soundhaspriority wrote:
I am interested in flattering the human voice with some recording equipment.
Possibilities include a "tube mic" with a "vintage romantic sound", a tube
preamp, or a Behringer Ultravoice Digital VX2496,
http://www.behringer.com/VX2496/index.cfm?lang=ENG, which is alleged to do
what the first two alternatives do, and would give me two extra channels. It
also does a lot of worrisome things. A simple tube in the recording chain
limits the damage.

"Damage?"

Why not stop worrying about whether it has a tube in it, but instead
pick something that sounds good?

I'm soliciting recommendations, for vocal use, in the area of inexpensive
1. tube mics
2. tube preamps
3. processor?
4. Pros and cons of the above three approaches

Well, what sort of voice is it, and what do you want it to sound like?
The microphone I'd recommend for a somewhat nasal baritone is totally
different than what I'd recommend for a soprano who is a little harsh,
and that's totally different than what I'd recommend for a tenor who
wants an exaggeratedly airy top end. What I'd recommend for a traditional
singer is very different than what I'd recommend for a crooner.

Get a mike that sounds good on the vocalist, THEN worry about the rest
of the chain.
--scott

--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."