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Gear / Technical Help => Battery Boxes, Preamps, Mixers, ADCs, and Processors => Topic started by: Nick's Picks on November 15, 2006, 07:37:33 AM

Title: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Nick's Picks on November 15, 2006, 07:37:33 AM
wow...is this the preamp of my dreams?
it might be.

to me, it shares many characteristics of the ad1k.    More detail, way more "air", and a touch of warmth while still retaining that classic apogee "in your face" sound makes this a winner!

easy to use, simple to power...if only it wasn't so awkward in its design, it would be perfect.
but I'll live w/the long box.  I like the lights, the options, the levels, and most importantly, the way it sounds w/my 140s is pretty creamy.
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: audBall on November 15, 2006, 07:53:11 AM
Don't know much about this unit.  Does it have different pre's than the mme?

Are you using the AD of your recorder?
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: silentmark on November 15, 2006, 08:16:27 AM
Yeah I was thinking the same thing, any comps against the minime ?
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: KLowe on November 15, 2006, 11:22:15 AM
can this box decode MS?
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: kskreider on November 15, 2006, 11:40:49 AM
...but can you fry and egg or a grilled cheese on it?
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Shawn on November 15, 2006, 12:36:17 PM
can this box decode MS?
yes
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Daryan on November 15, 2006, 01:14:57 PM
I don't actually know if the pres are the same or not, but it sounds absolutely nothing like the mini-me fwiw.  Much better, not flatuent at all.  I always thought it sounded a bit dry like a sax.  Great unit.
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: audBall on November 15, 2006, 01:52:41 PM
I don't actually know if the pres are the same or not, but it sounds absolutely nothing like the mini-me fwiw.  Much better, not flatuent at all.  I always thought it sounded a bit dry like a sax.  Great unit.

According to the website it looks like the MP incorporates the Trak2 pres??  It doesn't seem like the mme has the same ones.  The gain ranges are different as well. 

I'm sure it cooks, but I bet it smokes too  >:D
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Brian Skalinder on November 15, 2006, 01:56:28 PM
According to the website it looks like the MP incorporates the Trak2 pres??

I don't think I'd interpret the statement on their website as "it [MP] incorporates the Trak2 pres".  I think they're simply leveraging the success and perception of quality of their Trak2 preamp for marketing the MiniMP:

Quote
The Mini-MP takes the reference quality of the Trak2 and the premium Mini-Me pre-amps to the next level.
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: audBall on November 15, 2006, 01:58:34 PM
According to the website it looks like the MP incorporates the Trak2 pres??

I don't think I'd interpret the statement on their website as "it [MP] incorporates the Trak2 pres".  I think they're simply leveraging the success and perception of quality of their Trak2 preamp for marketing the MiniMP:

Quote
The Mini-MP takes the reference quality of the Trak2 and the premium Mini-Me pre-amps to the next level.

woops....reading too fast, yet again.  Thanks Brian for the clarification. 
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Nick's Picks on November 15, 2006, 04:41:33 PM
wow...is this the preamp of my dreams?
it might be.

So does that mean it'll be two weeks before we see it in the Yard? :P




well, lets not get hasty now.

1. same pre as mme?  NO., but I can't offer more details.  a little research and you'll find mention of it not being like the mme on a few sites, including apogees.

2. MS, yes.  its got a multi-setting power switch, OFF-ST-MS.  so its either in stereo or ms mode, and in ms mode its sending the mixed XY signal and you dial it in "on the fly".

3. is it hot?
Not that I've noticed.  Seems to run pretty cool in fact.  Its just those fat 12v suckers of old.

4. i'm using the A/D stage in whatever recorder I happen to be using.  671, h120, r9..etc.
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: ehren on November 16, 2006, 11:52:52 AM
wow...is this the preamp of my dreams?
it might be.

to me, it shares many characteristics of the ad1k.    More detail, way more "air", and a touch of warmth while still retaining that classic apogee "in your face" sound makes this a winner!

easy to use, simple to power...if only it wasn't so awkward in its design, it would be perfect.
but I'll live w/the long box.  I like the lights, the options, the levels, and most importantly, the way it sounds w/my 140s is pretty creamy.

I've been using the mp for almost a year and it is the best pre I've used. I've had a V2, V3, +modUA5, mp2 and psp2 and the mp is the hands down winner.
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Shawn on November 16, 2006, 02:47:44 PM
I've been using the mp for almost a year and it is the best pre I've used. I've had a V2, V3, +modUA5, mp2 and psp2 and the mp is the hands down winner.
just curious... what are you running in front of it? and behind it?
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: ehren on November 16, 2006, 03:33:45 PM
I've been using the mp for almost a year and it is the best pre I've used. I've had a V2, V3, +modUA5, mp2 and psp2 and the mp is the hands down winner.
just curious... what are you running in front of it? and behind it?

