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Originally Posted by TheStixter  I like my EMU 0404 as a DAW, but it seems to be picking up a lot of air. In other words, when I'm recording dead air, it's not as clean as I would like it. As you know the SM7B is a really sensitive vocal mic and I just don't think the EMU has the pre's to really push it right. Same with my headphones as you were saying. I have Beyerdynamic 600ohms headphones...barely pushes it.
The Safe Sound P1 is both a mic pre and compressor. And if I get the SSL Alpha...it also has a pre...as does the EMU0404. The GAP Pre 73 seems to be getting a lot of hype right now as being a great match for the Shure SM7B. It's $300 but sounds like its over $1000. Guess I'm just looking for the best possible sounding pre for the money. I have no idea what to get now...at a total loss...I'm leaning towards the SSL just because it has a pre, eq, and converter all in one. If I do that...what compressor should I add to the chain. I've heard a lot of talk about the FMR RNC and the distressor. When I bought my SM7B mic a guy recommended I get the Safe Sound P1 as it was a great pre and compressor for people with deep voices such as mine and other rap vocals. But if I get that, I don't get a converter or EQ. Ha..  I'm hopeless... |
The SM7b is not that sensitive of a mic imho. But like I said I'm pretty much in your shoes minus the having $1500 to spend (that'd be much needed for me lol). But really I don't see any need to improve anything.
I can understand wanting a better headphone amp but the preamps and converters in the 0404 USB are really gonna be tough to beat. Chances are if you upgrade to a better outboard preamp you are also going to have to buy a decent A/D converter for it since you cannot bypass the 0404's preamps unless you use the digital ins. Just be ready to spend pretty much your whole budget if you take that route. That'd be about $600 for a 2 channel A/D converter and about $400-$700 for your preamp, the rest of your budget should get you a good headphone amp.
But I'd only do it IF YOU REALLY NEED THIS STUFF TO FUNCTION. Perhaps it's just me but I really doubt you are going to notice the improvement you are seeking by getting a much nicer preamp. You could have a noisy environment, you may be compensating and hearing things inaccurately because your headphones are underpowered, etc.