Signal Chain

[minus 1]

I would suggest going to a gear oriented forum.
they will often do shoot-outs comparing diff pre's with audio examples.
most of these will be high-end stuff, but it should give an idea.

If your willing to make an investment check out "API lunchbox" Its basically a 6 space rack with a power supply. Many of these High end preamp manufactures are making modules of thier preamps that fit into form factor at greatly reduced prices.

There is a pretty good selection in the 500-600 dollar range.

I picked up a lunch box on ebay for 475, and I saving for a module now.

[TracAssassinLokk]

Alot of the stuff Ive read and heard said as a rule EQ comes first, after that its pretty much by ear, the reason being that you dont want to add effects to any undesirable sounds so you EQ them out (down), then go ahead with all other effects... Just quoting what I've heard virtually everywhere...

[Ekzpi]

What are you recording? How many preamps do you need? Just vocals?

The reason I ask, is because you need at least one killer path. And budget wise. One money chain is all you need.

As for compression and other *ish like that; you can buy the eqpt. but you would rather use it out and after the initial recording. BUT why mix out with hardwear when I can use plugins???

BECAUSE THIER CHEAPER.

shmell me?!