I would say that getting a separate channel strip to connect to your current interface instead of a new interface (if yours still works fine) would yield better mic quality then getting a new interface
Edit: also what mic are you using?
I’m actually using an AKG C7
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Nice! I like akg mics, currently I’m using a C414 EB. Something like that dbx channel strip would be helpful then, because alongside the better preamp, it has a compressor, de-esser, gate/expander, and sort of an eq function that allows you to increase/decrease highs and lows. This can help you correct some issues with room noise, vocal clarity, and reduce harsh vocals without using plugins in a daw
Edit: you would connect it to the Scarlett using line mode to bypass the preamps of the interface
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dbx 286s Microphone Preamp & Channel Strip Processor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LWH79A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fCjsDbRRYEG3P
As per M0N’s recommendation. Would be a solid upgrade to the signal chain with some tinkering.
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It’s both a blessing and a curse to have control like this. You find a great setting and then have the urge to improve it more and end up messing with the settings for hours. I have an Avalon vt-737sp channel strip and must have spent days dialing it in to get it perfect to my voice.
Hey got a question for you. I’m looking at the following setup:
- Mic: AKG C4
- Preamp: Not sure
- Compressor: DBX 266xs
- Interface: Scarlett 2i2
Do you have any preamp recommendations for a preamp? It would be cool if it was under $250 and fit on a rack. I was looking at a PreSonus TubePre V2 but I’m still reading reviews and whatnot. Plus everything else in my chain would have 2 channels and the PreSonus only has 1.
I really like the sound of art pre’s in the lower end. Perhaps look at the ART TPS II (2 channel), I know someone who has one and he likes it alot. If you wanted to push your budget a little more, the ART Pro MPA-II is an excellent 2 channel tube pre, that can be tube rolled and sounds excellent. TBH I really am not a fan of the presonus gear, just don’t like the way it sounds
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I appreciate the quick response! I saw that but I think I forgot about it in the sea of different stuff.
Also, if you do want some presonus gear, the BlueTube DP v2 is going to be better then the tubepre v2. I should clarify that I just don’t like their preamps. Their other products like their mixers or interfaces are good imo.
Oh I’m not picky, other than the dbx 266xs. I’ve heard great things about that compressor. Everything else is flexible.
Also, if you don’t mind buying used, you can get a really good deal on a pro mpa ii
This is seriously a great true tube preamp
Edit: Here is a bstock link
Edit 2: On ebay https://www.ebay.com/itm/ART-Pro-MPA-II-ART-Direct-B-Stock/303216374897?hash=item46991ab471:g:DNYAAOSw8D1avCVV
I do not mind used at all but I have no idea where to look. Is Reverb.com one of the better places for this?
Reverb generally is a pretty good way to find used stuff, as with any site, you just have to make sure its in good condition and not beat up. Buying b stock items generally come with a warranty, so its a safer bet. Ebay is also fine as well. Both are well known sites (especially ebay), so I don’t think its something to worry about. I’ve used both of these sites before and have had no issues
Also I’m assuming you are planning on either buying another mic or using an instrument for your two channel setup (or just to expand in the future)
Yeah I have a piano that I’ll be using for the other channel
Or another mic that I have if I decide to join the plethora of millennials starting podcasts.
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C’mon podcasts are fun
I love listening to them, and I would love to be a part of one. I’m just not the best at the content.
Do rack mounted things lay flat on top of each other if I don’t have a rack yet?
You can do that, but overtime you might have heat issues and scuff the cases. It should be fine temporarily if you aren’t blocking vents on the cases