Fireface 800 owners, what was your preamp upgrade?

[backtothemusic]

I have zero experience with nice preamps. I own a Fireface 800. The pres aren't that bad but I would like something better for vocals. I'd like to hear from folks who upgraded their Fireface preamps and said, "WOW, what a difference!"

[bexarametric]

The FF800 has decent pres. From there I went with a Chandler Germanium (guitars, bass, vocals), Universal Audio LA610 (vocals, bass) and Trident S20 (acoustic guitar).

[backtothemusic]

I've been looking at the Universal Audio Solo 610 myself. I need two channels for DI but I guess I could go with a nice single channel pre for vocals and get a separate DI box. That might work out better for me budget wise. Everything dual channel w/ DI seems to be in the $2000+ range...except the FMR RNP which I'm thinking might only be an incremental improvement. Never heard it though so I shouldn't speculate.

[Tom Hakala]

i'm doing a rnp/rme shoot out next weekend for acoustic and electric guitar. And later i'm doing piano and drums.

will post the samples here

[dviola]

please do!

[backtothemusic]

That would be very helpful. Please do it! Thanks.

[Slaytex]

I currrently use an API 3124 with mine. I run my FF800 inputs at -18 and also use inline pads to get some more saturation from the API's if I want. I plan on getting 2 Aurora GTQ2's down the road to help finish off my frontend. I don't mind the FF800 pre's. I use them for my toms.

[cramseur]

The Sebatron 2000e, A designs P1, and DAV BG-1 are the pres I use through my FF800.

I found the FF pres better sounding than the Bricks, though (which I sold when I got the FF800).

[dzara 4]

I switched out the pres the second week I had my fireface which I think is the only weak link on this machine. I have a focusrite ISA 220 channel I use this pre quite often and like it. My favorite pre that I picked up a couple months ago is my a designs mp-2a .
This pre blew me away.

[newfuturevintage]

I use the pres in a soundworkshop logex 8 into the fireface. It's a big improvement, I suspect largely for the EQ and pad on the mixer. I do use the fireface pre's out of convenience when I'm tracking bass solo. I keep a DI hanging off input 10 for this purpose. No complaints from the FF pre's, but nothing overly special either.

[theblotted]

Portico 5012 and Trident S20 here.

i also got BLA modded Presonus BlueTube. works well with "supporting instruments".

[beadgc23]

DAV BG-1U makes a difference in terms of clarity, as does my Apogee Mini-Me (gets you two extra channels of in as well!)

I'm currently building 4 channels of FivefishStudios SC-1 preamps which so far sound very much like the DAV but with a _slightly_ more open top end. These things are insane value for money ($99 per channel...) and Reuls' support is second to none.

Having said that, the RME pramps aren't bad at all, just not particularly exciting. They're an incentive to go out there and move the mic! My only real grouse is that they're low-gain, I end up using condensers because of this when a dynamic might be better for the source.

But props to the Mini-Me, the live recordists swiss army knife.

[Midlandmorgan]

Into the Fireface are 2 channels Pacifica, 2 channels P1, 1 EM Silver, 1 OSA MP1C, and a submix from a Ramsa S820 board...

The differences are not small.

[Klotzi]

Originally Posted by backtothemusic

...I guess I could go with a nice single channel pre for vocals and get a separate DI box...

Then you should try the new Portico thing from NEVE DESIGNS. I don't know excatly the model name/number, but it's a MicPre with a seperate DI channel and infinitely variable phase adjustment. I only read about it but it was very I will try this the next months (now I have no money so it's better to leave this stuff alone otherwise I would buy it )

[Klotzi]

Ah I found it... It's the Portico 5016 and it's about 1149 Euros... hmmm I really think I should check this out for my own

[Sword in Hand]

I used the ff800 pres for about a year and then decided it was time to upgrade.

I bought a Great River ME-1NV and a Phoenix Audio DRS-2. They both sound great, but for vocals the DRS just does it for me. It has a very deep, low end smoothness and a great, reaching top end. Overall it sounds colored, which may not be what you're looking for. The Great River is cleaner and has less of a SOUND in my opinion. It feels more focused in the mid range and has a tighter low end, when compared to the DRS. Don't get me wrong the GR still sounds great, just not as good for vocals. Initially I thought clean pres would be the sound I wanted, but after doing some listening tests and reading the great advice here on gearslutz, Colored was the way to go.

