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Gear / Technical Help => Battery Boxes, Preamps, Mixers, ADCs, and Processors => Topic started by: (Evan) on March 07, 2009, 07:50:33 PM
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Can anyone tell me if there would be any big reason to go with the Sony XLR-1 to use phantom powered mics with my D50, vs using a Denecke PS-2 with miniplug output? Any differences in sound quality? The price of the PS-2 is just so much more reasonable than the XLR-1. Thanks
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PS-2 owners will answer your question directly, but don't even think of buying an XLR-1. For the same money or less you could get something like a used SD MixPre or Wendt X-2 and have a great Mixer/Preamp instead of just a phantom power unit. My guess is that people will say that the XLR-1 is no better than the PS-2, but even if it's better it certainly isn't worth the asking price.
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Thanks for the info. Although the two preamps you mentioned are too big. I'm looking for something that I can fit in my pocket. Anyone else have opinions on the PS-2?
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No big reasons, but maybe something to think about.
XLR-1 uses AAs, same batteries as D50. It's convenient when you don't have to carry different types...especially so if/when you are thinking about rechargeables and having to carry the chargers with you (traveling field work).
Denecke PS-2s operating time at 48V, 10mA per channel load has been tested to be 18 minutes. Users can probably give more accurate real life figures with different mics, manual states 4-38 hours depending on load. XLR-1 works for few hours, manual states 40 hrs for a 2mA/mic load.
XLR-1 uses good quality audio transformers for unbalancing the signal, the only proper way to do it. The audio circuit is passive. PS-2 has electronics to do the same.
XLR-1 mounts directly to the main unit couple of different ways if needed. Might be too big package anyway, unless you have large pockets. PS-2 is a separate box with no direct mounting, if not modified.
For me XLR-1 wins in almost every aspect. Comparing to the specs and prices of real pre-amps is not quite fair. Not to say that something like MixPre wouldn't be a nice companion to D50, quite contrary. But USED MixPre vs. USED XLR-1 would be more fair anyway, right?
If you need more clean and quiet preamp gain for quiet sources, none of the batteryboxes will do. If not, XLR-1 is better suited for D50 than any of the others, imho. You can prove me wrong, offering me the same specs and form with less price. DIY will do fine, been doing it for ages myself. I can tell you, this nut isn't that easy to crack though, not for cheap. ;D
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Denecke PS-2s operating time at 48V, 10mA per channel load has been tested to be 18 minutes.
18 minutes!? What's the use of that???
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Denecke PS-2s operating time at 48V, 10mA per channel load has been tested to be 18 minutes.
18 minutes!? What's the use of that???
well, the 10mA current draw is the max allowed in the phantom power spec. the vast majority of mics draw far less current, therefore extending the life of each battery. When I used a PS-2 with a pair of AKG 391's, I think I got somewhere in the 2-3 hour range for each 9V battery.
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Yep, few hours would be reasonable. Not many will do any better, and not many will do proper 48 volts either. Not that it would necessarily matter, depends on the mics used.
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No big reasons, but maybe something to think about.
XLR-1 uses good quality audio transformers for unbalancing the signal, the only proper way to do it. The audio circuit is passive. PS-2 has electronics to do the same.
I strongly disagree that a transformer is the only proper way to unbalance a signal. ;)
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Thanks for the info. Although the two preamps you mentioned are too big. I'm looking for something that I can fit in my pocket. Anyone else have opinions on the PS-2?
I'm with fmaderjr on this one. If preamps are to big for you, just go for the PS2. It has been tried and tested many years here on TS.com, and given reliable results.
I found a very good thread about the pros/cons of the XLR-1:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/all-things-audio/134700-sony-xlr-1-adaptor-pcm-d50-d1.html
One of the posters had a very valid point. The combined size of the D50+XLR1 is about the same as a FR2LE, which has a better feature set and price. So if you intend to use the two units together all the time, you might as well get an all-in-one.
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Ha, I'm glad you caught that one Chris. What if I would rather say, the only proper passive way, as I was going to but got mixed up in my own clever response? :-X
I was considering AS1340 as a DC converter. Small and pretty efficient. Couple of Lundahls and Neutrik jacks, sturdy aluminium case. Yea, I do need transformers, since my active designs are way too big for this kind of app. For about 140 USD, without the manufactured PCB or any work, just parts.
Btw. Chris, you have PIP boxes if I understood right...I quess P48 is out of question, and not needed anyway with the mics you have?
Sunjan, thanks for the link! Lost that one last year, just as I was planning similar stuff.
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Ha, I'm glad you caught that one Chris. What if I would rather say, the only proper passive way, as I was going to but got mixed up in my own clever response? :-X
I was considering AS1340 as a DC converter. Small and pretty efficient. Couple of Lundahls and Neutrik jacks, sturdy aluminium case. Yea, I do need transformers, since my active designs are way too big for this kind of app. For about 140 USD, without the manufactured PCB or any work, just parts.
Btw. Chris, you have PIP boxes if I understood right...I quess P48 is out of question, and not needed anyway with the mics you have?
Sunjan, thanks for the link! Lost that one last year, just as I was planning similar stuff.
48V is coming one of these days soon. And when it does its going to be great. ;)
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48V is coming one of these days soon. And when it does its going to be great. ;)
Ah, this sounds promising. I'm in no hurry with mine and new options seem to pop up every now and then, so maybe I'll wait some more.
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48V is coming one of these days soon. And when it does its going to be great. ;)
Excellent news, is "soon" more likely weeks or months?
Kind regards,
JM.