DI / Mic Pre on a budget advice... Brick? EC-1? Or?...

guibara · 18th November 2005

Hi there... I need to get a DI Box / Mic pre on a budget (around $500 or less) new or used.

I'll be recording mainly guitars but also some vocals/synth/bass.

I wanna go straight into a ProTools 192. I have a Mesa Boogie Mark IV that has a record out but the level into ProTools is just not enough... unless I crank it all the way up (and it still peaks at -16 or so).
I'd also like to record my acoustic guitar without having to go thru the Mark IV (it has a pick up)... maybe even record it with a mic.

I do all kinds of stuff: folk, blues, 70's rock, punk, metal... so I need somehting versatile and if it can also add some colour when needed all the better.

I've been doing quite some research and it seems like Groove Tubes The Brick is the best option. I've also heard good things about the Toft EC-1... and maybe even the Avalon U5 (but I wouldn't be able to use a mic with it, I believe?)

Any other suggestions? What would you buy? I'm looking at prices for new units, but maybe there's some other used units in that same price range??

Thanks a lot for your help!

A helpless newbie.

AlexLakis · 18th November 2005

Hmm, maybe check out Studio Projects VTB-1? It's a lot cheaper than $500, and it sounds pretty darn good for the money. You can also "blend in" some "tube warmth" if you want to. Phantom powered preamp with 1/4" in on the front. Phase reversal, impedence switch, insert jack, high pass filter, i/o meter select...$100...What else do you need?

guibara · 19th November 2005

Thanks for the suggestion... I'll definately consider it.

So do you think the sound of the VTB-1 comes that close to the Brick EC-1 or U5 as to not justify the $300-$400 difference?

Honestly, I rather spend a bit more if I end up with a better sounding unit that'll last longer as part of a bigger studio set up as I grow, know what I mean?

Thanks!

Pohaku · 19th November 2005

I'd skip the VTB-1 and get something you'll keep using in the future. In addition to the Brick (which is a single channel), you should consider a FMR RNP (Real Nice Pre). It is a well made two channel pre/DI that is very usable on lots of sources. They are about $479 new and @$425 used. Do a search on this site and you'll find lots of comments -- most positive.

treemind · 19th November 2005

i use the brick on vocals, bass, and acoustic guitars... really warms things up for the price!

guibara · 19th November 2005

Thanks for the FMR RNP suggestions. I've been reading some great reviews and comments all morning!

It seems to be a better option than the brick (2 channels, more features, versatile...)

Thanks!

feyshay · 19th November 2005

You could look at the Brick or the FMR RNP as good options for you, and you could always upgrade in the future. I have the Brick, and it sounds great. Definitely more warmth, but the RNP has two channels. Another preamp in the same price range that is clean (and some people like) is the Grace 101. I'd avoid the channels from Toft--you can always add an equalizer or compressor later. You can't go wrong with the Brick or the RNP. I wanted the "dirtiness" of the Brick.

18th November 2005	#1
guibara Gear interested Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 10 Thread Starter	DI / Mic Pre on a budget advice... Brick? EC-1? Or?... Hi there... I need to get a DI Box / Mic pre on a budget (around $500 or less) new or used. I'll be recording mainly guitars but also some vocals/synth/bass. I wanna go straight into a ProTools 192. I have a Mesa Boogie Mark IV that has a record out but the level into ProTools is just not enough... unless I crank it all the way up (and it still peaks at -16 or so). I'd also like to record my acoustic guitar without having to go thru the Mark IV (it has a pick up)... maybe even record it with a mic. I do all kinds of stuff: folk, blues, 70's rock, punk, metal... so I need somehting versatile and if it can also add some colour when needed all the better. I've been doing quite some research and it seems like Groove Tubes The Brick is the best option. I've also heard good things about the Toft EC-1... and maybe even the Avalon U5 (but I wouldn't be able to use a mic with it, I believe?) Any other suggestions? What would you buy? I'm looking at prices for new units, but maybe there's some other used units in that same price range?? Thanks a lot for your help! A helpless newbie.

19th November 2005	#4
Pohaku Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2003 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 1,036	I'd skip the VTB-1 and get something you'll keep using in the future. In addition to the Brick (which is a single channel), you should consider a FMR RNP (Real Nice Pre). It is a well made two channel pre/DI that is very usable on lots of sources. They are about $479 new and @$425 used. Do a search on this site and you'll find lots of comments -- most positive. __________________ Yeah I'm an attorney, but everyone needs a day job.

19th November 2005	#5
treemind Gear interested Joined: Sep 2005 Location: seattle Posts: 29	I personally love the BRICK i use the brick on vocals, bass, and acoustic guitars... really warms things up for the price!

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18th November 2005	#2
AlexLakis Lives for gear Joined: Mar 2005 Location: Annapolis, MD/Los Angeles, CA Posts: 3,631	Hmm, maybe check out Studio Projects VTB-1? It's a lot cheaper than $500, and it sounds pretty darn good for the money. You can also "blend in" some "tube warmth" if you want to. Phantom powered preamp with 1/4" in on the front. Phase reversal, impedence switch, insert jack, high pass filter, i/o meter select...$100...What else do you need?

19th November 2005	#7
feyshay Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,358	You could look at the Brick or the FMR RNP as good options for you, and you could always upgrade in the future. I have the Brick, and it sounds great. Definitely more warmth, but the RNP has two channels. Another preamp in the same price range that is clean (and some people like) is the Grace 101. I'd avoid the channels from Toft--you can always add an equalizer or compressor later. You can't go wrong with the Brick or the RNP. I wanted the "dirtiness" of the Brick.