Looking for a guitar preamp for recording

[sinestro]

I've been pretty happy with direct recording my amps ever since I found out how to use impulse responses as plugins and the line out from a THD hotplate.

Wondering if any of you have some favorite preamps to use for this application. Just trying to avoid burning out all my power tubes when they're not even rocking!

Not looking to spend $1,000's of dollars on anything.... so don't say AxeFx or anything super pricey. Just looking for something with a basic clean and distortion (Plexi or more) without effects.

 

[Ventura]

Duet's great. M-Audio Pro Fire 610's solid. Sapphire is good, albeit I believe their CS has gone to crap.

Lots of terrific options out there that don't cost an arm and a leg. I bought the 610 when it first launched, they're half the price now and still very able units.

Peace,
V.

 

[BeZo]

I've always loved the Hafler Hellrazor when you can find them. They go cheap, and they sound great.

 

[Bevosss]

Mako MAK4, best preamp I've come across...a steal at ~ 1k. Does every tone I need except for Vox. Dorado channel rules for metal/hardcore, Makoplex is gorgous hot-rod marshall tone, the Crunch channel is just heavy perfection ala VH4 when dimed. Clean channel sounds like a Fender. Doesn't need output tube distortion either, although it still needs the power tube eq curve to sound it's best, as do all tube preamps.

 

[JakeAC5253]

Im confused. Do you want a Mic/line Preamp for recording, or the preamp section of a guitar amplifier for recording?

 

[Ventura]

Im confused. Do you want a Mic/line Preamp for recording, or the preamp section of a guitar amplifier for recording?

Yes, clarification please. I assumed when you said you didn't wanna burn through tubes you were looking for an interface to plug into your DAW and lay some toons.

But as per the above, the Mak4 SLAYS...

Of course, just my humble opine, but wow, it's a piece of work compared to anything else out there. It's indispensible in the 'sonic capabilities' department!!

Love mine...if you haven't already guessed
V.

 

[Ventura]

Mako MAK4, best preamp I've come across...a steal at ~ 1k. Does every tone I need except for Vox. Dorado channel rules for metal/hardcore, Makoplex is gorgous hot-rod marshall tone, the Crunch channel is just heavy perfection ala VH4 when dimed. Clean channel sounds like a Fender. Doesn't need output tube distortion either, although it still needs the power tube eq curve to sound it's best, as do all tube preamps.

It's true isn't it?? Ch.2 is a mega sleeper on this thing... Gets bloody righteous man!!

V.

PS - and Dorado is simply soooooooo pissed off sounding. Vicious. LOVE IT!!

 

[sinestro]

I'm lookin for advice on a guitar preamp to run into my DAW for guitar sounds. I've been running my amps through a hotplate and just want to simplify.

Trying to keep it under $500 and prefer knobs and switches to patches and presets.

 

[Axe-Man]

Soldano SP77 II USA pre.

Some find it thin but I've run it numerous ways (poweramp, using IRs via the Eleven Rack's mic/cab sims) and it works great.

Nice chimey bright cleans and Marshall like crunch.

I've found that with a nice boost you can easily get a great Van Halen tone and with drive pedals you can really push it into more metal territory.

The JMP-1 is also great and is simple to use though I feel the SP77 sounds better with just the addition of a boost...more articulate and dynamic.

Both are killer units for the price IMHO.

 

[roadifier]

Peavey rock master. I have used it for recording with impulses and it is awesome!

 

[sinestro]

Just stumbled on a Mesa V-Twin... that might be the winner. It has the footswitch built in!