Current mics:
I only have a Rode NTK for vocals & acoustic instruments and a Beta 57 for electric guitar. I will be expanding in the near future most likely to a 414 comparable condenser.
Musical Style:
I record folk and rock; vocals tending to be low to medium aggression level (and rough; but not by choice
). I play a Strat through a punchy Ampeg 12" combo (won't be recording MESA stacks).
Kit Difficulty:
Not an issue.
Decisions Already Made
I have my mind made up on the D11 for tracking bass and the N72 to cover the standard Neve fetish.
The Choice:
I want to pick up two of the following three pre-amps C84, J99 and A12. I'm looking for both flexibility and character. I was leaning towards the C84 for flexibility and the J99 for character but all the praise about the A12 makes me think it would be better in the long run.
I am thinking long term by the way. Eventually this small bedroom project will be a full basement project capable of recording an entire band. With that in mind I'm almost inclined to fill the chassis now but the little bit of common sense I have paired with the fact that I only have an NTK and a Beta 57 is narrowing my choice down to the three mic pres.
Thanks.