Multiple Instruments Preamp > Luna II I/O Box

losangeleskat · Post by **losangeleskat** » Wed Mar 13, 2002 5:49 pm

Hello,

I would like to figure out how to get some preamping on 4 (8 preferred) channels. When I look at mixers, they all seem to combine the channels or at most give you two aux outputs. Any advice on a cheap way to get some preamping and provide XLR + 1/4" balanced/unbalanced inputs which can then feed seperate RCA unbalanced inputs on the Luna I/O box?

Thanks!
-markg

eliam · Post by **eliam** » Wed Mar 13, 2002 8:43 pm

Many mixers have independant outputs, but they are generally designed for multitrack studio purposes. I'm sure you can find a decent mixer for a reasonable price. Of course, if you buy only preamps, the quality will be much better for the price than those integrated in a mixer. only you can determine the set-up that will suit your needs...

krizrox · Post by **krizrox** » Thu Mar 14, 2002 5:38 am

The cheapest way I can think of is to go to Ebay, bid/buy 4 ART Tube MP preamps. These little darlings can be had for around $70-80 each.

If you're looking for an integrated solution (maybe a rackmount unit or something like that), why not just get a low end Mackie mixer? Again, these can be had for peanuts on Ebay.

subhuman · Post by **subhuman** » Thu Mar 14, 2002 8:41 am

And the VLZ mackies have better pres than a non VLZ mackie, right?

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: subhuman on 2002-03-14 08:41 ]</font>

losangeleskat · Post by **losangeleskat** » Fri Mar 15, 2002 12:42 pm

Awesome. Regarding the mixers, I'm afraid they simply don't have enough outputs. I want to keep all of my channels seperate so I can do final mixing/cleanup in the computer.

I did see an 8 Channel XLR or 1/4" in/out TUBE preprocessor, but it never clearly said it provided Preamping, only a 'warmth' control to adjust the amount of tube warmth added.

You would think more mixers would just give you a one to one input to output option. That or someone would make a simple 8 channel preamp. Who wants to try to master an 8 instrument mix in real time using clumbsy faders and fighting with room dynamics? Why be forced to combine tracks onto a few aux busses > aux outs and loose the ability to modify those tracks afterwards?

I want to record 8 seperate tracks into the computer (in real time), have some degree of preamping/level control, and use Multi-tracking software to master it all afterwards. Why creamware didn't stick some preamps on the Luna I/O box is beyond me.

Any ideas for simple (single unit) preamping solution, considering I already have the 8 channel I/O Box?

Thnx for the advice folks,
-mg

subhuman · Post by **subhuman** » Fri Mar 15, 2002 1:10 pm

I think there are mixers with independant outputs for all channels, perhaps someone else can provide a few examples? I know mackie makes one like this.

Also PreSonus I believe makes a rackmount w/ 8 preamps..

Böltz · Post by **Böltz** » Fri Mar 15, 2002 1:40 pm

Tascam MA-8 is a 1U 8-channel preamp with balanced XLR´s.($450).Haven´t tried this one though. It seems really basic - in a good sense, and is only 1U instead of a ´big´ mixer.

<A HREF="http://www.tascam.com/products/accessor ... x.php"></A>

Böltz · Post by **Böltz** » Fri Mar 15, 2002 2:21 pm

This link should´ve been on the former post! Sorry I´m new to using HTML on forums! I´m learning everyday?!

http://www.tascam.com/products/accessor ... /index.php

Post by **garyb** » Fri Mar 15, 2002 7:48 pm

if you've got room,a 15-20 year old recording mixer from a real studio(ala my soundcraft 1600) will give you world-class mic pres and maybe even a nice tt sidecar.the good news is that those kind of boards are hard to GIVE away these days.(a byproduct of mackie propaganda that begins thusly "i work on ssl's all day long and my mackie 8-buss sounds better than any ssl",yeah right!)several nice boards have sold at my store for $1500 working including an audioarts wheatstone w/tt AND cabling and a very high end ($20,000 20 years ago) tascam 16 bus board w/ sidecar.the downside of course,is size.like the micpre's,ebay is a good place to start.

krizrox · Post by **krizrox** » Sat Mar 16, 2002 6:22 am

I still say you can get this from a Mackie mixer. Most, if not all, of their mixers have direct outs on each channel. I am using the 1604 VLZ Pro model and not only does it have 8 dedicated recording outs (balanced or unbalanced) it also has 16 individual direct outs on each channel (balanced or unbalanced). Mackie is great about making sure you can run bal/unbal from all their mixers. I just don't think it gets much better than this for a low end cost effective solution. Others may disagree and everyone has their favorite. But Mackie quality (both sound and construction) is hard to beat. Plus their user manuals are actually fun to read

Talking about the ART's again, I think you're better off spending a few extra bux to get a Mackie and all the extra flexible control it offers. The ART's are preamps - with the added benefit of a tube circuit to warm up the audio signal. But by the time you get done buying 4 of these (even on Ebay) you could afford to buy a mid-level Mackie and get all the added features.