Should I get a mic-preamp (vs. cosole)

[DaWolf]

Up until now I`ve recorded through an old (80s maybe) 16 channel Soundtracs console. I don`t know what quality the preamps have in there...they seem a bit noisy.
I thought I might be better off with even a cheap (tube?) preamp for guitars and vocals.
Are there some decent ones in the low price range - with or without tube ?

 

[egan.]

http://www.mercenary.com/fmrrnmp.html
The RNP is a nice, clean 2-channel pre for not a ton of money.

I wouldn't buy anything cheap with a tube in it. It will almost invariably be voltage starved.

 

[Joematthews]

Don't go cheaper than the rnp, improvements aren't really available below that price.

Joe

 

[Mikaël-ange]

Up until now I`ve recorded through an old (80s maybe) 16 channel Soundtracs console. I don`t know what quality the preamps have in there...they seem a bit noisy.

All Soundcraft under serie IL have this problem imo but 3632/48/32IL and Solitaire kickass (I want a 4832IL). Btw always remember all this desk have 20years old or more actually...

 

[DaWolf]

Sorry for the late reply but thanks to all the suggestions.
I just did record another drum track for our demo and that mixer gets more annoying from day to day, some channels have short level dips etc.. So I think I`m better of with a restoration or a complete replacement before I think about stand-alone preamps.
What about the Soundcraft M8/12 , I heard they have good preamps ?
Others I should look at, important are direct outs.

 

[Mikaël-ange]

http://www.studiosystems.co.uk/soundtracs/

Ask him for more infos (Soundtracs guru imo)