Art Tubempstv3 Mic Preamp With Apogee Duet for Vocals
$500 Microphone preamp vs Apogee Duet 2 Preamp
Hullo friends,
I accept a few questions:
I am not sure how the Apogee Duet ii microphone preamps match upwards to dedicated microphone preamps. Are at that place whatever preamps that are $500 or less (such every bit the Warm Audio WA12) that are much better than the Apogee Duet 2 preamps? I am wondering if information technology would fifty-fifty exist worth information technology to buy ane or if I should just stick to the Apogee Duet 2 and upgrade my microphone. I am currently running an AT4040 into the Apogee Duet 2. I have sound treated the recording surface area so that is not an effect. Should I spend $500 and become a defended microphone preamp? or should I stick with the Apogee Duet ii preamps and upgrade the microphone to a TLM102 AT 4050 or AKG C214? (experience gratuitous to suggest other microphones or preamps not listed here)
Thanks in accelerate
I guess I should mention that I do not plan to use the preamp for anything other than vocals.
Gear Guru
Seems to me that even if you get a TLM102 or C214, your Duet preamps will nonetheless be at to the lowest degree as good as the mic.
Gear Addict
I haven't used many "$500 pres" but I have used many expensive mic amps - some much more expensive than $500 and in my experience the Apogee Duet ii pres sound crawly - they're more often than not clean but definitely push button the top end in a existent nice style. Relieve your $$$ for instruments and mics 
Duet preamps will not impairment your great recordings.
Gear Maniac
Hey there.
I have used a Duet, Duet two, and a Quartet. Big fan of Apogee and even had a Mini Me back in the day. Bang for the buck some good conversion and two good transparent pres to kick.
Retrieve about your goals, and what gear you would like to have down the road to meet your goals.
I vote a for a new mic.
Lives for gear
Having used both I can say that the Apogee is a past dainty clean sounding pre amp not going to colour the signal and deliver. I have used the Warm extensively as well. It volition requite you a more than colored sound after all it'southward basically a clone of a vi rage API 312 with some tweaks to requite it a little more color and push. Information technology all depends on what you are trying to record. I would use the Apogees for clean pristine sounding stuff. I would use the Warm if I was going for a vibe.
Lives for gear
...the duet pres and a/d are good.
Lives for gear
I'm also a Duet 2 user, and I hold that the stock pres are skillful. If y'all notice yourself wanting a sure color or flavor, then information technology would make sense to get an outboard pre. The WA12 is modeled after the API 312, which has a singled-out character. The 4040 is also a pretty decent mic. A TLM102 would not necessarily be an upgrade, and a 4050 just makes sense if you need the omni and fig-8 patterns. Otherwise, the 4040 is almost identical to the 4050 in cardioid.
Lives for gear
I spent a few hours one twenty-four hours going through my pre's and mics mixing and matching. I take a Bulge, Not bad River, Neve, Sonic Farm, Tonebeast as well as several mid priced mics. Pearlman TM-1, Miktek CV-4, Lauten Atlantis likewise every bit a few ribbons and dynamics. The departure in sound when using different pre'south was not nearly every bit dramatic equally the departure made using the unlike microphones. I call up your money is better spent on amend mics than putting any coin into pres at this point.
Fifty.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lenzo ➡️
I spent a few hours one day going through my pre's and mics mixing and matching. I accept a Burl, Great River, Neve, Sonic Farm, Tonebeast as well as several mid priced mics. Pearlman TM-1, Miktek CV-four, Lauten Atlantis equally well as a few ribbons and dynamics. The difference in sound when using different pre's was not nearly equally dramatic equally the difference fabricated using the different microphones. I call up your money is better spent on better mics than putting whatsoever coin into pres at this point.
L.
Yeah, people love to talk pres around hither (I'm as guilty equally the next guy), but it's similar the sprinkles on the icing on the cake.
I will say though that in that location is no other way to get sure sprinkles than to accept a certain preamp that does a certain matter.
Lives for gear
I agree with what the other said.. a better mic that SUITS your vocals and/or product goals and having a great sounding recording space might be a better investment.
(Violet Design makes some good ones, Beesneez, Neumann, Josephson, Flea, Milab, Shoeps)
That said when you want to tape vocals every small step in the right direction helps to get a finished tone.
IF you want to buy a preamp I'd spend a piffling bit more only become something that you tin can't top with another piece if gear (eventually simply become a different "colour/vibe").
