preamps warmer than a Grace?

[logancircle]

I need something a little more liquid. I got a Grace 101 a while back to record strings (very good choice), and now that the string sections are done I want to switch up. I actually prefer my MBox pres to the Grace for vocals, but not for guitars and amps and stuff. Any ideas for nice 1 or 2-channel pres that are not so dry and removed? Thx.

cd in DC

[Dot]

I'd suggest looking at

http://www.sebatron.com vmp series mic pres
http://www.adesignsaudio.com MP mic pres
http://www.brentaverill.com BAE 312 mic pre

[auralman]

Seventh Circle N72. It's like the equator, man. Plus you get to build it. FUN!

[@?,*???&?]

Drawmer 1960 or Universal 610 for me.

[logancircle]

I should've specified in the same price range as the Grace 101 (~$550). Something I could maybe trade for the Grace even. Thx

[Jaws of Hell]

I haven't heard this, but Summit Audio makes a tube pre in that price range called the 2BA-221. That would definitely have more warmth and character. Sound on Sound gave it a good review, but they give everything a good review.

Really, i'd save up some more and buy a nice 2 channel unit or start an API style lunchbox. Unfortunately $500-$1000 is kind of no mans land for preamps....

[sonikbliss]

I second the N72. $600 for one channel (preamp card, power supply & 8 channel chassis) and $300 for each additional channel you add to the same chassis. Not to mention it sounds awesome.

[Jaws of Hell]

do they sell those premade? i can't solder to save my life and have no desire to make (more likely break) a preamp.

[Wild Bill]

I would be open to building N72 kits that anyone can't handle.
25 years as a imaging electronics tech (now retired). I'm going to be building a few for my studio and have all the tools and test gear needed.

Let me know.

Bill~~~

[Quest Poetics]

I once owned a Peavey VMP 2 channel tube mic pre...You can get them for approx. $600 on ebay...I really really really regret ever getting rid of that damn thing...If you can find one, they're warm as hell...Peace

[wallace]

After using the A-Designs MP2 tube pre and the UA 2-610, I'd say the A-Designs is more open and much warmer. The UA is dark in my opinion, though the EQ is good for dialing in a sound... it's great for a fat bass DI.