Cheap AND Good (Mic Pre) - Are BOTH Possible? I'm an electronics guy.

I'm looking for a good AND cheap mic pre. I'd like to get something tube and something solid state.

Is good AND cheap possible.


Mod wise, I can mod if needed. I love working on tubes, Dip solid state stuff is fine, and I'm ok with working on Surface Mount stuff.

thanks!
Nick

EDIT:
As I searched a little I found some threads on NEVE 1272 builds etc... I also saw an LA2A and GSSL.

Are there kits for the NEVE pre, LA2A and GSSL compressor? I searched but could not find anything on where where to buy.
thanks!

fetboy
green mic pre
THAT1501
EH 12ay7 (no modding required)

the list goes on...

As I searched a little I found some threads on NEVE 1272 builds etc... I also saw an LA2A and GSSL.

Are there kits for the NEVE pre, LA2A and GSSL compressor? I searched but could not find anything on where where to buy.
thanks!

There are kits and pcbs in white market. Drip elecktronics sells LA2A kits, JLM audio has some neve kits that are not in white market I believe. Use forum search, peek the meta-meta and Google around and you'll find some. If you searched another 30mins this thread would have been unnecessary :

Hi,

SSL 9K is also a good option.

Are there any cheap pres and or compressors that can shine with a few cheap mods? Sometimes that's an easier route than building something?

777funk said:

Are there any cheap pres and or compressors that can shine with a few cheap mods? Sometimes that's an easier route than building something?

Click to expand...

You might want to look into building a Fetboy and a Forssell opto comp. I'm in the middle of such a project. Super cheap (dirt cheap, might be the least expensive projects on the forum), very easy to build (about as easy as it gets) and both have great sonic qualities. 

gssl and all the 312 kits are pretty easy. i'd stay way from the 1272 and definitely away from the la2a. la2a is $$$ iron and high*er voltage.

I still have a few Fetboy kits left.

Drip Electronics doesn't sell la2a style limiter kits, only pcbs and opto cells.
You still need to source everything else.

Just to be accurate. You could also confirm this by searching or visiting their site.

What about rehousing a Neve board and making a 1272?

How hard? What do I need? Transformers?

777funk said:

What about rehousing a Neve board and making a 1272?

How hard? What do I need? Transformers?

Click to expand...

Since you a electronics guy it should be simple, do we need to tell you how to search and solder too?

http://www.jlmaudio.com/JLM%201272%20Switch%20Kit.htm or a HotRod Kit http://www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=15373.0

New:
Hint: http://www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=22828.0

How hard is in the eye of the beholder...
Read up on what you need, and you may find where to get the stuff your at..
Transformers, you bet... Audio Maintenance has your carnhill transformers.

Don't take this to heart man I'm just messing with you Welcome to DIY!