groove tube 67 valve amp. Will an additional preamp help or am I doing the same thing twice so to speak ?

I just bought 10k worth of gear from Sweetwater and they said that I can return any of the stuff within 30 days for a refund. I wouldm't recommend abusing that but it is a safety net when investing big $$$.

I have put a mix on soundclick.com, could you have a listen please and give me a few thoughts for improvement. http://www.soundclick.com/bands/4/nicanorgatemusic.htm

Originally posted by Bill Park:
...if you DID decide to spend big money on a single piece, I would suggest that it be the monitoring system.

I agree %1000 percent. I would start with the monitors, then the mics and pres.

Opinions vary, trust your own ears....

For that 70's sound you should consider a Neve 1073 or an API 312. When it comes to modern pre's the Great River MP2NV rocks. It really has that fat round tone you seek.

Hemmick, Maybe look into the M-Audio Tampa...I like the warmth of the pre and the comp sounds great. Worth checkin out, anyway. my 2c..........kel