Recently I have decided to make an attempt at coming up with enough equipment to run a small home studio. As of now I am on a fairly tight budget. I currently have several mics and all the computer/I/O hardware that I need. As for mics I have several sm57s, a d112, a pair of AKGC1000s and a Blue Dragonfly. I need suggestions on what I should do for preamps . Should I get a Mackie VLZ or similar and use its preamps ? I like this idea because of the options before the signal hits the I/O (EQ, etc.) Or should I go with a standalone Pre-Amp, such as the Focusrite OctoPre? As of now I only need 4 seperate mics but I might upgrade later so it might not be a bad idea for overkill on the pre-amp. What do you guys think?
Comments
Apples and oranges with each of those choices. Budget usually ma
Apples and oranges with each of those choices. Budget usually makes it necessary to make such decisions and I dont envy you.
Of course a board offers much more in way of buttons and dials and features whereas the Octopre may be a bit bigger in the depth of sound department. I dont know what your budget is going to be.I would look used and see whats out there.
I picked up a used Digtech VTP1 tube preamp some time ago and r
I picked up a used Digtech VTP1 tube preamp some time ago and run everything through it. It is a 2 channel 2u rack space. It's a bit warmer than the pres on my soundcraft spirit board, and has a good parametric eq, plus other great features (pads, digital outputs...). I've seen them in "like-new" condition for under $300, good value.
AKG C1000 are great mics for acoustic steel string guitar. Add a little compression (in my case an ART dual levelar tube comp) and the guitar has that classic sparkle in the mix.
I personally like the Octapre. I recently did a live jazz record
I personally like the Octapre. I recently did a live jazz recording with one and both my client and I were quite impressed. I don't suggest using the onboard compressors much, but as a straight mic pre, they are pretty nice for the $$$.
Chris