You probably can't go wrong with any 1k per channel pre, but the DRS has a great sound. The RME pres, while decent, sound very small, grainy, boxy, and just lack the soul to make a great performance just that... great. It also helps to know what kind of music you'll be recording. I'm recording mainly alternative rock music, but I would venture to guess that the DRS would sound great on just about anything (except possibly classical).


Hope this helps.
Swordinhand

[bobx]

trident s20 and a 500 series rack with a few a-designs and eisen pres. the 500 stuff is definitely a huge step up from the fireface pres, which are still very usable.

[backtothemusic]

Thanks guys. I've decided to give the A Designs Pacifica a shot.

[CKK]

Havent used the pre's in the fireface much since I've got my germanium and my elberg pre's - the difference is HUGE!!!

Now I go from to

[soundawg]

If you want to stay cheap - at least take a look at the ART PRO-MPA... very, very surprising in a shootout!

I you want to move up a little - and you don't have that much experience - then the best thing you can do for yourself is to identify the most tried and tested unit you could find... something that has stood the test of time quality-wise, a great reputation sound-wise, has a good name that will absolutly hold it's value, is a good value in itself, works on any source and never ever sucks...

The only answer to this my friend - is hands down the API 3124+... period.

This unit has 4 pres on it (yet another bonus)- only takes 1 rack space - great reputation/quality/sound/value.

It just can't be beat.

If you search around you will find many differing opinions on what is good or bad, worse or better (yes even on the sooo loved Pacifica)... but I challenge you to find anyone saying bad things about the API... I couldn't. I bought one. I'm very happy I did.

SOUNDAWG

[theblotted]

Originally Posted by soundawg

The only answer to this my friend - is hands down the API 3124+... period.
It just can't be beat.
I challenge you to find anyone saying bad things about the API...

SOUNDAWG

if you wanna be picky about it, the OP was looking for just two channels. if one never uses all 4 channels at the same time, that extra dough can be spent on a diff flavor of preamps (or whatever else... like room treatment?)

[soundawg]

Originally Posted by theblotted

if you wanna be picky about it, the OP was looking for just two channels. if one never uses all 4 channels at the same time, that extra dough can be spent on a diff flavor of preamps (or whatever else... like room treatment?)

- OK - BUT - Regardless my comments still stand abut the API...
Besides...

API 3124 = $2376.00 / 4 pres = $594 per pre WOW WOW WOW!!!

This is high end gear at low end pricing.

For me that makes it a no brainer, especially for a guy with no experience in high end pres... this will get you working without worying about your choice, will represent a huge diff in the FF pres, and the FF still has 4 open spots for the future.

IMHO Different flavours are too much for a beginner to be considering.

If you wanna get into the diff flavor thing...

Lunchbox + pres of your choice, or...

"500 Series" Microphone Pre-Amps | VintageKing.com ... buy four get the lunchbox free!

In the end - Try before you buy... all at the same time if possible.

Cheers, and good luck!

SOUNDAWG

[Stixxs]

Into the Fireface are 2 channels Pacifica,

Ken, you got an example of this on Acu. gtr/vox?

-thx

[beadgc23]

Try building your own preamps - I've never felt so slutty (especially when they work!)

I'm looking for clean, clean clean, - DAV and beyond. Given that DAV & FiveFish beat the Millennia preamps, does anyone have any recommendations?

[theblotted]

Originally Posted by soundawg

IMHO Different flavours are too much for a beginner to be considering.

If you wanna get into the diff flavor thing...

Lunchbox + pres of your choice, or...

"500 Series" Microphone Pre-Amps | VintageKing.com ... buy four get the lunchbox free!
SOUNDAWG

Touche...

tho i think it's good to let a beginner have different flavors, so they learn what ppl are talking about quicker. and have the knowledge of being able to pick preamp better.

definitely saving dough for them 500s.... drool.

[backtothemusic]

Originally Posted by theblotted

if you wanna be picky about it, the OP was looking for just two channels. if one never uses all 4 channels at the same time, that extra dough can be spent on a diff flavor of preamps (or whatever else... like room treatment?)

Right on. Not saying I'll never need additional channels but right now two really nice channels would be plenty for my needs.