Upgrade mixer or preamp?

[Justin]

Hello,

I've got about $1600 to spend on upgrading the studio, and am
wondering whether it might be better to put it into getting a new pair
of preamps or a better mixer. I'm currently using a Spirit LX7, and I
can get a used Speck Xtramix for $1600, so it certainly looks very
tempting. I'm recording to 1/2" 8 track, and the only outboard pre I
have access to is a Drawmer 1969. Mics I have are a TLM103, Oktava
ML16 ribbon, 2 Sennheiser 441Us, Oktava MK319, an old D12, and a
couple of 58s and 57s. Where do you think the money should be best put
to use to beef up my signal chain?

Thanks in advance for your time and patience!

[Rick Ruskin]

On 8 Oct 2003 08:08:34 -0700, (Justin) wrote:

>Hello,
>
>I've got about $1600 to spend on upgrading the studio, and am
>wondering whether it might be better to put it into getting a new pair
>of preamps or a better mixer. I'm currently using a Spirit LX7, and I
>can get a used Speck Xtramix for $1600, so it certainly looks very
>tempting. I'm recording to 1/2" 8 track, and the only outboard pre I
>have access to is a Drawmer 1969. Mics I have are a TLM103, Oktava
>ML16 ribbon, 2 Sennheiser 441Us, Oktava MK319, an old D12, and a
>couple of 58s and 57s. Where do you think the money should be best put
>to use to beef up my signal chain?
>
>Thanks in advance for your time and patience!

What do you need more - the additional function that the Speck might
give you or the improved sound of a better preamp? As far as preamps
go, for $1600.00 you can get 3 FMR RNP's for 6 more channels of
excellent preamp with some money left over or a Great River MP-2 for 2
channels of "it doesn't get any better than this" preamp. Either way,
you can't go wrong.












Rick Ruskin
Lion Dog Music - Seattle WA
http://liondogmusic.com

[Rick Ruskin]

On 8 Oct 2003 08:08:34 -0700, (Justin) wrote:

>Hello,
>
>I've got about $1600 to spend on upgrading the studio, and am
>wondering whether it might be better to put it into getting a new pair
>of preamps or a better mixer. I'm currently using a Spirit LX7, and I
>can get a used Speck Xtramix for $1600, so it certainly looks very
>tempting. I'm recording to 1/2" 8 track, and the only outboard pre I
>have access to is a Drawmer 1969. Mics I have are a TLM103, Oktava
>ML16 ribbon, 2 Sennheiser 441Us, Oktava MK319, an old D12, and a
>couple of 58s and 57s. Where do you think the money should be best put
>to use to beef up my signal chain?
>
>Thanks in advance for your time and patience!

What do you need more - the additional function that the Speck might
give you or the improved sound of a better preamp? As far as preamps
go, for $1600.00 you can get 3 FMR RNP's for 6 more channels of
excellent preamp with some money left over or a Great River MP-2 for 2
channels of "it doesn't get any better than this" preamp. Either way,
you can't go wrong.












Rick Ruskin
Lion Dog Music - Seattle WA
http://liondogmusic.com

[Steve Holt]

"Justin" > wrote in message
om...
> Hello,
>
> I've got about $1600 to spend on upgrading the studio, and am
> wondering whether it might be better to put it into getting a new pair
> of preamps or a better mixer. I'm currently using a Spirit LX7, and I
> can get a used Speck Xtramix for $1600, so it certainly looks very
> tempting. I'm recording to 1/2" 8 track, and the only outboard pre I
> have access to is a Drawmer 1969. Mics I have are a TLM103, Oktava
> ML16 ribbon, 2 Sennheiser 441Us, Oktava MK319, an old D12, and a
> couple of 58s and 57s. Where do you think the money should be best put
> to use to beef up my signal chain?
>
> Thanks in advance for your time and patience!


Depends if you record beds or bands mostly live off the floor with lots of
channels engaged simultaneously. If not, and it's mostly a few channels at
at time of OD, spend the money on a high quality stereo mic pre.

--
Steve Holt
INNER MUSIC
Music Creation & Production
http://www.inner-music.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/steveholt

[Steve Holt]

"Justin" > wrote in message
om...
> Hello,
>
> I've got about $1600 to spend on upgrading the studio, and am
> wondering whether it might be better to put it into getting a new pair
> of preamps or a better mixer. I'm currently using a Spirit LX7, and I
> can get a used Speck Xtramix for $1600, so it certainly looks very
> tempting. I'm recording to 1/2" 8 track, and the only outboard pre I
> have access to is a Drawmer 1969. Mics I have are a TLM103, Oktava
> ML16 ribbon, 2 Sennheiser 441Us, Oktava MK319, an old D12, and a
> couple of 58s and 57s. Where do you think the money should be best put
> to use to beef up my signal chain?
>
> Thanks in advance for your time and patience!


