low-end mic pre decision

kikumoto · 1st May 2007

Hi, im after a low end mic pre....

I have about £300 - £500 ( maybe ) to spend
I'm currently looking at either a 'RNP' a 'Groove Tubes Brick'.... or possibly at a strectch the UA solo 110. Baring in mind I would like to use the thing for synths as well as mics/DI'ing too.....does anyone have any recommendations or knowledge of the above??? or for that matter any other products they wish to big up ?

Oh also I'm in favour of after something quite transparant sounding....

Cheers

Tibbon · 1st May 2007

the RNP and the GT Brick are both strong choices IMHO, although the Brick will be more of "tube transparent" than "wire-with-gain" transparent.

If you have (or would like to learn) some building and soldering ability, then there's little downside to the Seventh Circle Audio kits. They have Neve, and API-like preamps among others. A single channel would fit into your price range, and once you have the main chassis, then extras are really really affordable.

If you want something really really really transparent sounding (although they might be on the edge of your budget), check also into Earthworks and Grace preamps. You don't get much more transparent or clean than that.

Traxx · 1st May 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by kikumoto

Hi, im after a low end mic pre....

I have about £300 - £500 ( maybe ) to spend
I'm currently looking at either a 'RNP' a 'Groove Tubes Brick'.... or possibly at a strectch the UA solo 110. Baring in mind I would like to use the thing for synths as well as mics/DI'ing too.....does anyone have any recommendations or knowledge of the above??? or for that matter any other products they wish to big up ?

Oh also I'm in favour of after something quite transparant sounding....

Cheers

Out of what you listed, the RNP would be a good choice. One of my favorites thats gets a bad name around here and i don't know why is the presonus eureka. That probably is one of the most underrated preamps period. Good luck to ya..

somedude74 · 2nd May 2007

300 to 500 pounds?? Get a DAV BG-1u. It is 2 Mic Pre Channels, plus a DI! It was a big step up from my Fireface 800 Pre's.

kikumoto · 2nd May 2007

Ok, thanks to all those suggestions guys, will take a look at em' keeping my options open, hopefully I can get a shortlist and demo them all at some point!!!

johnwayne · 3rd May 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTR

300 to 500 pounds?? Get a DAV BG-1u. It is 2 Mic Pre Channels, plus a DI! It was a big step up from my Fireface 800 Pre's.

redddog · 3rd May 2007

Isn't that DAV much more expensive than $800?

Tibbon · 3rd May 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by redddog

Isn't that DAV much more expensive than $800?

2 USD ~= 1 pound.

buzzjoe · 3rd May 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTR

300 to 500 pounds?? Get a DAV BG-1u. It is 2 Mic Pre Channels, plus a DI! It was a big step up from my Fireface 800 Pre's.

espen askelad · 3rd May 2007

Not being at all a fan of the RNC, I was a little skeptical of the RNP. Stupid. The RNP is really a fantastic bargain. I've since sold it, but in the time I had it, it often beat out pres costing 3 times as much for certain sources. I don't know if I'd call it transparent, it's got a little grit going on, but it's not mushy, not overbearing - very usable in most situations. I recorded some of my favorite ever electric guitar tones with it.

I've never used the 110 - for some reason I thought it was based on the 108, is that true?

BOWIE · 3rd May 2007

Get the UA and upgrade the tubes. Very tasty indeed.

1st May 2007	#1
kikumoto Gear nut Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 107 Thread Starter	low-end mic pre decision Hi, im after a low end mic pre.... I have about £300 - £500 ( maybe ) to spend I'm currently looking at either a 'RNP' a 'Groove Tubes Brick'.... or possibly at a strectch the UA solo 110. Baring in mind I would like to use the thing for synths as well as mics/DI'ing too.....does anyone have any recommendations or knowledge of the above??? or for that matter any other products they wish to big up ? Oh also I'm in favour of after something quite transparant sounding.... Cheers __________________ "There's something magical about having all your equipment in the same room as your bed, and you just get out of bed and like do a track and go back to sleep and then get up and do some more and do tracks in your pants and stuff" Richard D. James

1st May 2007	#2
Tibbon Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2004 Location: Boston/MA Posts: 4,780 2 Reviews written	the RNP and the GT Brick are both strong choices IMHO, although the Brick will be more of "tube transparent" than "wire-with-gain" transparent. If you have (or would like to learn) some building and soldering ability, then there's little downside to the Seventh Circle Audio kits. They have Neve, and API-like preamps among others. A single channel would fit into your price range, and once you have the main chassis, then extras are really really affordable. If you want something really really really transparent sounding (although they might be on the edge of your budget), check also into Earthworks and Grace preamps. You don't get much more transparent or clean than that. __________________ David Fisher (aka tibbon) What is Noise, Blog (DIY, gear, tech, etc) Follow me on Twitter imVOX- Voice for Gamers WTB: Moog Theremin Signature Edition

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somedude74 Gear maniac Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 195	300 to 500 pounds?? Get a DAV BG-1u. It is 2 Mic Pre Channels, plus a DI! It was a big step up from my Fireface 800 Pre's.

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espen askelad Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2007 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 621	Not being at all a fan of the RNC, I was a little skeptical of the RNP. Stupid. The RNP is really a fantastic bargain. I've since sold it, but in the time I had it, it often beat out pres costing 3 times as much for certain sources. I don't know if I'd call it transparent, it's got a little grit going on, but it's not mushy, not overbearing - very usable in most situations. I recorded some of my favorite ever electric guitar tones with it. I've never used the 110 - for some reason I thought it was based on the 108, is that true?

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BOWIE Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Scottsdale, AZ. Posts: 3,289 2 Reviews written	Get the UA and upgrade the tubes. Very tasty indeed.