Avedis MA5 or MD7 with a lunchbox will exist slightly more than your 500$ preamp, merely it'due south not possible to get something better than that. Plus if y'all plan to resell these you'll get most your money back, quality stuff holds value better than the mass marketed stuff.
If you want another choice the v672 racked past vintagetools are also great preamps for a reasonable cost and sounds different from the clean preamps of the duet.
I hope this helps,
Cheu
Gear Guru
Quote:
Originally Posted past bmoskaton ➡️
Should I spend $500 and get a dedicated microphone preamp? or should I stick with the Apogee Duet 2 preamps and upgrade the microphone
Your coin volition be better spent on microphones. The Duet pre'southward are make clean, placidity, and detailed.
Awesome guys cheers. I am very impressed with the Duet pre's, I just did not know how they stood up against dedicated pres in a reasonable toll range. I am elated to hear that the Duet pre's are up to or better quality than standalone pre'south in the $500 range.
I am also glad to hear that the 4050 does not produce noticeably ameliorate quality than the 4040 when recording vocals (or perchance that was simply your one opinion.)
So you lot all exercise not remember it would be worth it to drop $1k on a TLM 103? I know with good tracking and engineering skills yous can brand very skilful quality recordings with the AT4040 through the Duet. I guess I just want to know if in that location will be an obvious upgrade in the quality of the vocal recordings if I go from an AT4040 to a TLM 103. If not, I volition simply save my money and work on improving my engineering skills.
Thanks for all of the help guys
Gear Guru
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmoskaton ➡️
... I just want to know if at that place will be an obvious upgrade in the quality of the vocal recordings if I go from an AT4040 to a TLM 103.
In the interest of diplomacy, all I'd advise is that if you want to go that route, hang onto the 4040, shop around for a practiced price on a used 103 and meet for yourself.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmoskaton ➡️
How-do-you-do friends,
I accept a few questions:
I am not sure how the Apogee Duet two microphone preamps lucifer up to dedicated microphone preamps. Are in that location any preamps that are $500 or less (such as the Warm Audio WA12) that are much better than the Apogee Duet 2 preamps? I am wondering if information technology would even exist worth information technology to purchase one or if I should just stick to the Apogee Duet 2 and upgrade my microphone. I am currently running an AT4040 into the Apogee Duet ii. I accept sound treated the recording expanse so that is not an effect. Should I spend $500 and get a dedicated microphone preamp? or should I stick with the Apogee Duet 2 preamps and upgrade the microphone to a TLM102 AT 4050 or AKG C214? (feel complimentary to suggest other microphones or preamps not listed hither)
Cheers in advance
I had a guy bring in vocal tracks from home recently, recorded on a TLM102 into an Apogee Duet ii. They sounded terrific, and now the tlm102 is on my "want" list.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmoskaton ➡️
Then you all practice not think it would be worth it to driblet $1k on a TLM 103? I know with good tracking and technology skills you lot can make very good quality recordings with the AT4040 through the Duet. I gauge I just desire to know if in that location will be an obvious upgrade in the quality of the vocal recordings if I go from an AT4040 to a TLM 103. If not, I volition just save my money and work on improving my engineering skills.
Thanks for all of the help guys
There are lots of good song mics for the price of the TLM 103. The one I use is the Mojave MA 301 FET and it really lights my burn down on vox, male and female person.
The duets pres are cracking, like most interface pres these days. The WARM volition requite you a thicker, transformer sound which can really aid take the edge off of the "digital" sound. I similar my WARMs better than any interface preamp I've used, only that is a thing of taste, non specs.
I volition say that switching preamps has a real effect, only is hardly the first place to look in improving your sound. Instrument, room and mic usually will have a much greater effect. If yous are happy due west/ your instrument(due south) then come across about the room. It is non a great expense or bother to get a room sounding decent and even (a bully room is a different beast altogether). Which leaves your mic(s) every bit the side by side step. If you are OK with them, a transformer preamp is actually the whipped cream of a hot fudge Sunday. Yous can bulldoze it into unlike stages of saturation which can separate your sounds in the mix, giving each of them each a different sheen. Information technology is subtle merely existent and a hell of a lot of fun.
Quote:
Originally Posted past jakeblues ➡️
There are lots of adept vocal mics for the price of the TLM 103. The one I use is the Mojave MA 301 FET and it actually lights my burn on vocalism, male and female person.
I think the TLM102 sounds better than the TLM103. I wouldn't spend the extra money on a tlm103, only judging by vocals recorded on a tlm102 I would say it'due south worth the coin.
