Hey there,
I have been allowed $4000 for mic pres for my home studio. I am trying to get 4 pres (in pairs if possible) for a variety of sources. I have 2 Grace Designs 101's, a Digidesign 002 rack, and some options that I have in mind to compliment them are:

API A2D (2 312's with A to D converters)
Vintech 273
Earthworks 1022
Presonus ADL 600
Millenia HV3C
Rupert Neve Designs 5012

Any suggestions? Thanks!

How many max simultaneous recording channels do you need?

RU open to an 8 channel preamp under $4k?

trans

i'd definitely go with the API A2D, the converter improvement over the 002 will be welcome, and you can use it as your 'money' A/D for any other pre's you are using.

add to that a Phoenix DRS-2 and you're set, with a couple bills left over.

Forget names and hype. Go for the pre's that will suit what you do. I highly suggest going somewhere you can audition the units. Judge with your ears and not what people say.

As Fletcher says.. Your Mileage May Vary...

just my $0.02

-jzb

You may wanna check out the Sebatron pres. You can get the 4 channel unit for $2000 or the 2 Channel unit for $1300. Damn good deal on a great preamp, IMO.

The Great River MP2NV also comes to mind, I think it's like $2100.

4 x's Purple Audio Biz at $675 each = $2700
API 500-6b Rack = $425
------------------------
$3125

happy happy

only 4 preamps? I thought I'd offer some other ideas

Since you have the grace's (which I've never used but I think are clean style)
I'd look into

shadow hills gamma 8 channel preamp , with variable sounds

or for not much more you could get a cranesong spider complete with high end a-d and 8 preamps and analog suming, tape emulation etc..

or the wunder audio 4 channel pre which I think is about $2500, which leaves you with some money for something else..

or the Daking 4 channel which leaves you with even more money.

API 500 series style rack with pacificas and Buzz's

If I were set on buying two stereo pairs I'd get a great river NV and an API, two differnt classic colours (colors)

narco

and some comments o the options you suggested (YMMV):

API A2D (2 312's with A to D converters) - Yes
Vintech 273 - I'd get the great river NV instead
Earthworks 1022 - I'd get the buzz audio 2.2 instead
Presonus ADL 600 - maybe, haven't heard it, sebatron is an good valve option
Millenia HV3C - haven't tried it
Rupert Neve Designs 5012 - Yes, although the (similar) great river NV has DI ins and impedance control


narco

how about API A2D

or A Designs Pacificas?

I think the Spider is closer to $7k or so actually. Wish it was $4k.

you can get it for quit a bit less than that if you hunt around, under 6 anyway. For 8 preamps and converters etc its not much more to pay over 4 preamps..

narco

Ryan, those pres you listed are all over the board. What kind of music are you mostly recording, and what kind of sound are you wanting? How have you liked the 101's?

Also, I'd highly recommend you include some better AD converters in your budget.

Get 4 channels of A Designs Pacifica, then you have all your bases covered and another $600 for other Toys.

Recommend Focusrite 428 with digi 8 ch. (ADAT LightPipe) expansion. You get 4 great all round pres end room for conversion of 4 channels more. Very convenient as front end. Than you have great converter for your Grace 101 & room for a Portico 5012