To preamp or not to preamp...that’s the question

  • Thread starter Thread starter MrFlexx
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MrFlexx

MrFlexx

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I’m using a Suhr Reactive Load to record my Diezel Herbert, but sometimes I record with a real microphone or by connecting the guitar straight into the RME UCX using software amps. My question is whether to use an additional preamp or not connecting to my RME UCX.
The reason I ask is that I know the preamps on the RME are of high quality. But maybe it ain’t enough?
What’s your 5 cents about this?

Another question is if I’ll gain anything by using the Suhr Reactive Load as just load and use a Neve or Radial DI-box connecting to my audio interface?

My budget at the moment is about $800.
 
From my experiences a preamp can make a huge difference. I'm sure theres more to it than just the press but when I've plugged the same gear into a preamp at a studio there was a world of a difference.

Also with my own cheap and crappy home setup using a sansamp for bass made a world of a difference. If I had $800 to spend and was considering a preamp to better my recordings i would absolutely get one.
 
I've had good experiences with the Avalon U5 ($620) and the Rupert Neve RNDI ($270) into my interface. However, I don't have a Suhr RL, so please take this with a grain or two of salt.

I agree with maddnotez... a preamp can make a huge difference. Some more so than others, some better than others, and some not so good.
 
ChurchHill":3urewstd said:
I've had good experiences with the Avalon U5 ($620) and the Rupert Neve RNDI ($270) into my interface. However, I don't have a Suhr RL, so please take this with a grain or two of salt.

I agree with maddnotez... a preamp can make a huge difference. Some more so than others, some better than others, and some not so good.
Click to expand...
After your suggestions I checked them out on the Internet and that raised another question. The Neve is pretty straight forward about how to connect it, but I can't make out about how to connect the Avalon between the amp and my audio interface. I downloaded and read the manual but only find one way that could maybe work. That was by connecting it from my audio interface out to one of the inputs. But how did you connect it using a real speaker? It should be the same when using a loadbox too.
 
I can see why it's confusing... I had to look it up because it's been awhile since I've used it like that. This is how I remembered using it, but after looking at it tonight, I wanted to make sure I was telling you something accurate. I found the following at http://www.avalondesign.com/faqs.html

U5 Speaker Input
Q: How do you use the speaker input on the back of the U5?
A: The set up is as follows:
1. Connect your instrument to the input on your instrument amplifier.
2. Connect your amplifier speaker output to your speaker for normal operation
3. Connect a secondary speaker output from your amp or your speaker cabinet to the SPEAKER INPUT on the rear of the U5.
4. Press in the SPEAKER to INPUT on the front of the U5
5. Connect the line output on the U5 to the recording device or mixing console.
Download a diagram at http://www.avalondesign.com/pdfs/u5speakerin.pdf

Also, the only thing I don't like about the Neve is that it's only powered via phantom power. That's likely not a problem in your situation, since I'm guessing that your interface supports phantom power. I'd love to be able to use it as an input to an effects rack, but I have to run it through another preamp or phantom power supply to do so. Not a big deal, but it'd be nice if I could power it with an adapter. I'm not complaining, though... :)

:rock:
 
This video has an interesting take on the preamp issue, especially as regards recording metal guitars (go to 2:02 to get straight to the point):

 
metalsoup":1eh406tp said:
This video has an interesting take on the preamp issue, especially as regards recording metal guitars (go to 2:02 to get straight to the point):

Click to expand...
Thats really interesting, and it sounds great, my OCD side tends to not want to loose control of being able to blend the mikes within the DAW, but I get what he's saying.
On their own, Ive had much better with mikes going into a good mike pre than straight into the pres on the interface, but I do position and blend them the same way he is at the board
 
I would agree.. get a good clean preamp and spend cash on another mic instead. That makes the biggest diff over the $$$$$$$ on preamps. Preamps will mostly give you colour or character. I started to go down the preamp route. I am happy with Audient's on board pres. As good as I will ever need.
 
I agree with this, too. I've heard that the pres on both the RMEs and Audients are pretty clean and transparent. Certainly wouldn't believe that they'd be any worse than the Behringer in the video (which, to be fair, isn't too terrible... I guess... I do have the exact one used in the vid).

I agree, too, that pres are mostly for adding color. A good DI or two is invaluable, though, especially when used to capture the signal directly from the guitar or from the power amp in conjunction with a loadbox or speaker. As with a good clean pre, high headroom and low noise are king. One of the things I like about the Avalon is that it can be very clean, but it can also add color with the tone selector. FWIW, I originally got it to handle acoustic pickups, but I've found it's really good at a LOT of things.

MrFlexx, which mics are you using? Just curious. :)

As far as pres for color... just IMHO, anything that's relatively close to an API or Neve works for me. I'm usually much more concerned about pres with acoustics. Then, it's something I can saturate a little without it becoming harsh. That really doesn't work well for high gain, at least for me. Always (to my ears) seems like it just gets in the way of the sounds I've worked on getting out of the amp. Mid-gain, I could go either way. My absolute, hands-down favorite is the Chandler Limited Germ. It's a lot of scratch for just a pre, but... there are so many colors available and the clarity...
 
ChurchHill":3heub2ny said:
MrFlexx, which mics are you using? Just curious. :)
Click to expand...

Mostly SM57 + R121...but sometimes I loan a a 421, 414, 313, U47 and U87 from a friend. But most of the time I record silent using my Suhr Reactive Load.

Been looking at Avalon U5, Warm Audio W73, Warm Audio WA73EQ and the Rupert Neve Designs RNDI. sadly enough I don't have the chance of trying any of them before buying.
 
I've heard great things about Warm Audio, but I haven't had a chance to audition them in person. The Avalon surprised me with its versatility. The RNDI is simple and good. I've always heard good things about the Countryman Type 85, too, but don't have one.

Must be nice to have friends with a U47! LOL! I've got an SM57, too (don't we all?), and I've had good luck with the 421, SM7, e906 (the one with the selectable low pass), and the D2. I've got an AEA R84 that can be magic (but not always). Other than room mics, I've never had a lot of luck with condensers and high gain guitars. How are you getting along with the U87, 414, etc.? Just curious, looking for new ideas how to use the stuff I have better, you know?
 
We are running Universal Audio, Avalon, Presonus and Warm Audio's new WA73-EQ pre's, the WA stuff is hard to beat for the money. Fat and punchy with a fantastic EQ, you can get just about anything you are after with it. UA's LA610 is a great pre, I like it as much or more (for certain things) than the WA73-EQ. Avalons VT737 is a great pre also, its better for bass and vocals than the Warm Audio unit, but not quite as punchy on guitars. Its got a super versatile EQ in it
 
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