I was searching the site for a dedicated PSP-2 thread and found a number of really informative posts sparsely placed all around. I understand that much of this might be common knowledge to those familiar with this preamp over the years, but since there doesn't appear to be a central thread I have compiled relevant info here.
Preamp Specifications (see attached publication for additional detailed specs):
- XLR in/out
- 1/8-inch (3.55mm) stereo in/out
- 12V, 24V (internal switching), and 48V phantom powering
- Mic/Line input
- 5-9 (max) VDC powered by external battery
- 6xAA batteries internal power
- Approximate runtime (with 48V phantom power): 10 hours
- Gain range: see tedyun's post below from 2011
- Dimensions: 3.4 x 1.4 x 5.6 inches (85 x 35 x 147 mm)
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Link to manual:
http://www.taperssection.com/reference/pdf/Manual_EAAPSP2.pdf---
Gain ranges:
The gain ranges I estimated were pretty close.
I set up my computer to generate a steady tone, then from my DAC (Headamp Pico), I fed an unbalanced signal to my V3, and then SPDIF out to my PMD-661. I adjusted the signal to a specific level on the meter using the gain and the trim on the V3. Then I placed the PSP-2 between the DAC and V3 and measured the signal increase. I used the balanced outs on the PSP-2.
Mic sens "-35": gain of +28 (ie., the meter increased from -40 dB to -12)
Gain switches +6 and +12 add +6 dB and +12 dB respectively.
Mic sens "-55": gain of +48 (the meter increased from -60 to -12)
Gain switches +6 and +12 add +6 dB and +12 dB respectively.
Mic sens "-70": gain of >+60 (the meter increased from -60 to "over"; I adjusted the trim on the V3 downwards by 4 dB, and it was right around 0, so I estimate that it adds about +65 dB)
That's the best I can do with my equipment I have on hand.
So the revised gain range for the PSP-2 is:
+28 (Mic sens: "-35"; Gain "0")
+34 (Mic sens: "-35"; Gain "+6")
+40 (Mic sens: "-35"; Gain "+12")
+48 (Mic sens: "-55"; Gain "0")
+54 (Mic sens: "-55"; Gain "+6")
+60 (Mic sens: "-55"; Gain "+12")
+65 (Mic sens: "-70"; Gain "0")
+71 (Mic sens: "-70"; Gain "+6")
+77 (Mic sens: "-70"; Gain "+12")
So there probably is a pretty big margin of error and it would be nice to get an actual number for the peak value instead of estimating it by eye. I would say +/- 5 dB. I tried feeding the signal to another computer but couldn't really get the digital in or line in to work.
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Powering via 5V USB rechargeable battery:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=87410.msg2159638#msg2159638Powering via internal NiMH batteries:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=163699.msg2051946#msg2051946Replacement battery sled:
https://www.amazon.com/Philmore-Battery-Holder-Standard-Connector/dp/B000LFVFU8---
Bench tests performed by Vark:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=153128.msg1938497#msg1938497---
Information regarding repairs:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=167656.msg2088213#msg2088213