I originally posted this in the Pro Audio forum, but this might be a better place for it...

After years of running my AKG C414 direct into a board in my home studio, I have decided that I need to step up and buy a tube mic preamp. Problem is, I have absolutely no idea where to start. There are a lot on the market and I don't have enough time to read recording magazine reviews every month, so I'm hoping for some guidance.

I wasn't sure whether to post this under proaudio or budget gear. The only information I have been able to find is the usual commercial promo- information. Critiques by experts or actual users seem to be elusive. In my search, however, I did find this forum. Hopefully someone here can provide first hand information regarding their experience with this unit.

What are the best Neve knock-off mic preamps? I've been reading good things about Vintech, Chandler, Great River, and AMS Neve. I'm looking to for something good to use on drums, vocals, and guitars.
I'm not sure whether AMS Neve is the same company that produced the original 1073 and 1081 models that everyone lusts after. Please clarify.
Thanks,
Benny

the tittle say it by itself...

how does they sound ?
any advice is welcome ;-)

thanks

fredb

any comments?
what do they sell for these days?
i saw one on ebay
it looks on like an older one
thnk you

If you had my 5 grand for 8 channels of mic preamps...what would you get?
I'm thinkin...
2 UA 610
4 APi (3124)
2 Great River
by the way I'm using Soundcraft Ghost pres and the digi 002 focusrites right now...

I'm trying to decide between a PreSonus Firebox or Inspire as my interface for my fledgling DAW. One thing I can't figure out is if either could double as a standalone mic preamp that I could hook up to my Iriver IFP 895. I know there are more practical/portable preamps for this purpose, but it will be awhile before I can justify another purchase.

I have a question that I have been pouring over for some time now & I'm wondering what some your ideas might be. This is my meager, but slowly improving, setup….

ive got the fostex mr-8, which comes with two built in mic preamps. i run a Shure sm-57 and some other cheap Audio-Technica mic through a Behringer eq and then right into the recorder. recently ive noticed that when i record clean guitars, mostly acoustics, i cannot get enough volume. i turn the eq all the way up and turn the preamp up as much as i can before the noise takes over.