Topic: List: Portable Mic Preamp + ADC ?

[ArchivalAudio]

Ok  I know there a number of 2 channel portable "tapir" friendly Mic Preamps with a solid ADC, I wondering if folks could share here a list.

Also:
form factor sizing, experience.

Concerned that the 2channel preamp ADC combp work with the Tascam DR-680

I love my LittleBox, but is analog out only
looking to par a micpre/ADC with my DR-680 if I ever want to run 8 channels and for fun and sonic flavor.

This is sort of just a "research Project" at this time , as the funds are not there yet, as there are other family projects to be funded.

II think I would really like a Grace V3, though they are out of production and appear only infrequently.

The MixPre  would also be nice. or maybe a mixpre2?

I do own both the MOTU Ultralite and a presonus firebox, both of which can be battery powered and do have the ability to pass a spdif signal. The presonus is ok, not my favorite unit, and the motu is great, though it's mostly connected to myi Mac to use as a adc to my KRK R6's so it doesn't travel much.

please list others.

Suggestions
Llist?

thanks for input

--Ian

[stevetoney]

The only one that I can think of to add to those you've mentioned is the mini-me. 

There just aren't many packaged pre+ADC out there that I know of.  I might be wrong, but I think a reason is that reasonable quality all-in-one recorders, which of course include the pre, ADC, and recorder all in one package, have taken the market over and taken alot of the demand away from any potential pre/ADC combo products.

PS: If you wanted, you could add a standalone ADC, such as a Benchmark AD2K or a Mytek.  I can speak from personal experience that the AD2K plays nicely with the DR680.

[F.O.Bean]

There's also the graham patten DMIC24! And isn't Jon working on a Tinybox with an SPDIF output?

[pohaku]

USBPre2 as well.  Plays just fine with the DR-680.  I like the meters.

[kirk97132]

USBPre2 as well.  Plays just fine with the DR-680.  I like the meters.

I can second the Pre-2.  Transparent preamps, lots of gain, great options for input and output besides the SPDIF.  Will need to add a battery that supplies USB power.  There is also the SD MixpreD, but I am not personally familiar with that unit.  Another option although out of production is a modded UA-5.  Metering on the unit leaves something to be desired but then again if running it into a 680 you can use those meters.  THe V3's do pop up and I'd be willing to bet an ISO in the yeardsale would yield results.  Back the Pre-2.  There is also an added advantage of being able to sync the unit via an external SPDIF signal which allow for adding another deck and in turn extra channels effortlessly.  THe Pre-2 will automatically lock to an external SPDIF signal.

[jbell]

If size is a concern I'd look at the Mixpre-D!!  It is about the size of a littlebox and has AES out great metering and can be powered internally or externally. 

[obaaron]

USBPre2 as well.  Plays just fine with the DR-680.  I like the meters.

Another option although out of production is a modded UA-5.  Metering on the unit leaves something to be desired but then again if running it into a 680 you can use those meters. 

I run a Busman mod UA-5 with my dr-680 and LOVE the sound. Yeah its not exactly what you were asking about but the units are VERY cheap now and have the SPDIF out. (and sound damn good!). Only drawback to me is the size...

[F.O.Bean]

If size is a concern I'd look at the Mixpre-D!!  It is about the size of a littlebox and has AES out great metering and can be powered internally or externally. 

This!!!

[Hypnocracy]

Focusrite has a couple of DC powered, stand alone Preamps and on board ADC that output SPDIF...they appear to be about the size of a Grace V2...there has been mention of it being used with a 680 on TS (non regular member friend of SmokingJoe) they eventually moved on to the V3.

We have a local guy who bought one of those.  He used it with a laptop, then in front of his 680, but eventually bought a V3.  I'm not sure what his opinion was.

[tgakidis]

There is also the Audent Mico, although it has a big footprint.
 http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/230507226799?lpid=82

There are a few users on this board

[F.O.Bean]

There is also the Audent Mico, although it has a big footprint.
 http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/230507226799?lpid=82

There are a few users on this board

Looks like a def contender in our lil audio taping niche

[kirk97132]

There is also the Audent Mico, although it has a big footprint.
 http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/230507226799?lpid=82

There are a few users on this board

I thought the Mico was one of the units that would not talk to a 680 digitally. There are a few, not many but some that the 680 cannot read their digital stream.

[DigiGal]

If size is a concern I'd look at the Mixpre-D!!  It is about the size of a littlebox and has AES out great metering and can be powered internally or externally. 

This!!!

Another shout out for the Sound Devices MixPre-D! 

