Author Topic: Opinions: Mini-MP > AD-20? (Read 7817 times)

§†∑∫åµÞ≥¥ · « **on:** February 08, 2004, 12:09:05 PM »

Anyone have opinions on how this does/would sound? I love the Apogee sound (having used the Mini-ME on a few occasions) with my mics but would like to keep a digital signal running to DAT, rather than running the Mini-MP straight into my deck. I've yet to try a Mini-MP and am hoping to borrow or rent one in the next couple of months. Any retailers out there offer equipment rentals?

Let the "burned toast" comments begin...

zhianosatch · « **Reply #1 on:** February 08, 2004, 12:13:14 PM »

I say, don't do it. You'd crap up the Mini-MP's goodness by running it through a second, not-so-hot pre in the AD-20. I think you'd be better off running the MP straight into your deck and getting a diff. AD later.

jpschust · « **Reply #2 on:** February 08, 2004, 12:21:09 PM »

also the traditional apogee sound you are thinking of rarely comes from their pre's, its all about their A/D conversion. the MMP isnt exactly that traditional apogee sound

Tim · « **Reply #3 on:** February 08, 2004, 06:17:35 PM »

yeah, I used a minimp last weekend and have heard 2 different tapes made with it.... I think it sounds pretty clean. if you want that "Apogee" sound you should pickup a minime.

oh yeah and the lights on the minimp are really obnoxious!

nickgregory · « **Reply #4 on:** February 08, 2004, 06:35:22 PM »

Quote from: Tim on February 08, 2004, 06:17:35 PM

yeah, I used a minimp last weekend and have heard 2 different tapes made with it.... I think it sounds pretty clean. if you want that "Apogee" sound you should pickup a minime.

oh yeah and the lights on the minimp are really obnoxious!

so how does the mini-mp stack up against the other suspects...V2, MP-2, Sax, etc.? Sound, ergo's, power options...etc...inquiring minds want to know!

Tim · « **Reply #5 on:** February 08, 2004, 06:43:04 PM »

ergos, well it's still got the apogee design but the knobs are much tighter than on the minime. if you're already running the minime then the ergo's won't be an issue.

It runs off of 6v which is nice.

I only listened to a bit of a STS9 show and the opening Ozomatli set (I used it only for the ozo set) and I think it sounds very clean but I'd be totally talking out of my ass if I said much more than that.

Adam gave it quite a workover the past few weeks so I'd bet he'll offer up some opinions soon. Paging Mr. Nizzle!

Nick Culbreth · « **Reply #6 on:** February 08, 2004, 06:43:06 PM »

i think you'd be best going for a used minime, which probably wouldn't be too much more expensive than the mmp > ad-20 combo.

nickgregory · « **Reply #7 on:** February 08, 2004, 06:45:25 PM »

good info..thanks...just interested....it doesnt seem that anyone is really jumping out from a taping user perspective to get this box...

Tim · « **Reply #8 on:** February 08, 2004, 06:50:03 PM »

Adam and Daryan are the only two people that I've heard of using the box.

§†∑∫åµÞ≥¥ · « **Reply #9 on:** February 08, 2004, 07:22:04 PM »

Quote from: nmculbreth on February 08, 2004, 06:43:06 PM

i think you'd be best going for a used minime, which probably wouldn't be too much more expensive than the mmp > ad-20 combo.

I have an AD-20 so I figured buying an MP would be cheaper than a ME. FWIW though, I really like the recordings I've made with 463 (Jim Williams mod) > Mini-Me, but was primarily wondering if there's a big difference in sound between the MP and the ME. Thanks for the input.

Tim · « **Reply #10 on:** February 08, 2004, 07:49:08 PM »

huge difference.

sell the ad20 and you can get a used minime for cheaper than a minimp (which you will surely have to buy new)

nickgregory · « **Reply #11 on:** February 08, 2004, 07:55:34 PM »

Quote from: Tim on February 08, 2004, 07:49:08 PM

huge difference.

sell the ad20 and you can get a used minime for cheaper than a minimp (which you will surely have to buy new)

hell, I have seen a couple go for $850-$950 (the minime that is) on ebay in the past month or so....

