you have the basics, what do you spend your next $1000 on

[wsaraceni]

here is what i have. i mainly want good guitar tone to go with backing tracks and stuff.


digidesign mbox
sm-57
sennheiser e609
dynaudio bm-5a

what do you get next? i was thinking a mic pre. i seem to overload the ones on the mbox when i get enough gain to get the sound upfront and get this weird clipping.

[E-Rock]

Yeah, I'd go for a killer pre. M-Box pres suck.
For a grand you could get a Great River, Chandler etc.
But, maybe 2 channels would be better. (stereo)
We just recorded our new album at a studio that had a couple Vintech audio Neve clones. They sounded killer.
I've also heard great things about the Syteks.
Good pres can really bring the quality up.

You could get a ribbon mic, or better converters, but I really think a killer pre would do more for you.
Good luck!

[AfterDarkMusic]

Vintech 273. Granted, its closer to 1600, but its worth it. Hands down, a killer PAIR of preamps.

Then, a better converter. Then a couple of original Sennheiser MD421s (U4 or U5).

You will still need to overdub your guitar tracks to get the sound you want, depending on the type of music. Its just part of the game.

[wsaraceni]

when you say a better converter, are you saying dump the mbox all together? if so, what do you suggest

[chrisgraff]

Mic pre, for sure. If it were me, I wouldn't think twice....brent averill API.

[AfterDarkMusic]

Yes, dump the M-Box altogether. You can pick up a 2 channel RME ADI 2 ad/da converter for about $600.

So, once again, my list:

Vintech 273 2 channel Neve 1073 clone. GREAT preamps. - $1600

Then the RME ADI 2 - $600

At this point I'd probably pick up ProTools LE or Cubase - about $100

and then some nice mics, I personally really like the sound of Sennheiser MD421 U5s for electric guitar cabinet miking.

[wsaraceni]

i currently u se protools le with the mbox. i didnt think it was possible to use protools le without a digidesign or m-audio box. how would it work with a different ad/da converter?

[Denyle_Guitars]

I'd probably go with the Chameleon Labs 7602 and either a RNC or 160x or perhaps a ribbon or LDC mic.

You could also look for something like the Joe Meek 6Q, which combines preamp, compressor, EQ and ADC in one box.

[Denyle_Guitars]

Originally Posted by wsaraceni

i currently u se protools le with the mbox. i didnt think it was possible to use protools le without a digidesign or m-audio box. how would it work with a different ad/da converter?

Use the S/PDIF in/out.

[wsaraceni]

ah. so you still have to go through the mbox, but only to foward and recieve digital info correct?

[hw2nw]

Originally Posted by wsaraceni

here is what i have. i mainly want good guitar tone to go with backing tracks and stuff.


digidesign mbox
sm-57
sennheiser e609
dynaudio bm-5a

what do you get next? i was thinking a mic pre. i seem to overload the ones on the mbox when i get enough gain to get the sound upfront and get this weird clipping.

hey, wsaraceni!

Use the "Inserts" on the back of the Mbox to bypass the onboard pre's and use your own. I think for now messing with converters and other things can wait while you use the tools you'll have. For a grand I'd do something like this for a simple and powerful solution...

Great River ME-1NV preamp- ~$875 used
take that extra $125 (maybe even sell the 609) and use it towards a Sennheiser 421. With that and an SM57 you'll get thick, beautifully contrasting tones to get killer tone every time. Some other preamps to look at on the lower end of things are the Groove Tubes Brick, Art MPA Gold (put NOS tubes in), and the Universal Audio Solo 610.

[Bassomatic]

Originally Posted by Denyle_Guitars

You could also look for something like the Joe Meek 6Q, which combines preamp, compressor, EQ and ADC in one box.

As much as I've dug the JM stuff in certain contexts, I would not recommend it as ones *only* preamp.

[gainiac]

Originally Posted by Bassomatic

As much as I've dug the JM stuff in certain contexts, I would not recommend it as ones *only* preamp.

I find them to be very "agro" sounding. I like to blend them with warmer, rounder, fatter sounds....To add teeth, or to just mutilate something!

Long live Joe Meek!

[gainiac]

Originally Posted by wsaraceni

here is what i have. i mainly want good guitar tone to go with backing tracks and stuff.


digidesign mbox
sm-57
sennheiser e609
dynaudio bm-5a

what do you get next? i was thinking a mic pre. i seem to overload the ones on the mbox when i get enough gain to get the sound upfront and get this weird clipping.

I'd definitely go for a pre first and a converter second. Other folks have made particular recommendations already.

[elambo]

I think that the newer mbox2 is a nice improvement over the original with better pres AND convertors. You might benefit in a few ways by making the upgrade. It wouldn't be too expensive either. Better yet, the 002 or 003 are very good.