Your choice in the 4MicPre & 8MicPre area

[acappa]

Hi you all!! I need two racks with 4&8 preamps. Which is your choice in this range???
In the 4pre: Focursite ISA 428, SSL Xlogic VHD...(1500€ max)
In 8pre: Focusrite octopre, RME Octamic, Audient AS008.... (500-600€ max)

Hope you can help me!!

 

[BLUElightCory]

For the 4 channel pre I'd suggest the Vintech 473 (used) or the Daking Mic Pre IV - Normally I'd have recommended the API3124 but the more I use mine the less I like it as an all-around pre (though it kills on close mic'd drums and bass). I'd rather have a 1073-style pre (like the 473) for all-around use.

For the 8 channel pre I've only ever used the Presonus Digimax and the True Precision 8 (which is too expensive) - The Digimax sounds fine for the money.

 

[AKoppenheffer]

Second vote for the Daking unit. Really sounds great, nice alternative to the 3124.

 

[Emdprodukt]

i vote for the audient asp. Switchable impedance ftw!

 

[John_C]

switchable impedance is great, but you can do this DIY with a variable resistor (not really sure about the electronics, it's early and i can't be arsed to turn my brain on, but it worked for these guys http://www.recordingmag.com/resources/resourceDetail/330.html) so it's not the most important thing to be looking at i'd say

 

[gabriel g.]

audient!!!!

 

[crillemannen]

Second vote for the Daking unit. Really sounds great, nice alternative to the 3124.

Daking is as good as API, different flavour. See if you can get one used.

OctoPre is a good one to.

 

[Jaymz]

Daking is more toward the Trident A-range sound of things rather than Neve.

 

[barricade]

Audient!

 

[Emdprodukt]

switchable impedance is great, but you can do this DIY with a variable resistor (not really sure about the electronics, it's early and i can't be arsed to turn my brain on, but it worked for these guys http://www.recordingmag.com/resources/resourceDetail/330.html) so it's not the most important thing to be looking at i'd say

thats true, but most preamps don't have it in that price range. Besides that the ASP008 is just a great preamp.

 

[acappa]

In you opinion is there great difference between RME Octamic and Audient ASP008??? My problem with the audient is that it doesn´t have TRS line input, and I´d like to use it also for live show recordings...
Thanks, In the 4pre´s range I´ll try de Daking!!

 

[Jarkko Mattheiszen]

The Audient ASP008 never really convinced me. It sounds good and transparent, but the build quality feels a bit shoddy and the unit just doesn't excite me. I just used 12 channels of API3124+ on drums, bass and guitars and I absolutely loved it. I also tried an UA 8110 on vocals, which absolutely rocked, but unfortunately that's one expensive motherfucker.

 

[acappa]

I just used 12 channels of API3124+ on drums

You A BASTARD MAN!!! Just kidding, my last recording was with an 300€ octopre and 200€ drum mikes set from thomann.....I think I´m gonna try the Octamic although everything I read is that their pres are just OK....hope it sounds better than my old FF Octopre...
Thanks anyway for the input!

 

[Jarkko Mattheiszen]

You A BASTARD MAN!!! Just kidding, my last recording was with an 300€ octopre and 200€ drum mikes set from thomann.....I think I´m gonna try the Octamic although everything I read is that their pres are just OK....hope it sounds better than my old FF Octopre...
Thanks anyway for the input!

Oh, don't worry, it's far, far away from an every-day practice for me, more like a special treat. And trust me, a two grand preamp won't make or break a song - you can get awesome results with gear that doesn't cost even a tenth of that!

 

[Blacklight_Studio]

Octopre is just ok. Not bad but nothing special. At least you can be shure that tracks recorded through this unit won't sound like shit )) In the 4ch domain I would suggest to find a discontinued Focusrite RED preamp. It will be around 2500-3000 but it is realy a killer beast. You can also look at 500 rack units there are lots of good preamp options and they are not very expensive, but you need to have a rack frame for them.

 

[Mesa4x12er]

How much is a 3124+ where you live? They can be had ~$2000 / 1500EUR here in the states if you go used. Me personally... that's my next purchase. Either a 3124+ or start a lunchbox with a few 512c.

 

[acappa]

Well, where I live people don´t usually sell that sort of gear, there´s a wide market on low-mid budget items, but no so many in the high end.
Brand new it costs 2600€ while Daking is 2500€
I use fredman on guitars, so probably I´d use API/Daking for guitar...I find many people that say: Oh man! You have API pres, your stuff is gonna sound awesome, I want you to produce my next album!!! while if you have Daking instead, they say, well, good gear dude hahaahah
Anyway I definately will use the 4pre at least for KD/SN and guitars...may be Chandler for Bass and also vocals....what will you pick with these ideas in mind???