Which pre-amps are better? From submixer or interface?

[Pedwin]

Another question from the land of the "dummies".
Between all the hassle I had with the airconditioning I was also looking for a way to get and integrate additional pre-amps, as I only have two channels from my Avalon 2022AD. Due to my limited budget and two sceduled engineering courses I cannot afford to buy new ones. I know I could use the ins from the RME Fireface 800 as they also have build in pre-amps but I'm not 100% sure about that option. I also was thinking how I could use the pre-amps of my old MACKIE mixer (1402VLZpro) instead.

Which option woud you advise to prefer?
Another question that's keeping me busy is that in case I should prefer the pre-amps of the fireface, would the 1402 than be a kind of overkill as a submixer or can it still be usefull even with 32 channels on the main mixer (Toft ATB)? I am asking because I don't want to make the mistake of putting too much gear in my studio. I was allways impressed by people who achieve great recordings with a minimal amount of (high-quality) equipment. I would like to walk the same way.

Thanks in advance for all your advise,
pedwin

[Timeline]

http://www.motunation.com/forum/viewtop ... 525#222525

[PhireAlly]

Hi,
I have a simple setup that works for me ...... here it is .....

Avalon AD2022 (analog out)
into (analog in) of a RME ADI-2 AD/DA converter
then (digital out) of the RME into
(digital in) of a Presonus FireStudio.

For more mic-pre's, I use those on the FireStudio and an ART Digital MPA

If I need compression I either patch my Avalon Vt747 after the AD2022 or
use plugin compression.

All important sounds go through the Avalons secondary sounds go through the PreSonus and ART.

For your setup I'd connect the AD2022 to the line ins of the Fireface and if the VLZ has an Alt 3/4 out or Direct outs,
connect those to the Fireface line ins as well.
And don't be afraid to use the RME preamps, they're not bad. Try different things with different preamps, then use what sounds best.

Good luck
PhireAlly

[Pedwin]

Thanks for the link Timeline. I only did not understand if you wanted to give me an idea of the high quality of the preamps that had been tested (especially the pre-amp of LaChapell Audio) or of the way a high quality studio should be organized. Either way it would be above my budget as I really spent close to total of my budget I've had reserved for gear and courses. That's why I have to work with the preamp I have. But I have to admit . . . the 583 serie really looks great . . . maybe . . .

Hi,
I have a simple setup that works for me ...... here it is .....

Avalon AD2022 (analog out)
into (analog in) of a RME ADI-2 AD/DA converter
then (digital out) of the RME into
(digital in) of a Presonus FireStudio.

For more mic-pre's, I use those on the FireStudio and an ART Digital MPA

If I need compression I either patch my Avalon Vt747 after the AD2022 or
use plugin compression.

All important sounds go through the Avalons secondary sounds go through the PreSonus and ART.

For your setup I'd connect the AD2022 to the line ins of the Fireface and if the VLZ has an Alt 3/4 out or Direct outs,
connect those to the Fireface line ins as well.
And don't be afraid to use the RME preamps, they're not bad. Try different things with different preamps, then use what sounds best.

Good luck
PhireAlly

Great, thanks a lot PhireAlly, especially for explaning it that simple. I was actually planning to start today with connecting part of the gear so your advise came right on time. Didn't know that the preamps of the Fireface would be that good.
I can't wait to hear the first sound comming out of the speakers

cheers,
pedwin