Which comes first - the mic, the sound card or the preamp?

Michelle Ann Dunphy

I would like to improve my studio. My Firewire attempts (firebox and inspire) weren't working for me. In fact, even on my current preamp, I'm having issues. I'm still maxing out at -6db when recording in mono. So I record in stereo then convert to mono because for some reason, CEP likes that one channel. Tried different preamps, mics, sound cards, etc. ANYWAYS, I've worked w/ a lot of people on the issue to no avail. Seems like a bug that quite a few CEP and AA people have hit.

So - I want to improve my studio. I just scored a really great regular gig doing presentations and want to improve my sound for those recordings. I would like to do so pretty quickly so I'd appreciate all your input asap. Smile

My question is - what order should I purchase things for improvement? Right now I'm running:
- Dell Precision Workstation 490. I believe that is the #.(Brand new last year, w/ lots of RAM and what not) I'm using an on board card right now.
- Behringer mic100 tube amp (I like the warmer sound than the digital. My mic seems to be a little cold so this helps plus it was super affordable for a start up preamp.)
- Studio Projects C-1 mic
- Cool Edit Pro

I was looking at:
- Lynx One sound card
- symetrix 528e voice processor
- Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response

Unfortunately, I can't afford to buy all of these at once. Suggests would be greatly appreciated. I'm thinking the voice processor or mic may make the biggest difference for now. Then AFTER the gig, I'll pick up the Lynx One.

I really appreciate all your input. Smile

You all are so helpful.

Heather Cooper · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007, 15:12 (GMT) Post subject:

Michelle,

Although I can be of NO help with the techie stuff.... I can tell you the people on this board have been amazing! I need to get a few things straightened out with equipment. I was given so great input and a little hand holding along the way.

Truly a group of folks with big hearts that are willing to share there experience and knowledge.

I look forward to reading the responses you will received.

Good luck!

Bobby Knight · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007, 18:24 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi Michelle;

The Symetrix 528e has pretty much become the industry standard nowadays, but if you're looking something less expensive, a couple of mic pres that you should consider are the DBX 286, and the unit I'm using, the Focusrite Trakmaster..both sell for under 300 bucks and are an upgrade over the behringer

Colin Campbell · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007, 19:01 (GMT) Post subject:

That combo will certainly sound good (it's pretty much me except the mic) but you can go much less expensive and still do well. In my recent experiences I have to say the mic preamp is more important then I had previously thought. That's why I like the Symetrix so much, I just can't seem to improve on its preamp. (I'm sure an Avalon M5 beats it but I've never had the luxury of trying one at $1600.) The Symetrix also has a wonderful compressor, downward expander and EQ that can make you sound wonderful. A lot of people like the dBx 286a. I've not tried one but dBx usually makes decent stuff.

The LynxONE is a great card but it is really pricey for a stereo in-stereo out card. (I've read that it has a niche following because of it's quality but I only have it because I was able to "borrow" it indefinately.) The Lynx does sound good but I bet you could go with something from M-audio and never know the difference and save a couple of hundred dollars. Plus if you go with M-audio, you can add Pro Tools software later on since it is compatible with most of the M-audio hardware.

I also think the SM7 may be overkill. A lot of people on here swear by the Rode mics. I have heard though that the SM7 is particularly good for female voices. You would probably be fine with an SM57. (<$100)

But hey, if you have the dough, that combo will sound REAL GOOD.

Brad Venable · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007, 19:14 (GMT) Post subject:

Hey, I swear by my Rode K2.

If I were buying another Rode, I'd be buying an NT-1A. They're very quiet.

If I had $1000, I'd be buying a Neumann TLM-103.

Colin's right about the SM-57. I love using it on just about anything. You know that Bono used an SM-57 to record all his vocals on the latest U2 album, "How To Disassemble an Atomic Bomb." That ought to give you an idea of the chops that mic has. Smile

Michelle Ann Dunphy · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007, 20:09 (GMT) Post subject:

Thank you all for the quick replies. They were just what I needed.

For now I grabbed the Shure 57. That price actually half of what I paid for my mic, but if it has a better sound, I'm alll for it!! Smile

I also grabbed the Symetrix. Sounds like it is an amazing piece of equipment.

I'm going to hold off on getting the sound card for now. I want to see how these work before I spend more $$$. This was all I could afford right now. If all goes well with this gig, this is going to be a regular deal. Smile

So I hope this equipment helps improve my home studio sound quality. Smile

Thanks again!

Colin Campbell · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007, 20:19 (GMT) Post subject:

The Symetrix will only do its magic if it is setup well. When you get it let me know and I'll help you with the settings.

Michelle Ann Dunphy · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007, 21:29 (GMT) Post subject:

Thank you Colin! I will definitely let you know. Smile

Thank you so much.