I'm running Peluso's in front of it right now, the SD condensers. I'm running into an un-modded 671 and love the results, lots of detail yet still musical. I've used it in the studio with a variety of different mics, Peluso tubes, sm57's, neuman LD's ect...it's been fabulous with everything I've tried. I use to run mk4s>V3 and hated the sound most of the time; now I run Peluso>mp>671 and it's the best combo for concert taping I've run, at least to my ears.
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Nick's Picks on November 16, 2006, 04:48:54 PM
and i've only run my 140s w/it thus far.  I will be running Carls c34 w/it i'm sure, and there *may* be more mics in my future to try it with, given the length of its tenure w/me.
:)

we'll see, but I think I could keep this preamp for a while.  I really think its the tits so far.
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: bluewingolive on November 20, 2006, 03:23:26 PM
I've checked the Apogee site, but I can't find the dimensions of this box........can someone measure one up for me?  Thanks.
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Nick's Picks on November 20, 2006, 03:48:50 PM
just like the mme and ad500e, give or take a smidge
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: stober on November 20, 2006, 05:21:48 PM
Whats the price difference in these and the mini-me?
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Nick's Picks on November 20, 2006, 08:22:51 PM
not sure.
these run around a grand new, I believe
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: OOK on November 20, 2006, 10:50:16 PM
Whats the price difference in these and the mini-me?

I have seen the Minimp for 799-899 new, I have seen the minime run from 899-1199 depending on outputs with usb or with out.
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: bluewingolive on November 23, 2006, 12:28:32 PM
Ok.  Got dimensions.  Seems a bit tall standin in a bag, no?.....I currently run out of a Lowe Nova 5 AW.  Anyone have any gear bag suggestions that would suit Apogee boxes?   I would hate to have to switch bags but I might have to.
Oh, Happy TG everyone.
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: OOK on November 23, 2006, 04:06:22 PM
Ok.  Got dimensions.  Seems a bit tall standin in a bag, no?.....I currently run out of a Lowe Nova 5 AW.  Anyone have any gear bag suggestions that would suit Apogee boxes?   I would hate to have to switch bags but I might have to.
Oh, Happy TG everyone.

I have a minime and its the same demsions as a minimp.  It sucks interms of bags.  If my memory serves me right without breaking the minime out, the minme is 5 1/2 inches wide and 11 1/2 inches long with the knobs.  I currrently use a small backpack.
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: caymanreview on November 23, 2006, 06:09:05 PM
i used a rackgear backpack when i ran my mme.
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Teen Wolf Blitzer on November 23, 2006, 06:23:02 PM
I was thinking of maybe grabbing a MiniMP.

http://www.audiomidi.com/Mini-MP-P4558.aspx


Seems reasonable.  $727.00 shipped.

But I'm also kicking around getting a 4 channel Sytek w/ Burr Brown mods.   I like the looks of the Apogee Mini products.
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: caymanreview on November 23, 2006, 07:18:09 PM
727 seems like a great deal to me!
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: spyder9 on November 23, 2006, 10:10:37 PM
One just sold on eBay today for $520.00  Anybody here win it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Apogee-MINI-MP-mic-pre-amp_W0QQitemZ300049972210QQihZ020QQcategoryZ119018QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: BC on November 24, 2006, 02:21:14 AM
How do you power it in the field? Just wondering, haven't seen these too often. Been curious about trying a more euphonic pre behind my DPA's.
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Nick's Picks on November 24, 2006, 10:06:31 AM
it powers easy.  anything from 6v on up to 12v or so will do it fine.
I run mine w/a power runner pr2e LiON battery pack.  runs for days.
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: BobW on November 27, 2006, 12:04:08 AM
OK, Nick, so this really begs the obvious M-S with the LSD2 question
How about one set stereo and one M-S ?   :hmmm:

I have been thinking about doing something to get more sig to the FR-2 for the classical stuff
I don't like to crank gain and trim 100% for a 12db peak recording...      :P
Dang those chamber players and their subtle dynamics!
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Nick's Picks on November 27, 2006, 07:08:31 AM
the power switch has two on settings, on is M-S, which outputs a normal stereo signal that you can adjust mid or side volume via the gain knobs,
or the STereo setting, which is just normal left/right. 

leaving it in ST mode while recording MS will output raw MS signals to be mixed in post.

or, am I not getting the question?
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Nick's Picks on November 27, 2006, 07:09:22 AM
oh..and fwiw, it fits standing up in my CAYIN II mtnsmth lumbar pack.  its tall, and stands up taller than anything else in the bag..but I can still zip it closed.
this is w/all the wires plugged in (RA neutriks that it is sitting on basically)
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Jamos on November 27, 2006, 02:31:44 PM
oh..and fwiw, it fits standing up in my CAYIN II mtnsmth lumbar pack.