Are you speaking on the WA12 or the TB12? Are the preamps on these ii the same?
In my instance (only using the preamp to record vocals) practice you lot think I would be missing out on important benefits if I chose the WA12 over the TB12?
I am now because the TLM102/103 and the Mojave Every bit WELL Every bit getting a Warm Sound WA12 preamp for it.
Thoughts?
Lives for gear
I guess I'm writing with invisible ink 
Cheu
I am non sure if I would splurge and get a TLM 103 and a dedicated mic pre only it is non out of the question...
I am wondering if a TLM 102 into a WA12 would exist a better upgrade than simply buying a TLM 103.
Does anyone know if in that location is a massive difference between a TLM 102 ---> WA12 and a TLM 103 ---> WA12?
If there is non a huge divergence, I recollect it would conspicuously brand more sense to become a 102 and put it through the WA12 instead of spending the actress coin.
Cheu,
I read your mail service, if I were to buy a pre I would go for one that added some colour so that I could get a unlike audio which is why I am reaching for a WA12.
I'thousand non that familiar w/ the TMs but about people prefer the 102 and at that place are complaints that the 103 is as well peaky. If you could you should effort to hear which sounds better on your vocalism. But i of the things nearly transformers anywhere in the line is information technology can help circular out (equally opposed to roll off) the highs, which is why they work well, in my opinion, with digital formats. A Warm, etc. should work better w/ a mic w/ lots of high terminate. Of course, this departure is effectually the edges of the sound.
The WA12 and TB are the same but the TB has actress choices in transformers and amps. And in and out knobs, so it is capable of a lot of unlike textures and distortion. It is overkill for most purposes, only if y'all tin can find a deal for not much more than a WA12 it is worth it for those extra features.
I'one thousand testing a Warm WA-2a correct now which is driven by a WA12 and I'm substituting that for a Portico Two without any qualms. And the WA12 works fine with every mic I have - I'm sure it would sound great w/ the 102.
Lives for gear
I had a WA12, which prompted me to buy a Tonebeast. Soundwise, they are in the same ballpark. As mentioned, there are more options with the tonebeast. I also had a 103. Didn't like it on most everything I tried it on, but it has smashing detail. I haven't had a 102, and then I can't speak to it, only given information technology's reviews here, you could probably become a 102 and WA12 for merely a petty more than a 103 and be pretty happy with the combo. I think the Warm stuff is a great value. I also similar buying this stuff used and if I don't really like a mic, and get it at a skillful used toll I tin usually get my coin back and try something else.
L.
Lives for gear
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmoskaton ➡️
Cheu,
I read your postal service, if I were to buy a pre I would go for 1 that added some color then that I could get a different sound which is why I am reaching for a WA12.
make sense and indeed the MA5, MD7 and specially the v672 are coloured preamps ime.
And imho on another planet compared to the ones yous want to get, while not being much more expensive.
I hope this helps,
Cheu
Gear Addict
Quote:
Originally Posted by cheu78 ➡️
make sense and indeed the MA5, MD7 and peculiarly the v672 are coloured preamps ime.
And imho on some other planet compared to the ones you want to get, while not being much more expensive.
I hope this helps
This is how well-intended questions begin downwards the rabbit hole of preamp confusion. More choices do not assist. Specially ones that were not asked for and are double the op's budget. I know you are on a mission to mention the ma5 in every single thread on GS and yous've basically succeeded but to the op: the Duet preamps are bully.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dpro ➡️
I would apply the Apogees for make clean pristine sounding stuff. I would use the Warm if I was going for a vibe.
Make no mistake: You lot do not demand a "Warm Audio" or "Avedis" preamp to get vibe. Vibe comes from the vocal, arrangement, tone of the player and the functioning. The preamp fence is a game of subjective inches and ain't gonna set the vibe. Don't walk for miles in a game of inches. Now mics on the other hand... 
Concluding edited past musicalnyc; 20th March 2016 at 10:16 PM..
Lives for gear
Quote:
Originally Posted by musicalnyc ➡️
2 points: First, this is how well-intended questions begin down the rabbit hole of preamp confusion. More choices do not aid. Especially ones that were not asked for and are double the op'south budget. I know you are on a mission to mention the ma5 in every unmarried thread on GS and you've basically succeeded simply to the op: the Duet preamps are great. Secondly, make no error: You practice not demand a "Warm Sound" or "Avedis" preamp to get vibe. Vibe comes from the song, arrangement, tone of the player and the performance. The preamp debate is a game of subjective inches and own't gonna set the vibe. Don't walk for miles in a game of inches. Now mics on the other paw...
