The best (cheap) preamp for a Fathead?

[changeng]

Okay - the scenario - broke. Got a Fathead ribbon, but the preamps I have sound like ass with it - thuddy, with no definition (I'm running it thru a Rane MS 1-b, the preamps in my M-Audio omnistudio, an ART Pro Channel and the preamps in my Soundcraft Compact 4)

I know, I know, get better preamps - but I don't have the scratch for a $500-2000 pre! it seems my problem may be impedance - none of my pre's are set up for ribbon impedance.

What is the best, cheapest preamp to work with the Fathead to get a clear, sweet signal?

Thanks in advance!

[BudgetMC]

Hmmmm... I've had good luck with my VC3Q and MPA.

[gearaddict]

Originally Posted by changeng

Okay - the scenario - broke. Got a Fathead ribbon, but the preamps I have sound like ass with it - thuddy, with no definition (I'm running it thru a Rane MS 1-b, the preamps in my M-Audio omnistudio, an ART Pro Channel and the preamps in my Soundcraft Compact 4)

I know, I know, get better preamps - but I don't have the scratch for a $500-2000 pre! it seems my problem may be impedance - none of my pre's are set up for ribbon impedance.

What is the best, cheapest preamp to work with the Fathead to get a clear, sweet signal?

Thanks in advance!

Art mpa gold.(change tubes)..read about it..I like it..and so do a lot of people here on GS. It is under $300.00

[jnorman]

studio projects VTB-1 might be your answer. harvey gerst uses one with his RCA 77DX.

[Weasel9992]

MPA is good. RNP is great too.

Frank

[changeng]

Thanks for the replies- I have a Pro Channel, which is supposed to be part MPA, but without the varible impedance - Have you guys actually used a Fathead with the MPA? The Pro Channel sounds flat with it, even with a Mullard tube in the preamp.

Keep the ideas comin!

[Tapeworm]

What are you trying to record with it?

[changeng]

mainly vocals - kind of a Peter gabriel voice.

[Weasel9992]

Originally Posted by changeng

What is the best, cheapest preamp to work with the Fathead to get a clear, sweet signal?

I completely missed that...sorry. Yeah, the FatHead doesn't do "clean" and "sweet" well. It does "dirty" and "dark" all day long. It's also about my least favorite vocal mic with any preamp, but that may be entirely subjective. There's just not enough detail at all. But man...on a distorted guitar you can't beat it.

Frank

[Tapeworm]

Well I noticed cash was an issue but...the RNP would be a fantastic choice on a budget PLUS you can use it for many other things as well. Look for a used one. It's a pre that you can keep even when you eventually upgrade.

The VTB-1 is quite a bit cheaper but I have never heard one in person. I don't think you'll get the same vibe from one but I hear they are a very decent low-cost alternative.

The thing is, ribbon mics need a bit of gain. The RNP has enough for vocals (it only becomes a little hissy at 60+ db of gain). It also has a very pleasant smoothness to the sound while retaining a clear but not "peaky" or harsh high end (though that might not be a problem with a ribbon). It also adds a little bit of depth the sound - good for vocals and acoustic instruments.

That smooth yet ethereal is kind of what I think of when I hear Peter Gabriel's voice.

[Tapeworm]

Originally Posted by Weasel9992

I completely missed that...sorry. Yeah, the FatHead doesn't do "clean" and "sweet" well. It does "dirty" and "dark" all day long. It's also about my least favorite vocal mic with any preamp, but that may be entirely subjective. There's just not enough detail at all. But man...on a distorted guitar you can't beat it.

Frank

This is true. Captures the grit and leaves the ugliness behind. It can do vocals but needs EQ.

The MXL 960 might be the mic for you. They sold at one time for only$150.00. I don't know what the price is now. Tube condenser and a tube upgrade really makes this cheap mic shine.

EDIT: They are up to 199.00 (w/o shockmount). Still a good deal. Put a Mullard in for $25.00 or so and you're good to go.

[changeng]

Thanks, guys. Gain isn't the issue -got plenty of that - it's the tone. I have an Oktavmod MK-219 that works well, but I'm recording some old skool 60's RnB style tunes and wanted to get a more vintage tone on the vocal. Will switching the impedance really help on the Fathead? Does anyone have experience with a good, cheap preamp with a Fathead for vocals? I don't mind eq'ing a bit, but you gotta start with SOMEthing workable to eq.

Help!!!

[Tapeworm]

Have you looked at Shinybox mics? I've used those for vocals (took the protective mesh out)? Cheaper than a preamp.

Shinybox Ribbon Microphones

Although these have gone up since I bought one as as well.

[zeppe]

I like the fathead a lot with my ISA 428 with impedance high. The 428 can be found pretty cheap. I got mine for $1000 practically new. It needs a bit more gain than condensors but the ISA has lots of clean gain to spare. It also takes EQ really well and WILL require it, I always have to dip quite a bit between 250-400Hz and boost by at least 5dB at 5Khz approx but then its awesome. I really like it for my vox and thats comparing it to Red Type B, Gefell UM70 and CAD TRion 8000. Its a waaay nicer ribbon than my Trion 7000 or Oktava ML52 IMO.

MySpace.com - The Jute Factory Studios - Waterford, Waterford - Rock / Metal / Other - www.myspace.com/thejutefactory

[BudgetMC]

Originally Posted by Tapeworm

The MXL 960 might be the mic for you. They sold at one time for only$150.00. I don't know what the price is now. Tube condenser and a tube upgrade really makes this cheap mic shine.

EDIT: They are up to 199.00 (w/o shockmount). Still a good deal. Put a Mullard in for $25.00 or so and you're good to go.

+1 on the MXL 960. That's a killer mic, especially with the tube swap.

[changeng]

will check into the 960, but I'd REALLY like to get my Fathead happy!

Has anyone tried a Tampa with a Fathead? On paper, it seems like it might be a good way to go.

Anyone?

[alexgrignon]

Originally Posted by changeng

will check into the 960, but I'd REALLY like to get my Fathead happy!

Has anyone tried a Tampa with a Fathead? On paper, it seems like it might be a good way to go.

Anyone?

It seems like you really want to like the Fathead....but maybe it's just not the right match for your voice and the sound you want? Have you heard it through a higher end preamp that leads you to believe it's an issue with your preamps?

Personally I'd look for a new mic before a different low end preamp, way more choices for mics in that price range that will provide a much different sound for you. For preamps, I invested in an SCA chassis and an N72. I recently added an A12. Basically any time I want a new external preamp it's going to run me $300 or less....and they sound amazing. Perfect for someone looking to add one nice preamp at a time without dropping a ton of coin.

Oh and +1 to using the fathead on a guitar amp...

- alex