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48V vs 60V version PFA?

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johnw:
I apologize as I'm sure there is a thread on here. I tried searching the site and came up with nothing but I admittedly suck at searching here.

Anyway, I have the 48V version of the Naiant PFA. I believe this was replaced by a 60V version. At the time it was introduced, I think Jon explained the difference but I can't remember what it was. I'm trying to put together a more compact setup with the MP6 and was wondering what benefit I'd see by upgrading to the 60V version for both the Nbox cable and KCY I have?

jbell:
The older version you have probably doesn't have the low noise feature which is standard in today's PFA's.  The 60v version is longer, but will polarize the caps to 60v.  I have owned both, but currently run the 60v PFA and have been really happy with its performance. 

fanofjam:
In practical application, the differences are minimal.  The 60V PFA will give you something like 3 or 4 db additional mic sensitivity which also gives you 3 or 4 db of headroom above the noise floor.  So if your rig runs hot that could work to your disadvantage (see my situation explained below).  On the opposite end, if you record nature sounds and/or very low volume applications, then the additional sensitivity might be worthwhile to you, because that extra headroom above noise floor can be useful.  The 60v PFA draws more current than the 48v version, so if you have issues with the battery setup you currently use, that works against you although I do believe that the power difference isn't so much that it would make a large difference in run-time.  You could figure it out if you needed to...the power specs are published on Jon's website.

Technically speaking, the 60v version shouldn't IMHO be considered an 'upgrade'.  It's just a different option.  There's been alot of discussion about whether running Schoeps capsules at lower voltage (than 60V) should matter.  The bottom line is according to Schoeps is that there's no frequency response impact of running capsules at lower voltage, only sensitivity.  So apply all of this to your own choice and use that to make your decision.

Personally, I record loud music concerts.  The gain structure on my Zoom F8 (with PSP2 as input) has me running way low with my level knobs rotated almost completely counterclockwise.  In extreme case where I'm really close to the stage and the music is also really loud, I've had to use external attenuators because with my level knobs turned all the way down, I was still peaking.  Obviously, since I record loud shows, I don't care about the headroom, so for my recording rig I have no reason whatsoever to change from the 48V to 60V version and, in fact, prefer the 48V version.

Hope this helps.

fanofjam:

--- Quote from: jbell on June 24, 2017, 11:04:44 AM ---The older version you have probably doesn't have the low noise feature which is standard in today's PFA's.  The 60v version is longer, but will polarize the caps to 60v.  I have owned both, but currently run the 60v PFA and have been really happy with its performance.

--- End quote ---

Please explain bolded portion of your response.  I wasn't aware of this.

jbell:
The low noise option wasn't available with the original PFA it became an add on eventually.  Now it is standard with all newer PFA's.  I think Jon deleted the thread that talked about the low noise option becoming standard in all PFA's.  I have 2 sets of 60v PFA's one I added the Low Noise option and the other it was standard.  Also I've run 60v PFA's without any problems of them running to hot.  Not even close.

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