Topic: MP2 -> SBM-1 Cables

[Mike Sarnovsky]

Hi Everyone,

I was just wondering specifically which cables you use to run between an MP-2 and a Oade Mod SBM-1.  Thanks. 

Mike

[Brian]

you have 2 options basically.

1) a pair of 1' XLR(f) > RCA(m) cables
2) a 1' 1/8" stereo mini > 2xRCA(m)

edit 3: blah blah blah i'm a dumbass

[Brian Skalinder]

1) a pair of 1' XLR(f) > 1/4"(m) cables
2) a pair of 1' XLR(f) > RCA(m) cables
3) a 1' 1/8" stereo mini > 1/8" stereo mini

For an Oade modSBM-1, I think the SBM-1 has 2 x 1/4"f (mic-in) and 2 x RCAf (line-in) connections - and assuming the SBM-1 mic-in (2 x 1/4"f) is disabled - wouldn't the options be:

[1]  2 x XLRf > 2 x RCAm
[2]  Stereo mini > 2 x RCAm

I don't think 3) above is possible, as I don't recall the SBM-1 having an 1/8" stereo input.  But I could be wrong.

[Brian]

yeah i updated my post.....had a little brain fart there   thanks for noticing though and correcting me anyway.

[zhianosatch]

2) a 1' 1/8" stereo mini > 2x RCA(m)

so soon you forget!

edit: fartdamncrap

[Brian]

2) a 1' 1/8" stereo mini > 2x RCA(m)

so soon you forget! 

edit: fartdamncrap

  +T  I know, i know.....

how goes it Armen?  have you decided to sell your modsbm1 yet?  i remember you saying you weren't down with the HPF on the batt box with the modsbm1 in the chain.

[Mike Sarnovsky]

What is the preferred setup?

I think I read that the the 3.5mm output from the MP2 is -10db compared to the XLR outs.

Typically my settings during a show are MP2 Gain = 0, and SBM-1 gain around 6 to 8.

I think if I ran the XLR outs, I might clip constantly.  

Any experiences to share?

[Brian]

when you say "mp2 = 0"  do you mean 0db?  or absolutely no gain at all?  i'm assuming the latter. 

paging nickgregory......he ran mp2>modsbm1 and had some sweet audio magic hyper interconnects if my memory serves me correctly this time. i'm almost certain they were xlr>rca.

[Mike Sarnovsky]

Sorry, I mean no gain at all on the MP2

[Brian Skalinder]

What is the preferred setup?

Just personally preference, IMO.  2 x XLRf > 2 x RCAm would provide more secure connections, but taping down a right-angle stereo-mini > 2 x RCAm would be just as secure, I think.  And yeah, MP2 stereo-mini output is -10dB of the XLR output, per the manual.

[Brian]

FWIW i have the manual in front of me and this is waht the spec sheet says:

minimum xlr output gain = 16dB
     "     tape output gain = 6dB

so, yes, the tape out is -10dB from the xlr's.  so wouldn't that bring the levels down to between about 4.5 and 6.5 on the modsbm1?  that's not too bad right?  or do you like to run your modsbm1 as open as possible?

it really all depends on the sound you like.  do you want more of the mp2 sound or the modsbm1 sound in the mix.of course this all goes back to people referencing doug oade saying that you shouldn't run your sony decks or sbm1's under 4.  

[nickgregory]

so when I ran this, I ran both XLR out and mini out.  In both cases I ran with the knobs on the MP2 all the way left.  The XLR is a hotter signal, but I could still get the SBM to the 3.5-5 range.  If I ran the mini out, I would get around 8-9 on the SBM.  I actually preferred the XLR outs because for some shows that surprise me at how quiet they were, I had to jack up the gain on the SBM to 10 and then increase the MP2 gain...which I did not like....the MP2 can get grainy sounding imo.  The XLRs gave me more headroom with the SBM...so I have 2 sets of cables...a pair of XLR to RCA AM Hypers and a KindKables crafted mini to dual RCA...

that being said when stealthing, I still prefer the mini out mainly for convenience (all the plugs on one side of the unit)

[Brian]

thanks for the info nick!  thinking of picking up a tmod sbm1 pretty soon to inch my way closer to a stealth rig

[nickgregory]

thanks for the info nick! thinking of picking up a tmod sbm1 pretty soon to inch my way closer to a stealth rig

definitely a nice compact stealth rig...since I have gotten the V3, I have considered selling either the MP2 or Mod SBM1 several times...but thankfully have not pulled the trigger....I like having options

[Brian]

i still have only used the mp2 twice and joe shambro has used it once   it's sad to see a great sounding pre just sitting there in it's box in my closet.  I always want to try TL>mp2>m1 but why run that when i can go TL>V3>m1, ya know?

i really just need to get some stealth microphones and start getting good at the "art of stealthing"  that way i'm forced to use the mp2 i've bought

edit: changed "aren't" to "and"