How important is a pre amp

[spectorbass83]

Just how important is a pre amp?? My band is currently using a Behringer Eurorack 12 channel mixer, which has built in mic pre amps...my drummer/producer says the built in pre amps are not the highest quality and that its the reason we are not getting where we want to with out recording...will a good outboard pre amp make a big difference in the recording process? We are looking into the ones seen here -
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We were just gonna buy a better mixer with better built in mic pre amps, but we decided to get an outboard pre amp..

Will pre amps (such as the ones seen in the links) make a big difference? Our budget is $1000 (Canadian)...can we get a good pre amp for this? We are looking into one with 8 inputs..
Please give us some advice...we dont wanna waste our money..
Thanks!

 

[hyperlitem]

yes that will make a big difference, from the onboard eurorack mixer. Im not super impressed with the onyx pre's but i think the octopre will do a good job.

 

[CetiAlphaVI]

Preamps do make a difference, just as mics do, just as the quality of digital converters, etc. As for the preamps, both you have chosen are high quality. However, there may be other weaknesses in your recording process. Would you list your entire signal chain (mic/inst to Euromix, where does it go from there, how is it mixed down, any software, etc.)?

 

[spectorbass83]

ok, we mic using mostly Apex mics on drums/vocals. We use an SM57 on snare/guitar cab as well.

our signal chain is as follows -
mic -> Behringer UB2442FX -> Direct out (post fader, EQ) -> Delta 1010 -> Sonar 4

 

[Denyle Guitars]

Just a suggestion. Try recording pre EQ. If you're just using the mixer for it's preamps, you can even pick up the send at the channel insert to get the least amount of color from the mixer. Then, use software EQ/FX. I'd also avoid monitoring your 2 track through the mixer but if you need to monitor through the mixer during takes, no harm done.

To answer your question, good preamps do make a difference but they usually start at around $750 per channel. The ones you're considering might give you a somewhat less boxy sound but the difference might be as dramatic as you're hoping for.