what's good everybody? i been checking out the forum for a minute now but this is my first time posting. i usually perform a search and find what i need. but this time i have a couple of questions i couldn't find answers to.
i'm trying to decide whether or not i need to upgrade my mic preamps. i record rap vocals with a RODE nt1000 going into a m audio delta 1010lt. i been using the preamps on my zoom mrs1044 multitrack to provide phantom power, cutoff filter, compression and gate. it's been getting me by but i'm starting to wonder if bypassing the zoom pres and getting a dedicated preamp would give me better quality?
i record in an untreated bedroom and my budget is around $300 new/used. is it possible to get any better quality than what i already have in this price range? also, how much more would i need to spend to get the most out of my setup?
i have software plugins for compression, gates, etc. however i'd still like to use some of that during the recording stage, if possible. i been looking at the Focusrite penta but it doesn't include a gate. the only preamp i've found in my price range that has compression and a gate is the dbx 286a. but i don't know if it or any other preamp in my budget will be a noticeable improvement over what i already have?
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Put them on an SM58, don't let them cup the back of the micropho
Put them on an SM58, don't let them cup the back of the microphone as everybody does for television (that sounds like shit)! You'll end up with better results. The rest of your ingredients are fine as long as you add a little hardware, not software, limiting out of the microphone preamplifier. Don't waste your money on anything else. There is no magical panacea.
If Bruce Swedien records Michael Jackson on a Shure SM7 (and he does), then an SM58 is the poor man's Cadillac. Remember, the higher-quality condenser blah blah is not necessarily the right one.
A new pre would most definitely improve the thickness and presen
A new pre would most definitely improve the thickness and presence of your vocal sound, but the absolute best place you could put $300 is in DIY acoustic treatment. For that ammount, you could improve your vocal sound and your monitoring environment at the same time. If you need help learning how, hit us up at the [[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.recordin…"]Acoustics and Design Forum[/]="http://www.recordin…"]Acoustics and Design Forum[/]. Do it. You'll be glad you did.
As far as compression and gating, do it in the box with plugs. Don't look for an all-in-one as this will limit your options. Keep it modular and you can save money.