Author Topic: small pre amp needed! (Read 15332 times)

nicegrin · « **on:** April 16, 2012, 07:59:41 AM »

Hi!

I´m looking for a really small pre-amp with mini plug in/out. What´s my choices here?

Thanks
N.

twalker · « **Reply #1 on:** April 16, 2012, 08:34:53 AM »

Quote from: nicegrin on April 16, 2012, 07:59:41 AM

Hi!

I´m looking for a really small pre-amp with mini plug in/out. What´s my choices here?

Thanks
N.

CA Ugly, CA 9100, Naiant Tinybox, there are more. But, these are from our resident builders.

jbell · « **Reply #2 on:** April 16, 2012, 10:37:24 AM »

Tinybox

travelinbeat · « **Reply #3 on:** April 16, 2012, 11:34:22 AM »

Quote from: twalker on April 16, 2012, 08:34:53 AM

Quote from: nicegrin on April 16, 2012, 07:59:41 AM
Hi!

I´m looking for a really small pre-amp with mini plug in/out. What´s my choices here?

Thanks
N.

CA Ugly, CA 9100, Naiant Tinybox, there are more. But, these are from our resident builders.

It gets no smaller than the CA Ugly... and what an incredible little thing it is!! I've been using Chris's products for over half a decade now and though I no longer own it, I once owned the CA-Ugly and really enjoyed it's extremely stealthability. Price is very right, size is very right, and Chris build incredibly quality.

I have a Naiant Midbox, I was lucky enough to be among those to scoop the newly upgraded design during those few weeks that he was making them before he discontinued that product. Jon is also a joy to work with and the midbox I have is a workhouse-- very clean, very pretty, and very useful. I don't know anything about the tinybox but could only assume it's the same quality.

Judging by the thread title, size is an issue for you. That being said, I'd look into the Church Audio CA-Ugly... it's awesome!

nicegrin · « **Reply #4 on:** April 16, 2012, 11:56:10 AM »

Yes, something the size of the CA-ugly is what I´m looking for.

Is there some other pres in that size (not incinuating I wouldn´t go for a second CA-Ugly, just want to know what options there are!)

N.

travelinbeat · « **Reply #5 on:** April 17, 2012, 12:45:58 AM »

So far as I'm aware, Chris's CA-Ugly is in a class all its own.

page · « **Reply #6 on:** April 17, 2012, 12:50:44 AM »

Quote from: travelinbeat on April 17, 2012, 12:45:58 AM

So far as I'm aware, Chris's CA-Ugly is in a class all its own.

This.

If you need something that small, thats it.

aaronji · « **Reply #7 on:** April 17, 2012, 04:57:02 AM »

I think Microphone Madness makes a pretty small pre. guysonic too, come to think of it...

fmaderjr · « **Reply #8 on:** April 19, 2012, 05:25:39 PM »

Quote from: aaronji on April 17, 2012, 04:57:02 AM

I think Microphone Madness makes a pretty small pre. guysonic too, come to think of it...

Microphone Madness (now MM Audio) makes preamps that look like those made by Sound Pro's. Not nearly as small as a CA-UGLY.

Guy does great work, but his preamps only work with his mics which have way different PIP specs than any other PIP mic.

willndmb · « **Reply #9 on:** April 19, 2012, 09:46:05 PM »

Quote from: jmbell on April 16, 2012, 10:37:24 AM

Tinybox

hands down imo
if you need other inputs/options then its a def winner

aaronji · « **Reply #10 on:** April 20, 2012, 08:58:45 AM »

Quote from: fmaderjr on April 19, 2012, 05:25:39 PM

Microphone Madness (now MM Audio) makes preamps that look like those made by Sound Pro's. Not nearly as small as a CA-UGLY.

Guy does great work, but his preamps only work with his mics which have way different PIP specs than any other PIP mic.

I wasn't sure if guysonic's pres were only for his mics, but the thought did cross my mind. Thanks for clearing that up for me...

