Topic: Schoeps>preamp with transformers

[NOLAfishwater]

I am ordering a littlebox with kcy input and was wondering if I should get input or output transformers or none at all. anybody have thoughts on this? thanks in advance for your replies.

[hi and lo]

Get both and have them selectable 

[jbell]

I ordered a KCY Littlebox last week!!  I got mine without transformers.  I was going to do output transformers, but there wasn't room for the switchs on the face with the options I wanted and I didn't want transformers I couldn't turn off and I didn't want to move up to the midbox case. 

I am ordering a littlebox with kcy input and was wondering if I should get input or output transformers or none at all. anybody have thoughts on this? thanks in advance for your replies.

[F.O.Bean]

Trust me, I want this setup too, and my LB has OUT Xformers, but there isnt even a ;prototype yet, so how do we know it works

[Napo]

Get a JENSEN input transformer and the Schoeps 'dark side'  will be illuminated 

[Todd R]

Short of getting a specialty build using Jensens, I'd recommend just (switchable) output transformers.  I can't recall the details, but I don't think Jon thought the typical input transformers he uses (some kind of micro-transformer) is the best with PA-driven concert recording.  IIRC the issue is that they will saturate too easily or something and that the frequency response will suffer (poor low end).

I'm probably garbling that horribly, but you might want to discuss this with Jon.  My only take-away was that if you wanted a transformer flavor in a littlebox to be used for concert recording, your best off with output transformers.  Swicthable input transformers would be an option for when you wanted to record lower volume stuff at times and wanted the gain boost offered by the trafos, but wouldn't be the option for getting a transformer sound to concert recordings.

[jbell]

The reason I didn't get output transformers is that the KCY input and P48/KCY switch monopolize to much room on the face of the pre so there isn't room for transformer switches.  I could have went with a midbox and fit everything, but I wanted to keep the foot print of the pre small. 

[jibooer]

I am ordering a littlebox with kcy input and was wondering if I should get input or output transformers or none at all. anybody have thoughts on this? thanks in advance for your replies.

I think that most who have the OUTies, use them more often than not, especially if you prefer a gooey, chocolotey sounding recording.

The INnies will be beneficial for those acoustic shows, or for those encores done a cappella.

I could see the OUTies really working well with da Shepz.

[Soling]

I have a Little box with outboard transformers (jensens) that I run behind MK? > KC5 > CMC6 > A/D, Bit Bucket.  I do not have the switchable on off transformer option. Mine is set up with input and output interface via a mini 5 pin xlr (or mini plug 1/8th out as well).  The transformers add a significant increase in gain such that I rarely turn the trim pots past 9 or 10 o'clock for most electric acts or else brick wall my recorder (Edirol R09). I am very happy with the unit. Runs forever on a single charge and for multiday festis, a DIN3 cable to DVD battery adds extra life.  Down the road I may send it back to Jon to have a variable step gain switch installed (High, Mid, Low similar to what the current LB have) and to change the P20v phantom setting to P12v  for longer battery life while runing CMC6.  Nice light weight rig with great sound for those nights I am not up for hauling out the multichannel rig.  As I have invested in CMC6/KC5 and use this rig for open taping, not sure if I will invest in a KCY > 5 pin XLR binder but then one never knows 

Here's some recordings with the LB in the middle:
http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=543159
http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=540004
http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=546604

[hi and lo]

Ran my new Littlebox this week for the Funky Meters using mk5/cmr>PFA and the output transformers on. Sounds fantastic and an immediate improvement in sonic quality over just a Tinybox. Those output transformers are definitely nice with the Schoeps!

[F.O.Bean]

Ran my new Littlebox this week for the Funky Meters using mk5/cmr>PFA and the output transformers on. Sounds fantastic and an immediate improvement in sonic quality over just a Tinybox. Those output transformers are definitely nice with the Schoeps!

Yeah, I'll be running KCY>LB w/ OUTPUT Xformers Cant wait!

[H₂O]

Can you get a lb for KCY and use input xformers?

I thought xformers rqd a balanced signal - the KCY is unbalanced

[jbell]

I was thinking they would only work with the P48 XLR's, but I'm not sure.  I didn't ask when I bought mine and opted to skip the transformers. 

Can you get a lb for KCY and use input xformers?

I thought xformers rqd a balanced signal - the KCY is unbalanced

[it-goes-to-eleven]

You can.  Transformers don't have to be balanced, you just can't leave one leg floating.

Gosh, I don't know.  I frequently see TV ads for "restless leg syndrome".

[NOLAfishwater]

I was thinking they would only work with the P48 XLR's, but I'm not sure.  I didn't ask when I bought mine and opted to skip the transformers. 

Can you get a lb for KCY and use input xformers?

I thought xformers rqd a balanced signal - the KCY is unbalanced

yep. I skipped the transformers too.