2-channel preamp and outboard compressor suggestions

[dtguitar04]

Hey all,

I'll post in two parts.

Part 1:
We are looking at getting a 2 channel "money" preamp for our school's Protools system. Our current preamp offerings are pretty basic, including a Presonus M80, an Onyx 800R, and two Digimax LT's. I have several suggestions in mind, including the Great River, a Vintech 1272, or perhaps going the API 500 series route. We do mostly ensemble recordings in a concert hall, so I'm thinking a more neutral, uncolored pre would work best (so perhaps not the Vintech).

Part 2:
We also want to get a good outboard compressor, preferably stereo. Again, mostly for lightly compressing ensemble recordings. Maybe an 1176, or the like. I also looked at Distressors, but those may be too aggressive for our needs.

All input would be appreciated, and thanks!

[snatchman]

Humm.. for part (1)... Maybe a GML 2-channel pre

for part (2)...... Jim William's modded Aphex 661 (x2)

[RoyMatthews]

What about the Neve Portico line for both 1 and 2?

[Sean Sullivan]

Portico...mmm...tasty.

[cgarges]

Classical stuff? Yeah, GMLs. It'll be funny to watch the students try to figure out the compressor, but it'd be an ideal tool for the job, if used correctly.

I can also speak volumes about how cool the Buzz Audio preamps are for this kind of thing. I imagine that the compressors are equally cool, although I haven't used them.

An 1176 would be almost the last thing I'd want in the hands of a student recording classical music or anything where the engineering is supposed to be fairly "neutral."

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[channelcat]

Maybe a 2-channel Hardy M-1 and a Manley ELOP.

Stu

[dtguitar04]

Thanks for your responses. I just mentioned the 1176 because that seems to be pretty standard among racks.

That GML compressor looks really cool, but I'm fairly positive that will be completely out of our budget. We may end up having to get just a preamp this year, and perhaps the compressor in the future.

Keep the ideas flowin.

[Mane1234]

Maybe a Focusrite Red stereo compressor or even their stereo preamp for that matter. Those things are pretty clear but I don't know what your budget is. What about a Grace stereo preamp. I've never heard one but they get a lot a praise here on the board.