Needs preamp suggestions for specific tracking purpose

[sr2000]

Hey all - we are going to be tracking our own band on our next album - at least everything but drums (which we will do in a full-size studio), so I need some preamp advice.

The sound of our band is Linkin Park meets Evanescence. We do everything from pop to hip-hop to rock and blend it all in between.

On our rock-driven songs, our lead singer sounds similar to Amy Lee from Evanescence - on our hip-hop/pop driven tracks, she's doing vox similar to Christina Aguilera and her tone is probably closer to Christina's than Amy's. She will be using either a Lawson L47 or Neumann U87ai.

Our emcee would sound similar to Paul Wall on the chill-vibe tracks and closer to Eminem on our more intense tracks (not as high-pitched though). He will be using an SM7.

Our guitarist will be using a split between a Randall MTS system and Mesa-Boogie Trem-O-Verb w/SM57's for tracking.

This chain will be funneled straight into an Apogee Rosetta 200 (Big Ben also) right into our G5 using Logic.

At this point, we have about $4000 to spend on preamps - any suggestions??

[jdjustice]

Originally Posted by sr2000

Hey all - we are going to be tracking our own band on our next album - at least everything but drums (which we will do in a full-size studio), so I need some preamp advice.

The sound of our band is Linkin Park meets Evanescence. We do everything from pop to hip-hop to rock and blend it all in between.

On our rock-driven songs, our lead singer sounds similar to Amy Lee from Evanescence - on our hip-hop/pop driven tracks, she's doing vox similar to Christina Aguilera and her tone is probably closer to Christina's than Amy's. She will be using either a Lawson L47 or Neumann U87ai.

Our emcee would sound similar to Paul Wall on the chill-vibe tracks and closer to Eminem on our more intense tracks (not as high-pitched though). He will be using an SM7.

Our guitarist will be using a split between a Randall MTS system and Mesa-Boogie Trem-O-Verb w/SM57's for tracking.

This chain will be funneled straight into an Apogee Rosetta 200 (Big Ben also) right into our G5 using Logic.

At this point, we have about $4000 to spend on preamps - any suggestions??

Stereo Preamps
Brent Averill 312A ($1550)
A Designs Pacifica ($1800)
Great River MP-2NV ($2150)
Phoenix Audio DRS-2 ($2150)
D.W. Fearn VT-2 ($3800)

or you could just get a Wunder Audio PAFour ($2800) and record everything through that.



~j.d.

[sr2000]

Thanks for the tip - would any of those (or any other pre's) be geared specifically towards :
modern rock guitar sound w/SM57?
Female singer vox w/Lawson L47?
Male rapper vox w/SM7?

or...are they all just good, general purpose preamps?

[mdsmith64]

If -I- had to pick one of the ones JD listed (all great preamps, by the way - excellent taste!) for modern rock guitar tones tracked with an sm57 it would be hands down the Great River. Punch in that impedance switch and look out mama....


Best Regards,

Mike.

[meverylame]

Might be unsexy, but I would buy some more mics, and something like a 9098 rack. Unless you have stereo needs. Mic is MUCH more important in the chain than pre. That and the 9098 eq is just simply one of the greatest tracking EQs once you get a handle of it.

[sr2000]

yeah, heard good things on the GR - I've been recommended both the Great River and Chandler Germanium for guitar. I'm sure they're both great, just wish I could do a side-by-side comparison. I guess that why we have these forums though. Anyone on here who's tried both?

[Andy Bernbaum]

JD has some good suggestions.The great river kicks and I have not heard wunder but I really want to.You might also consider API and tonelux.The best thing is take your mikes and listen.I had read about great river in a review years ago and had my vendor of choice get me one to try.We were both blown away.I bought a dual channel.If he had brought in a quad I would have bought that.If I had not listened,It would have just been another review that sounded really good in the magazine that I would not have bought or rented.Wunder is one I really want to hear.It sounds like it should kick.Your ears will answer all questions.We can only give suggestions.good luck.Andy

[Andy Bernbaum]

I am sorry.I meant tonelux not sound deluxe for preamp to try.Their Mp-1 is a very good sounding preamp.I would suggest that on guitar,or API has an edge though not as edgey as great river.For you singer,with her mic selection she might want something more transparent as a millenia hv-3.Once again,you know your style and what sound you are looking for.So if their is a high end music store in your area,you may want to give them a visit.They can help you with mic and preamp selection and would be a great source for hearing new and old equipment.They will help you get the most bang for your buck within your budget.Many times ,I wish I had heeded my music dealers advice.I have found a good relationship with the same dealer over years gets me the best prices and is a source of good advice as they know the trends the local studios are taking and what companies are problematic.Sorry if I am getting wordy or giving too much advice.Take care,Andy.

[u b k]

all these influences you're listing have a really mid forward presence, bright and modern. i don't advise going with the great river, it leans toward the soft and cloudy imo.

you just can't miss if you go api. the only strike api has against it is that everybody and their mother is using them, but there's a reason for that. besides, it doesn't sound like you're trying to chart new sonic territory, it sounds like you're reaching for an established and recognizable footprint. api is the one.


gregoire
del
ubk
.

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by sr2000

Thanks for the tip - would any of those (or any other pre's) be geared specifically towards :
modern rock guitar sound w/SM57?
Female singer vox w/Lawson L47?
Male rapper vox w/SM7?

or...are they all just good, general purpose preamps?

You would do yourself a great disservice, without thoroughly looking into an Aurora Audio GTQ2mkIII!