BTW- If you need A>D built-in, the previous versions of MixPre did not have this capability, they were strictly analog.

[ArchivalAudio]

There is also the Audent Mico, although it has a big footprint.
 http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/230507226799?lpid=82

There are a few users on this board

I thought the Mico was one of the units that would not talk to a 680 digitally. There are a few, not many but some that the 680 cannot read their digital stream.

Kirk, and eveyone,

Thanks for the replies.
I have read a number of thread that indicate the mico does not always play well with the Dr-680.

It seems that the USBpre2 or the V3 is my bet bet. Since the V3 is out of production and slightly bigger than the USBPre2 who knows.

Still not ready to buy just wondering for the future.

in my Original Post I didn't ask about any standalone A2D converters, but I am now wondering about any portable standalone Analog to Digital converters?

thanks everyone

--Ian

[ArchivalAudio]

If size is a concern I'd look at the Mixpre-D!!  It is about the size of a littlebox and has AES out great metering and can be powered internally or externally. 

This!!!

Another shout out for the Sound Devices MixPre-D! 

BTW- If you need A>D built-in, the previous versions of MixPre did not have this capability, they were strictly analog.

Thanks, for the input as always.

just wondering to me I like the form factor of the usbPre2 better then the mixPre-D and it's $50 cheaper.  What if any benefit would one have with the mixPre-D over the usbPre2?
--Ian

[rjp]

Focusrite has a couple of DC powered, stand alone Preamps and on board ADC that output SPDIF...they appear to be about the size of a Grace V2...there has been mention of it being used with a 680 on TS (non regular member friend of SmokingJoe) they eventually moved on to the V3.

Also, their Saffire series interfaces can be used in standalone mode (and have an external 12V power socket). Not having a recorder with digi-in, I have no idea how well that works, though.

[kirk97132]

If size is a concern I'd look at the Mixpre-D!!  It is about the size of a littlebox and has AES out great metering and can be powered internally or externally. 

This!!!

Another shout out for the Sound Devices MixPre-D! 

BTW- If you need A>D built-in, the previous versions of MixPre did not have this capability, they were strictly analog.

Thanks, for the input as always.

just wondering to me I like the form factor of the usbPre2 better then the mixPre-D and it's $50 cheaper.  What if any benefit would one have with the mixPre-D over the usbPre2?
--Ian

One very blatant difference is the USBPre-2 requires external power of some kind, either a computer USB or 5 volts via the USB jack.  The Mixpre-D can use AA batteries internally.  I have not used a Pre-D, BUT looking at the feature set, I would still prefer a Pre-2 over the "D".  Even is I exclude the ability to sync externally to a SPDIF signal, I like the multiple inputs and outputs, and I sue it with my computer as a soundcard which also gives me a headphone amp with lots of power. The fact the headphone amp can be on the slightly noisy side at high volume does not bother me.  I like the volume and the easy interface to the computer.  Supplying external power to the Pre-2 in the field is not that hard.  And in fact I am currently working on a voltage converter to allow me to use the 9 volt DVD wallyworld batteries I have to power it.  A lot of batteries now provide a USB power jack in addition to their other external power. 

[ArchivalAudio]

If size is a concern I'd look at the Mixpre-D!!  It is about the size of a littlebox and has AES out great metering and can be powered internally or externally. 

This!!!

Another shout out for the Sound Devices MixPre-D! 

BTW- If you need A>D built-in, the previous versions of MixPre did not have this capability, they were strictly analog.

Thanks, for the input as always.

just wondering to me I like the form factor of the usbPre2 better then the mixPre-D and it's $50 cheaper.  What if any benefit would one have with the mixPre-D over the usbPre2?
--Ian

One very blatant difference is the USBPre-2 requires external power of some kind, either a computer USB or 5 volts via the USB jack.  The Mixpre-D can use AA batteries internally.  I have not used a Pre-D, BUT looking at the feature set, I would still prefer a Pre-2 over the "D".  Even is I exclude the ability to sync externally to a SPDIF signal, I like the multiple inputs and outputs, and I sue it with my computer as a soundcard which also gives me a headphone amp with lots of power. The fact the headphone amp can be on the slightly noisy side at high volume does not bother me.  I like the volume and the easy interface to the computer.  Supplying external power to the Pre-2 in the field is not that hard.  And in fact I am currently working on a voltage converter to allow me to use the 9 volt DVD wallyworld batteries I have to power it.  A lot of batteries now provide a USB power jack in addition to their other external power.

