About to purchase SM7b, need a preamp

[Chrislpp]

Your singer sings a little like all those people?

Well, would be interesting to hear, and it wouldn't really too much on the signal chain since all those singers sing completely differently with different character. I see what you mean though haha.

Sm7 -----> Gap Pre 73 is a fave around here if you want lower end and is probably in your budget.....

[matt thomas]

Out of the ones you mentioned my personal first choice would be the avedis, followed by the GAP. Basically you probably want a high quality, character pre. Virtually anything that comes under that description will be up to the task

matt

[dysenterygary]

Well you couldn't have searched that long... but the sm7b into a gap 73 is glorious! You'll find no shortage of people praising that setup, because its simply awesome. Check it out!

[Mike Douaire]

Haha yes yes I've read many posts saying SM7b --> GAP Pre 73 works very well.

Are we talking stock, TT Mod, or Full Mod (this is, of course, assuming I buy it off ZenProAudio)?

I know the Pre 73 has gotten a lot of hype and I always have to take these things with a grain of salt cuz I know that sometimes we all get caught up in the newer, cool gear. Especially the ones with a great price tag. Dono, almost seems like it's going to be too good to be true!

Not to knock! Please don't take it the wrong way, just trying to grab some knowledge!!!

[jdier]

Not as experienced or traveled as most here, but since you are asking about a mic I have and really like I thought I would reply.

I found that it sounds really nice through my RNP with my RNLA inserted. Without the RNLA it was a little sterile to me. If I use the RNLA with a setting where I am getting 1-2 of the led's to fire, then work the attack time, I can get a pretty exciting sound.

(RNP $500 RNLA $200)

I also like it right into my GR with the load engaged.

I have the dual which is probably $2K. Not sure what the single channel version is, but I understand it is identical to what I have.

[superwack]

The SM7b > GAP73 is great BUT just to warn you that if you are in the middle of your record and need it quick people are posting that there are no units anywhere to be had in the US (sold out - for example ZenPro is estimating April! Golden Age Pre-73)

Just a head's up

[Mike Douaire]

Thanks for the heads up. Yeah I actually talked to War about the back-order and he didn't really have any idea when they would be up and ready.

We still have lots of tracking to do, so we have time to wait, buuuuuut I always like to be ready when my singer says "Let's go."

I keep hearing really good things about the Avedis MA5 too...

Why the hell are there so many damn options? Wait, better question, why can't I just have money magically appear so I can buy all those damn options?!?!

GAP Pre 73 can be found on ebay (but it's stock and I dono which version everyone is using that everyone rants and raves about).

[doncaparker]

A Shure SM7b into a Great River MP-2NV or ME-1NV (same preamp, different number of channels) works great. You will have to go slightly above your desired price range, but it will be worth it, and if you ever resell, these both hold good value vs. what you paid. You can get a used ME-1NV for about $900 and a used SM7b for about $250.

Toss in a compressor on the Great River's insert jack and you have a very good, very flexible vocal chain. FMR compressors (RNC, RNLA) sell for less than $200 used.

$1,300 and you're armed for bear.

[WB1984]

Do you have a lunchbox? The GR 500NV is $800. I think this is a nice combo, and you get a nice DI as well.

[skiltrip]

Alto Music appears to have GAPs back in stock, as they have re-listed on Ebay.


GOLDEN AGE PROJECT PRE-73 PRE73 MIC PRE FREE SHIP! - eBay (item 330415058691 end time Apr-16-10 12:43:22 PDT)

[Aaron Miller]

Whatever you get, it would be really handy if it has (even a very basic) EQ. I know that some people don't recommend tracking with EQ but I have found this to be a real time saver and a nice way to work with the SM7B. In my experience, I almost always end up addind a little high end (10-12K range, just a few db) and, if the singer is right up on the mic, cutting a little low end (that's even with low-cut engaged). Not a deal breaker but it is a nice feature when working with a mic like the SM7B.

[rty5150]

if you have $700, scrimp a bit more and get a used GR. if you just have to have something now, CL 7602 for one channel as the eq is awesome or get a pair of GAP's.

[Mike Douaire]

Yeah I mean the idea is to TRY and not go over budget...cuz I was thinking of future purchases (new Kick Mic, or a new SDC for hi hat, etc etc).

Honestly right now I'm just looking at the GS Classifieds trying to find any deals, and probably will do so for the next week. Nothing is really up on E-bay, and I'd rather not buy new.

