Need Mic Pre advice

[Larsen]

I'm looking for a mic pre, and am pretty clueless. I can only afford to spend about 400.00. I have heard good things about the RNP, any other suggestions?

I have been looking on ebay, but there are so many to choose from, I'm a little lost. I am also seeing things built with API, and Neve "technology". Is this a scam boasting that these hybrid mic pre's are somehow similar? Or are they good?

Thanks,
j

[@?,*???&?]

Check out the new Summit gear or consider something by Speck.

[Larsen]

Thanks!

I'll check them out....

j

[EasyGo]

I recently picked up an RNP, and it has noticeably improved my signal chain. $475 was a big gulp for my amateur ass, but it makes ALL of my mics sound better.

Don

[Piotr]

I really liked the HHB Radius series for that price range. They're kind of unforgiving though. A friend really likes Joe Meek! Personally, I think the best deal under four hundred bucks is the Mackie 1202 VLZ mixer...

[Al]

I really love my Focusrite Trakmaster, Mic & instrument pre,optical comp and e.q.,this is a great sounding pre and only 200 g.b.p.,dont know how that works out in dollars?,but well worth the money!!.

[OneZero]

I'll second what DJ easy said.

The FMR RNPwas the greatest improvement to my signal chain I've made yet.

$475.00 is chump change for this kind of quality. Not to mention its 2 channels.

[tmix]

I have the RNP and love it.
I have also heard many tracks cut with the M-Audio DMP-3 and was really impressed with the quiet clarity. It doesn't have as much headroom as the RNP but sounds better than my mackie pres. I have heard recently of Guitar Center making deals on them for as little as $120 .
Its worth getting one or 2 unless you are micing a loud drum kit.

You might check out the VTB-1 as well although it is a single channel.

[jajjguy]

If the RNP or Sytek (the consensus best-value choices at around $250/channel) are too costly for you, i can recommend Symetrix' 2-channel pre. Is it called the 202 maybe? Clean style, a big step up from built-in pres on whatever recorder you're using, and I think they're more like $200 or less for the two channels. Mackie 1202 is also good value, but only if you need the mixer stuff too, if you just need the pres then go for the Symetrix or better.