Personally, I think the Ugly is kind of a useless product, regardless of size, if you are using a recorder with a decent mic input (like an M10). I feel the same about the 9100...20 dB just gets you back to around mic input levels, so it's useful if your only goal is to avoid a noisy mic input, but otherwise doesn't serve much purpose...I would prefer any other pre mentioned in this thread (including the 9200).

Church-Audio · « **Reply #11 on:** April 20, 2012, 10:50:07 AM »

I am coming out with a new preamp in the next 4 weeks it will be the same size as the ugly but it will have up to 40 db of gain and a single 6 position gain switch on and off with be via the mic input when a mic is plugged in it will be on. I have secured some very tiny knobs for the gain control. It will have the same exact functionality as my 9200 preamp but the same size as the ugly. It will not have a HPF. I am going to sell this for $179.99 there will be no tools needed to adjust gain in the field.

Chris Church

fmaderjr · « **Reply #12 on:** April 20, 2012, 10:55:46 AM »

That should prove to be a very popular product here....

aaronji · « **Reply #13 on:** April 20, 2012, 11:22:32 AM »

^^^ Indeed. Much more useful, in my opinion, with the 40 dB of (more easily adjustable) gain.

F.O.Bean · « **Reply #14 on:** April 20, 2012, 07:34:00 PM »

Cant wait Chris

twalker · « **Reply #15 on:** April 21, 2012, 07:45:09 AM »

That does sound pretty cool. Looking forward to hearing more about it.

yates7592 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 18, 2012, 11:41:12 AM »

Quote from: Church-Audio on April 20, 2012, 10:50:07 AM

I am coming out with a new preamp in the next 4 weeks it will be the same size as the ugly but it will have up to 40 db of gain and a single 6 position gain switch on and off with be via the mic input when a mic is plugged in it will be on. I have secured some very tiny knobs for the gain control. It will have the same exact functionality as my 9200 preamp but the same size as the ugly. It will not have a HPF. I am going to sell this for $179.99 there will be no tools needed to adjust gain in the field.

Chris Church

Now that is really interesting, look forward to seeing this!

Gutbucket · « **Reply #17 on:** May 21, 2012, 09:42:11 PM »

Right on!

Any chance to make the 6-position switch go:
1) Off
2) 0 dB
3) 10 dB
4) 20 dB
5) 30 dB
6) 40 dB

The off position really comes in handy for some pre-wired setups which otherwise require removing the battery.

Church-Audio · « **Reply #18 on:** May 23, 2012, 06:27:27 PM »

Quote from: Gutbucket on May 21, 2012, 09:42:11 PM

Right on!

Any chance to make the 6-position switch go:
1) Off
2) 0 dB
3) 10 dB
4) 20 dB
5) 30 dB
6) 40 dB

The off position really comes in handy for some pre-wired setups which otherwise require removing the battery.

I can make it do anything I want. its just a matter of finding the right value metal film resistor.

Chris

pongagt · « **Reply #19 on:** July 03, 2012, 06:11:26 AM »

Quote from: Church-Audio on May 23, 2012, 06:27:27 PM

Quote from: Gutbucket on May 21, 2012, 09:42:11 PM
Right on!

Any chance to make the 6-position switch go:
1) Off
2) 0 dB
3) 10 dB
4) 20 dB
5) 30 dB
6) 40 dB

The off position really comes in handy for some pre-wired setups which otherwise require removing the battery.
I can make it do anything I want. its just a matter of finding the right value metal film resistor.

Chris

Any eta on when the new preamp will be out? I'm just getting into taping and thought it may be more preferable for me then the 9200. Is there any cost in sound quality compared to the 9200 like in the pots or opamp?

aaronji · « **Reply #20 on:** July 04, 2012, 09:41:06 AM »

^^^ If you need it with any sort of quickness, I would explore other options. Chris posted on April 20th about this new pre, and said it would be available in four weeks. I haven't seen anything to indicate it is now shipping, more than two months later...

