> I'd like to know what my fellow LAUyers recommend for a mic preamp for > use with the following gear: > > mics: > Shure SM58 > Yamaha MZ106s > > interfaces: > M-Audio Delta 66 > PDAudioCF PCMCIA digital input card > > The gear is used for desktop recording, so I'd like to keep the cost > low. Like, really low... ;) Mic pre's on the cheap.... My first choice might be the Studio Projects VTB1. My next door neighbor (we both have home studios) has one of these and I have had the opportunity to use it in many situations -all of which I was impressed! First as mic pre in this price range, I don't think you can beat it. It also functions excellently as a direct box for "warming up" keyboards, or recording bass or guitar direct. Check out the review at Mojo Pie, http://www.mojopie.com/vtb1.html and of course the Studio Projects web site, http://www.studioprojects.com/vtb1.html They are certainly cheap - $99.00 each at zZounds, http://www.zzounds.com/item--STUVTB1 Another option would be the PAiA "Tube Head" Tube Microphone Pre-amp kit. I have two channels which have been heavily modded and I like them a lot, although they might not appeal to everyone. If you choose this route, I would suggest the following: Check out, and incorporate these mods http://www.paia.com/tmpmod.htm http://www.tapeop.com/magazine/bonus/paiamicpremods.html Pull the "symmetry" trim pot off the circuit board and mount a pot on the front panel. The "Symmetry" trim pot controls the amount of odd or even harmonics (warmer <-> colder tube sound), and can do a lot in helping you shape your sound. You may need to use a case with slightly more front panel space to allow for the additional pot. Check out http://www.paia.com/tubestuf.htm BTW if you are not currently reading Tape-Op, you should be - besides it's (still) free! http://www.tapeop.com/ My 2-cents Clement
