Shootout, 3 mic pres under $500. - 2-Pop Forums

Zwick · 11-21-2009, 11:31 AM

Producer, Ronan Chris Murphy's podcast video testing 3 mic preamps under $500. This is a bit lengthy but it's a well-informed shootout from someone whose opinion I respect and someone who is well respected in the recording industry. Note there is a link to DL an iPod version if you're like me and like to watch more "leisurely."

NoahKadner · 11-21-2009, 03:13 PM

Nice- would love to see the same thing focused on USB/Firewire Preamps. Always looking for something with low latency/ low noise.

Noah

Ronan Chris Murphy · 11-21-2009, 03:54 PM

I got an email letting me know a link to my show was posted here, which makes me really happy. I have been looking for something like this site. I know a ton about audio and music production, but I am trying to get a good grip on video production (and have a long way to go).

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoahKadner

Nice- would love to see the same thing focused on USB/Firewire Preamps. Always looking for something with low latency/ low noise.

Latency is primarily going to be determined by software (as opposed to the hardware) The exception of course is interfaces that use their own dedicated DSP such as the high end pro tools systems.

While I have not tested comprehensively, when I am consulting for people about such things I usually steer them towards Apogee. They are a company that makes great stuff and if anyone is going to do low end mic pre/ interface combos right, I would put my money on them.

Zwick · 11-21-2009, 05:47 PM

Thanks for joining RCM and I appreciated the e-mail reply! I think what goes around comes around here. So stop by and check the audio post and audio production forums from time to time and we'll see about helping you on your video. Deal?

Video people often tend to ignore good audio, a lot of fix it in post mentality goes on. Of course there is a lot of "fix it in Protools" mentality in audio production too.

Apogee is what usually gets recommended around here too, at least it does by me but it sure would be nice to see a shootout on some more affordable pres, that genre. There's the Duet but personally, I don't like the proprietary breakout cables that come with that and I find it a bit pricey for what it is. I spoke to Betty Bennett at Apogee over a year ago and she sortakinda hinted at another in between product (between Duet and Ensemble) but so far we've only seen One.

BenB · 11-21-2009, 07:21 PM

With the Duet you're paying for top of the line preamps and sampling filters. I'm extremely happy with it, coming from an audio engineering background into video. But yes, it is pricey if that's the only thing you need it for. We also use it as a MIDI controller, which more than makes up for the price. But how many video people are neck deep in a pro recording studio and MIDI? Not to mention the wonderful software that comes with it that gives a great deal more control and functionality.

I'm confused by the 'proprietary' breakout cable comment, as the I/O connections are standard. Not sure that any I/O has a "standard break out cable".

I also love the full mix, no delay output, and the complex ways it's software allows you to handle those output/monitoring issues. And few devices have sample filters and pre amps the quality of the Duet. I don't consider it prosumer, and love it's portability and durability when I work in the field.

I also use PreSonus hardware, and I find it to be top quality and more reasonably priced. Very worth checking out.

I love doing my audio for video seminars locally, because it's true, most video folks don't care about audio, until you demonstrate the difference to them in person. Sadly, even then, half of them still say "it doesn't matter, the audience won't notice the difference." Really? The audience can't tell the difference in audio quality between a Hollywood production and your consumer grade sound? Really?

Great review, glad this information got posted! We need more!

Ronan Chris Murphy · 11-22-2009, 12:47 AM

Thanks for the warm welcome guys.

I am trying to sort out the audio for video thing as well. I am shooting my show on a consumer camera and the audio can be pretty hit and miss. Its kind of lame that my show about making better recordings has dodgy audio.

BenB · 11-22-2009, 06:41 AM

What camera are you using?
Good pro quality shotgun goes a long way, or a good pro quality lav. I'd put a lav on you, and run that along with the piano's stereo out, through a mixer, then into the camera.

Having spent more of my childhood in recording studios, I always enjoy shows about recording and mixing!

Ronan Chris Murphy · 11-22-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenB

What camera are you using?
Good pro quality shotgun goes a long way, or a good pro quality lav. I'd put a lav on you, and run that along with the piano's stereo out, through a mixer, then into the camera.

I use a Canon vixia hf100. My only gripe with it is the consumer mic input. I have to use a beachtec adapter to use any of my pro equipment. I keep getting things a little better all the time. I think eventually I will end up recording audio to a separate system and syncing it in post.

I just have very little time to sort out stuff with the show because I am usually pretty swamped with the day job (making recording) so even stuff in my own studio is pretty "run and gun", but I am having a lot of fun with it either way.