Mic Pre amp

[soundnovice]

I am looking for a higher end mic pre amp to go on the front end of my small studio. Does any know about the Millennia Origin (mic pre with compressor with eq), or the Drawmer 1960 or maybe even a focusrite or another brand. Any help and suggestions would be appreciated!!!!!

[mydognorm]

I would definately check out the Avalon 737sp. It is a great warm sounding mic pre/compressor/EQ that can be used in many applications. Also check out the Aphex 1100. I believe it is in the same price range, but it is a dual micpre with digital outs, and this is the best mic pre that I have heard in a long time. It is definately worth a look.

[soundnovice]

Thanks for the tips.

[michaelhoddy]

What are you wanting to record with it?

[soundnovice]

I am presently using a Shure KSM32 going through the Yamaha AW4416. I have to run the gain all the way up to just about max to get an acceptable signal, and for vocals the singer has to get very close to the mic. I want something that I can use for everything but primarily used for vocals. Price range is around $3500. I seem to be hearing repeatedly that a good pre amp is what sets you apart when recording. I also have acquired a Focusrite Red 3 Compressor.

Thanks

[mydognorm]

The focusrite is a nice compressor. If you have $3500, it might be wise to get a better mic and 2 channel mic pre. Once again, Avalon comes to mind AD2022 with a TLM103 mic. I think the guys at Sweetwater could hook up this combo in that range, and still have some left over for other items. Another cool mic pre is the VXP from presonus. It is around $800 or so and it gives you just about everthing that you will need.

Cheers from LA.....

[michaelhoddy]

For that budget, you could get a Great River MP2-NV ($1900) and an Avalon M5 ($1500), Buzz Audio MA2.2 (about $1750), or, even cheaper, one or two of the Grace 101 preamps ($580 each). Those two would cover just about every base you would need, with the Great River being useful for everything where you wanted some color, especially guitars, drums, and rock vocals. It also makes an excellent DI. Everyone I know with one raves about it.

The "clean" preamp would be the Avalon, Buzz, or Grace, and will work in pretty much all other situations. They're all great, but I'm especially fond of my Buzz MA2.2.

If you got the Great River and the Grace, you could also throw in a nice mic or some better A/D and still be under budget

All these preamps are winners. You'll not hear anyone complaining about these anywhere, and they're among the better ones in the world. And a definite step up from many of the mid-level designs.

At your stage, I'd be less likely to sink all my budget on a single box, just for the sake of flexibility if nothing else.