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Gear / Technical Help => Battery Boxes, Preamps, Mixers, ADCs, and Processors => Topic started by: DMBprez on November 09, 2015, 07:46:39 PM

Title: Looking for a new Preamp
Post by: DMBprez on November 09, 2015, 07:46:39 PM
Hi Guys/Gals-

I'm thinking about asking Santa for a new preamp, this year.  I currently run AT4041's>Edirol UA5 (pmod) > which ever recorder. 

Any recommendations in the $200-$400 range?  Santa's (me) is running a bit low on cash, this year.

Thanks in advance for any help.
Title: Re: Looking for a new Preamp
Post by: voltronic on November 09, 2015, 08:18:02 PM
Look on eBay for a used Sound Devices MixPre or Shure FP24 (same thing; different branding).  Rock solid and sounds great.  Here's one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sound-Devices-MixPre-Compact-2-Channel-Field-Mixer-/201464137802 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sound-Devices-MixPre-Compact-2-Channel-Field-Mixer-/201464137802)
Title: Re: Looking for a new Preamp
Post by: acidjack on November 10, 2015, 02:56:50 PM
At that price, I'd also just consider getting an all-in-one recorder like the Roland R-26. Many of the newer recorders probably have better preamps than a UA-5, and you'll gain in overall reliability and size of your rig, too.
Title: Re: Looking for a new Preamp
Post by: jbell on November 10, 2015, 05:02:40 PM
Above your price range, but this is a really nice preamp!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audioroot-FEMTO-Portable-battery-powered-stereo-microphone-preamp-/221288042046?hash=item3385cb8e3e:g:oeQAAOxyAs9SQHrC
Title: Re: Looking for a new Preamp
Post by: Fried Chicken Boy on November 10, 2015, 06:58:20 PM
I'm in agreement with the responses above. ;D

If you're set on having a separate preamp in front of your recorder, the MixPre/FP24 is pretty hard to beat.  Virtually bombproof and transparent, they can easily be had in your price range on the used market.  No personal experience with the Audioroot devices but they do have good reputations. 

On the other hand, acidjack's suggestion of an all-in-one is very solid.  The newer recorders tend to have very good preamps and it's one less box to cart around.  In addition to the Roland R-26, I would also recommend the Tascam DR-60D.  While it's form factor is a little different (imagine a brick of butter) it seems to have far fewer complaints than its newer sibling, the DR-70D, when it comes to handling SD cards. 

The one caveat that applies to all of these devices is that none of them have digi in/out.  Don't know if that's a requirement for you but something to consider if it is. 
Title: Re: Looking for a new Preamp
Post by: willndmb on November 11, 2015, 10:13:45 PM
The dr-60d sounds good and offers 4 channels as well as various outs
Can be had for less then your budget, then use the leftover budget to upgrade mics.
Of course selling the ua5/mics would help in the regard too.
Title: Re: Looking for a new Preamp
Post by: backwhereubelong on December 11, 2015, 04:03:18 PM
Quote from: jbell on November 10, 2015, 05:02:40 PM
Above your price range, but this is a really nice preamp!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audioroot-FEMTO-Portable-battery-powered-stereo-microphone-preamp-/221288042046?hash=item3385cb8e3e:g:oeQAAOxyAs9SQHrC

That is a BEAUTY !  I'll add it to my "wish list".   8)
Title: Re: Looking for a new Preamp
Post by: MBHOTAPER on March 15, 2016, 04:43:16 AM
Quote from: DMBprez on November 09, 2015, 07:46:39 PM
I prefer the apogee MMP over the apogee Mini Me but nick (nickspicks) has a mini me for $300- might be what your looking for in that price range
Hi Guys/Gals-

I'm thinking about asking Santa for a new preamp, this year.  I currently run AT4041's>Edirol UA5 (pmod) > which ever recorder. 

Any recommendations in the $200-$400 range?  Santa's (me) is running a bit low on cash, this year.

Thanks in advance for any help.
Title: Re: Looking for a new Preamp
Post by: F.O.Bean on March 23, 2016, 01:01:52 AM
Quote from: jbell on November 10, 2015, 05:02:40 PM
Above your price range, but this is a really nice preamp!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audioroot-FEMTO-Portable-battery-powered-stereo-microphone-preamp-/221288042046?hash=item3385cb8e3e:g:oeQAAOxyAs9SQHrC

My suggestion too!