This is more of an audio question, and hopefully DSE can chime in. In my home studio (Nuendo, mackie board,etc.) I've been micing direct. Most guys I know are using either the Avalon 737 sp, or something similar, for vocals, bass, accoustic guitar.I like the idea of mic pre, eq and compressor in one unit. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to rent or borrow one to test in my studio.
A guy I do some work with has a TC electronic "Gold Channel", which he is going to lend me( he wants to sell it). It's not a tube set up, but is stereo , stores presets,and supposedly sounds great.
Any ideas?
Bruce yarock

The TC Gold Channel is a fine device, but it's also not an Avalon, since you mentioned that. The Avalon has a VERY distinctive flavor; some like it, some love it, some don't. I'm a user of the John Hardy pre's, pretty hard to beat.
For the buck, the Gold Channel has some nice features, but most of what it has, I'd never use because I prefer to do all my processing in post, except for occasionally using light compression on record.

Thank for the info. I tried an Avalon today and found it very impressive, but I can't justify the expense right now. Can you recomend an entry level (i.e. cheaper, tube mic pre?)
Thanks
Bruce yarock