Church-Audio · « **Reply #21 on:** July 04, 2012, 07:19:56 PM »

The first one is shipping next week after that they will be available from now on.

newplanet7 · « **Reply #22 on:** July 05, 2012, 01:15:42 AM »

Quote from: Church-Audio on July 04, 2012, 07:19:56 PM

The first one is shipping next week after that they will be available from now on.

Hmmmm.
Do you have a thread introducing/dedicated to this pre yet?

stepeanut · « **Reply #23 on:** July 05, 2012, 06:32:23 AM »

I would also welcome an introduction thread for this new Church pre-amp. I am very interested in the device, but would like to see a photo and read the final specs before I lay my money down.

rhinowing · « **Reply #24 on:** July 06, 2012, 02:29:14 AM »

I am also in the market for a preamp to work with my CA-11s. very interested in checking that out.

F.O.Bean · « **Reply #25 on:** July 09, 2012, 09:36:31 PM »

I would go the TinyBox route or the CA-Ugly/9100/9200 route

The Other Chris · « **Reply #26 on:** July 09, 2012, 09:55:50 PM »

I have a mint SP Pre I don't need, asking $120 + shipping. PM if interested

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-PREAMP

Church-Audio · « **Reply #27 on:** July 09, 2012, 10:34:52 PM »

I am happy to see everyone is so excited about my new preamp it's just a shrunken down 9200

I ordered the new input jacks for it
today so when you plug in the input jack you turn on the preamp. I will try and take a picture this week.

F.O.Bean · « **Reply #28 on:** July 09, 2012, 10:55:37 PM »

Quote from: Church-Audio on July 09, 2012, 10:34:52 PM

I am happy to see everyone is so excited about my new preamp it's just a shrunken down 9200 I ordered the new input jacks for it
today so when you plug in the input jack you turn on the preamp. I will try and take a picture this week.

Nice Chris!

audBall · « **Reply #29 on:** July 09, 2012, 11:04:18 PM »

Quote from: Church-Audio on May 23, 2012, 06:27:27 PM

I can make it do anything I want.

Can you make IT put the lotion on?

Church-Audio · « **Reply #30 on:** July 09, 2012, 11:11:21 PM »

Quote from: audBall on July 09, 2012, 11:04:18 PM

Quote from: Church-Audio on May 23, 2012, 06:27:27 PM
I can make it do anything I want.

Can you make IT put the lotion on?

"it puts the lotion in the basket"

towncop1978 · « **Reply #31 on:** August 07, 2012, 09:42:45 PM »

Hey Chris, wheres that picture you said you were going to post... Im looking forward to seeing it before i commit...

Church-Audio · « **Reply #32 on:** August 09, 2012, 03:53:27 AM »

Quote from: towncop1978 on August 07, 2012, 09:42:45 PM

Hey Chris, wheres that picture you said you were going to post... Im looking forward to seeing it before i commit...

This is the Ugly 3.0 New features.

No on off switch
Plug in the input and the Preamp turns on, unplug the preamps input and it turns off.

stepeanut · « **Reply #33 on:** August 09, 2012, 04:48:38 AM »

Thanks for posting a photo, Chris.

Maybe I'm missing it, but I don't see the gain knob that you mentioned in previous posts?

Gutbucket · « **Reply #34 on:** August 09, 2012, 09:18:02 AM »

Can we get a power switch as an option?

I'm considering ordering two more, and a power-switch was one of the primary motivators to do so. In an everything-prewired situation it would mean not having to remove the battery to shut it off.

Church-Audio · « **Reply #35 on:** August 09, 2012, 04:01:39 PM »

Quote from: Gutbucket on August 09, 2012, 09:18:02 AM

Can we get a power switch as an option?

I'm considering ordering two more, and a power-switch was one of the primary motivators to do so. In an everything-prewired situation it would mean not having to remove the battery to shut it off.

You dont have to remove the battery. Just unplug the mic input

Nothing more then most would already do.

Church-Audio · « **Reply #36 on:** August 09, 2012, 04:02:31 PM »

Quote from: stepeanut on August 09, 2012, 04:48:38 AM

Thanks for posting a photo, Chris.

