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Gear / Technical Help => Ask The Tapers => Topic started by: steve-o on January 12, 2004, 07:34:00 PM
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I have the option to purchase either a MiniMe or a V2. They'd be used in a setup consisting of:
AKGse300 > V2*/ MiniMe* > JB3
What's the general opinion of both? Is one better than the other, or better yet, worth the investment of getting the more expensive one? Thanks for the info and help.
Stephen
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with the minime you get both a pre and an A/D...the V2 only gives you the pre.
With regards to sound....that is up to you....probably better off to download a couple of sources from the archive and decide...
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i'd go with the minime...it is a dual pre-amp and a>d converter. the v2 is just a pre-amp, so you'd be relying on the a/d converter in the jb3 which is not nearly as good as the minime. the v2 is better than the pre section of the mme, but without an a>d, i think you'd be missing out a lot. the minime sounds like a better overall solution to me.
EDIT: beat me by 2 seconds, nick.
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Thanks for the info. Last question.... I know value and prices will vary, but what would be the expected paying price for a used (excellent condition) MiniMe?
Steve
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EDIT: beat me by 2 seconds, nick.
sometimes I get lucky...unfortunately it is never at anything I can make any money at ;D
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$950-1k on the minime... perhaps a little more
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you may be able to find one for less without the usb output. they started making that model later in the game, i think it was about $200 less than the other model retail, but i'm not sure. just depends if you think you'll ever use it with a computer.
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While I love both units, have you considered spending 550 on a modified ua-5 and dumping the rest into 480's? Seems like that might have more benefit in the short run, but obviously, it is up to you!
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i agree with daryan on this one, i think you'd probably be better off upgrading your mics first. but if you don't want to go that route the minime is a great sounding box.
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Well, I just wanted to get back in the swing of things. I sold of my equipment years back and wanted to jump back in somewhere and then just upgrade as I went.
Is the option to use the 300s not a wise one when considering a MiniMe? Or is it the idea of running the mics actually the issue?
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somebody's got a set of 480 bodies for sale here (http://www.taperssection.com/yabbse/index.php?board=7;action=display;threadid=9730;start=0)
you'll need to get caps separately though.
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I just think that the largest impact on any sound you get will be the mics. I think akg's match well with the slight warmness of the mini-me, I just think you might pull consistently better tapes with 480's on the front end. Or even modified 460's. I think both are in the yard sale section. The mme is a great unit, so either way you will be happy. However, I bet if you go this route you will be fishing for 480's sooner rather than later. Tax season is coming ;)
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You could prob get these:
http://www.taperssection.com/yabbse/index.php?board=7;action=display;threadid=11834
and the V2 for a little more than just the Mini-Me. ;)
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i use both a V3 (pre is same as V2) and a MME. pre is much better in the V3. i have compared tapes from both A/Ds and would have to say the MME accentuates the low end better, while the V3 gets better highs. it all depends on your mics, though. i once ran the 391/3s with the MME (A/D only) and my ears liked the results.
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just a note whitemite, whenever you use the minime without the pre, you are still running it through the pre circuitry so you arent REALLY only getting the a/d but its as close as you can come
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yes i do know that. even line-in using the calpots it still passes through the pre-stage. just making the point that i prefer using the V3 as the outboard pre. i don't fool with the levels on the MME, as it is already calibrated to the V3 with my mics.
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That is a tough call.
The V2 will save you some $$, but the MiniMe has the AD converter which is definitely nicer than the AD in the JB3.
That being said, I bet you can find both pre-owned for fair prices (~$625 for aV2 and $800 for a Mini with No USB) which would give you a fantastic sound since the pre/gain stage in the MiniMe is not the best you can get. Talk to Tim or SGordo or Crouch about that....
Upgrading your mics is still your best bet! I know of some tapers using the 300s with a MiniMe and were not too impressed after a while.
Just my 2 cents
Phil
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I would also spend spend less on the electronics, prob. go with the edirol UA5, spend the rest of the $$ on the best mics you can afford....
Happy shopping,
Ben