Looking for dual-channel preamp

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musicalweather
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Re: Looking for dual-channel preamp

Post by musicalweather » Sun Feb 27, 2011 2:59 pm

Okay, now I'm looking at the Apogee Duet.... Not exactly comparable to the FMR RNP, but comparable in price. I could send the 1/4" outs to my Tascam recorder, or go with the SPDIF outs to the recorder. If I decide to replace Tascam recorder with a laptop at some future point, the Duet would work very nicely. I've been doing a little reading on the Duet's preamps, and they're getting good reviews.

Arrg... so many possibilities... Good thing I don't have the money for this now. .. It's forcing me to give real consideration to all the choices.

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Re: Looking for dual-channel preamp

Post by mojobone » Sun Feb 27, 2011 6:45 pm

Keep in mind, the Duet is FW bus powered and no S/PDIF nor optical output. The phantom power switch is software-based, too; it'll really only work with a Mac.
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musicalweather
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Re: Looking for dual-channel preamp

Post by musicalweather » Sun Feb 27, 2011 10:09 pm

mojobone wrote:Keep in mind, the Duet is FW bus powered and no S/PDIF nor optical output. The phantom power switch is software-based, too; it'll really only work with a Mac.
Oh. :( Don't know where I read that it had SPDIF outs... but I was skimming through information on the internet pretty quickly. In any case, if I were closer to making a decision, I'd definitely check it out in person at G.C. or somewhere to get into the details.

Anyway, thanks for the tip.

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Re: Looking for dual-channel preamp

Post by mazz » Mon Feb 28, 2011 10:25 am

The Apogee pro-sumer stuff (duet and one) typically require an expensive dongle. It's called a Mac. :o 8-) I don't think the Duet will run stand alone.
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Re: Looking for dual-channel preamp

Post by Dwayne Russell » Thu Mar 03, 2011 10:30 am

musicalweather wrote:Hi Folks,

Can anyone recommend a dual-channel preamp?

Here's my situation: I'm looking to use it mainly for on-location recording of classical performances and recitals. (I'm also a composer and occasionally record live instruments in my studio, but mostly I use virtual instruments.) My portable rig includes two AKG C-1000 mics, a Yamaha MG12 mixer, and a Tascam cd recorder. I transfer the files for editing and processing to my home rig, which includes Digital Performer 7. You can here some samples of my recording here:
http://charlottemcmillan.com/Audioservices.html

My portable rig isn't the greatest, but it's not bad either. I'd like to get rid of the clunky Yamaha mixer and get a nice dual-channel preamp. I realize, a good preamp may be worth way more than the mics I'm using, but I think that's okay. I"m hoping to find something good in the $400 to $600 range, but there doesn't seem to be that much out there. I'm looking for a 2-ch. preamp that provides a nice, clean, maybe even silky sound. I'm not looking for distortion. If the preamp comes with EQ, that would be good.

You recommendations? Thoughts?

Thanks! :D

THis is what you want!!!

They sacrifice the outer box to get you really good parts on the inside at a low cost which is what counts.

http://www.blacklionaudio.com/content.php?p=1

However, your clarity has more to do with your converter and clock than your pre amp. The apogee pres are a toy compared to this pre.

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Re: Looking for dual-channel preamp

Post by musicalweather » Fri Mar 04, 2011 11:36 am

Thanks, Dwayne. I've already been looking at the Black Lion pre. Here's an interesting review of both the FMR and Black Lion Audio pre:

http://ronansrecordingshow.com/2009/10/ ... fmr-audio/

Cheers.

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Re: Looking for dual-channel preamp

Post by Dwayne Russell » Fri Mar 04, 2011 12:21 pm

musicalweather wrote:Thanks, Dwayne. I've already been looking at the Black Lion pre. Here's an interesting review of both the FMR and Black Lion Audio pre:

http://ronansrecordingshow.com/2009/10/ ... fmr-audio/

Cheers.
I dont trust that guy in the video too much. I would call Black Lion. They probably have more knowledge about electronics in their little pinky than that guy has in his whole body. Have you ever talked to the guy at Black Lion? They are awesome!

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Re: Looking for dual-channel preamp

Post by musicalweather » Fri Mar 04, 2011 1:10 pm

Well, I'll certainly look at several reviews and check out the pres myself before making a decision. But I gotta disagree with you about the reviewer. He's a very respected sound engineer and has tons of experience. That doesn't mean I'll take his review as the final word on preamps. But he certainly has expert advice that's worth listening to.

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Re: Looking for dual-channel preamp

Post by Dwayne Russell » Fri Mar 04, 2011 1:59 pm

musicalweather wrote:Well, I'll certainly look at several reviews and check out the pres myself before making a decision. But I gotta disagree with you about the reviewer. He's a very respected sound engineer and has tons of experience. That doesn't mean I'll take his review as the final word on preamps. But he certainly has expert advice that's worth listening to.
Yeah, he has been around. You'll do fine.

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