2mb
November 21st 03, 07:20 AM
Go to the store and test them...
Focusrite Platinum stuff is relatively inexpensive at the low end and out
classes the competition in this pricerange, from my limited experience I am
not a studio equipment expert, or master mix engineer, but have used the
focusrite trakmaster with decent results. The line is no Neve but doesn't
cost $2k + either. The trakmaster is a good general use clean preamp with a
decent compressor and eq ( both of which you can turn off) which has an
optional digital out card. I think street price is around $350. Nothing
special, but it gets the job done.
The voice master is a little more expensive but is geared more towards vocal
recording and also has a direct to digital option. I would make sure the
digital out is compatible with the motu's before buying the option. I have
never used a voicemaster. I am auditioning one soon...
Stay away from low bid tube gear... every cheap tube preamp I have tested
had unacceptible noise.
Make sure you get a good mic. shure stage mics will sort of work, but you
will get outstanding results with a decent cardoid studio condenser mic and
a proper preamp. Excellent low cost mics can be had for the mid 400's at the
low end.
I think you should probably consider a decent input chain a priority,
monitoring next. It doesn't do you much good to have great monitors if you
are recording crap. You can get recording done and mix it later.
You can use a good preamp for a lot more than vocals.
putting on the asbestos...
"Will" > wrote in message
om...
> Hey all:
>
> A couple of my friends and I are setting up a little place to record
> ourselves and possibly others. The meat of the studio is the MOTU 896.
> Having dealt very little with recording environments, especially at
> the helm, we are trying to decide whether or not we should add an
> outboard preamp. We've read that a good preamp can really add
> fullness, warmth and presence to the signal. Other opinions are that
> our money could be better spent elsewhere. We really don't want to end
> of with a chinsy sounding recording, especially for vocals. I'm
> wondering if any of you have dealt with the preamps on the 896 or
> similar MOTU products. What was your experience? If you think we need
> them, what are your recommendations for a relatively inexpensive
> preamp?
>
> Thanks
>
> Will
Focusrite Platinum stuff is relatively inexpensive at the low end and out
classes the competition in this pricerange, from my limited experience I am
not a studio equipment expert, or master mix engineer, but have used the
focusrite trakmaster with decent results. The line is no Neve but doesn't
cost $2k + either. The trakmaster is a good general use clean preamp with a
decent compressor and eq ( both of which you can turn off) which has an
optional digital out card. I think street price is around $350. Nothing
special, but it gets the job done.
The voice master is a little more expensive but is geared more towards vocal
recording and also has a direct to digital option. I would make sure the
digital out is compatible with the motu's before buying the option. I have
never used a voicemaster. I am auditioning one soon...
Stay away from low bid tube gear... every cheap tube preamp I have tested
had unacceptible noise.
Make sure you get a good mic. shure stage mics will sort of work, but you
will get outstanding results with a decent cardoid studio condenser mic and
a proper preamp. Excellent low cost mics can be had for the mid 400's at the
low end.
I think you should probably consider a decent input chain a priority,
monitoring next. It doesn't do you much good to have great monitors if you
are recording crap. You can get recording done and mix it later.
You can use a good preamp for a lot more than vocals.
putting on the asbestos...
"Will" > wrote in message
om...
> Hey all:
>
> A couple of my friends and I are setting up a little place to record
> ourselves and possibly others. The meat of the studio is the MOTU 896.
> Having dealt very little with recording environments, especially at
> the helm, we are trying to decide whether or not we should add an
> outboard preamp. We've read that a good preamp can really add
> fullness, warmth and presence to the signal. Other opinions are that
> our money could be better spent elsewhere. We really don't want to end
> of with a chinsy sounding recording, especially for vocals. I'm
> wondering if any of you have dealt with the preamps on the 896 or
> similar MOTU products. What was your experience? If you think we need
> them, what are your recommendations for a relatively inexpensive
> preamp?
>
> Thanks
>
> Will