Kirk,

thanks

an external USB power is certainly easier that 12v
and I'm not a big AA fan - except in my m-10 where that last like 30+ hours.
I like the flexibility of the usbPre2  seems like it could be useful; I do have a few external LI-ion  batteries that can supply USB 5v so that's not an issue.

since you have both the V3 an dthe USBpre2  other than size  sonically how do you feel they compare.

I know V3's show up every so often but als seem a bit bigger than the USBPre2.

Opinion?

thanks again
--Ian

[Len Moskowitz (Core Sound)]

Please check out our Mic2496 V2:

www.core-sound.com/Mic2496/1.php

and

taperssection.com/index.php?topic=93595.0

[kirk97132]

If size is a concern I'd look at the Mixpre-D!!  It is about the size of a littlebox and has AES out great metering and can be powered internally or externally. 

This!!!

Another shout out for the Sound Devices MixPre-D! 

BTW- If you need A>D built-in, the previous versions of MixPre did not have this capability, they were strictly analog.

Thanks, for the input as always.

just wondering to me I like the form factor of the usbPre2 better then the mixPre-D and it's $50 cheaper.  What if any benefit would one have with the mixPre-D over the usbPre2?
--Ian

One very blatant difference is the USBPre-2 requires external power of some kind, either a computer USB or 5 volts via the USB jack.  The Mixpre-D can use AA batteries internally.  I have not used a Pre-D, BUT looking at the feature set, I would still prefer a Pre-2 over the "D".  Even is I exclude the ability to sync externally to a SPDIF signal, I like the multiple inputs and outputs, and I sue it with my computer as a soundcard which also gives me a headphone amp with lots of power. The fact the headphone amp can be on the slightly noisy side at high volume does not bother me.  I like the volume and the easy interface to the computer.  Supplying external power to the Pre-2 in the field is not that hard.  And in fact I am currently working on a voltage converter to allow me to use the 9 volt DVD wallyworld batteries I have to power it.  A lot of batteries now provide a USB power jack in addition to their other external power.

Kirk,

thanks

an external USB power is certainly easier that 12v
and I'm not a big AA fan - except in my m-10 where that last like 30+ hours.
I like the flexibility of the usbPre2  seems like it could be useful; I do have a few external LI-ion  batteries that can supply USB 5v so that's not an issue.

since you have both the V3 an dthe USBpre2  other than size  sonically how do you feel they compare.

I know V3's show up every so often but als seem a bit bigger than the USBPre2.

Opinion?

thanks again
--Ian

The V3 is a little bigger not a lot.  Soundwise...they are both very similar to each other.  Close enough to interchangeable IMHO.   If I were shooping the two preamps side by side and had to pick one I would get the Pre-2.  Handles more inputs{Mic; Line rca & Line 1/4"; and USB] Has more outputs{1/8" & 1/4" headphone; SPDIF coax & SPDIF-optical, Line-rca and XLR-mic level & XLR line level; and USB}  I also use it as my sound card to my desktop.  It is truly plug and play, never have had any issue with computers seeing it, both PC & MACS.  IN my office I can have it feed rca line level to a powered mixer for my outside deck speakers & office speakers, 1/8" headphone to feed the living room amp, 1/4for my headphones and mixing and still have the XLR outputs If I wanted to send a feed to a recorder.  I also use it for transfers, allows my to hook up my cassette deck, Dat deck both analog and digital without ever have to change out a single connection.  I do own the V# and Pre-2 in order to allow the syncing of multiple decks.  With the V3 supplying wordclock & SPDIF feed I can sync the clocks on my Alesis HD-24, and two DR-680's which gives a total of 40 tracks or recordings that will not have any drift.  There are some Gov't Mule/Warren Haynes Band recordings out in cyber space that could give you a little feel of how the pre's sound .  Hope that helps, Kirk

PS: I see Len listed his mic249 V2.  I also saw that you must have the updated firmware in order for his pre to work with the Sony regarding SPDIF feed issues.  This is something to keep in mind about a DR-680.  The Sony and some tascam units have an issue with some SPDIF signals. It is not mentioned on the Core sound website, I don't know if it means that it was tested on a DR-680 and is not an issue or if it is just something that they have not encountered yet.  I don't know of anyone here who has a DR-680 and runs that preamp.  Obviously the Lunatec and SD units are much more robust with aluminum cases not a plastic box.  IT also cannot support standard XLR jacks in such a small case, so it would be more adapters in line with your MiLab or Busman mics.

[kirk97132]

The Core Sound unit is plastic?  It looks like a steel case from the pics on the website.

My mistake then.  Sorry.  I looked at the picture and it appeared plastic to me.  Sorry for any confusion

[Marshall7]

The Core Sound unit is plastic?  It looks like a steel case from the pics on the website.

