Any place with recordings of different mic pres ?

[fgimian]

Trying out a mic pre in a store is quite difficult in my case. Most stores here don't have any quality pres on the floor or a proper listening room. Additionally, I'd have to take a singer with me which is a bit of a hassle.

So, is there any site that contains similar singing or speech recorded on different pres and/or mics ?

I have a Rode NT1, looking to move upto a Rode K2. I'm running the mic off my Echo Layla3G pres and basically want to get an idea if it's worth spending a HUGE amount of money on a preamp. People talk about Avalon pres at 2k US ... which would be like 3.5 k AUD That's a month's salary on a good job ! Is it really worth it ?

I had heard my NT1 compared with an NTK at a friend's house, we had them hooked up to his Motu interface and the NTK clearly sounded way way better. It had a much cleaner low end and it had a little bit of character (similar to what a good compressor (like the Voxengo Marquis) does.

I'm thinkin that with a K2 and a good non-coloured set of preamps (which the Echo has), I might be ok ... after all, the difference would be extremely subtle in a mix, wouldn't it ? I really wouldn't know !

Please share your thoughts and any useful links you might have

[jkotz]

If you're looking at higher end pres like the Avalons it might be worth picking up one of the 3D audio test cds (http://www.mercenary.com/3daudio.html). Also, there are some threads on Gearslutz that have comparison files people have posted.

As far as a good pre being worth it, IMO they most definitely are. You don't necessarily have to spend 2 or 3 thousand for a good pre though. The Chameleon labs 7602 sounds great and usually costs around 700 usd. The FMR audio RNP (really nice pre) is a great dual channel pre that's pretty transparent, and will only set you back 500 usd.

[where02190]

You will definitely hear a huge diference between your Layla pres and and something like an Avalon, GML etc. Whether it's worth it for the price is your decision.

The previously mentioned FMR RNP is a great souding pre for very reasonable money, and is an excellenty combination with the NTK. Retubing the NTK with an EH Gold 6922. This yields a bit less gain, which is fine as the mic has tons, and a nice rich midrange, very smooth, with an excellent high end response, much smoother than with the stock tube. Well worth the $30 or so dollars the tube costs, and it is an easy 5 minute DIY change.

[fgimian]

Just wanted to say a huge thanks for the info, this is extremely helpful to me.

I would like to also consider Focusrite and TL Audio pres. I absolutely loved the pres on the MBox, they were smoother and more pleasant than my Echo.

The Echo to me sounds a little similar to the Behringer pres, it is a little sterile. The A/D and D/A converters however, are wonderful, I was instantly wowed when I heard them.

I will certainly check out the pres you guys mentioned.

[fgimian]

Any thoughts on UA pres ?

http://www.uaudio.com/products/analog/SOLO110/demo.html
http://www.uaudio.com/products/analog/SOLO610/demo.html

A little over my budget but they look like they are properly built and I absolutely love UA products.

I will prepare a few samples of recorded material with my setup. I would absolutely love to hear thoughts on how the sound would improve with a better pre / mic. Will post some clips tomorrw

Any thoughts ?

[fgimian]

I've decided I'll be going for a UA unit or an Avalon, looking at between 2,200 - 3,400 $ AUD for one of the rack units. The 610 + LA2a unit goes for about 2,2k while the Avalon (757 ?) .. the single channel pre with EQ and compressor goes for over 3k. I'm actually leanin towards the UA unit since I love their stuff anyway.

[kiz]

http://www.thelisteningsessions.com/sessions.htm

Lots of clips of different pre's there.

[fgimian]

thanks a lot