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mooseherman
Published on 02/09/10 at 16:02
This is an analog mic preamp. It's got an XLR input and output, as well as an additional 1/4" output. It's not rackable, and not connectable to a MIDI controller, as it's all analog. It's basically a tube mic pre, so there aren't really any effects.
UTILIZATION
There isn't a whole lot of editing to be done here, as you're looking for a good tone for voice, mostly. The setup and configuration isn't difficult. the manual explains everything pretty clearly. The main controls are for input level (mic level) and output level, same as any other pre. There's also a phantom power switch, a phase reverse switch, and a low-pass filter to help with feedback or noise issues.
SOUND QUALITY
This is overall, a pretty good sounding mic pre. It's actually better for quiet music, as I've found through my experience. Great vocalists who really belt out their parts don't sound as great through this as hushed, almost whispery music does. Seeing as the latter style of singing is getting more and more popular among certain crowds makes this a good purchase for people who see themselves recording that type of music in the future. It's overall pretty transparent, yet it has a great ability to highlight the natural tones of the voice without getting all the harsh sibilants that come with a whispery performance. It's also pretty good for some of the louder singers, though I use it less frequently with them. It really depends on what you're looking for.
OVERALL OPINION
I'd have to say overall that the mic pre isn't quite as versatile as I'd hoped, but it's very good in particular situations like the ones I mentioned. Don't expect it to color the sound too much, or too little, it's a healthy middle ground. $200 isn't too bad a price for one of these, but certainly don't make it your first one, definitely get something with a little more versatility. Overall, a nice addition to a recording setup, but don't use it as the backbone.
UTILIZATION
There isn't a whole lot of editing to be done here, as you're looking for a good tone for voice, mostly. The setup and configuration isn't difficult. the manual explains everything pretty clearly. The main controls are for input level (mic level) and output level, same as any other pre. There's also a phantom power switch, a phase reverse switch, and a low-pass filter to help with feedback or noise issues.
SOUND QUALITY
This is overall, a pretty good sounding mic pre. It's actually better for quiet music, as I've found through my experience. Great vocalists who really belt out their parts don't sound as great through this as hushed, almost whispery music does. Seeing as the latter style of singing is getting more and more popular among certain crowds makes this a good purchase for people who see themselves recording that type of music in the future. It's overall pretty transparent, yet it has a great ability to highlight the natural tones of the voice without getting all the harsh sibilants that come with a whispery performance. It's also pretty good for some of the louder singers, though I use it less frequently with them. It really depends on what you're looking for.
OVERALL OPINION
I'd have to say overall that the mic pre isn't quite as versatile as I'd hoped, but it's very good in particular situations like the ones I mentioned. Don't expect it to color the sound too much, or too little, it's a healthy middle ground. $200 isn't too bad a price for one of these, but certainly don't make it your first one, definitely get something with a little more versatility. Overall, a nice addition to a recording setup, but don't use it as the backbone.