Which interface + mic preamp should I get?

[visualrocker69]

Hi, I'm looking into starting recording and am stuck on gear. There seem to be as much criticism as praise for any given piece of equipment. I was thinking of starting with modest microphones so that I have room to grow, and I don't really need advice there. What I want is to get a top-notch interface and preamp so that I can elimiante some variables in that area, so to speak.

An important thing is that I'm NEVER going to use more than TWO microphones simultaneously - I'm only recording guitar and vocals, and one at a time, at that! So, for an interface, I'd *ideally* like the highest possible quality for something with TWO INPUTS only. I realize that's a tall order as most good interfaces have more inputs, so I'm willing to be flexible but would prefer to keep the number of inputs to a minimum.

Any suggestions?

For the record, I'm currently considering the RME Fireface (400 preferably, maybe 800 if the quality is wayyy better) and the Avalon VT-737sp interface.

For mics I'm looking at a Suhr SM57 (obviously) and a Sennheiser MD421 for guitar, and for vocals an AT-4047. Especially for vocals, I'd like to upgrade mics as I improve. I've got my eye on some Neumanns for the (hopefully near) future.

My current gear is a PRS Custom 24, a Bogner Ecstasy 101 B (2002 model), a 2x12 Bogner cab with Celestion V30's, and a TC Electronic G Major. (BTW - does anyone NOT record gutiar dry? As in, run effects through the cab and record that?)

Thanks!

 

[camsna]

I used 57s forever. EVERYone has!

But I got turned onto the Audix i5 and I dig it more. It's 57-esque but clearer and more balanced.

I use an i5 and 421 - sounds killer!

Sometimes I record wet. Depends on what I'm doing. Like - no post processing can get that Echoplex sound. Or spring reverb, y'know. Or when running W/D/W and so on. I've done both in the studio - just depends on what you want to hear when you're done

 

[gonzo]

i have several mics, and a really nice Class A tube mic pre....

but i've recently moved away from mics, and have gone to capturing my sound with a Palmer PDI-09.

i run it into my A Designs mic pre, and sometimes lightly compress the signal before it goes to a digital convertor, and into the DAW.


i REALLY dig it.

a lot of control with it.

plus, i can always blend in 'room' mics, or 'off axis' mics with the palmer signal.

i use a A Designs Audio MP-1 mic pre.
i have the mono version, the current version is a dual preamp version.

here's a link:
http://www.adesignsaudio.com/mp2a.html