I used the discussion vibe descriptively for the Pre Amp as it does add more color than the Apogee. Alibi me if my choice of verbiage insulted your sense of correctness.
No Rabbit pigsty here as I was addressing the OP's question directly as I have used both.
Also by group my comment with with cheu's your are attributing more to my words than I said.
Lives for gear
Quote:
Originally Posted by musicalnyc ➡️
Particularly ones that were not asked for and are double the op's upkeep. I know you are on a mission to mention the ma5 in every single thread on GS and you've basically succeeded but to the op: the Duet preamps are great.
first: those preamps are not double the upkeep the op mentioned
second: the duet preamps are pretty proficient indeed, simply the ones mentioned are coloured preamps, which the op asked for
3rd: if yous don't like my post, experience gratuitous to put me on your ignore list.
Cheu
Cheu,
I should have mentioned this earlier, I am confined to the microphones and preamps that are sold on Sweetwater, as I accept advantage of 36 months of free financing. This is why I am able to make these purchases in the beginning place. The preamps y'all listed are not sold by Sweetwater, and a few mics mentioned here are not either. That is why I have merely referenced Neumanns, AKG's, and Mojave'due south in this thread. I capeesh the assistance here gentlemen, I take searched multiple threads on hither and while the TLM 103 is peradventure unfairly bashed on GS, it seems that most prefer the unhyped frequency curve of the 102. Therefore, thus far I have come up to the conclusion that my coin would be better utilized spending the aforementioned corporeality I would take spent on a 103, on a 102 and a colored preamp. The preamp wont "change the game" for me but it will give me options that I would not take without it. Calculation another microphone to complement the AT4040 too gives me choices on which microphone to use. Cheers for everything!
Lives for gear
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmoskaton ➡️
Cheu,
I should take mentioned this before, I am confined to the microphones and preamps that are sold on Sweetwater, as I take advantage of 36 months of gratuitous financing. This is why I am able to make these purchases in the outset place. The preamps yous listed are not sold by Sweetwater, and a few mics mentioned here are not either. That is why I have only referenced Neumanns, AKG's, and Mojave's in this thread. I appreciate the help here gentlemen, I have searched multiple threads on here and while the TLM 103 is possibly unfairly bashed on GS, information technology seems that most prefer the unhyped frequency curve of the 102. Therefore, thus far I have come up to the decision that my coin would be ameliorate utilized spending the same amount I would have spent on a 103, on a 102 and a colored preamp. The preamp wont "modify the game" for me but it will give me options that I would not accept without it. Calculation another microphone to complement the AT4040 as well gives me choices on which microphone to use. Cheers for everything!
These were important information to know..!!
Please get dorsum and re read my outset post.(the first role of it).
Given this info I strongly suggest to test equally many mics as y'all can (from the ones you could take access to and that you could discover from your dealer).
Invest your money in a better mic and the recording space (acoustics). Sometimes the best microphone for a specific vocal/source is not forcely the nigh expensive one.. sometimes it is..it really depends.
That said the 102 will be a adept contender, is a proficient mic that volition probably hold its price decently. If it fits your vocal and your taste I don't know..you accept to test it with your ears. But it's a expert contender, imho better than the 103 (personal sense of taste).
Or upwardly your game and go on the next level price class mics instead of your coloured preamp.
Even if I didn't see any mic from sweetwater that I was really considering other than the neumann or the manley (which is very expensive and might non conform your vocals or production goals).. perhaps check some "college terminate" audio technica or like priced Blue mics, maybe the one with the interchangeable caps.
AFTER yous've constitute YOUR microphone, so call back to a great preamp (like the i brash before, coloured or not).
I also want to betoken out why I write about Avedis preamps (and other quality stuff, like the v672, Forssell, bricasti, electronaut,studer, etc)..
Information technology's because I'chiliad fed up of the crap products (or let'southward say mediocre at best) that is hyped over here.. stuff built with 60-80$ of components sold for more than 10x that price, or cheap mediocre stuff that are hyped to decease and costs a fortune (for what they are).
That's why I try to give some skillful advices, based on my experience, and non because I sell that 10 production as other people over here (I'1000 not a dealer/seller, I make my living engineering and running a 1846 theatre).
I promise this helps,
Cheu
Source: https://gearspace.com/board/so-much-gear-so-little-time/1074582-500-microphone-preamp-vs-apogee-duet-2-preamp.html
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