My first impression was plastic, too.  Especially the knobs.

[Len Moskowitz (Core Sound)]

Obviously the Lunatec and SD units are much more robust with aluminum cases not a plastic box.

The Mic2496 V2 case is powdercoated aluminum.

It takes onboard batteries - both alkaline and rechargable lithium ion - so you don't need an outboard power supply or USB power. It also has an external DC power connector.

It comes with the updated firmware. That's since July 2009.

A rugged 6-inch dual-XLR-F breakout cable is $35.

We mention on the product page that it works fine with a Tascam DR-680. I have a -680 that I use with our TetraMic, and I like it a lot.

[ArchivalAudio]

One very blatant difference is the USBPre-2 requires external power of some kind, either a computer USB or 5 volts via the USB jack.  The Mixpre-D can use AA batteries internally.  I have not used a Pre-D, BUT looking at the feature set, I would still prefer a Pre-2 over the "D".  Even is I exclude the ability to sync externally to a SPDIF signal, I like the multiple inputs and outputs, and I sue it with my computer as a soundcard which also gives me a headphone amp with lots of power. The fact the headphone amp can be on the slightly noisy side at high volume does not bother me.  I like the volume and the easy interface to the computer.  Supplying external power to the Pre-2 in the field is not that hard.  And in fact I am currently working on a voltage converter to allow me to use the 9 volt DVD wallyworld batteries I have to power it.  A lot of batteries now provide a USB power jack in addition to their other external power.

Kirk,

thanks

an external USB power is certainly easier that 12v
and I'm not a big AA fan - except in my m-10 where that last like 30+ hours.
I like the flexibility of the usbPre2  seems like it could be useful; I do have a few external LI-ion  batteries that can supply USB 5v so that's not an issue.

since you have both the V3 an dthe USBpre2  other than size  sonically how do you feel they compare.

I know V3's show up every so often but als seem a bit bigger than the USBPre2.

Opinion?

thanks again
--Ian

The V3 is a little bigger not a lot.  Soundwise...they are both very similar to each other.  Close enough to interchangeable IMHO.   If I were shooping the two preamps side by side and had to pick one I would get the Pre-2.  Handles more inputs{Mic; Line rca & Line 1/4"; and USB] Has more outputs{1/8" & 1/4" headphone; SPDIF coax & SPDIF-optical, Line-rca and XLR-mic level & XLR line level; and USB}  I also use it as my sound card to my desktop.  It is truly plug and play, never have had any issue with computers seeing it, both PC & MACS.  IN my office I can have it feed rca line level to a powered mixer for my outside deck speakers & office speakers, 1/8" headphone to feed the living room amp, 1/4for my headphones and mixing and still have the XLR outputs If I wanted to send a feed to a recorder.  I also use it for transfers, allows my to hook up my cassette deck, Dat deck both analog and digital without ever have to change out a single connection.  I do own the V# and Pre-2 in order to allow the syncing of multiple decks.  With the V3 supplying wordclock & SPDIF feed I can sync the clocks on my Alesis HD-24, and two DR-680's which gives a total of 40 tracks or recordings that will not have any drift.  There are some Gov't Mule/Warren Haynes Band recordings out in cyber space that could give you a little feel of how the pre's sound .  Hope that helps, Kirk

Kirk,

Thanks for your thoughtful reply.  You make so very good points of the input versatility of the USBPre2 over the V3, since they are still in production, I may lean that way.
However I'm not financially ready to take the plunge yet. We have some minor home remodeling on the horizon that I need to be careful of my cash flow for.
See you some time in the near future, I hope.
Take care.
--Ian

[pdxdanmusic]

I got a SD MixPre-D and I have only done one show with it (Elephant Revival @ The Aladdin) but like it. Digigal made an adapter for a battery pack I got and also converted an AC unit for it. If you are coming up to Portland for a show and want to check it out let me know.

[pdxdanmusic]

The MixPre-D also has an USB connection.

[ArchivalAudio]

I got a SD MixPre-D and I have only done one show with it (Elephant Revival @ The Aladdin) but like it. Digigal made an adapter for a battery pack I got and also converted an AC unit for it. If you are coming up to Portland for a show and want to check it out let me know.

cool, thanks for the offer and info.
I'd love to make it to PDX, current work situations make it difficult. I only live 5 hours away but work 10:30 am to 8:30 pm Tuesday to Saturday....

Perhaps we will move to PDX soon instead... I need to be closer to "real" music options (Corvallis for 20 years was easy to hit a ton of shows)  Southern Oregon is like a  sunny vortex.

--Ian