Topic: Denecke AD-20 .vs. internal JB3 AD

[mmadd29]

something to keep in mind.  even though the ad-20 is considered a pre by many, the fact is that unless it is the modded version, it does not provide plug in power to the mics.

therefore you would need either a phantom power source (eg ps-2) or a battery box of the 2 or 3 wire variety.  your choice to power the mic will be based on what you mic requires.

Already have a few ART II phantom power boxes so I guess that would work.....something like:

Superlux > Art II > AD-20 > JB3

I  saw where someone had issues with the ART IIs:

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,79514.msg1057753.html#msg1057753

But you have the right idea.  You'll need something that powers your mics and provide output into the preamp part of the AD20. 

T
 

This is true...I blew a rectifer in one of the ART II this is why I have three...but after replacing I noticed it only put out 43.5 volts....so I checked the other two, and they also put out 43.5 volts....now I have never had a problem...but wonder what the difference between this supply and one that puts out a full 48v....??

[cgrooves]

This is true...I blew a rectifer in one of the ART II this is why I have three...but after replacing I noticed it only put out 43.5 volts....so I checked the other two, and they also put out 43.5 volts....now I have never had a problem...but wonder what the difference between this supply and one that puts out a full 48v....??

My AT's only operate on approx. 9v anyway, so I have never worried about it.  I use a UA5 99% of the time now, but still have the ART box.

[shayne]

I think the ad-20 is a great pre- just has limitations,  no phantom, no one does mods, no ability to do matrix,  I ran oktava mc012 > rolls pb224>ad20>jb3,  and I have tapes that I enjoy from my ad-20 better than my t+ mod ua-5 with that being said the ua-5 was more clear but thinner sounding and not as warm. Maybe it was the pa that day but I really enjoyed using the ad20 just watch that gain, I always ran 10 db pads on the mics after one bad experience.

[Javier Cinakowski]

modded UA5's are so cheap right now, that I dont see how you could go wrong.  The UA5 I like much more than the deneke.  I would sell one of my UA5's for darn cheap compaired to a AD20

[mmadd29]

With a UA5, I could also ditch the phantom power box, and I would think that the UA5 would put out closer to 48 volts, in which my ART II boxes put of 43.5 volts.  Would also sovle the AD issue...not sure about the pre....

How much do modded UA5's go for....ballpark figure.

[Javier Cinakowski]

$200-500

depending on the type of mod and accessories (batteries, cables, etc...)

I would estimate:
stock UA5 = $125-150
DIY digi mod = $150-200
bm2+ = $200
bm2p+ = $250-$300
Oade p,t,w-mod = $350
Oade +mods = $400-500

[mmadd29]

$200-500

depending on the type of mod and accessories (batteries, cables, etc...)

I would estimate:
stock UA5 = $125-150
DIY digi mod = $150-200
bm2+ = $200
bm2p+ = $250-$300
Oade p,t,w-mod = $350
Oade +mods = $400-500

Excuse me for being an idiot....

If I got a modded UA5...isn't that all I need?

I'm not counting cables and a power source....I know I would need that

[Javier Cinakowski]

yep the modded UA5 is a standalone preamp, phantom supply and ADC! 

The only other accessories would be :

Mics
Recorder with digital input
xlr mic cable
battery/cable to power UA5

[mmadd29]

yep the modded UA5 is a standalone preamp, phantom supply and ADC! 

The only other accessories would be :

Mics
Recorder with digital input
xlr mic cable
battery/cable to power UA5

I see...I have a JB3 so that is a go, and mics and cables......so I modded UA5 goes around $200?

[Javier Cinakowski]

Yep, you could get a digi mod UA5 for $200 for sure.  They sound just fine.  The flavored mods (oade t,w,p) sound a bit better.  The best value is the bm2p+ mod, it could be bought for like $300...

The only mod that is nessesary is the digi mod.  This allows the UA5 to opperate independent of a computer.  Without the digi mod you must plug the UA5 into the USB port of a computer.  The digi mod is included on all of the Oade and busman(bm2p+) mods