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Upgrading to 4 channels - questions re: cables, power, and mics

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detroit lightning:
I recently acquired a Roland R26 on this fine site, and plan to start recording w/ 2 sources - either mics and a SBD feed, or 2 sets of mics.

As is, I have CA14 Cardoids & Omnis, and one CA9100 pre-amp.

Here are my questions:
1. I'm thinking of upgrading to some full sized capsules (AKG, maybe) that would go XLR in. Would I need a battery box/preamp to do that?
2. If I hold off on new mics, what cables would I need to go from 1/8" female > XLR male, and would I need power for the mics to do that?

In general, I'm just trying to understand if the cost of #1 is close enough to #2 to make me just take the leap...

Thanks!

achalsey:
Nice.  Ability to grab a board feed is a huge step up in my mind.  Running 2 sets of mics at the same time can be fun, and sometimes be a really good idea, but often a little unnecessary to me.  Others may disagree.  That said, I've run the 4 channel CA14 card/omni combo in the past and made some nice recordings.

As to your questions:

1.  Would I need a battery box/preamp?   
* No.  The R26 has phantom power and can power a regular set of mics.  Its what they call an "all-in-one" recorder.  Recorder and preamp together.
* For the AKGs though, you would need either the bodies that normally go with the mics (460/480 presumably) or an 'active' system that takes their place, like what Followinbob is making plus the PFAs
* I really like the CA14s but upgrading mics is always a good idea.  >:D  Seriously, though, the Church mics are fine, but there is a definite notice is sound quality as you go higher.  There are significant diminishing returns though.  You don't need $1000+ mics right off the bat.  You should try to wait to grab what you know you want though.  I lost way too much money buying and selling small upgrades before I finally got to AKG and found what I'm most comfortable with sound vs. cost wise.
2.  What cables?
* You can have either of the two resident cable makers make a custom one for you.
* tgakidis(http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=133186.0)
* Darktrain(http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=110932.0)
* Or you can get some much cheaper but a lot less cool on monoprice with an adapter.  I have a 20' 1/8" > RCA that worked great for board feeds.  Get 1/4", and XLRm adapters and you'll have access to any outs the board has.
* Cable (you can choose the length): https://www.monoprice.com/Product?p_id=5601
* 1/4" adapter: https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=7149
* XLR adapter: https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-GXM-133-RCA-XLR3M-Adaptor/dp/B000068O4D

acidjack:
Kind of a waste of time to have a phantom-powered recorder and not use phantom-powered mics. Get the AKGs.

You do need an attenuator from Naiant to take SBDs into the miniplug. Get a 2xfemale XLR>stereo male mini adapter from Naiant set to -24dB, set the gain setting on that miniplug input to LOW, and you'll be good to go for tons of 4-channel fun...

detroit lightning:
Yeah...that's where I was leaning.

Awesome - thanks for the help, fellas.

HealthCov Chris:
If you can't get a board feed, just split out your CA-14 omni's 3+ feet and run your AKG's in the middle (different config options) and pull some great recordings outside. 

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