Upgrade preamp or converter?

corn55 · 24th November 2006, 05:24 PM

I only record acoustic music, few effects other than reverb on occasion. I have a nice pair of KM86 mics, so that part is taken care of. My goal is to have a smooth sound, and accurate. So I with limited funds here is my options.

Upgrade Hamptone JFET preamp to API clone: Sell Hampy for $700ish, buy API clone, $1400ish.

Final cost $700.

Upgrade EMU 1212m soundcard to Mytek Stereo96 or equivalent:

Final cost $800ish.

Upgrade EMU 1212m soundcard to Lavry Blue:
Final cost $1400ish on used market.

Ok, what would give me the most noticeable improvement in sound?

dementedchord · 24th November 2006, 08:31 PM

though not a big fan of the emu ... the mics and pre's by far contribute more to the sound...

ISedlacek · 24th November 2006, 08:39 PM

Do you think that API (clone) is ideal for acoustic music ? I have a real API here just now and it is quite coloured, unfaithful to the source, far from "accurate" ... In this price range, I can assure you that DAV BG-1 preamp would make quite a revolution in the quality of your sound. Absolutely top quality preamp, ideal for any type of acoustic music.

Then you can think of an upgrade to a high quality converter - Mytek or Lavry, this would be a second revolution for sure

After that you can fully rest, concentrating just on a beautiful music ...

Both preamp and AD converter are of immense importance, influencing a lot your final sound

bobx · 24th November 2006, 09:29 PM

get both with the API A2D for a little over $1400. but like ISedlacek said, API might not be the best for acoustic type music.

corn55 · 25th November 2006, 01:46 AM

Ok scratch the API then. REplace that with the Great River MPV2. Now which is more important.

mltamisin · 25th November 2006, 01:56 AM

I've been diggin my Neve Portico on acoustic stuff as of recently. Killer pre for that kinda thing. Also has a sweepable lo pass which always comes in handy when doing acoustic stuff. Also, has a silk switch to add more mid emphasis and color if needed. It's super clean and open in silk out mode.

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24th November 2006, 05:24 PM	#1
corn55 Gear maniac Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 184	Upgrade preamp or converter? I only record acoustic music, few effects other than reverb on occasion. I have a nice pair of KM86 mics, so that part is taken care of. My goal is to have a smooth sound, and accurate. So I with limited funds here is my options. Upgrade Hamptone JFET preamp to API clone: Sell Hampy for $700ish, buy API clone, $1400ish. Final cost $700. Upgrade EMU 1212m soundcard to Mytek Stereo96 or equivalent: Final cost $800ish. Upgrade EMU 1212m soundcard to Lavry Blue: Final cost $1400ish on used market. Ok, what would give me the most noticeable improvement in sound?

24th November 2006, 08:39 PM	#3
ISedlacek Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Czech mountains and forests Posts: 2,873	Do you think that API (clone) is ideal for acoustic music ? I have a real API here just now and it is quite coloured, unfaithful to the source, far from "accurate" ... In this price range, I can assure you that DAV BG-1 preamp would make quite a revolution in the quality of your sound. Absolutely top quality preamp, ideal for any type of acoustic music. Then you can think of an upgrade to a high quality converter - Mytek or Lavry, this would be a second revolution for sure After that you can fully rest, concentrating just on a beautiful music ... Both preamp and AD converter are of immense importance, influencing a lot your final sound __________________ Ivo Velvet Mastering Savita Music

24th November 2006, 09:29 PM	#4
bobx Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Los Angeles, ca Posts: 592	get both with the API A2D for a little over $1400. but like ISedlacek said, API might not be the best for acoustic type music. __________________ www.myspace.com/lsrpro - my studio

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24th November 2006, 08:31 PM	#2
dementedchord Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 798	though not a big fan of the emu ... the mics and pre's by far contribute more to the sound...

25th November 2006, 01:46 AM	#5
corn55 Gear maniac Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 184	Ok scratch the API then. REplace that with the Great River MPV2. Now which is more important.

25th November 2006, 01:56 AM	#6
mltamisin Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Athens, GA Posts: 998	I've been diggin my Neve Portico on acoustic stuff as of recently. Killer pre for that kinda thing. Also has a sweepable lo pass which always comes in handy when doing acoustic stuff. Also, has a silk switch to add more mid emphasis and color if needed. It's super clean and open in silk out mode.