Basic pre-amps

[Equilibrium8]

Looking at some pre-amp options. The Joe Meek Three-Q, Studio Projects VTB-1 and the DBX 286A all look like good options. Has anybody had a chance to compare any of these?

[Equilibrium8]

Nobody uses any of these? I have seen opinions about the VBT-1, but not sure if the others are worth paying more for the extra features.

[String7th]

If you have the cash, get all 3 or none.
Because the preamps in this price range will probably be about equal sound quality, the only difference will be a slight character or "color" difference that can be used for different types of instruments.
The VTB-1 has a tube blend that may make the audio slightly distorted/driven or fuzzy that can be a usable quality is some applications.

If you are looking for a preamp to drastically improve sonic quality, not only are you looking at $2000 on a preamp designed to give a true representation of the audio, but the a/d converter to justify it. You lose so much pluging in an API preamp into a line input of a Firestudio.

[Equilibrium8]

I was busy looking for them 2nd hand, so I could buy both the threeQ and Vtb-1, when I came across the Presonus Studio Channel for a killer price, so I think I am going with that. It looks like a more dedicated unit, although it doesn't have anything in the way of I/O that the other have got. So i will have to route it through my desk for monitoring. The AD192 expansion looks nice, but is ridiculously priced..like all optional expansion boards are..

[dcisive]

That Studio Projects VTB-1 is a great buy and has great sound. Better yet look into Presonus and M Audio offerings, they are superior yet in cleanliness if that is what you desire. Cost is below $200 on average. Unless you're prepared to spend $500 and up that is likely the way to go. I'm not a big Joe Meek lover.

[Equilibrium8]

I am getting the Presonus Studio Channel tomorrow. Turns out its actually brand new! Just great price as guy buys straight from distributor. I am biased towards M-Audio in general.
After spending days reading reviews for the other 3, I am buying the Presonus on a whim. Mainly due to a name like "Studio Channel" being a real pain in the ass to google!

I will try get 1 or 2 of the others at a later stage for more variation and color, but want something clean right now for voice-over recording.

[garww]

I use a ancient Heathkit.

[ajclarkson]

My budget preamp is a Behringer one. I know these get a lot of stick from people, but my Tube Ultragain has been a great preamp for my heavily restricted budget, I have successfully used it when micing drums, acoustic guitar, amp cabs and vocals.

Sure the quality is you get what you pay for, but after a couple of attempts finding the sweet spots for my microphones I am really happy with the quality I can get, far exceeds my expectations of bedroom recording anyway!

[Equilibrium8]

My budget preamp is a Behringer one. I know these get a lot of stick from people

Personally I think Behringer just has a "reverse halo effect" with people (There must be a proper term for that, but I don't know it). Not ALL Behringer gear is bad. I have used several units for many years that were perfectly functional and got the job done! (Not great, but they WORKED!) On the other hand I have bought some units which I re-sold within a month of buying.
I'm sure the Ultragain has its uses for some applications, but I needed something very clean to use for voice-over work.

[ajclarkson]

Originally Posted by Equilibrium8

Personally I think Behringer just has a "reverse halo effect" with people (There must be a proper term for that, but I don't know it). Not ALL Behringer gear is bad. I have used several units for many years that were perfectly functional and got the job done! (Not great, but they WORKED!) On the other hand I have bought some units which I re-sold within a month of buying.
I'm sure the Ultragain has its uses for some applications, but I needed something very clean to use for voice-over work.

That's fair enough, I have used quite a lot and not really had any problems, though I feel the "ultragain" name is a bit of bravado haha

Just thought I would post my experience anyway, unfortunately it's the only preamp I have used to date.