new version of "do I need a budget mic pre?" (I pr

[jsw]

Hi all - I'm a new member, but have been reading this forum a while - thanks to all, it's great stuff.

Ok, so I have a new version of an old question: I've got a computer setup based around an old (NOT 96) Yamaha o1v running into a delta 1010. My o1v has a tdif card, which I don't have an interface for, so I run analog and spdif out into the 1010. I record all sorts of stuff, from keys to vox, and am looking to improve (and diversify) my sound; I have no outboard mic pres, and not a lot of money for one, BUT: I'm concerned about the a/d & d/a on the o1v - I run everything into it, out of it, and then into the computer through the 1010's converters, thus doing two unnecessary conversions...I think I could improve sound quality a lot by skipping the o1v, even w/ a cheaper mic pre like the vtb-1.

I've read all the other stuff on these, and I'm not sold on cheap pre's (I was going to save up for something fancy), but it seems like my conversion issue is a new wrinkle.

And I've just found a used focusrite penta for cheap locally...So, is it worth a cheaper pre to skip the o1v's old 20 bit converters, when I could be buying microphones?

[1620drum]

I'd save for a high end mic pre. The cheap are a waste of money, because you will always want to upgrade. If your just doing vocals guitar etc., You might want to look into a Great River or Phoenix single channel for around $1100.00. they're expensive, but worth it. With this set up, you can overdub several different tracks with 1 mic pre.
I'd rather have a high end mic pre with a Shure SM 58. Than a cheap mic pre with an AKG 414.
hope this helps.

[jsw]

Thanks for the input. But I'm really wondering whether it's worth getting a budget pre to skip the extra converting I'm doing in my digital mixer...

[redheadbass]

How many simultaneous mics do you record?

The 1010 has 2 pre's in it. Do you need a mixer at all?

[jsw]

Hi Marty - Usually, I use no more than two mics at a time; I might even be happy with one nice, versatile single channel pre for most things, so I can use the o1v for more channels when needed. But I'd rather have a 2-channel...
I have the original 1010, not the 'lt' or whatever - mine is 8 in, 8 out TRS, with spdif i/o. No preamps.
thanks.