preamp to remove Allen & Heath MixWizard from the chain?

[Puffer Fish]

Does anyone have experience with a MixWizard and know what is a good step up for a preamp from this mixer? I already have some nice tube preamplifiers. I am looking for something solid state/ clean without a bunch of character so I can remove the MixWizard from preamp duty.

I was looking at Rane stuff mostly---DMS22 or maybe a couple MS-1 preamps. Are they a step up from the Allen & Heath MixWizard? I have been looking for an answer to this question for awhile and have not found anyone addressing the question. I hate to waste my time picking up one of the Rane preamps only to find they are no better than what I have in the MixWizard.

I am sure that a True Systems P-Solo or a Grace 101 would be a good choice, but they are above what I was looking to pay, thus my looking into the Rane gear. I have used other Rane gear in the past and I always thought it was solid. I had my eye on a Black Lion Audio Autuer or maybe an FMR Audio RNP as well, but again they are a bit more than I wanted to pay for.

I read where a lot of folks like the DMP3--is that a step up from the MixWizard? Rane DMS22 or DMP3?

I do think the MixWizard is pretty nice. It sounds a bit boxy compared to other preamps I have used though. But it is FOR SURE better than my Presonus Firepod preamps. I compared the two and there was no contest--the MixWizard preamps were much clearer, cleaner, better apparent volume, less wooly,....

Any thoughts?

[Puffer Fish]

No one has any suggestions?

[drbam]

Given your implied budget limitations, it sounds like you are really looking for a "different" sounding preamp than a "step up", which ironically could seem like a step up depending on many factors.

The Rane models and the DMP3 definitely sound different than A&H - typically described as cleaner, more transparent sounding, whereas the A&H can be described as "fuller" punchy, or as you described, "boxy". What sounds "warm" to some can certainly sound muddy and wooly to others. I think you'd be satisfied with a Rane or the DMP3 if your budget is really limited. I've rarely heard negative things about either and I have used both and recommend them for small budgets.

[Puffer Fish]

Ah! Thank you! So you really think they will have a more clean sound when compared to the MixWizard preamps? Very good. And yes, my budget lies within the realms of the used Rane gear. The future may allow more $$$ for a higher-end clean mic pre, but I am considering the Rane/ M-Audio level gear right now. Like I said, I just am trying to figure out if I would be buying more of what I already have or if picking up any of the already mentioned gear would expand my preamp palette and hopefully have a more accurate and clean sonic picture.

[dickiefunk]

I haven't heard the pres on the Miz Wizard but have heard the Zed R16 pres and would say these are better than my DMP3.

I started with a DMP3 and Tampa and since buying a Focusrite ISA One have realised their weaknesses.

I am now looking to replace these with either a Audient Mico, Grace M101 or True Systems P-Solo.

I would personally save your money until you can afford one of these!

[vientos00]

if you're looking for something clean the focusrite ISA one is very nice. Has a very natural sound

[vientos00]

hey dickiefunk, i'm thinking about getting a zed model by allen and heath. Can you describe the sound of the pre's and convertors? clean or more of a low-fi board?

[Puffer Fish]

Originally Posted by vientos00

if you're looking for something clean the focusrite ISA one is very nice. Has a very natural sound

That is another pre I have looked at quite a bit. I really dig that you can adjust the impedance with the ISA preamps. It seems to have some 'swiss army knife' qualities to it. I have noticed they really retain their value on the used market. I guess that is a testament to the ISA quality, as well as the Focusrite marketing.

Anymore thoughts on Allen & Heath preamp quality versus the Rane and DMP3 preamps? I will probably sit on my money before I dump it into a preamp that will not get me any further than I already am.