Signal Chain Help for Newbie

Seamus · 14th November 2005

I have a little project studio that I like a lot, just some decent mics going through a MOTU 896HD into a G4 dual. I have a few software bells and whistles (UAD card and such) but am looking to invest in a modest amount of outboard gear. Specifically, I am looking at getting one nice single pre-amp (TAB Funkenwerk) and a couple of decent 2-channel pre's.

My big question is how, when these pre's are arranged before the MOTU interface, are they compromised and or otherwise colored by the pre-amps in the MOTU? I'm certainly not an aspiring gear-snob but I am worried about getting my money's worth and not being hamstrung by the weakest link in the chain. Thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks.

Norman Lindsey · 14th November 2005

the motu preamps are transparent and shouldn't affect the tone of any outboard gear. assuming you run the right gain staging of course.
a valve preamp will still sound like a valve/colored pre whichever way you record it.

14th November 2005	#1
Seamus Gear interested Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Portland Posts: 29 Thread Starter	Signal Chain Help for Newbie I have a little project studio that I like a lot, just some decent mics going through a MOTU 896HD into a G4 dual. I have a few software bells and whistles (UAD card and such) but am looking to invest in a modest amount of outboard gear. Specifically, I am looking at getting one nice single pre-amp (TAB Funkenwerk) and a couple of decent 2-channel pre's. My big question is how, when these pre's are arranged before the MOTU interface, are they compromised and or otherwise colored by the pre-amps in the MOTU? I'm certainly not an aspiring gear-snob but I am worried about getting my money's worth and not being hamstrung by the weakest link in the chain. Thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks.

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14th November 2005	#2
Norman Lindsey Gear maniac Joined: Mar 2004 Location: The Bane of Oz Posts: 281	the motu preamps are transparent and shouldn't affect the tone of any outboard gear. assuming you run the right gain staging of course. a valve preamp will still sound like a valve/colored pre whichever way you record it.