Tube Mic or Tube Pre

brianaustinny · 1st August 2006

I'm putting together a small project studio to do demos at home. After recording vocals with a u87 into a motu ultralight, I've decided that I'd like to warm things up with some tubes. Ok, would you guys recommend getting a better tube pre & solid state condenser or using the ultralight with a tube mic. I should mention that I don't own the u87 (had to give it back) and my total budget is around $2000. Also, I'm fairly happy with the clarity of the ultralight. Thanks

craigmorris74 · 1st August 2006

If you want a sound that would be different from a u87 through a neutral pre, I've got some suggestions. First, stay away from most low end tube mics. Try something like an Audio Technica 4047 or a Shinybox ribbon mic with a Cinemag or Lundahl transformer. If you really want a pre, then I'd suggest building one from a kit, especially a JLM 99V, JLM 1290, or a Seventh Circle 99v.

Honestly, when it comes to really good tube pres, I think they just sound hi fi and sparkly as all heavens instead of what most people think of as warm. Telefunken v72s and original UA 610s fit this description. Very hi-fi. If you're thinking early Zeppelin warm, then think about a solid state pre. The records that sound warm from the 40s, 50s, and 60s that were recorded with tube pres that sound so warm and beautiful were typically recorded with u47's, u67's, or ribbon mics, which were probably the factor contributing the warm sound of those signal chains. Again, a low end tube mic won't approach that sound.

1st August 2006	#1
brianaustinny Gear Head Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 32 Thread Starter	Tube Mic or Tube Pre I'm putting together a small project studio to do demos at home. After recording vocals with a u87 into a motu ultralight, I've decided that I'd like to warm things up with some tubes. Ok, would you guys recommend getting a better tube pre & solid state condenser or using the ultralight with a tube mic. I should mention that I don't own the u87 (had to give it back) and my total budget is around $2000. Also, I'm fairly happy with the clarity of the ultralight. Thanks

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1st August 2006	#2
craigmorris74 Gear maniac Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 270	If you want a sound that would be different from a u87 through a neutral pre, I've got some suggestions. First, stay away from most low end tube mics. Try something like an Audio Technica 4047 or a Shinybox ribbon mic with a Cinemag or Lundahl transformer. If you really want a pre, then I'd suggest building one from a kit, especially a JLM 99V, JLM 1290, or a Seventh Circle 99v. Honestly, when it comes to really good tube pres, I think they just sound hi fi and sparkly as all heavens instead of what most people think of as warm. Telefunken v72s and original UA 610s fit this description. Very hi-fi. If you're thinking early Zeppelin warm, then think about a solid state pre. The records that sound warm from the 40s, 50s, and 60s that were recorded with tube pres that sound so warm and beautiful were typically recorded with u47's, u67's, or ribbon mics, which were probably the factor contributing the warm sound of those signal chains. Again, a low end tube mic won't approach that sound.