27th February 2012
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#1 | | Gear Head
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 47
Thread Starter | Relatively inexpencive 2-4 channel preamps
Hello there! As my collection of microphones has recently added a couple dynamics and a ribbon, I'm starting to realize that I will need some preamps to really drive these suckers. In addition, having something to strengthen the sound of my condensers wouldn't be bad either. So, that being said, what are some good 2-4 channel preamps with a $100-200 per channel budget in mind. I have done searches, but everyone just seems to say that you should spend more, or way less. I'm looking for a specific price range for as best quality as it will get me.
Any suggestions are welcome!
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27th February 2012
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#2 | | Gear nut
Joined: Oct 2010 Location: Provo, UT
Posts: 76
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If you can go for 250 a channel I would suggest the Sytek MPX-4Aii. Nice 4 channels. Plenty of gains and standard features. They have the option to switch out 2 or all 4 op amps with Burr-Brown ones. Gives it a little slower (more tube-like) response. I would suggest 2 and 2 (unless you know you want all 4 with em) and have another color to use with certain elements. Good luck.
Sent from my EVO using Gearslutz.com app.
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27th February 2012
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#3 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,871
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The FMR RNP is a very capable stereo pre for its price. If you use ribbons a lot, you should seriously consider a Cloudlifter as well.
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27th February 2012
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#4 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Feb 2010 Location: London
Posts: 1,406
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equally if you use ribbons a lot, get a DAV BG1.
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27th February 2012
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#5 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,056
 | Quote:
Originally Posted by MJBass  ...everyone just seems to say that you should spend more, or way less... | Sounds like you may need to re-read those reviews and discussions. All kinds of great suggestions out there and you just missed them.
Good luck.
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27th February 2012
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#6 | | Gear Head
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 47
Thread Starter |
I feel like I should actually be clearer. I am recording to a Zoom R16, which doesn't sound bad on its own, but I'm looking for a couple preamps to help warm up and give more body to my microphones. Also, using something to drive the dynamics and ribbon to give it that fuller "pro" sound. So any recommendations with that in mind (with a $100-200 per channel price range please... or less) would be wonderful!
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28th February 2012
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#7 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,871
| Quote:
Originally Posted by MJBass I feel like I should actually be clearer. I am recording to a Zoom R16, which doesn't sound bad on its own, but I'm looking for a couple preamps to help warm up and give more body to my microphones. Also, using something to drive the dynamics and ribbon to give it that fuller "pro" sound. So any recommendations with that in mind (with a $100-200 per channel price range please... or less) would be wonderful! | Well, if you like the sound of the pre's in the Zoom, then maybe just a Cloudlifter ahead of it (if the Zoom has phantom power), which you will also be able to use when you upgrade later.
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28th February 2012
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#8 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Oct 2008 Location: USA
Posts: 602
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+1 on the Sytek MPX 4Aii. It is actually about $225 per channel.
Excellent pres, with full low end, balanced mids, and smooth (not edgy) highs and upper mids.
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28th February 2012
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#9 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Mar 2007 Location: Northwest Territories, Canada
Posts: 1,039
| Quote:
Originally Posted by gehauser +1 on the Sytek MPX 4Aii. It is actually about $225 per channel.
Excellent pres, with full low end, balanced mids, and smooth (not edgy) highs and upper mids. | +2 on the MPX-4Aii
Love mine! Gets used lots on drums, guitar amps, percussion. Also great on vocals and acoustic guitar. I have the 2 + 2-BurrBrown option. Nice to have two different flavours. I picked it up used on eBay for $750.
Cool... I just noticed this is my 1,000th post
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28th February 2012
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#10 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,156
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Why not just get an analog mixer, like a Soundcraft or a A&H?
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28th February 2012
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#11 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,476
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If you can find a used API 8MX2, you'll pay around $1500 to $1700 for it. 8 channels of Paragon style preamps with dynamics control, PLUS it is an 8 by 2 mixer, with monitoring and effects loops all in 1 rack space. That's about $213 per preamp at $1700, and you'll end up with all that extra stuff for free and have a pretty darned high quality rig.
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28th February 2012
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#12 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,056
| Quote:
Originally Posted by GordZilla Cool... I just noticed this is my 1,000th post | Congrats!  Quote:
Originally Posted by MJBass ...but I'm looking for a couple preamps to help warm up and give more body to my microphones. Also, using something to drive the dynamics and ribbon to give it that fuller "pro" sound... | "Warmth" can be obtained in many ways, most obviously in source tone, room tone and mic placement. A preamp may not help you with that at all.
"Pro" sound is obtained by "pros". Pros know how to trust their ears to make critical decisions using the gear in front of them, whatever the gear may be.
Food for thought.
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28th February 2012
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#13 | | Gear interested
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 21
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Find a used HHB Radius 10. Great little pre.
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