I need a mic pre amp to use with my AKG solid tube mic. something that will do the mic justice but without spending 1000's. im open to all suggestions, thanks.
I needed a mic pre-amp but wanted to keep it cheap so bought one of these http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DMP3/
It works for what I need. Has phantom power for my condensers. No idea how it compares to those listed above.
The FMR RNP Microphone Preamp above is a really good choice.
If you need more features for multi-use (such as compressing a snare on the way in), the ART Pro Channel is a very nice unit. It has all the right things and sounds really good (I love its compressor)...its only drawback is that it is not built as well as a more expensive unit.
I use mine a lot for more aggressive male vocals...it does the job really well there.