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signman · Location: New Zealand Posts: 60

Just a question about preamps. It has probably been covered but it can take years to pinpoint an answer sometimes through the search option.
I use a multi input mixer for my vocals, which gives me a clear strong signal and works well. So basically no problems. Until talking to someone recently and being asked what preamp I used. The mixer has a preamp but apparently this isnt enough. A good vocal preamp adds warmth to a digital signal. Is this common practice or do most pros use a mixing console for all vocal recording without an extra preamp.
Any info on this would be appreciated.
Thanks Steve W.

zemlin · Location: USA Posts: 1156

I know it's not polite to answer a question with a question, but I believe this is relevant.

What kind of microphone are we talking about here? Whether or not a preamp is a worthwhile investement depends on the microphone that's going to be plugged into it. Also, not all mixers are created equal. What make and model mixer do you have?

SteveG · Location: United Kingdom Posts: 6695

signman · Location: New Zealand Posts: 60

Thanks for the response. I use a behringer mixer,I know that will open a can of worms, and I use a good condenser mic. The recordings I have made over the last couple of years have been fine but as I mentioned in the previous post, I was asked if I used a preamp to add warmth to my overall vocal track. I didnt notice any need for this as the tracks I have recorded seem fine, I just wondered if I was missing out on some amazing revelation. Smile

thanks SteveW

SteveG · Location: United Kingdom Posts: 6695

A condensor mic through a decent preamp straight into your soundcard will certainly sound better than you present arrangement - Deadringers don't have any sort of good reputation in the mic pre dept. that I'm aware of. Maybe the thing to do would be to borrow a preamp from the person who suggested that you need one, and see what you think about the difference.

signman · Location: New Zealand Posts: 60

Thanks for the info Steve. Deadringer, Are they really that bad?
I am in the process of buying a larger mixer for simultaneous track recording and I was looking at the Behringer 2442FX Pro but maybe I should spend that bit more and go for a mackie. Just as a matter of interest what did you not like about the preamp in the Behringer.
Thanks SteveW

SteveG · Location: United Kingdom Posts: 6695

ozpeter · Location: Australia Posts: 3200

The trouble is, there's always something better than whatever you have. You've been a bit reticent about exactly what the mic is - your idea of 'good' might be fine for you (or me!) but if you specified what it is, I bet someone would suggest you should change the mic and buy a preamp as well - and so it goes on. Some at least of the warmth of a vocal preamp can doubtless be obtained by careful use of eq. Compare your recordings with others you like. Are you unsettled enough to spend the extra? Only you can be the judge at the end of the day.

- Ozpeter

Craig Jackman · Location: Canada Posts: 909

We are just doing audio carpentry here, and someone will always have a better/lighter/stonger/faster/sexier hammer than you will, but remember that it's just a hammer.

It doesn't matter what equipment you are using so long as it gives you back what you want to hear. Is Mackie better than Behringer? Probably, but if you like the way the Behringer sounds to you then who's to argue?

Whether it be music recording, voice recording for v/o, broadcast, the only thing - and I mean the ONLY thing - that should matter is how it sounds to the listener, the end user, our consumer. Even then we should be more concerned with the music making an emotional attachment to the listener, rather that pure technicalities of sound. How you or I get to that end result is totally inconsequential.

signman · Location: New Zealand Posts: 60

Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, I sort of got a bit concerned about someone elses opinion when I know what I want and should have trusted my own judgement. Its good to listen and learn but sometimes it can confuse your own sense of whats ok and whats not.I could use a preamp maybe but I dont really think it will make that much difference to an already good recording. I think the whole Behringer, Deadringer thing is interestng. I'll have to go with what I can afford and the ol' Deadringer is all I can afford here downunder at this stage.The mackies are just way too expensive here.
Maybe because I live so close to the south pole and we have to crank the heating up I can warm up the sound:)

Thanks
SteveW

SteveG · Location: United Kingdom Posts: 6695

Whilst I appreciate what Craig's saying, I still don't fancy trying to put in glazing pins with a sledgehammer... :)

What it comes down to certainly is the results - and ultimately, you have to use your ears. I suppose that really, the main difference between Mackies and Deadringers is the ease with which you can get the result you want - and it's not always just down to the mic pre, either. All I'm really saying is that IMHO, it's rather easier to get a good result with a Mackie than the makeweight Deadringer, but obviously, I'm biassed!

signman · Location: New Zealand Posts: 60

I never realised how much the Behringer controversy had been covered in prevoius threads, I suppose I should have checked it out earlier.
The equivalent to the Behringer here in the Mackie model is about twice the price.I cant justify it right now but in the future its a cert. I can always use my old Behringer for a boat anchor, but it might scare the fish away. Big Grin

zemlin · Location: USA Posts: 1156

signman · Location: New Zealand Posts: 60

Take that $350 and double it, then add on approx $100 for shipping,
(and thats on the light side) and theres GST (goods and services tax),insurance,
oh and theres customs, and if it doesnt fall out of the plane or off the boat on the way I might have a new Mackie.
Its ok for the smaller stuff eg software, soundcards, mics but the bigger equipment is expensive to ship.
The exchange rate here also doesnt help. We pay approx twice as much as you guys do in the states.

VoodooRadio · Location: USA Posts: 3971

Like all things..... you get what you pay for! Buy Mackie!! Wink

jonrose · Location: USA Posts: 2901

I'm still curious as to what the

SteveG · Location: United Kingdom Posts: 6695

signman · Location: New Zealand Posts: 60

Never heard of a Samson. Here its a brand of acrylic paint. Maybe I could sing into the empty can, it could warm the sound up. Smile

I use a Rode 1000. I know its probably not up to scratch but it works fine for me.
cheers SteveW

AutoGhash · Location: Canada Posts: 48

By the way, I've noticed those Samson mics and their insanely cheap prices. Are they of any use at all, or should I stay away?

I mean, 3 mics for under $100 with clips and case, brand new, seems plain wrong to me, but one never knows...

[edit: I can't find specs ANYWHERE on these, which of course makes me suspicious...]

SteveG · Location: United Kingdom Posts: 6695

ROBSCIX · Posts: 254

Actually I have stumbled across similar deals as well 5 mics case,clips etc..for low price...even a deal where you get three or 4 shure mics, but from the other prices I have seen for such equipment the price seems a little off to me..even after exchange..gst..blah..

AutoGhash · Location: Canada Posts: 48