Tim · « **Reply #12 on:** February 08, 2004, 08:00:10 PM »

I sold mine for the equivalent of $950 (modsbm-1 estimated at $550+$400 cash).

when/if I buy another one it will be for around $900/950.... definitely not more.

super-phat-al · « **Reply #13 on:** February 08, 2004, 08:32:43 PM »

I wouldn't run this because it would be 2 pre's. As far as i know you can't bypass the pre in the AD-20. If you really want to run the mini-mp pick yourself up a GP ADC-20.

jlykos · « **Reply #14 on:** February 08, 2004, 11:42:43 PM »

Quote from: superphatal on February 08, 2004, 08:32:43 PM

I wouldn't run this because it would be 2 pre's. As far as i know you can't bypass the pre in the AD-20. If you really want to run the mini-mp pick yourself up a GP ADC-20.

Denecke sells a 16db attenuator cable that is used to negate the preamp gain in the AD-20 if you choose to run a pre in front of it. I still would not recommend doing this.

I would investigate a modSBM way before considering running an ADC-20. I ran both of these and much preferred the modSBM. True, it costs a little bit more, but is well worth it.

I agree with the other opinions who have stated that the thing to do is sell the AD-20 and pick up a used MiniMe instead if you are thinking of a MiniMP > AD-20 combination. If you are on a tight budget and want a significant upgrade, think about selling the AD-20 and go with transformers and a modSBM-1.

marc0789 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 09, 2004, 09:20:29 AM »

Forget the mmp, Steve. I have some samples, sounds very clean and not at all like 463>mme, but if you're looking for that sound, get a v2 for 650 used and run it into your d100. The ad-20 isn't going to sound better than the m1, imo. Ditto what just about everyone else opined, pick up a used mme, just make sure it's a rev c so you can run 6 or 12v. Imho.

Swanny · « **Reply #16 on:** February 09, 2004, 10:48:16 AM »

Marc, whats your opinion on the MMP? Is it really the 148 killer?

Steve, buy what you want. If you do go with the MMP, just run it into your M1.

marc0789 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 09, 2004, 11:05:56 AM »

tough to say, based on one mule show and one garaj mahal onstage, but not really any warmth at all, mg200>mmp>mme, sounds clean, like a psp-3. It's a stretch to compare it to a v2 or sx, I'd say I favor both over the mmp, and you can for sure get a v2 for less than an if you buy used, and even a new sx would be not much more, sound better, and be smaller. Steve, pm me and I can get you the shows so you can hear for your self. Again, though, it's just two shows, I just know it's not what I'm looking for in a pre. Not bad, just not what I need with dpas.

Mic D · « **Reply #18 on:** February 09, 2004, 12:12:24 PM »

hell, I have seen a couple go for $850-$950 (the minime that is) on ebay in the past month or so....

Quote

FWIW, I bought a used MME for $750 last year. Sold it on ebay a week later for $950.

Tim · « **Reply #19 on:** February 09, 2004, 12:13:59 PM »

you got a steal!!!

check the kickdown section for a BT session of STS9 featuring the MiniMp

nic · « **Reply #20 on:** February 09, 2004, 12:23:55 PM »

the only MiniME on Ebay right now has a starting bid price of $1125!
hell, you can get a new MinME(w/out usb) cheaper than that

nickgregory · « **Reply #21 on:** February 09, 2004, 12:37:55 PM »

Quote from: luvean on February 09, 2004, 12:23:55 PM

the only MiniME on Ebay right now has a starting bid price of $1125!
hell, you can get a new MinME(w/out usb) cheaper than that

and that same guy has been trying to sell that unit on ebay for quite a while

nic · « **Reply #22 on:** February 09, 2004, 12:41:51 PM »

Quote from: nickgregory on February 09, 2004, 12:37:55 PM

Quote from: luvean on February 09, 2004, 12:23:55 PM
the only MiniME on Ebay right now has a starting bid price of $1125!
hell, you can get a new MinME(w/out usb) cheaper than that

and that same guy has been trying to sell that unit on ebay for quite a while

you'd think he take the hint. . .