I guess once I start seeing some deals, I'll start asking more specific questions. I am keeping my eye out for :

Avedis MA5
GR ME-1NV
GAP Pre 73 (either 1 modded, or 2 stock - thoughts on this idea?)
UA Solo 610 (there seem to be a lot of great deals on these)
CL 7602 wouldn't be bad

The thing is I don't need it right away, and I can probably get by for a few takes with just my 003 or Digimax pre's, but it's something I'm going to want fairly soon. I just need to keep my eyes open to deals and consult you guys once I start finding stuff that isn't already sold!

[rty5150]

you own a lunchbox?

[Mike Douaire]

No lunchbox unfortunately.

I got really limited gear as of now and am draining all my savings just to upgrade the vocal chain.

003 Rack
Digimax FS

Those are the only pre's I have. Hence, why I desperately need one that can compliment the SM7b.

I'll get to my other question (once we/I settle upon the purchase of the pre) - applications of where to use it - we'll get to that later.

[1/2 Normal]

Originally Posted by Mike Douaire

Yeah I mean the idea is to TRY and not go over budget...cuz I was thinking of future purchases (new Kick Mic, or a new SDC for hi hat, etc etc).

Honestly right now I'm just looking at the GS Classifieds trying to find any deals, and probably will do so for the next week. Nothing is really up on E-bay, and I'd rather not buy new.

I guess once I start seeing some deals, I'll start asking more specific questions. I am keeping my eye out for :

Avedis MA5
GR ME-1NV
GAP Pre 73 (either 1 modded, or 2 stock - thoughts on this idea?)
UA Solo 610 (there seem to be a lot of great deals on these)
CL 7602 wouldn't be bad

The thing is I don't need it right away, and I can probably get by for a few takes with just my 003 or Digimax pre's, but it's something I'm going to want fairly soon. I just need to keep my eyes open to deals and consult you guys once I start finding stuff that isn't already sold!

The 610 is good but probably not what you will be looking for with Vocals. If there are a lot of good deals on them there probably is a reason, I use mine on every session but usually on a kick or for a bass DI.

but thats me

Good Luck

Rob

[dickiefunk]

It's also worth checking the Focusrite ISA One and Daking Mic Pre One.

I have both the ISA One and GAP PRE73. I am extremely happy with both my ISA One and PRE73.

At the moment Guitar Center has the ISA One on offer for $499 which makes it a fantastic bargain!!! It's also worth noting that with the ISA One you can use both the mic pre and di as separate channels making it a 2 channel unit!

[Mike Douaire]

Oh wow.

You know, I almost want to smack you for showing me that deal. Now I'm even more indecisive!!

Thanks, thanks a lot

Okay updated list of stuff I'm looking at (taking out the solo 610). Plus Grace M101s always seem like great deals (although yeah, maybe not the best if there are so many available...good point):

Focusrite ISA One (one sale at GC - $500 NEW)
Avedis MA5 (would like to find used)
GR ME-1NV (a little expensive, would need to buy used)
GAP Pre 73 (either 1 modded, or 2 stock - thoughts on this idea?)
CL 7602 (would like to find used, but could probably swing new)
Grace M101 (great used deals, as low as $400)

[Mike Douaire]

My bad, forgot to put the Daking on the radar:

Focusrite ISA One (one sale at GC - $500 NEW)
Avedis MA5 (would like to find used)
GR ME-1NV (a little expensive, would need to buy used)
GAP Pre 73 (either 1 modded, or 2 stock - thoughts on this idea?)
CL 7602 (would like to find used, but could probably swing new)
Grace M101 (great used deals, as low as $400)
Daking Mic Pre One (looks good, found one in Classifieds...)

[dickiefunk]

Hmm tough call.

At the end of the day all of those pres on your list are capable of very high quality pro recordings. It just comes down to what kind of sound you're after (Neve vibe, Neutral, really clean). Some people prefer to record clean and let the mic do the coloring or using plugins during mixdown.

If you are unsure you could probably pick up a GAP PRE73 (colored) and either a secondhand Grace M101 or True Systems P-Solo and then you have both options!

[Mike Douaire]

I'm such a sucker for deals. The ISA One deal really seems too good to let go. I really want quality, but financially I really shouldn't be pushing myself too hard. It's also worth noting I have a 10% off coupon.

So $500 sale + 10% = a $450 ISA One?? I dono man, might have to go with that, then get the GAP when ZenPro gets em back in stock.

