Audacity Forum

Gah. I thought I had this wrapped up. Now my friend /client says her other tech advisor told her all she needed was a Cloudlifter unit. I have my doubts.

Anyone have an opinion about the Cloudlifter signal booster?

TIA, M.

A Cloudlifter is also a solution. It adds 25 dB gain.

It's almost as expensive as the preamp you choose and has no settings. I'd go for the real preamp...

But I like to twist knobs...

cyrano, that was my leaning as well. The *real* pre-amp, along with maybe the Scarlet Solo USB audio interface to connect it to the computer (a Mac).

M.

If you want the best, go for an RME babyface (Pro). No need for a separate amp. These are expensive, but you could look for a 2nd hand one.

- Always stable drivers, even after ten years.
- 60 dB preamp gain, 80 dB overall
- NO white noise
- NO coloring the sound

Another good choice, could be the Audient ID22.

- Nice preamps, 60 dB gain
- Hardly any white noise
- Clean sound

Or the preamp you choose, with a Behringer FCA202, as you don't need the preamp in the interface. If it is to be used on a Mac without Firewire, just add the Apple 30$ Thunderbolt to firewire adapter.

- No USB noise or USB problems, very clean.
- The interface is only 55$
- 24 bit 96 kHz.

cyrano,

Thanks for your thoughts. The RME Babyface Pro looks like a sweet unit. Unfortunately way out of our price range, even used. Audient ID22 looks decent too, but same issue with price.

I understand clean sound vs whatever color the GAP Pre-73 Jr adds. If I were setting up a recording studio for myself, I'd opt for the cleanest, least altered sound, but I'm not.

We're going to get the GAP Pre-73 Jr and the Scarlett Solo audio interface and see how that combination sounds with my friend's voice. And then at that point we can decide whether or not it makes the grade, or if she needs to trade up.

M.

The line input on the Focusrite Solo runs through the mic preamp. With a very high output capable preamp like the GAP in front, you risk distortion.

Just saying...