Reddit mentions of Studio Projects VTB1 Microphone Preamp

This is a very subjective question, obviously. But in general I have discovered pre-amps can make a world of difference, all other factors taken into consideration. I have made good recordings using nothing but SM57/58s plugged straight into a Fostex VF160 DAW and have made horrible recordings using $3000 mics run through $5000 preamps into a Neve console onto tape. As always, it depends on all the usual suspects- room, mics, the talent (the players and their gear), your capture device, etc.

To try and answer your question, I have found that pre-amps sound pretty much the same (more or less) in their respective price ranges until you get into the $3K+ range.

I have been recording for many years and with the introduction of computer interfaces, I found that pre-amps most definitely help warm up the sound. At least with the older interfaces, some of the new ones are almost there regarding getting a decent, true sound.

Not to mention gain-staging; pre-amps are invaluable in getting the signal level right where you want it before even going into an input source on an interface, DAW, console, etc.

This was posted here a few days ago and while it certainly would be an amazing piece of gear to own, it is not going to automatically make your recordings sound magical.

I would look at getting something cheap(er) but not too cheap to experiment with and learn what they can do for your sound. For $150 you can get a VTB-1. They aren't the greatest pre out there, but probably the nicest sounding for under $300 in my opinion, and I've tried all the cheap stuff. If you are handy with a soldering iron, there are instructions on how to mod them for $50 and I've heard a few different modded ones that sound as good as $500 preamps.

But yeah, if you start talking spending $1,000+ on a pre-amp, you will most definitely notice how your mics wake up.

As always, you get what you pay for. It's like the old racing montage- "How fast can I go?" "Well, how much money do you have?"

That being said, I am currently saving up for this.

Dude....six bucks on Amazon: Hosa Cable CMP105 1/8 Inch TRS to 1/4 Inch TS Cable - 5 Foot https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000068O3F/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_z-Yevb0AE1WHG

I run my iPad directly into my 2i4 and it is great! However....this is a very sterile, digital approach (fine for quick demos)....now, to warm up the track, I run into a Studio Projects VTB1 - low plate voltage tube preamp: Studio Projects VTB1 Microphone Preamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002E3NQC/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_rbZevb0WZPQSP

Drop a decent tube in, and all the sudden your guitar leaves the fizzy digital realm...

That Pre isn't bad for mics, either - just remember to run a 1/4" cable, not a mic cable in between.

Well if you have a budget of $500 or less you have a whooooooole lot better options for recording. I would suggest getting a small preamp/mixer and finding an XLR microphone to do the job. From the mixer you can lead the output to your computer to record. USB mics have a preamp built in that you cannot modify, so for that alone you are already limiting yourself. You would ideally want to find a great preamp and a route to get it to your PC you can get one helluva recording. Passive mics may be a good idea with classical guitar, as long as you use a filter in front, as you'll be able to hear every little tap your fingers make onto the strings.

Basically, get an XLR microphone, preamp/mixer combo or separate items, a couple cords, and you're good to go for under $500.

Here's a few so you get the idea. You only need a single or dual if you're recording vocals too. No need to get overwhelmed with a whole racking system.

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