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Author Topic: comparative preamp quality  (Read 3362 times)

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Offline seashore

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comparative preamp quality
« on: August 26, 2015, 06:20:12 AM »
Hi. I'm trying to compare the sound of two sets of microphones. The only trouble is that one pair can only be connected to my Sony PCM-10 and the other can only be connected to my Fostex FR2-LE. Does anyone know how good the Fostex preamps are, in relation to sound quality generally as opposed to noise levels. Would anyone expect the FR2-LE to have significantly better preamps than the Sony? When I say sound quality, I am thinking in terms of ability to reproduce the nuances of classical music, particularly piano.


Also, whether underpowering a microphone could reduce the sonority of recorded sound as well as introduce obvious distortion.

Thank you.
« Last Edit: August 26, 2015, 06:22:57 AM by seashore »

Offline earmonger

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Re: comparative preamp quality
« Reply #1 on: August 26, 2015, 11:06:55 PM »
Can't answer the first question. But an underpowered mic will have reduced dynamic range and distort at lower volumes.

Offline spyder9

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Re: comparative preamp quality
« Reply #2 on: August 26, 2015, 11:20:55 PM »
I own both and the Fostex preamps are way better than the Sony M10's.  I run the Sony more because of size and convenience.  I wish Fostex would come out with a new recorder, same preamps, but half the size.  Don't know if that will ever happen.....   

Offline seashore

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Re: comparative preamp quality
« Reply #3 on: August 28, 2015, 04:15:05 AM »
Thank you Spyder 9-very interesting. You must have a battery powered mic that can be used with both machines, or you would not be able to draw comparisons. Yes, I agree the Fostex FR2-LE is a bit more of a lump to carry around and when I use it with batteries I just cannot be bothered to try to fit the battery into the space at the bottom, because there is hardly enough room.

I sometimes wonder how where the quality of the Fostex preamps lies in relation to standalone preamps-is it better than the cheapest or somewhere between say a £100 Focusrite and £500 Focusrite 2-channel preamp. I get the feeling that few people use all-in-one box solutions now.

Offline spyder9

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Re: comparative preamp quality
« Reply #4 on: August 28, 2015, 09:27:10 AM »
Thank you Spyder 9-very interesting. You must have a battery powered mic that can be used with both machines, or you would not be able to draw comparisons. Yes, I agree the Fostex FR2-LE is a bit more of a lump to carry around and when I use it with batteries I just cannot be bothered to try to fit the battery into the space at the bottom, because there is hardly enough room.

I sometimes wonder how where the quality of the Fostex preamps lies in relation to standalone preamps-is it better than the cheapest or somewhere between say a £100 Focusrite and £500 Focusrite 2-channel preamp. I get the feeling that few people use all-in-one box solutions now.

Nope.  Even better.  I use phantom powered mics.  I run the same preamp between the two recorders.

df

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Re: comparative preamp quality
« Reply #5 on: August 28, 2015, 09:40:30 AM »
The FR2LE's preamp are above average... sound quite nice.  And I agree, a new smaller updated version is welcome.

 

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