828MK3 MicPre Recommendations

[ChiantiM]

Greetings,
I have an 828MK3 home studio. The two MicPres are getting plenty of use, especially with the Limiter. However the other channels don't support the Vlimit ... so I am need of more MicPres. Another 1 or 2 should do it suitable for instruments or vocals. Does anyone have recommendations on a MicPre unit that I can place into my 828MK3 I've been looking at the PreSonus Blue Tube 1 & 2 channel, ART and M-Audio DMP3

Also --- assuming I will hook it into one of the Analog Channels --- please confirm.

Thanks,
....Gary

[XYZ]

I have been looking for some time, and I have yet to find a pre-amp that has greater VALUE than the RNP. It is ugly, has few bells and whistles, and is more expensive than this list. However, you will use it all the time. It has most [all?] of the typical useable features of a real-top of the line, pro pre-amp, and it is less than 1/4 price per channel. This two channel pre is servo controlled class-A transimpedance pre-amp. If it sounds like I work for FMR or I own an FMR pre, neither is true. However, I've recommended these to a number of my friends and they are not using their other pre-amps now, and they are not looking for "better" pre-amps.

So, boutique pre? No. Classy front panel? No. Big value for your dollar? Yes. Pro-level performance? Yes. This is not a pre-you will eventually e-Bay or throw out. You might buy two more channels though.

anyway, for what it is worth check out the FMR audio RNP.

[ChiantiM]

Thank you --- I am scanning Sweetwater now for more information!

[gearboy]

There are so many good to great preamps in the around $500 price range for multiple channnels.

I have heard great things about the RNP, though I have never used it.

The Black Lion Audio Auteur Preamp is getting a lot of love. I had the preamps on my 828mk2 modified (along with the rest of it!) by them back in '06, and they sound great now. http://www.blacklionaudio.com/auteur.html

I have owned and used a Presonus MP20 since 2003. I spent $80 in parts and installed Burr-Brown op-amps in it in 2006. Great preamp that has become a sleeper. I just saw one with the Burr-Brown mod NOT sell on ebay and the starting price was $200, no reserve. Wanted it, but couldn't justify it. Two channels.

The Symetrix SX-202 mic preamp from 1988 or so is a 1/2 rack unit that goes for around $110 to $140. Sometimes you'll see them modified for $200. another great clean preamp worth every penny. I had one and sold it about 2 years back and totally regret it. I paid under $100 for it. It sounds really great, and I compared it to my Sytek believe it or not. Two channels.

And, if you can find a Sytek MPX-4Aii used for $600 (like I did), JUMP ON IT! 4-channel, amazing preamp for drums, guitars, etc. No onboard pads, so be prepared to eventually pick up four of the Shure pads for loud sources. I will never sell this preamp. It sells on the Sytek site direct for $900.

http://www.sytek-audio-systems.com/prod ... amps/mpx4/

Also, believe it or not, the dBx 386 Tube Preamp sounds great. My friends used it for just about everything on several of their records and it sparkles. They go for $500 or so new, but I am sure that you can get one for less. They have a digital out, so you can clock it off of your 828mk3 and come in via S/PDIF. I have my friends' 386 here to take advantage of the digital i/o on my 828mk2. 2-channels.

Tons of other preamps as well...

Jeff

[ChiantiM]

Jeff,
Thanks for taking all the time you did in offering me a number of selections. Much appreciated; I'll start my research! Particularly interesting in the Black Lion modification. Never considered that option of having my 828MK3 modified for improved sonics

Best regards,
.....Gary