Best preamps/conversion for price range <500-700 USD

[RedDog]

I was thinking of the focusrite Scarlett, but I don't know about the conversion, as there isn't a lot of feedback on it. A&H may be a good bet as well, buuuut there a couple RME's on ebay I might snag and I really want to build some pre's of my own.

First things first, conversion. specifically for that price range. I don't know what to look for so I'm asking you guys. What you got.

 

[MatrixClaw]

You didn't mention how many channels you need.

 

[RevoltStudios]

The Scarlett range stuff was so bad I returned it, first thing ever. But the Saffire range has been nothing but great for me.

 

[crillemannen]

Focusrite octopre LE. Really good

 

[El_Gato]

If we're talking about conversion, I (and many others) liked newer RME conversion more than UA's Apollo in the blind test I listened to not long ago. And Apollo is praised as fuck out there.

Used Babyface or UCX will give you a really nice conversion IMO and they're in the price range. Maybe a tiny bit more for the UCX. Not many popping up though but lurk around the gearslutz's classifieds. I checked for prices and saw a BF for $550 at the time I was selling mine.

 

[Arsonstudios]

you can get at least 2 used motu 828 mk2's for that money which gives you a hell lot of inputs if you chain them. i bought a second one on ebay for about 200&#8364;. in the saffire range i tried the old pro 26 or what it is called and liked the motu a bit more but that was a while ago. the two on-board pres on the motu are shit tho.

 

[RedDog]

You didn't mention how many channels you need.

I'm thinking between 8-16 for drums, maybe 2 really good pres to cover the main bases.

 

[The StabbinCabin]

I was going to say maybe check out the Audient Mico if you needed two channels. Everything in that price range I would have to say all probably sound very similar. I'm saving up for RME and going 500 series, personally.