further, It is impossible to try out a unit in the store. I know a couple of guys who are sho' nuff producers who really like API, and Neve and what not. They consider "cheap" for a mic preamp around $1000.00 And they seem pretty confident that under that pricepoint, you are not getting much. I am pretty uneducated about what's truly functional in my situation. What advantage tube really offers. I write and record demos for my publisher, and independent sources. Can someone please shed some light on this? I'm told the thing that really takes a project studio to the next level is a good mic preamp. Thanks..
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There are a lot of things that can contribute to a project studi
There are a lot of things that can contribute to a project studio 'going to the next level.' Assuming a reasonable setup to begin with, I would say that some of those are, in rough order;
1) Higher engineering skill and experience (this one's probably 90%, and can make or break the rest of the list)
2) Better sounding, more neutral rooms
3) Better players (probably #2, actually)
4) Better sound sources (instruments, amps, sampler libraries, keyboard modules, whatever)
5) Very good monitoring chain (there's that room again!)
6) Better/wider assortment of mics
7) Good front end (mic pre's, converters)
8) Better processing (compressors, EQ's, reverbs, etc.)
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27) Possibly the presence of tube gear, if it's good quality, if only because people think it's cool and want to see it.
You can stick 'client comfort' up there in the top 5 if you rent time. It's not productive to overlook your own comfort, either, if you're a one-man shop.
Originally posted by Noel Hartough:
I'm told the thing that really takes a project studio to the next level is a good mic-pre. Thanks..
Originally posted by DigitMus: good transformers probably contr
Originally posted by DigitMus:
good transformers probably contribute more to what is called "audio warmth" IMHO.
...And lots of them in the signal path. Usually 8 or more tranny's from the mic to 24 bit digital is good :D . Throw a few more in during the mix off the board and things start sounding good.
It was explained to me that since it cost so much more to build
It was explained to me that since it cost so much more to build hi-quality tube gear, unless get up around the 1-2k level, the tubes may have very little to do with the signal path and overall sound. Additionally, well built tube gear can also be extremely clean too, which might not be what you're looking for either.
FWIW - in my own experience (which I'm slowly acquiring too), I've learned it's best to pay attention to the *character* of the pre, and not worry so much if it has a toob or not.
:)