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

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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#msg2159638

Powering via internal NiMH batteries:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=163699.msg2051946#msg2051946

Replacement battery sled:
https://www.amazon.com/Philmore-Battery-Holder-Standard-Connector/dp/B000LFVFU8

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Bench tests performed by Vark:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=153128.msg1938497#msg1938497

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Information regarding repairs:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=167656.msg2088213#msg2088213

I loved mine wish so still had it. But I moved to an Oade m148 so hard to complain. 😀

Thanks for starting thread and posting pics. Anyone running there's on a 5v usb battery? When I set mine up that way with fresh charge, low level battery light flashes  as soon as you power the unit on. Haven't run any tests this way. Any thoughts? The usb battery can do 5-12v but it senses voltage automatically, no way to set voltage you want. Weirdness

In addition to my trim pot question above, has anyone ever experienced a difference in output levels (via XLR and 1/8” stereo outs)?  This occurs with both mic and line-in sources, with output gains set to 0 dB.

Woops, I should clarify. I meant a difference in levels between channels L and R. This difference in channel outputs is reflected on both XLR and 1/8” outputs. My right channels are significantly hotter.

You are correct that an overall difference would be expected between the 1/8” (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced) outputs.

I like to run the 1/8" out into an M10 as backup also. No brainer to do.