Maybe I'm missing it, but I don't see the gain knob that you mentioned in previous posts?

This is a ugly 3.0 its not the new preamp but a new version of the Ugly. I will show you guys the new preamp today. When I snap a picture of it.

cybergaloot · « **Reply #37 on:** August 09, 2012, 05:15:58 PM »

Quote from: Church-Audio on April 20, 2012, 10:50:07 AM

I am coming out with a new preamp in the next 4 weeks it will be the same size as the ugly but it will have up to 40 db of gain and a single 6 position gain switch on and off with be via the mic input when a mic is plugged in it will be on. I have secured some very tiny knobs for the gain control. It will have the same exact functionality as my 9200 preamp but the same size as the ugly. It will not have a HPF. I am going to sell this for $179.99 there will be no tools needed to adjust gain in the field.

Chris Church

All I ever needed to adjust my CA-UGLY (ver 2 I guess) is my thumbnail. I'll be interested in seeing the new preamp though!

towncop1978 · « **Reply #38 on:** August 09, 2012, 08:13:14 PM »

thanks Chris... I appreciate that picture you posted... I'm looking forward to seeing the actual Pre amp.. Maybe some closeups on the dials...

I already have the 9100 and want to use something smaller.. the Ugly looks exactly what im looking for..

So Chris, look out for that email...

Gutbucket · « **Reply #39 on:** August 10, 2012, 10:30:12 AM »

Quote from: Church-Audio on August 09, 2012, 04:01:39 PM

Quote from: Gutbucket on August 09, 2012, 09:18:02 AM
Can we get a power switch as an option?

I'm considering ordering two more, and a power-switch was one of the primary motivators to do so. In an everything-prewired situation it would mean not having to remove the battery to shut it off.
You dont have to remove the battery. Just unplug the mic input Nothing more then most would already do.

Well, that's my point. These aren't simple 'plug in a pair of mics and hit record' scenarios, but more complex setups using mulitple mics and preamps all prewired. Disconnecting and re-connecting things is not a very good option- disconnecting wires more so than removing batteries. I've seen more recent CA-UGLYs than my pair which have a power switch on them, and that would make things much more straight forward. Admittedly these are atypical setups compared to the basic Mic pair > UGLY > Recorder situation.

Church-Audio · « **Reply #40 on:** August 10, 2012, 11:42:08 AM »

Quote from: Gutbucket on August 10, 2012, 10:30:12 AM

Quote from: Church-Audio on August 09, 2012, 04:01:39 PM
Quote from: Gutbucket on August 09, 2012, 09:18:02 AM
Can we get a power switch as an option?

I'm considering ordering two more, and a power-switch was one of the primary motivators to do so. In an everything-prewired situation it would mean not having to remove the battery to shut it off.
You dont have to remove the battery. Just unplug the mic input Nothing more then most would already do.

Well, that's my point. These aren't simple 'plug in a pair of mics and hit record' scenarios, but more complex setups using mulitple mics and preamps all prewired. Disconnecting and re-connecting things is not a very good option- disconnecting wires more so than removing batteries. I've seen more recent CA-UGLYs than my pair which have a power switch on them, and that would make things much more straight forward. Admittedly these are atypical setups compared to the basic Mic pair > UGLY > Recorder situation.

A power switch will not fit into this new preamp. The preamp can be plugged in and tested before you enter the venue... Thats what I would recommend for any taper to make sure his or her gear is working properly. Also power consumption is low at 7mA. So battery life is very good. The old Ugly v 3.0 is still available with power switch if a customer wants it. I dont know too many tapers that would switch mics in a stealth situation ( what this preamp is designed for ) that would switch mics in a venue. I wish I could fit a power switch in and perhaps for one or two custom requests I will. For now plugging in the mic turns the power off with zero power draw. Just like a regular power switch.

