By the way, I use Protools (002 Rack) I'm building a mic collection, but for now for both vocals and overheads I'm using 414's. Maybe this can help someone narrow down preamps that would suit my needs best

With well over a few dozen very good dual mic pre's that fit within that price range to choose from these days, there are just to many to mention. On top of that, there can be more than one mic pre pre that can work well, so it comes down to personal taste. The only real way to find out what works best for you is to find a way to rent, borrow or buy a few and try them out. Most of the time, I usually like or prefer to use a mic pre with transformers with any type of 414.

the presonus ADL 600 is great. Very warm with great presence. You'll dig it.

Be Blessed

What will it be feeding? If you want a no-frills preamp and your line-level interface or recorder can handle +24dBu, look at a DAV BG1. Remarkable for the money, and more than a hint of that classic Decca sound.

Imago wrote: the presonus ADL 600 is great. Very warm with great presence. You'll dig it.

Be Blessed

I would describe the sound of my ADL 600 as big, clear, natural and lush. I really like it on vocals and acoustic guitar. I know a couple of folks that love it on overheads, which is usually a good test of a mic pres quality.

I like my Great River better for Bass DI and electric guitar cabs.

But that is why I have both!

sebatron vmp2000e is within your budget. check them out.
transformer coupled valve preamp with DI. very overhead friendly. :lol:

My choice at this time would be the Sebatron or the ADL 600. BOTH are big sounding and full. Both are capable of clean as well as driven into that rock sound.

I recommend giving 3D Pre CD Vol 1 a listen to. I think you'd be hard pressed to find any significant differences between the preamp samples, if any at all. You can see more info and the preamps used at: (dead link removed)

-Chuck

You might want to check out a Joe Meek MC2. It got a great review at EQ magazine, http://www.eqmag.com/story.asp?storyCode=16975, and it has a lower cost.

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There is always the vintage stuff. I like my mid 60s Ampex 354 twin mic pre. It has tubes, but more importantly, it has transformers. Great sound for less than a grand (probably $400-500, plus any maintenance needed.

For a newer pre in your price range, I also really like my Focusrite ISA 428. No tubes, but it does have iron in and out of 4 preamps.

Yes, I'll second the Focusrite 428, best bang for the buck with the 002r.
$2300 for the 4 good sounding mic pres and ADC card, which allows another 4 line in to your 002 via ADAT. 80db gain on those pres. adjustable input impedance. Really good sounding DI. Lundhal transformers inside.

I'll have to give my vote to the A-Designs Pacifica. It really does something nice to the top end. Love it on OH's and vocals.

SSL alpha vhd 4 channel mic pre wouldnt be bad either.