Entry level mic preamp

[dickiefunk]

I used to use an M-Audio Tampa preamp with a Studio Projects B1 and Rode NT-1a mic and was fairly happy with the results I was getting but the high frequencies always sound slightly harsh and brittle.

I recently picked up a Focusrite ISA One and have to say I love it. The harshness has gone now. These mics now sound much smoother, fuller and the with MUCH less noise!

For $600 you could get a GAP PRE-73 and a Shure SM7b or another decent mic and you'd be away!

[Nobilmente]

I agree completely with the suggestion of the DAV BG1, it is clean but not sterile.

Actually that doesn't give you the picture, it's a large and full sounding mic pre, just a class act.

You won't go wrong there.

[cschuby]

Originally Posted by KeithMoonwannabe

In all honesty I'd sell every mic you have now they are all pretty useless in my opinion. For your situation I'd say picking up a preamp at around $650 or less and a brand new Studio Projects CS5 would be the best signal chain you can get. For vocals I'd still suggest something like an SM7b or RE-20, broadcast dynamic mics work great on male vocals there is a reason so many studios in the world use them for that app over much "nicer" mics.

I have to agree about the mics. The CS5 is a great mic for alot of applications and you could pick up a Grace m101 for about $550 and you'd have a nice front end.

[alvagoldbook]

The OP talked about tracking violin and cello. I think the OP should highly consider getting a ribbon mic to track these instruments.

Check out the Cascade Fathead. It's affordable, and it sounds freaking amazing. I wouldn't use anything else on things like violins, cellos, mandolins, and the like.

All ribbons (as far as I know anyway) work in a figure 8 pattern, so if your room isn't well treated, consider isolating the back of the mic. This can be done with gobos or a microphone isolation panel such as the ones sE makes.

[KeithMoonwannabe]

perhaps it's personal preference but for versatility between strings and vocals I'd vote for just about any multi pattern LDC over any ribbon.

CS5, AT4050, M179, C414, etc.

I wouldn't suggest a dynamic/ribbon to handle all the tasks the OP wants. I'd rather see the OP with a good MP LDC mic and a new preamp than a new preamp and a mic that only sounds good on voice or only good on instruments.

[weownyoursoul]

the c1000s really isnt as bad as ppl make out. I wouldnt reccomend it but i wouldnt despair if you have one.

It's not great for most things but gives a great sound on acoustic guitars and brass instruments, . If you wanted a cheap multipurpose mic an sm-57 would probly be a safer bet.

[gehauser]

Originally Posted by AlphaMouth

I'm looking for advice on adding some sweetness to my vocal and string (live cello, violin, bass) tracks that a good mic preamp can bring. ... I've read recently that I shouldn't waste the money on anything under about $600 (with $1000 being more practical).

I have 3 preamps in the $600-1000 range (UA 610, Sytek MPX-4Aii, Grace m101). For vocal and/or vocal/acoustic guitar simultaneously, the UA 610 sounds best by far to me (big, phat, and pleasant sounding). For solo acoustic guitar, I would probably give the Sytek the edge over the other two if I wanted clean, punchy detail. For a raw, driven acoustic guitar, the 610 is nice. For orchestral ensemble (soft strings), I would probably choose the Grace, which has a delicate sound to me, although the Sytek would probably do just as well.

All 3 are quiet preamps, but the Sytek seems to me to have the lowest noise of the three (determined by cranking the gain without source applied), and I love its economy - 4 quality channels for $900.

The following are the kinds of music I mainly record, and the preamp I would use (from these 3 preamps):

Singer/songwriter with guitar => Solo 610
2-3 flatpicked acoustic instruments => Sytek
small choral or orchestral ensemble => Grace + Sytek