Depends if you record beds or bands mostly live off the floor with lots of
channels engaged simultaneously. If not, and it's mostly a few channels at
at time of OD, spend the money on a high quality stereo mic pre.

--
Steve Holt
INNER MUSIC
Music Creation & Production
http://www.inner-music.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/steveholt

[Justin]

Hi there,

Maybe I should've made myself a little clearer. Do you think it would
be better to spend the money on a great sounding summing buss (lots of
good comments I've read bout the Speck) or would $1600 get me preamps
which would be a much noticable improvement over those in the 1969?
Which, in your measured opinions, would represent a better improvement
to the signal chain? Maybe better mics? This will probably blow my
budget for new equipment for the next year and a half, so I really
wanna make it count. Thanks once again.


Rick Ruskin > wrote in message >...
> On 8 Oct 2003 08:08:34 -0700, (Justin) wrote:
>
> >Hello,
> >
> >I've got about $1600 to spend on upgrading the studio, and am
> >wondering whether it might be better to put it into getting a new pair
> >of preamps or a better mixer. I'm currently using a Spirit LX7, and I
> >can get a used Speck Xtramix for $1600, so it certainly looks very
> >tempting. I'm recording to 1/2" 8 track, and the only outboard pre I
> >have access to is a Drawmer 1969. Mics I have are a TLM103, Oktava
> >ML16 ribbon, 2 Sennheiser 441Us, Oktava MK319, an old D12, and a
> >couple of 58s and 57s. Where do you think the money should be best put
> >to use to beef up my signal chain?
> >
> >Thanks in advance for your time and patience!
>
> What do you need more - the additional function that the Speck might
> give you or the improved sound of a better preamp? As far as preamps
> go, for $1600.00 you can get 3 FMR RNP's for 6 more channels of
> excellent preamp with some money left over or a Great River MP-2 for 2
> channels of "it doesn't get any better than this" preamp. Either way,
> you can't go wrong.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Rick Ruskin
> Lion Dog Music - Seattle WA
> http://liondogmusic.com

[Justin]

Hi there,

Maybe I should've made myself a little clearer. Do you think it would
be better to spend the money on a great sounding summing buss (lots of
good comments I've read bout the Speck) or would $1600 get me preamps
which would be a much noticable improvement over those in the 1969?
Which, in your measured opinions, would represent a better improvement
to the signal chain? Maybe better mics? This will probably blow my
budget for new equipment for the next year and a half, so I really
wanna make it count. Thanks once again.


Rick Ruskin > wrote in message >...
> On 8 Oct 2003 08:08:34 -0700, (Justin) wrote:
>
> >Hello,
> >
> >I've got about $1600 to spend on upgrading the studio, and am
> >wondering whether it might be better to put it into getting a new pair
> >of preamps or a better mixer. I'm currently using a Spirit LX7, and I
> >can get a used Speck Xtramix for $1600, so it certainly looks very
> >tempting. I'm recording to 1/2" 8 track, and the only outboard pre I
> >have access to is a Drawmer 1969. Mics I have are a TLM103, Oktava
> >ML16 ribbon, 2 Sennheiser 441Us, Oktava MK319, an old D12, and a
> >couple of 58s and 57s. Where do you think the money should be best put
> >to use to beef up my signal chain?
> >
> >Thanks in advance for your time and patience!
>
> What do you need more - the additional function that the Speck might
> give you or the improved sound of a better preamp? As far as preamps
> go, for $1600.00 you can get 3 FMR RNP's for 6 more channels of
> excellent preamp with some money left over or a Great River MP-2 for 2
> channels of "it doesn't get any better than this" preamp. Either way,
> you can't go wrong.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Rick Ruskin
> Lion Dog Music - Seattle WA
> http://liondogmusic.com

[Stephen Boyke]

in article , Justin at
wrote on 10/8/03 8:08 AM:

> Hello,
>
> I've got about $1600 to spend on upgrading the studio, and am
> wondering whether it might be better to put it into getting a new pair
> of preamps or a better mixer. I'm currently using a Spirit LX7, and I
> can get a used Speck Xtramix for $1600, so it certainly looks very
> tempting. I'm recording to 1/2" 8 track, and the only outboard pre I
> have access to is a Drawmer 1969. Mics I have are a TLM103, Oktava
> ML16 ribbon, 2 Sennheiser 441Us, Oktava MK319, an old D12, and a
> couple of 58s and 57s. Where do you think the money should be best put
> to use to beef up my signal chain?
>
> Thanks in advance for your time and patience!

