Quote:
Originally Posted by Dean Roddey  I'm looking to pick up a pre-amp. I've done a lot of research, but would like to get some opinions...
Since I have $10,000 in my pre-amp budget, please do not recommend anything less than $10,000... |
Well, being new on this forum I don't want to start off by offending anyone but,
you are way under budget for this. No matter what you are recording, one pre-amp just isn't going to cut it.
Let's talk about vocals, for starters: As an expert, having recorded Artists from all over the world, in many different languages, I can safely state that different pres sound best with certain syllables and not others. So, to get the BEST possible results you have to match the syllables with the correct preamps. It's just a fact of life (I am not going to talk about matching microphones with pres which is another topic).
This of course can be a tedious process which is why I have developed my own custom system called Programmable Syllable Pre-Amp Switching System (PS-PSS or PSyPASwiSy (PseePahSweeZee)). The system consists of a very sophisticated, high-end, digitally controlled switching hardware and a custom written software which analyzes the syllables and assigns them to the best matched preamps, in real time, during tracking. The software is available as a stand alone or as plugin for all major DAWs. The PSyPASwiSy is totally modular allowing you to assign as many discrete pre amps to as many syllables you want to treat independently. Needless to say, the more you add the better the result. I use a 256 syllable system for my studio. You could start with a 24 syllable and add them as you need to.
Basically, the system works as follows: you have the singer run through the part(s) you need to record. The signal is then split into as many pres as you have chosen for isolating syllables. Let's say the basic 24 syllable setup. That would be 24 tracks. Now, before every one says "hey, you are splitting one signal into 24 tracks, there will be loss..." I Know but, this initial recording pass is ONLY for analyzing the syllable content of the performance and will NOT be used for keeps.
At this point you run my custom software plugin which will analyze the performance and pick the BEST pre for the syllable content of the track. When the track end the program automatically stores the correct pre-amp switching sequence to RAM and to a FILE location within a folder of your choice. The great thing is that the software listens for the syllables so, even if you change the tempo or the singer phrases differently for the real takes, no problem. All the proper syllables will be assigned to the proper preamps, in real time, as the performance is being recorded.
Because the software actually allows a few milliseconds of pre and post roll for each of the syllable tracks it will not cut off of any part of the phrase. It's flawless.
I can build a basic, 24 syllable system for about $240,000 USD (+S&H). Kosher wiring and components will add about 16% to that cost as would the addition of specific dialects syllables.
I also have a similar system designed for string instruments, such as guitars, whereby each string is assigned to a different pre and each fill or solo can also be assigned to different pre, to better match a particular genre, playing style, string quality, pick or fingernail thickness, body material and even barometric pressure and/or humidity.
So, again, don't mean to burst your bubble but, the truth is what it is. Us EXPERTS have an ethical mandate, indeed a duty to tell it like it is. And that's all I am trying to do here.
All the best,
GP