Please help me with preamp selection!

[jmoore]

I'm looking to buy a preamp that will primarily be used to record my own acoustic guitar and vocals. My guitar playing ranges from finger picking to heavy strumming, and my voice is pretty much generic rock with a bit of raspiness. The mics that I have at my disposal are an AKG C414B/ULS and a Røde NT1A. The output of my preamp will be going into the line in on my MOTU 828 (1st Gen.), and then into Digital Performer.

So...based on my brief description, which SCA preamp would you guys/gals recommend for me? Would your recommendation change at all if I added that I'd love to have a preamp that would also sound good recording bass, electric guitar and female vocals?

As far as assembly goes, I'm a total novice, but one of my friends repairs audio gear for a living (Midas, DigiCo, etc...), and has volunteered to hold my hand through the whole process.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

-jordan

[jmoore]

Please

[runamuck]

I am building a couple of J99 pres right now. The reason I started with them is that in the past I have used a Hardy twin servo pre (upon which the J99 is based) and thought it was the best thing I have heard for finger-picked guitar. So I feel confident in recommending the J99 for that.

I really think that vocals, el. guitar, etc. would also sound great through that pre as long as the right mic is used. I have to admit, though, that this is conjecture and that probably most folks would recommend the N72.


Good luck,

Jim

[tele_player]

It's probably more accurate to say that both the J99 and the Harrdy Twin Servo are based on the same Jensen design.
Great preamp.

[jmoore]

It's probably more accurate to say that both the J99 and the Harrdy Twin Servo are based on the same Jensen design.
Great preamp.

So...would the J99 be your recommendation based upon my needs?

-jordan

[agauchede]

i just finished building a pair of A12's and a pair of N72's. Both are awesome, but the N72 on acoustic guitar is - oh my god - the sound of acoustic guitar. . . that elusive sound I've been seeking so long.

good luck!
Chris

[jmoore]

i just finished building a pair of A12's and a pair of N72's. Both are awesome, but the N72 on acoustic guitar is - oh my god - the sound of acoustic guitar. . . that elusive sound I've been seeking so long.

good luck!
Chris

Thank you Chris, that helps a lot. There has been little question in my mind as to whether or not the N72 would sound great on vocals, but I was concerned that it might color an acoustic guitar too much. Good to hear that you've been happy with yours. Out of curiousity, have you tried the A12 on acoustic or vocals? Results?

-jordan

[agauchede]

I did a quick test of the A12 on acoustic guitar and vocals - a QUICK test - so this is by no means gospel, (never is, anyway!) The sound on vocals was a little pinched and mid forward - but with a nice top end. the bottom has nice thick "woolly" sound - It will be great for electric guitars, I'm sure, piano (?), and maybe the "right" voice. (All of the tests were done with a AKG C414B-ULS). It sounded good on acoustic - but I wasn't overwhelmed - until I tried the N72 and said, "aHa!!" (not the band).

It's really hard to judge mics or pres by themselves. It's not until you start mixing things together that their characteristics truly come to light. I'm sure my next drum recording will see N72's on kick and snare, and A12's overheads.

Have fun!
chris

[Category 5]

The A12 and N72 are instant favorites I must say, but for an all around preamp I would have to advise that the J99 is the better all around module (I have not yet heard the C84 though).

I the glory of the N72 you might think the J99 would never even get tried for vox. that was the case here at my place until I decided to change things up a bit. Turns out the J99 is just as good, and sometimes better! It has always been my favorite for acoustic instruments. It seems to reach in and pull out even more detail no matter what mic is used.

In fact, while there are times the A12 and N72 are good but not quite perfect, I don't think I have ever heard the J99 sound less than so on ANY source I have tried.

If I could only have one preamp, I would certainly make it a J99.

[jmoore]

If I could only have one preamp, I would certainly make it a J99.

Alright, well that seems to be the concensus opinion that I've found on this forum and on Unicornation. I suppose that none of these preamps will dissappoint after dealing with the preamps on my MOTU 828 and Mackie for the last couple of years. And I love the fact that I can always just add another down the road for an unbelievably fair price.

Thanks to all who chimed in to help me out!

-jordan