cheap 4 - 6 channel preamp

[gutsofgold]

what's a decent preamp with 4 - 6 channels for a few hundred bucks?

i lug around a big soundcraft board to record live events now and since i don't use the EQ on it at all, i want just a rack mounted preamp to take on the job.

[camerondye]

I haven't put it through the paces yet, but I bought an PR8E and sent it to Black Lion to get the mod. It is sitting in my music room until I can get a drummer to come over. The guys there compared it well to an SSL board. I'm sure it doesn't sound exactly like one of those but that is an excellent direction for an 8 channel board that I want to use on drums. I will post once I've used it.
cameron

[gutsofgold]

i can't really justify paying nearly twice as much for the mod as it the unit itself costs. i'm really looking for something simple and straightforward. i don't need the preamps to sound incredible, just as long as they aren't noisy.

[beadgc23]

Presonus Digimax FS is 8ch, has 8ch DA too, sounds decent and costs around $599.

[chickencoop]

how about 2 dmp3's and a rack tray?

[-silent-sam-]

focusrite octopre is dirt cheap.

Focusrite 428 is pretty middle of the road...and sounds middle of the road

[Coyoteous]

Originally Posted by silent-sam

focusrite octopre is dirt cheap.

Focusrite 428 is pretty middle of the road...and sounds middle of the road

I've wondered about the 428. Is it not as "ISA" as the originals?

[camerondye]

If you only have a few hundred bucks, try the PR8E without the mod. I think the PR8E is the upgrade from the PR8 using some of the Black Lion Mods anyway. I'm pretty sure SMPro was working with Black Lion to upgrade the PR8 to the PR8E. Black Lion then came out with more improvements after the PR8E came out. Then later if you feel like upgrading, do it then.
Cameron

[Gilliland]

Studio Projects SP828. Even with the recent price increase, it's still a very good value.

[-silent-sam-]

Originally Posted by Coyoteous

I've wondered about the 428. Is it not as "ISA" as the originals?

I have never used any of the focusrite originals....however I heard its not as "ISA" as the originals and ive heard its actually a huge step down in "quality sound" compared to the originals.

However I have used a 428 and i still like it for a lower end pre regardless how it compares to the originals.

Most chain music stores should have a 428 so you could always rent one and try it out

[Cosmic Closet]

...Sytek MPX4A. 4-pack of good pres in a one rack-space unit. Can be had straight or with Burr-Brown amps in the path (I got 2 and 2 for a choice.)

The thing cost about $850 last year when I bought it. The pres are very clean with lots of headroom. A good deal as these things go.

Best,

[DavidKakon]

YAMAHA PM180

6 transformer based preamps with a 2 bus out

[DavidKakon]

ebay link... 20$!

[Stevil]

The B-word ADA8000 Ultragain Pro 8-Channel

[jitterybit]

Studio Projects SP828

[Nosound]

Originally Posted by Stevil

The B-word ADA8000 Ultragain Pro 8-Channel

Actually these aint a bad unit if you don't get a lemon, I started off with one to record drums and guess it was quite and got the job done it's no Boutique pre's but it does get the job done for fraction of the cost problem I ran across with the PR8 pre's 55db's vs the B's 65db and without out some pretty seriuos SPL coming out of my guitar cab which in terms had the neighbors call the police on me I wouldn't even consider a PR8E even with BLA mod and BTW I use a few different ribbon mic and the PR8 was total failure maybe I got a lemon who knows, but I sent the POS back and got the B ADA8000 and used it until I got me a big Soundcraft Ghost mixer to lug around kinda of funny you wanna rack and I got rid of mine. Also one more thing my Ghost mixer pre's so far has smoke every budget pre out there M-Audio Focusrite , Presonus,etc. so you might be going in the wrong direction if your using a decent Soundcraft board.

[Coyoteous]

Originally Posted by silent-sam

I have never used any of the focusrite originals....however I heard its not as "ISA" as the originals and ive heard its actually a huge step down in "quality sound" compared to the originals.

However I have used a 428 and i still like it for a lower end pre regardless how it compares to the originals.

Most chain music stores should have a 428 so you could always rent one and try it out

The original 110's were/are killer - at least I thought they were when I got play around with some at Electric Lady nearly (ahem) 20 years ago... a buddy of mine worked there for a number of years.

The time I was out there the longest Marcus Miller was mixing Miles in one room, Rick Rubin was working with The Cult in another, and Jellybean Benitez was doing remixes upstairs. Phillip Ashley had a bunch of his gear in a room behind the shop. We used his PPG to do some overdubs on some of my tracks. On another visit I got to see the later stages of the Focusrite console coming up... but I digress!

I did some reading on the modern Focusrite stuff and it seems other than their rack reissue of the 110, the newer ISA (and Red Range) gear is "based on" the original designs. I don't know if it sells, but people seem to be asking high prices for the Flintstones-rite green pieces these days.

Anyway, it's hard for me to think of $400 a channel as low end, but I guess it is compared to double that or more. I've got my eye on SCA and Hamptone kits, which actually under that mark and I hope, better quality.

To the original poster: I've said this before in other threads, but the Onyx 1220 gets you 4 decent pre's and it's a mixer to boot! (not rackmount, but probably lighter than your Soundcraft)

[GravityRobert]

Lineaudio LINE AUDIO DESIGN 500-600 ish

otherwise the SM pro audio's might be an idea or behringer ADA

[gutsofgold]

yeah i need to keep this under $400.

[chadly]

Originally Posted by silent-sam

I have never used any of the focusrite originals....however I heard its not as "ISA" as the originals and ive heard its actually a huge step down in "quality sound" compared to the originals.

Just adding my $.02; I have used original ISA's and the 428's. Same flavor. I love 'em both. No BS. I own neither, so I'm not too biased on that one (I'd hope) Just what I've seen around the studio.

I digress. Thread on!

[Fishmed]

Originally Posted by gutsofgold

yeah i need to keep this under $400.

You can go fo the Alesis MultiMix 12R for $300.

[Coyoteous]

Originally Posted by chadly

Just adding my $.02; I have used original ISA's and the 428's. Same flavor. I love 'em both. No BS. I own neither, so I'm not too biased on that one (I'd hope) Just what I've seen around the studio.

I digress. Thread on!

- good to know. I still want to check them out. Of course, a big part of the 110 is the EQ. It would probably be hard for me to use one without turning it on!

I'm trying to keep things in the $300 - $400 per channel range for my next round of preamps (SCA kits, Hamptone kits, GT Brick, DAV, Line Audio) - so the 428 is in there, too.

Back on topic: I'd probably try the DIY modified SM Pro Audio route to get 4-6 channels for under $400... (or 2-3 DMP3's)