Sounds like you feel a need for 4 channels of pre, should you chose to
get some new outboard pres. With a $1,600 budget, that's not exactly easy
to do. Two RNPs at $1,000 will do it, as will a Sytek at about $800. So
will a Sebatron.

Many would suggest to purchase higher level pres, in the $800 to $1,250
per channel range. I would agree. Any such pre would be a keeper, provided
you research it enough as to your applications before you buy. Perhaps two
channels now with your budget, two channels later when more $$ shows up.
--
Stephen T. Boyke

[Stephen Boyke]

in article , Justin at
wrote on 10/8/03 8:08 AM:

> Hello,
>
> I've got about $1600 to spend on upgrading the studio, and am
> wondering whether it might be better to put it into getting a new pair
> of preamps or a better mixer. I'm currently using a Spirit LX7, and I
> can get a used Speck Xtramix for $1600, so it certainly looks very
> tempting. I'm recording to 1/2" 8 track, and the only outboard pre I
> have access to is a Drawmer 1969. Mics I have are a TLM103, Oktava
> ML16 ribbon, 2 Sennheiser 441Us, Oktava MK319, an old D12, and a
> couple of 58s and 57s. Where do you think the money should be best put
> to use to beef up my signal chain?
>
> Thanks in advance for your time and patience!

Sounds like you feel a need for 4 channels of pre, should you chose to
get some new outboard pres. With a $1,600 budget, that's not exactly easy
to do. Two RNPs at $1,000 will do it, as will a Sytek at about $800. So
will a Sebatron.

Many would suggest to purchase higher level pres, in the $800 to $1,250
per channel range. I would agree. Any such pre would be a keeper, provided
you research it enough as to your applications before you buy. Perhaps two
channels now with your budget, two channels later when more $$ shows up.
--
Stephen T. Boyke

[Justin]

This Sebatron unit, there's been lots of enthusiastic raves, haven't
heard a bad review from somebody who actually has one yet. Will anyone
on this newsgroup that has used one care to give an unbiased opinion?



Stephen Boyke > wrote in message >...
> in article , Justin at
> wrote on 10/8/03 8:08 AM:
>
> > Hello,
> >
> > I've got about $1600 to spend on upgrading the studio, and am
> > wondering whether it might be better to put it into getting a new pair
> > of preamps or a better mixer. I'm currently using a Spirit LX7, and I
> > can get a used Speck Xtramix for $1600, so it certainly looks very
> > tempting. I'm recording to 1/2" 8 track, and the only outboard pre I
> > have access to is a Drawmer 1969. Mics I have are a TLM103, Oktava
> > ML16 ribbon, 2 Sennheiser 441Us, Oktava MK319, an old D12, and a
> > couple of 58s and 57s. Where do you think the money should be best put
> > to use to beef up my signal chain?
> >
> > Thanks in advance for your time and patience!
>
> Sounds like you feel a need for 4 channels of pre, should you chose to
> get some new outboard pres. With a $1,600 budget, that's not exactly easy
> to do. Two RNPs at $1,000 will do it, as will a Sytek at about $800. So
> will a Sebatron.
>
> Many would suggest to purchase higher level pres, in the $800 to $1,250
> per channel range. I would agree. Any such pre would be a keeper, provided
> you research it enough as to your applications before you buy. Perhaps two
> channels now with your budget, two channels later when more $$ shows up.

[Justin]

This Sebatron unit, there's been lots of enthusiastic raves, haven't
heard a bad review from somebody who actually has one yet. Will anyone
on this newsgroup that has used one care to give an unbiased opinion?



Stephen Boyke > wrote in message >...
> in article , Justin at
> wrote on 10/8/03 8:08 AM:
>
> > Hello,
> >
> > I've got about $1600 to spend on upgrading the studio, and am
> > wondering whether it might be better to put it into getting a new pair
> > of preamps or a better mixer. I'm currently using a Spirit LX7, and I
> > can get a used Speck Xtramix for $1600, so it certainly looks very
> > tempting. I'm recording to 1/2" 8 track, and the only outboard pre I
> > have access to is a Drawmer 1969. Mics I have are a TLM103, Oktava
> > ML16 ribbon, 2 Sennheiser 441Us, Oktava MK319, an old D12, and a
> > couple of 58s and 57s. Where do you think the money should be best put
> > to use to beef up my signal chain?
> >
> > Thanks in advance for your time and patience!
>
> Sounds like you feel a need for 4 channels of pre, should you chose to
> get some new outboard pres. With a $1,600 budget, that's not exactly easy
> to do. Two RNPs at $1,000 will do it, as will a Sytek at about $800. So
> will a Sebatron.
>
> Many would suggest to purchase higher level pres, in the $800 to $1,250
> per channel range. I would agree. Any such pre would be a keeper, provided
> you research it enough as to your applications before you buy. Perhaps two
> channels now with your budget, two channels later when more $$ shows up.