With the separate Pre/DI on the ISA, could I essentially run the bass straight into the ISA DI, and then the keys into my JDI -> ISA Pre and track both at once??

That'd be pretty slick.

So I'll bring out the next question while we're still in debates of finalizing the Pre:

If I only have 1 quality pre and I'm tracking a full Drum Kit, where do I use it? Kick, Snare, or Room Mic?

Same with Electric Guitars - I typically go -
On Axis: Heil PR-30,
Off Axis: 57/i5,
3 ft back: MA-200.
Do I use the nice pre on the up-front Heil, or on the MA-200 that's back?

Sorry for all the questions guys, I've never owned a nice pre before!

[doncaparker]

Just a word on two of the preamps you have listed, both of which I have owned:

While I think the Grace M101 is a bargain, and it is certainly a great preamp, it is a specific kind of preamp, and I prefer other kinds. The Great River I currently own is more to my taste.

What I mean is:

The Grace uses a transformerless design. That means it is pretty close to being a "wire with gain." Very little character or tonal emphasis is added to the signal. While this theoretically sounds like a good idea (how can fidelity be bad?), in practice it can come off sounding a bit sterile, maybe even harsh at times, especially the highs and the transients.

In contrast, the Great River uses transformers. They color the signal, but in a way that is pleasing to the ear. Transients are softened a bit, and high frequencies are smoothed out.

You can't make a bad decision buying either preamp, because they are both really good pieces of gear. But, if you buy a Great River, you significantly reduce the chances that you will turn around and buy a different preamp later on. With the Grace, I can bet you are going to want to buy something to either compliment the Grace or replace it, because on tracks needing some flavor, you won't get it from the preamp.

Good luck with the hunt.

[dickiefunk]

Originally Posted by Mike Douaire

With the separate Pre/DI on the ISA, could I essentially run the bass straight into the ISA DI, and then the keys into my JDI -> ISA Pre and track both at once??

Yes you can!

Originally Posted by Mike Douaire

So $500 sale + 10% = a $450 ISA One?? I dono man, might have to go with that, then get the GAP when ZenPro gets em back in stock.

This would be a pretty decent combo! The ISA One is neutral sounding preamp and the GAP PRE73 can do clean to more color than the ISA One!

[Mike Douaire]

Haha thanks. Yeah I think I'm slowly weening out the Grace, it doesn't seem to be what I'm looking for. For what I hear, with the SM7, you really need some color to bring it out more.

GR gets so much love and it's so damn hard to find one - which is honestly a good thing, except when you're trying to buy one!!

What about the Trident S20s? I just saw a classifieds post for one that seemed to be a killer deal...and 2 channels are definitely better than one!

[Keystone]

Bought a new in box SM7b from this seller for an offer of $295 shipped.
Bought it Wed around 3 and UPS delivered Thursday morning 10:30.
Can't ask for anything more.
I've looked for used but they always seem to end up being not that much less than a new one.


NEW! Shure SM7B Radio TV Dynamic Vocal Microphone SM7 - eBay (item 360242625113 end time Mar-21-10 08:16:08 PDT)

[Mike Douaire]

Solid! Thanks man.

There was one here on GS that was real cheap, but of course I'm a day late and an SM7 short - still waiting to hear back and see if it was sold (had Pending stamped onto it, which probably means no go). But yeah!

I can dig it, that's a killer price for new.

[Temposelect]

I use my SM7b with a Blue Robbie and I almost always love the results!

[Mike Douaire]

Okay I have come to the conclusion I need to rob a bank

There are clearly too many options and I cannot fund them all.

I'm really leaning towards the ISA One for financial reasons and I know I can get a really good sound out of it. Keep in mind, I am NOT mixing this - those vocals (along with the rest of the tracks) will be going to Brian DeLizza who has plenty of beautiful outboard processing to bring everything to life.

However I did just find a Chameleon 7602 (1st Gen., not MK II) on ebay for a sick price so I'm going to watch that. Any comments on the first gen. 7602 vs. the new 7602?

[rty5150]

Originally Posted by Mike Douaire

Any comments on the first gen. 7602 vs. the new 7602?

same thing, only difference is the knobs, metering, and included power supply for the new ones. same preamp and eq. awesome either way.

i would snatch up the isa one if i were you. the $500 price is just nuts for that pre. i own an isa428 and while not my favorite preamp, i do find uses for it and it justifies its place in my rack.