THE NIZ BIAAAAACH! · « **Reply #23 on:** February 11, 2004, 05:42:46 AM »

Mr Nizzle has entered the building. I ran the MMP for three Greyboy shows, one remarkable elba kramer, and one vinyl, on stage. I think it is HOT! It sounds sweet. It's super clean through all frequencies and if you run it right is just so tight and clean. It acutally seems to be getting more out of my mics that other pres I have run. The bottom end is tight even when the room was boomy, it seemed forgiveing. I have made the best tapes I've prolly ever made during this past run. I will make sure to get some of the greyboy stuff to you guys who can host it. Richard Cambell ran 4's>v3 right next to me at the gothic, I don't think that there will be muc debate after we compare these tapes.

zhianosatch · « **Reply #24 on:** February 11, 2004, 05:50:28 AM »

Nizzel-fizzel - quick q. What do you mean by "run it right"?

Brian Skalinder · « **Reply #25 on:** February 11, 2004, 08:37:10 AM »

Quote from: Mr Nizzel on February 11, 2004, 05:42:46 AM

ran 4's>v3 right next to me at the gothic, I don't think that there will be muc debate after we compare these tapes.

I assume you mean for your ears on your playback system in your listening environment. (Just trying to head off the inevitable MMP/MMe/V3 fluffing/bashing that inevitably follows these kinds of statements.)

marc0789 · « **Reply #26 on:** February 11, 2004, 01:10:48 PM »

no disrespect, but wtf does "run it right" mean? If it means playback on a clean, tight system, fine, but otherwise, not sure I buy this. The mme is a lot of things, but not tight and clean. If it ain't tight and clean with dpas, it ain't tight and clean. Imo.

EScott · « **Reply #27 on:** February 11, 2004, 01:31:15 PM »

"Richard Cambell ran 4's>v3 right next to me at the gothic, I don't think that there will be muc debate after we compare these tapes. "

Just to chime in on Mr. Nizzel's statement as well, condisering that was my V3 Richard was running, you are comparing a different capsule, with a different pre, with a different A/D converter, with a different configuration. Schizzle that, my Nizzle.

Eric

THE NIZ BIAAAAACH! · « **Reply #28 on:** February 11, 2004, 03:25:40 PM »

I thought Cambell was running the 4's not the 4v's sorry. However I did not say that the MME was tight I said that the MMP was tight! You have to run the MMp not too hot because as far as it's lighting sceme goes if you see to much orange you are pushing very close to overloading it. You also have to run it in a way that it gives maximum output to the MMe so that you do not hear the analog stage of the A\D . You want to dial down gain as much as possible on the MME. The MMP also has a 6db atenuator that adjusts the out evenly on both channels this attenuator allows you to run the pre at varrying degrees of gain. Like many other pre's I think that you will find that it sounds different when run at varrying dbs. For example the Oade's will tell you that the 148 will sound different if you have it built with a a higher gain. So for the MMP you can run it in varing ways, you can run it like a fixed gain pre, you can try to max out your levels prior to out put, or as I run it at the moment you can get your lights jumping just into the oranges within 2-3db of what you might want your max to be and then adjust the attenuator 2-3db for the output stage so you hit that digital 0 you want without having to use much or any of the MME gain stage.

Nick Culbreth · « **Reply #29 on:** February 11, 2004, 03:45:04 PM »

Quote from: Brian Skalinder on February 11, 2004, 08:37:10 AM

I assume you mean for your ears on your playback system in your listening environment. (Just trying to head off the inevitable MMP/MMe/V3 fluffing/bashing that inevitably follows these kinds of statements.)

the next patch of stickers should be your favorite gear sucks.

EScott · « **Reply #30 on:** February 11, 2004, 03:49:16 PM »

I just like to say, "Schizzle that, my Nizzle."

Eric

THE NIZ BIAAAAACH! · « **Reply #31 on:** February 11, 2004, 07:13:50 PM »

I like the your favorit gear sucks idea, if you've ever seen the back of the tickets at the fox in boulder it says " Your favorite band sucks!"

THE NIZ BIAAAAACH! · « **Reply #32 on:** February 11, 2004, 07:15:36 PM »

Oh yeah, E. Scott when your drinking wine all night try to get more in your mouth than on your shirt! Shizzle that Bizzle!

marc0789 · « **Reply #33 on:** February 12, 2004, 11:15:36 AM »

My bad, Nizzel. I agree, the mmp sounds very tight and clean, from the few shows I have. And based again on that limited exposure, I do like it more than straight v3, and straight mme. -T for me.

Author Topic: Opinions: Mini-MP > AD-20? (Read 7817 times)

jpschust

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