Looking for a good Vocal pre/comp. focusrite platinum pro?

Right now I have been neglecting the vocals in my recording but my latest project calls for more prof. vocals. I was looking at the Focusrite Platinum VoiceMaster Pro Preamp/compressor. ANyone work with this or have another better choice for the money? I am going to be recording an MC mostly but a vocalist as well. The mics I am using are the Rode nt1-a and the shure SM-57. I am recording to a tascam eight track tape before dropping it into my computer.

What do you think. I really think the focusright (600)is the most I want to spend so no telling me about avalon products around 2 grand.

I would recommend a Sebatron Thorax cause it's awesome value for money at the moment, but seeing as your budget is only US$600 you can't really afford something like that. If I were you I'd steer clear of any of the budget tube products on the market, none of them run high voltage rails so you miss out on all the good stuff you get from proper tube gear. The focusrite looks ok but I haven't used one so can't give my opinion.

If you're recording to tape you might want to look at a single channel high end mic pre like a sebatron or great river, then adjust you level onto the tape to soak it up a bit instead of running it through a comp. It all comes down to the sound you're looking for, and if you're running tape as an effect there's not much point using a transparent comp like a VCA model, you'd be better off using an optical design cause they've got so much more character.

That's good stuff. You can always do better, but it's a matter of cost and your budget. I think the FMR-RNP is a good buy($600), but you get no compressor with it. In your price range, you have one of the better voice processors available.

So, if you are happy with the focusrite, stick with it.


Peace