You mean CAIRN II, right? Or maybe it's a different bag...

Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Nick's Picks on November 27, 2006, 03:31:40 PM
nope, you're right.
cairn II.  just a different translation of memory.
:)
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Teen Wolf Blitzer on November 27, 2006, 06:30:01 PM
Just grabbed me one off Fleabay for 580 shipped.  Hey Nick.  I can use the ESI batteries for this right?  I have 3 of the 6000's.  What cables do I need for that?  Will the ratshcak stuff work?  What ends?  Thanks!
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Nick's Picks on November 27, 2006, 10:54:58 PM
M tip+
ESI batteries, as long as they are anywhere between 6 to 12v, you're golden.
600mAh will run it for 6 hours plus.
great price! +T
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: BobW on December 14, 2006, 11:16:37 PM
the power switch has two on settings, on is M-S, which outputs a normal stereo signal that you can adjust mid or side volume via the gain knobs,
or the STereo setting, which is just normal left/right. 

leaving it in ST mode while recording MS will output raw MS signals to be mixed in post.

or, am I not getting the question?

I was looking for some sample recordings in a most confusing way.
Actually, I'd love to hear an LSD2 into a MiniMP M-S vs. X-Y

The MiniMP doesn't have a compressor or limiter either, does it?
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Nick's Picks on December 15, 2006, 06:48:25 AM
nope..none of that
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: headroom on March 22, 2007, 01:37:51 PM
I have MINI MP and Me. I just used them for 6 month Me as AD, MP as pre. Today I made some soundtest in Mono.

I found the the difference from the 2 Apogee`s is small.
The MP has a bit more definition in the Presence ( computer harddrives whine 4 meters away in the back of the 2 miks ) and a little bit less noise than the Me. Me is a bit brighter, this is hearable with FM Radio noise.
The case of the MP is getting hotter than the ME.

Tested with channels swapped 2 times: Neuman TL 103 and 2 AT 3031 stock.

The 2Track team has desigend the Micamp for the MINI Me
Inside is

Mini ME

OP 275 1DC Comonsation?

INA 163 U 2x Mic Input

OP 4177 A

2x INA 163 UA Mic Input?

MinI MP:

3x OPA 134 UA Line Driver


OPA 2228 U Audio professional


OPA 2227 U Audio professional


INA 163  UA Mic Input


Output


2 x OP 275  Linedriver


OPA 134 UA Line Driver

Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Kindguy on March 22, 2007, 02:50:18 PM
I bet running an AD500e behind this would be awesome.

Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Kindguy on March 22, 2007, 03:00:45 PM
I was thinking of maybe grabbing a MiniMP.

http://www.audiomidi.com/Mini-MP-P4558.aspx


Seems reasonable.  $727.00 shipped.

But I'm also kicking around getting a 4 channel Sytek w/ Burr Brown mods.   I like the looks of the Apogee Mini products.

You should PM frank at Cascade. He'll beat that price.

Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Simp-Dawg on March 25, 2007, 01:00:07 AM
i am really enjoying this box behind my MBHO's!  it's ergonomics suck but i had a laptop backpack i got for free from IBM when I worked there that holds the Mini-MP nicely in a target rack.  i just need to switch out the right-angle XLR'x I was using for the V3 to straight-angled ones!
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: OOK on March 25, 2007, 03:17:31 AM
i am really enjoying this box behind my MBHO's!  it's ergonomics suck but i had a laptop backpack i got for free from IBM when I worked there that holds the Mini-MP nicely in a target rack.  i just need to switch out the right-angle XLR'x I was using for the V3 to straight-angled ones!


I've been saying this since 2003.  The Ho's go great with an apogee....I was thinking about picking up a Mp to put in front of the minime....but I may pick up some ADKtl's insted....not sure yet....
Title: Re: MiniMP me LIKE!
Post by: Shawn on March 26, 2007, 07:41:49 AM
i am really enjoying this box behind my MBHO's!  it's ergonomics suck but i had a laptop backpack i got for free from IBM when I worked there that holds the Mini-MP nicely in a target rack.  i just need to switch out the right-angle XLR'x I was using for the V3 to straight-angled ones!


I've been saying this since 2003.  The Ho's go great with an apogee....I was thinking about picking up a Mp to put in front of the minime....but I may pick up some ADKtl's insted....not sure yet....
if you decide to go the TL route shoot me a PM. I've got mine for sale right now.