What's going on guys. My name is LogiKIL. I'm a hip hop artist as well as an engineer. I run my own project studio. I'm currently using a Neumann Tlm 102 going through the Digi 003 desk model and mixing in pro tools 8 using the waves mercury bundle. My biggest question is, is it worth upgrading to a stronger pre amp? And if so, what pre amp would satisfy my need. I'm looking to capture that punchy and up front vocal character. I've done pretty well with what I have and some eq and compression. But maybe some hardware upgrades would eliminate excessive eq. Let me know what you think. Thanks guys.
What's going on guys. My name is LogiKIL. I'm a hip hop artist as well as an engineer. I run my own project studio. I'm currently using a Neumann Tlm 102 going through the Digi 003 desk model and mixing in pro tools 8 using the waves mercury bundle. My biggest question is, is it worth upgrading to a stronger pre amp? And if so, what pre amp would satisfy my need. I'm looking to capture that punchy and up front vocal character. I've done pretty well with what I have and some eq and compression. But maybe some hardware upgrades would eliminate excessive eq. Let me know what you think. Thanks guys.
Sup LogiKI, there are all few channel strips or mic pres you can use to get a good vocal recording. Differnt people like differnt ones. The normal go to pre/channel strip range from Avalon737,Vintech XY3i,Focusrite Liquid Channel,Manley,SSL Alpha etc.. Then you have the Avedis Ma5,API 312,Chandler,Universal Audio LA-610 Mk II ,A-Design p1..Theres alot to choose from. Its about how much you wanna spend and do you know how to get the sound you looking for out the gear.
No doubt. Thanks for the tips. I've worked with a UA 710 with a Digi and an AT 3030 at my school and I loved it. But, I don't know if the 710 would sound good with the tlm 102. And I don't have the money for trial and error lol. But yea I'll definitely look into the pres you suggested. Thanks for the tips.
Sup LogiKI, there are all few channel strips or mic pres you can use to get a good vocal recording. Differnt people like differnt ones. The normal go to pre/channel strip range from Avalon737,Vintech XY3i,Focusrite Liquid Channel,Manley,SSL Alpha etc.. Then you have the Avedis Ma5,API 312,Chandler,Universal Audio LA-610 Mk II ,A-Design p1..Theres alot to choose from. Its about how much you wanna spend and do you know how to get the sound you looking for out the gear.
No 1073?? I guess the vintech is close...
Also Great River MP-2NV
In answer to OP...I do think upgrading your pre will make a pretty big difference. Converters are a different story - unless you're seriously grasping for the smallest details you can find, IMO it won't make that much of a difference. Different preamps however, usually make quite a noticeable difference to the sound. And, built in interface preamps usually arent very good (especially anything on digi products)
But yes, try to find somewhere to demo the gear. I did a shootout of the UA 610 solo and Great River when I was looking for a pre (rented both), and came to the conclusion that the UA 610 solo isn't really for rap vocals but...maybe some people would prefer it?
After hearing a BAE 1073, I now want one just for vocals (IMO it was the best pre I have ever heard on vocals ... though I've never heard a real original 1073)
Though, your comment about 'punchy and up front vocal character' seems like you may be looking for something more along the lines of a compressor. In which case, you could look into some of the channel strips the above poster suggested, or you could buy a preamp and a compressor separately...
Black Lion Audio does a revamping of the digi 003 and the results seem to be rather great! I've never tested, but I've heard alot of good things.
As opposed to getting one pre-amp that will get you the effect that you are looking for, I would recommend upgrading your digi 003 which would get you the same results with more inputs.
Black Lion Audio does a revamping of the digi 003 and the results seem to be rather great! I've never tested, but I've heard alot of good things.
As opposed to getting one pre-amp that will get you the effect that you are looking for, I would recommend upgrading your digi 003 which would get you the same results with more inputs.
Very forward thinking parents..."one day our kid will want to be an MC, let's give him a name befitting"!
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The TLM 102 is a fairly "clean" sounding mic. The TLM stands for "transformerless", and clean sound is a characteristic that gets tossed around a lot with transformerless mic designs. Maybe a preamp with a transformer in it's audio path will give you some more "weight" and "umph" to your vocal tracks.
I was using my TLM 102 with my Apogee Duet pre's, and although it sounded pretty good, I thought the high end sounded a little clinical and boring without some mojo added. YMMV
Yeah the TLM can get pretty bright/harsh--and the 003 pre and convertors arent doing it any favors. If you are on a mac, something like a duet (or better yet apollo) could really help you out. Im a big fan of the A-Designs P-1 or API 512 for rap vocals.
Well the Liquid Channel seems emulate some neve preamps as well. Judging from my research. As everyone knows tho, everything's everything until you try it out lol. I am a fan of UA just because of my experience with the 710 running off of a Digi rack and an AT 3030 lol.
The 710 sounds good, not MY favorite though, but its not about me. The 737 is cool! The Pre and Eq sound cool, but the compressor isnt all that colored or usable. I believe the classic west coast setup was U87 or C800 into 737 with 20k knob turned up, into a 160 compressor.
I'd look at a hardware 1176 if you want a compressor in the chain. I record lots of rap stuff, and use a hardware 1176 in the chain nearly every time.
Where do you live? There might be a rental place where you can pick some of this stuff up to try out. If not, a studio where you can go play around.
No doubt. I live in Hartford, Connecticut. There are a few big studios around my way. I don't know of any rental shops. I'd have to check. But then again I'm close to NY and Boston.
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(IMO it was the best pre I have ever heard on vocals ... though I've never heard a real original 1073)
