Home Techniques Studio Design / Acoustics Reload this Page "PRE-AMP'S" What is what? Help.

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Ephekt Ephekt is offline
93 posts, Registered User
  
 
?t-?´d: Hey everyone. I've never really invested much time in learning about PRE AMPS. So I figured I'd start here at my favorite online community "OnlineDJ" ...uh I mean "FUTUREPRODUCERS"

What does everyone here use with their keyboards, drummachines, & samplers?

I'm trying to re-build my new studio, so I'm gathering as many facts as I can about PRE AMPS. Here's what I hope to build:

RS7000 Sequencer, [waiting] ,
Virus Indigo, [waiting]
ER-1
SidStation
Microcon2
Nanoloop
Kaoss Pad
DX100 mixer.

So, now I'm looking to get a PRE AMP -- what should I know, and what should I get? Thanks in advance everyone.

EPHEKT :: http://www.mp3.com/ephekt

05-05-2001
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fitz fitz is offline
189 posts, Registered User
  
 
What are you planning on running through the pre? Vocals?

You will not need a pre if you are just running those line level signals. You can hook up all those instruments straight to the mixer.

What are you planning on monitoring on?
05-06-2001
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Ephekt Ephekt is offline
93 posts, Registered User
  
 
See, here's what happened... I got into a discussion with some guys at my local music shop. We got into the whole thing about recording. One guy mentioned that he likes to send his keyboard and drum machine through a PREAMP before it goes to the mixer?

Now, I'm not sure exactly why... but this fellow went on to say that that's how all the "professionals" get their mixdowns so warm along with other things too. But PREAMP was something he kept emphasizing?

I don't know anything about the PREAMP world, which is why I'm asking FUTUREPRODUCERS.

As for MONITORS, I'm planning on getting EVENT 8's.

So PreAmps are just for VOCALS, huh? Thanks.

EPHEKT :: http://www.mp3.com/ephekt

05-08-2001
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mano 1's Avatar
mano 1 mano 1 is offline
15,743 posts, Founder
  
 
in general preamps are used for microphones and low-gain instruments... Guitars in general are recorded by putting a microphone in front of the guitar's amp (because part of the charm of a guitar's sound comes from the amp itself) and then this mic is preamp-ed before its recorded.

But I'm not really sure to what extend people would use preamps.. you never know I can understand some people wanting to preamp a synthesizer.. keeping its volume very low (low noise too) and preamplifying it with a dedicated rack would get a cleaner much lower-noise gain I guess.

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05-08-2001
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Ephekt Ephekt is offline
93 posts, Registered User
  
 
I found this article from a writer at KEYBOARD MAGAZINE. The following is an excerpt from "Synthesizer Recording Tips"

----------------------start of excerpt-----------------------

THE INDIRECT DIRECT BOX
Synths can often plug right into a console input, but consider adding a tube preamp with DI capabilities to subtly warm up the sound. Inserting tubes and/or transformers into the synth’s signal path can smooth out excessively "digital-sounding" synths, as well as give more bite when overdriven. Light distortion is particularly useful with bass and percussive sounds.

http://www.musicplayer.com/CDA/Playe...s--127,00.html

----------------------end of excerpt----------------------


Which brings me back once again to ask if anyone here uses a [tube] PREAMP on their SYNTH for mixdown?

Lastly, if I was to use the PREAMP, you're suggesting that it's because I would be sending the signal out through an amp, and recording the subtleties of the amp and the rooms' characterstics to the mix. That would be my only reason for getting a PreAmp?

Sorry for all the confusion but I'm not a professional, just a hobbyist. Thanks again...

EPHEKT :: http://www.mp3.com/ephekt

05-08-2001
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orthocall orthocall is offline
6 posts, Registered User
  
 
Hardcore analog freaks will tell you that analog equipment gives you a warmth that discrete paths don't add. So a setup consisting of all digital signal paths can leave the finished product sounding a bit "sterile". So often a tube preamp or a tube compressor is used to add warmth to the sound. This is done at the mixdown stage also.

the ART tube MP is one of the cheapest tube preamps available I think.

Hope this helps
Last edited by orthocall; 05-09-2001 at 01:41 AM..
05-09-2001
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Ephekt Ephekt is offline
93 posts, Registered User
  
 
Well, I guess I'm in the group with those who would like to get that extra "warmth" in their mixes. I usually get a good [for an amateur] mixdown but feel like it's missing a little extra dimension.

You happened to mention the ART Tube MP ...I was looking at that recently at Harmony Central. It seems ideal for my situation. However, do you know anything about the POD?

Lastly, as I continue reading more and more about the PREAMPS, would I be able to use it in place of compressors, limiters and sustainers even though, technically, it is none of these? I keep reading that it does this in it's own way -- but that's really not it's intention, is it?

Thanks again, it is VERY much appreciated.

EPHEKT :: http://www.mp3.com/ephekt

05-09-2001
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fitz fitz is offline
189 posts, Registered User
  
 
If you are a hobby user I would suggest not worrying too much yet about preamps. Focus on functionality first (ie: sound sources, sequencers, etc). Later you can always add preamps to the signal chain. Keep in mind that you can also get software to add that "tube warmth" to your recordings. T-racks is the most popular one I know of. And no, a good preamp will not replace compressors, limiters, etc.
05-09-2001
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Ephekt Ephekt is offline
93 posts, Registered User
  
 
You know, I think you're right... After all, I am only doing this for fun, not a career venture. I just want to get the most out of my hobby.

I do use CuBase for recording. I'm sure there must be a PREAMP emulator and an aural exciter plugin. Does anyone use "WAVES"? I understand that it's the "best" plugin's package for CUBASE mixdowns? Would this package have a PREAMP, AUREL EXCITER, COMPRESSOR/LIMITER?

Also, any suggestions are appreciated -- links too, as I've got to read up on this stuff to do my research.

Thanks again for the advise.

EPHEKT :: http://www.mp3.com/ephekt

05-10-2001
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fitz fitz is offline
189 posts, Registered User
  
 
The Waves Gold Bundle contains the following

NEW! C4 Multiband Parametric Processor

NEW! Renaissance Reverberator

Renaissance Compressor

Renaissance Equalizer

L1 Ultramaximizer

MaxxBass

Q10 Paragraphic

S1 Stereo Imager

C1 Parametric Compander

Enigma

Supertap

MondoMod

Doppler

UltraPitch

MetaFlanger

TrueVerb Room Emulator

DeEsser

AudioTrack

PAZ Psychoacoustic Analyzer (Mac Gold Native only)


All truly awesome plugins. Some would argue the best value plugin bundle on the market. I love the Ultramaximizer.


Good Luck!

fitz
05-10-2001
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