Church-Audio · « **Reply #41 on:** August 10, 2012, 11:46:28 AM »

Quote from: towncop1978 on August 09, 2012, 08:13:14 PM

thanks Chris... I appreciate that picture you posted... I'm looking forward to seeing the actual Pre amp.. Maybe some closeups on the dials...

I already have the 9100 and want to use something smaller.. the Ugly looks exactly what im looking for..

So Chris, look out for that email...

the gain switch has a small knob on it that is 0.470 Inches tall by 0.413 inches wide. Very tiny in the pictures the knob looks huge. The gain switch is the same part that is used in the 9200 its a locking rotary switch with military quality. That can not be turned by accident. The new price for this preamp is $200 its very time consuming to build. And it has the same performance specs as the 9200 except no high pass filter. Other than that its the same exact preamp using the same exact parts. The preamp is the same size as the ugly except for the gain control. I put it on the side because this preamp is designed to sit in a pocket with the inputs up and the gain on the side. Again the gain can not be turned by accident. There are two trimmers that can be used for left and right balance so that mics that are not well matched can be matched for output. Gain settings are 0db +10 +15 +25 + 30 + 40 db of gain.

cybergaloot · « **Reply #42 on:** August 10, 2012, 11:59:04 AM »

Quote from: Church-Audio on August 10, 2012, 11:42:08 AM

Quote from: Gutbucket on August 10, 2012, 10:30:12 AM
Quote from: Church-Audio on August 09, 2012, 04:01:39 PM
Quote from: Gutbucket on August 09, 2012, 09:18:02 AM
Can we get a power switch as an option?

I'm considering ordering two more, and a power-switch was one of the primary motivators to do so. In an everything-prewired situation it would mean not having to remove the battery to shut it off.
You dont have to remove the battery. Just unplug the mic input Nothing more then most would already do.

Well, that's my point. These aren't simple 'plug in a pair of mics and hit record' scenarios, but more complex setups using mulitple mics and preamps all prewired. Disconnecting and re-connecting things is not a very good option- disconnecting wires more so than removing batteries. I've seen more recent CA-UGLYs than my pair which have a power switch on them, and that would make things much more straight forward. Admittedly these are atypical setups compared to the basic Mic pair > UGLY > Recorder situation.
A power switch will not fit into this new preamp. The preamp can be plugged in and tested before you enter the venue... Thats what I would recommend for any taper to make sure his or her gear is working properly. Also power consumption is low at 7mA. So battery life is very good. The old Ugly v 3.0 is still available with power switch if a customer wants it. I dont know too many tapers that would switch mics in a stealth situation ( what this preamp is designed for ) that would switch mics in a venue. I wish I could fit a power switch in and perhaps for one or two custom requests I will. For now plugging in the mic turns the power off with zero power draw. Just like a regular power switch.

Since I've seen Lee's (Gutbucket's) setup, assuming its the same one, maybe you could make him a one off unit with four or more channels. Basically just combine a few CA-UGLY's into one package. Its not your normal setup. I know most of your customers are into lightweight, low profile rigs. If an alien space probe were to drop into the middle of a festival crowd, it would look like Lee's rig unfolding. Multiple mics in a lightweight setup.

Gutbucket · « **Reply #43 on:** August 10, 2012, 02:08:46 PM »

That looks great Chris, nice work. I really dig the combination of both a detented master gain knob and independant channel trimmmers!

I don't mean to beat the horse here since my applications obviously aren't your target market, but could one of those 6 master gain positions be repurposed to 'power off' as a special build request?

Church-Audio · « **Reply #44 on:** August 10, 2012, 02:57:10 PM »

Quote from: Gutbucket on August 10, 2012, 02:08:46 PM

That looks great Chris, nice work. I really dig the combination of both a detented master gain knob and independant channel trimmmers!

I don't mean to beat the horse here since my applications obviously aren't your target market, but could one of those 6 master gain positions be repurposed to 'power off' as a special build request?

No thats not possible because all pole and switch contacts are common for audio only. I can build a power switch into it I just checked it will be a PIA but It can be done.