Cheap Preamps

Johnny N.

Johnny N.

Kick Henry Jackassowski
I have a Line 6 UX 1 I use as my interface. I finally figured out how to bypass all of the effects and amps and everything else in there to get a dry signal but it is a really dry signal and somewhat weak. I only had one dynamic mic so it is difficult to get much with my acoustic guitar at that setting. It seems to do ok with my amp obviously.

So I was thinking about one of the inexpensive preamps to put in front of the UX1. Inexpensive is my only option any more. Does this make sense? I am not sure what to expect from one. The UX1 only has a gain knob and if I use that to make the signal loud enough, it grains it up pretty bad.

Learn me some stuff.
 
Try this:
http://shop.avid.com/store/product.d...24084100913328

Thought I would post this for you guys...it comes with the M-audio version of Protools for $99.00

8486877058425232.jpg

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Johnny N. said:
I have a Line 6 UX 1 I use as my interface. I finally figured out how to bypass all of the effects and amps and everything else in there to get a dry signal but it is a really dry signal and somewhat weak. I only had one dynamic mic so it is difficult to get much with my acoustic guitar at that setting. It seems to do ok with my amp obviously.

So I was thinking about one of the inexpensive preamps to put in front of the UX1. Inexpensive is my only option any more. Does this make sense? I am not sure what to expect from one. The UX1 only has a gain knob and if I use that to make the signal loud enough, it grains it up pretty bad.

Learn me some stuff.
Click to expand...

There's also a +18dB boost button you can enable in Amp Farm/Gear Box to boost the level out.
 
Unless there is a way on your interface to go through a line in instead of an XLR or 1/4" instrument, you'll still be dealing with the Line6 pres... you'll just have another one in front of it, so you may have more noise and it may not sound any better. :shrug:
 
Im interested in inexpensive preamps for other reasons, just fopr added warmth, and or crispness, defenition, etc. Looking for inexpensive. Any suggestions?
 
I Have a Line6 UX-2, and for a preamp, I am using a FMR RNP preamp... For the money, I think they can't be beat, there are two channels, etc, it has a high impedance input, so I run all my direct in through the preamp, and then to the UX-2... I have done side to side tests with and without the FMR in line, and it makes a big difference in tone to my ears...

Hmm, I guess it really isn't cheap at $499 msrp, but I got mine used for a couple bills...

http://www.fmraudio.com/rnp.htm
 
My best advice would be to go with whatever is cheaper. If your just recording in your home its all going to sound the same. The room your in plays a BIG factor on how the audio turns out. When you get into a room thats been constructed for audio then thats when the high priced mixers and other equipment will show the difference.
 
michel smith said:
My best advice would be to go with whatever is cheaper. If your just recording in your home its all going to sound the same. The room your in plays a BIG factor on how the audio turns out. When you get into a room thats been constructed for audio then thats when the high priced mixers and other equipment will show the difference.
Click to expand...

I would highly disagree with this statement. Every piece in the equipment chain matters and even a cheap mic will sound better through a good quality preamp than an expensive mic through a super cheap preamp.
 
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