Ok, I've sold some of my hardware and am selling some more, so now I have a budget to get a decent microphone (large diameter condenser), a mixer and possibly a preamp. How should I prioritize my budget?
I need a mixer. I am considering the Soundcraft Compact 4 (which has mic pre's with 48V, as well as a DI for guitar).
I also need a microphone for vocals only -- I'm considering the Behringer B-1, Studio Projects B1, Oktava 319, MXL 2003 etc...
Based on your advice, I may get a pre-amp too, but it would have to be in combination with a cheaper mixer (Behringer UB602 or the like). I'm considering the Studio Projects VTB-1, Behringer Mic200, Presonus Tube Pre, Bellari, ART stuff, etc.
I have a budget of about $300. The Compact 4 mixer is $130, which would leave about $170 for a mic, or I could get a Behringer mixer for about $50, which would leave $250 for a mic/preamp combo.
I guess what I am asking is...are the cheap mic preamps mentioned above worth it, or am I better off sticking with the Compact 4 mixer an a better mic???
Budget priority -- mixer vs preamp
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- KVRian
- 581 posts since 15 Dec, 2003 from Hangin' out with my 5 year old
And all life's fears
Can invade my ears
I can handle it
Can invade my ears
I can handle it
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- KVRist
- 478 posts since 18 Mar, 2003 from Champaign, Illinois
Hmm... well first off, I wonder if the mic pres in the Compact 4 are going to be that much better than the mic pres in the cheap Behringer stuff. From what I understand, they're both at the bottom end of the mixer spectrum... The Compact 4 looks very pretty, and I have heard mixed things about Behringer's quality... so I'd probably consider the Compact 4 if I were in the market for a mixer.SecondSkin wrote: I guess what I am asking is...are the cheap mic preamps mentioned above worth it, or am I better off sticking with the Compact 4 mixer an a better mic???
If I were you, I'd make sure to buy a good microphone first... But honestly, you don't need to spend $170 on your first vocal mic. I have a Marshall 1006, which cost about $90 a year ago... it's been discontinued now, but the V67 is supposed to be better, and the 2003 a bit better than that.
If you can afford a quality mic preamp, great... otherwise, the low end mixers (Samson, Behringer, etc.) will probably be about the same in quality.
After much research a year ago, I bought the VTB-1 preamp, and it's worked out well for me. I thought it was better to get one quality mic pre, instead of a 4 channel mixer with mediocre electronics. If I was recording drums or a live band, I'd probably think differently...
-Garret
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- KVRian
- Topic Starter
- 581 posts since 15 Dec, 2003 from Hangin' out with my 5 year old
I'm not going to be recording a band either, just one track at time. I just need a mixer because my EMU 1212 has no headphone out and its a necessity in my house. I also need a DI for guitar, because I prefer the sound of VST treated guitar. Yes, I am weird.
I've heard some good things about the VTB1 (especially for dirtying up a track), and I've liked the vocals in your tracks. Definitely makes it to the short list, esp since they're only $129 right now.
Anyway, I guess I should also consider the audiodock option for my 1212m...which is $299 and tops out my budget.
I've heard some good things about the VTB1 (especially for dirtying up a track), and I've liked the vocals in your tracks. Definitely makes it to the short list, esp since they're only $129 right now.
Anyway, I guess I should also consider the audiodock option for my 1212m...which is $299 and tops out my budget.
And all life's fears
Can invade my ears
I can handle it
Can invade my ears
I can handle it
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- KVRian
- 509 posts since 10 Aug, 2004
garret's right - get a decent mic first. the studio projects b1 is very good and neutral. the c1 is even better if you can spend a little more. after that, i'd spend my money on a decent preamp over the mixer. you could always pick up a cheap 8 channel behringer for routing / monitoring if you need to.
the vtb-1 or the m-audio audio buddy are both good choices. they're clean, versatile (especially the vtb-1 because you can dial in some tube saturation) and sound much better than the pre's in a behringer board. also, joemeek makes the threeQ (that sounds pretty decent) and adds eq and an optical compressor for a little bit more. i'd stay away from the art/bellari stuff if i were you.
fwiw, i know it's out of your projected budget, but if you can spend up to $500, you should definitely pick up an fmr rnp. you'll REALLY notice a difference in your recordings with this. it sounds as good as preamps costing four times as much. plus, it's also a very good guitar / bass di
just food for thought...
good luck with your decision...
the vtb-1 or the m-audio audio buddy are both good choices. they're clean, versatile (especially the vtb-1 because you can dial in some tube saturation) and sound much better than the pre's in a behringer board. also, joemeek makes the threeQ (that sounds pretty decent) and adds eq and an optical compressor for a little bit more. i'd stay away from the art/bellari stuff if i were you.
fwiw, i know it's out of your projected budget, but if you can spend up to $500, you should definitely pick up an fmr rnp. you'll REALLY notice a difference in your recordings with this. it sounds as good as preamps costing four times as much. plus, it's also a very good guitar / bass di
just food for thought...good luck with your decision...
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- KVRAF
- 4176 posts since 2 Feb, 2003 from lost in music
I support garret too.
First thing I would look for is a decent mic.
Then a mixer.
I think what is a good preamp and a cheap mixer?
Or how will you build your setup.
First thing I would look for is a decent mic.
Then a mixer.
I think what is a good preamp and a cheap mixer?
Or how will you build your setup.
sound is vibration, vibration is life