Vocal Chain Question...

[jambirn]

Newbie question...I'm a small project studio owner and I'm about to get my first good pre, a Vintech 273 (dual mono, great quality, nice price). I plan on using it (for now) as my go-to for EVERYTHING except drums.

I'm particularly excited to get new vocal sounds. In light of that, I just wanted your opinions on whether I really should opt for a channel strip with onboard compression instead of the 273 for the time being. When recording vocals, do you worry about any compressor "attack latency" because you're chaining outboard gear? If I get the great 273 now, and purchase a nice outboard compressor in another year, is there any risk here??? Am I making a bad decision?

Thank you --
jim

[rsolinski]

There is no such thing as latency in analog outboard gear...well...consider that electricity moves at the speed of light I guess there is.. billionths of a second! Save your shekels for a good compressor (1176, distressor, MC77 etc...). Most of the channel strips that have comps are as much as buying two seperate units anyway and are usually not as versatile as an outboard piece.

Cheers,
RAy

[shady656]

if you cam afford the pre now...get it. there are alot of great plug in compressors that are very affordable and will more than get the job done until you save up enough for a quality piece of hardware.

[markk]

Hi Jambirn,
What kinds of mics will you be running through it?

[jambirn]

Thanks for the replies, folks. Markk, my go-to mic right now is the much-maligned Neumann TLM 103. Planning on expanding my arsenal, of course.

[markk]

If you dont think you will be using two channels for the time being, You could look at the X73 or the GR 1NV both are in your price range. The EQ on the X73 will be very useful for many things. This way you will have one great pre that you will still love years from now and can start saving for the Comp.