[WillStG]

(Justin)
>Do you think it would be better to spend the money on a great sounding summing
buss (lots of good comments I've read bout the Speck) or would $1600 get me
preamps which would be a much noticable improvement over those in the 1969?>

Well, maybe a happy medium with fairly decent micpres and fairly decent
summing busses would be an overall improvement? These days for $1600 you might
be able to find a used mixer that has both a decent summing buss and decent
micpres if you look around. It helps to be living somewhere near where the
thing is located though, most of them are kinda clunky to move.

An older Soundtracs Topaz (not the new ones) or MRX console, big fat
micpres one those, maybe a DDA, or an Allen & Heath Project 8 is sweet, I have
even seen the A&H GL2200's going for around your pricepoint as
demos/floormodels.

Just don't buy a Mackie 8 buss. Ugh.

Will Miho
NY Music & TV Audio Guy
Off the Morning Show! & sleepin' In... / Fox News
"The large print giveth and the small print taketh away..." Tom Waits

[WillStG]

(Justin)
>Do you think it would be better to spend the money on a great sounding summing
buss (lots of good comments I've read bout the Speck) or would $1600 get me
preamps which would be a much noticable improvement over those in the 1969?>

Well, maybe a happy medium with fairly decent micpres and fairly decent
summing busses would be an overall improvement? These days for $1600 you might
be able to find a used mixer that has both a decent summing buss and decent
micpres if you look around. It helps to be living somewhere near where the
thing is located though, most of them are kinda clunky to move.

An older Soundtracs Topaz (not the new ones) or MRX console, big fat
micpres one those, maybe a DDA, or an Allen & Heath Project 8 is sweet, I have
even seen the A&H GL2200's going for around your pricepoint as
demos/floormodels.

Just don't buy a Mackie 8 buss. Ugh.

Will Miho
NY Music & TV Audio Guy
Off the Morning Show! & sleepin' In... / Fox News
"The large print giveth and the small print taketh away..." Tom Waits

[HenryShap]

I find getting the best of any one particular thing is never cause for regret.
You never need to upgrade down the road either. I'd go for the mic pre. All
your mics will be better for it.

If you look around you could also pick up an older board that would be a sonic
improvement too, like maybe an old Yamaha or older soundcraft. It's all a chain
so any one improvement won't be as important as every part improved. You do
have decent enough mics, the pres should be the next item that'll make a
difference. After that would be the board, then A/D convertors, with the
cabling somewhere in there too.

Henry

>Hi there,
>
>Maybe I should've made myself a little clearer. Do you think it would
>be better to spend the money on a great sounding summing buss (lots of
>good comments I've read bout the Speck) or would $1600 get me preamps
>which would be a much noticable improvement over those in the 1969?
>Which, in your measured opinions, would represent a better improvement
>to the signal chain? Maybe better mics? This will probably blow my
>budget for new equipment for the next year and a half, so I really
>wanna make it count. Thanks once again.

[HenryShap]

I find getting the best of any one particular thing is never cause for regret.
You never need to upgrade down the road either. I'd go for the mic pre. All
your mics will be better for it.

If you look around you could also pick up an older board that would be a sonic
improvement too, like maybe an old Yamaha or older soundcraft. It's all a chain
so any one improvement won't be as important as every part improved. You do
have decent enough mics, the pres should be the next item that'll make a
difference. After that would be the board, then A/D convertors, with the
cabling somewhere in there too.

Henry

>Hi there,
>
>Maybe I should've made myself a little clearer. Do you think it would
>be better to spend the money on a great sounding summing buss (lots of
>good comments I've read bout the Speck) or would $1600 get me preamps
>which would be a much noticable improvement over those in the 1969?
>Which, in your measured opinions, would represent a better improvement
>to the signal chain? Maybe better mics? This will probably blow my
>budget for new equipment for the next year and a half, so I really
>wanna make it count. Thanks once again.