Hello to everyone, this is my first time on this forum. I am sure this question has been asked, but hear it goes anyway. I am planning a pre and mic purchase and will have roughly $3500 to spend. I already own a UA 2-610, which I love, but not on everything. definately love the vintage vibe. I am looking for some beautiful sounding workhorses that will just sound good on a wide variety of material as well as compliment the 2-610. I currently own a rode k2 and do not like it, so it has got to go. I am not biased one way or the other tube vs. solid state. I just want some new gear that I wont sell on ebay in a month for a horrible loss. The only store around me is Guitar center and their pro audio department leaves alot to be desired, so I have no way to try before I buy. Alot of people on this forum have tried a bunch of different gear and your inputs and opinions would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Jeff

The Rode probably sounds way too flubby through the 610.

How about a Peluso 22 251 and try that through your 610.

Then maybe get a Peluso 22 47.

Then, if you sell the K2, you would probably have enough $$$ to get Phoenix Audio DRS-2 preamp.

Welcome jlott. What styles of music are you recording? What kinds of instruments?

Welcome to SF


What are you recording, what's your rig like, and what don't you like about that K2? (so I don't recommend another mic with the same problem! )

As far as recording style its all over the map. I do however tend to like 60's and 70's tunes. I am recording on a tascam sx-1 which I love even though its only 16 tracks, because I am fast on it. I mix through dynaudio air 15's. I got a great deal on them and am really used to the way they sound. I have an american deluxe strat, a precision bass, a martin d28, orange ad-30tc amp, and several cheap mics.I have listened to some mp3's on the listening sessions and was really impressed with the phoenix piece, even though it was through my tiny computer speakers.
Jeff

I'd pretty much secon anyone who reccomends those pelusos...my 2247LE is awesome. another pre that you might want to look into is the Sytek MP-4. It's a 4 channel class a deal, and for the $ (under a grand) it's killer. Pretty transparent, ridiculously fast...it's a great piece. OR, if you want to stick in the tube realm, I highly reccomend TAB Funkenwerk V78M's. I have a pair and they are really great...forward with good midrange response and big bottom end...focused well. I've got a tune up in the music review section that features both of these preamps and a peluso 22 47LE. Go check it out.

The 610 is tube right? If I had a 610 I'd be thinking of a John Hardy or Millenia Media pre. But that's because I would dig acoustic verite(truth) in a recording. If you're a metal head then I suppose these pres would be way off the mark. Sorry bout your K2, I really dig mine.

Look at the A Designs MP1 (or MP2) mic pre, or the A Designs Pacifica for something a little more colored. MIllenia for super clean, but still big sounding.

For mics look into Shure SM57, Shure KSM32, and an Audio Technica tube 4060. For old school vibey check out a Royer Ribbon mic.

John Hardy M1 - Peluso 2247 works great here


-Kaapo-

I use my 2247 through an OSA MPC1 for an awful lot of things, so count me in as a Peluso guy...

For a true 60/70s vibe, try some of the older EV dynamics that start with model RE**...like the RE16, RE11, etc...those, with your 610, should give you some not just close, but authentic sounds...pretty much any of the API/OSA clones should get you where you are wanting to go...

Don't forget the law: you MUST have at least one SM57, or be banished,

quote:

and several cheap mics

Buy mics.

My 2247LE through the super clean and fast (and big) Buzz Audio MA-2.2 sound great. I think those two may be a little over your budget though? A Hardy M1 with the Peluso would be a great match too.

Don't feel bad about being confused by mics and pres....if most of us were not confused by them, then these forums would cease to exist...
There are some really good guys here that know their stuff, so take their info, decipher it and have some fun with some spanking new gear.
The Hardy pres are a joy to have around a studio for sure.

rock

bford

I'll second the EV dynamic mic. I have an EV RE-15 and it can be a better choice than some of the bargain condensers on vocals. A lot of the vocals at Chess Records were done on an RE-15.

An API or clone is a good option for another preamp.

Here's your problem. There haven't been any bad suggestions! Its all just flavors.

Is the $3,500 before or after you sell the K2?

I really love Ronan's recommend of the A-Designs MP-2. Its fairly clean but with some nice tube based harmonic content that helps digital recording sound really good. Plus, vocals can sound like butter!

Mt tracks with an rnp have what I think of as a vintage vibe going. I'm not sure what it is.

I really like the BAE312. Really nice over-all pre and excellent on drums. But, for that matter, the Great River 1NV is excellent. Very versatille.

What I've mentioned, I own and use.

I am massively digging the Peluso 22 47, but for 60's and 70's, I'd go 22 251. A good ribbon mic or some of the RE dynamics are also great calls.

You could get a good 2 channel pre in the $1,600 range. Grab a 22 251 for under a grand. Then have $900.00 left. For what you've desribed, I'd probably get a good ribbon mic and try to squeeze in an RE-15 and maybe an EV635.

quote:

Grab a 22 251 for under a grand.

Not anymore...FWIW.

I'll be honest. Maybe it's just my love of my new thing...but, I think everyone should have a Millenia HV series. I think the Buzz is similar philosophy, I guess. Ultra clean and quiet. THAT is what you need as a first pre.

I sure wish I'd bought it first...because without a truly "clean" point of reference, you don't really hear how "color" affects a mic. It's not a simple interaction.

are any of you guys that have the peluso 2247 not the le using it on female vocals, for my next purchase I need a killer go to mic for female vocals, I know nothing is the best on everyone, but basically something that is going to work on country style female singers and that I can use as a good all around mic if possable

Sorry for the delay, I just got home from work. Wow, thanks for all the responses. Now I am really confused. Ha, just kidding. You guys have really given me alot to think about. I am not making this purchase for several more weeks, so I have a while to think it over. The peluso's sound sweet. So does the phoenix drs-2. If I could only afford one of the peluso mics and could maybe stretch the budget, which one? I mean for use as more than just a great vocal mic. One last question. Has any one heard the new peluso the p248 I think? Thanks to everyone for being so helpful.
Jeff

Jeff...I'm working with a female artist right now using the 2247 and and OSA...

The sound, amigo, is startling...I can honestly say that this singer, with this mic, with this pre, is the most powerful combination I have been privileged to work...

If that means anything,,,,

I have recently purchased a Peluso 22 47 and love it!!! I bought a Great River ME-1NV preamp and it is a great match. I'd think a preamp that pays tribute to the classic Neve sound may be worth a listen for you, especially if you're into 60's/70's music.

Before you buy anything, give Dan Richards at Sound Pure a call. He was so helpful in answering questions before I made a purchase. He was friendly, patient and an experienced professional. You won't get that from GC or any other pro audio store, save very very few. I rate my experience with Dan as THE BEST gear buying experience ever.