Topic: Tascam HD-P2 Oade MODS

[smokydays]

Anyone out there running an Oade modded HD-P2?  I was curious about the "Super MOD".  Do you think that the Super MOD would still be suitable for concert recording? 

From oade.com:
"
Upgrade Information 
The HDP2 Advanced Concert MOD Optimized by ear for enhanced detail, clarity and impressive imaging !
1199.00 plus shipping

The HDP2 Basic Concert MOD Improved detail and depth of image.
1049.00 plus shipping

The Advanced and Basic Concert MOD both provide a very high input overload point that eliminates the need for the 20dB resistor pad. They are designed for both amplified and unamplified concert recording.


The HDP2 Super MOD adds 6dB of gain, increases clarity and detail for enhanced performance in Nature and Ambient recording, FX or any application that requires high gain and low noise.
1299.00 plus shipping
"

[rodeen]

Hey Dan,  I think the Super mod is geared towards recording unamplified sounds.  You want one of the Concert mods.  You might want to consider starting with a stock unit and checking it out then modding based on what you think needs enhancing.  I've been using mine stock and have been quite happy with it.  Damn fine recorder!

[smokydays]

Thanks Rick, I think I'm getting the fever!   

[Carlos E. Martinez]

The HDP2 Advanced Concert MOD Optimized by ear for enhanced detail, clarity and impressive imaging !
1199.00 plus shipping

That is the price of the mod or the HDP2 included, modified?

[JasonSobel]

The HDP2 Advanced Concert MOD Optimized by ear for enhanced detail, clarity and impressive imaging !
1199.00 plus shipping

That is the price of the mod or the HDP2 included, modified?

that's the full price of a modded HD-P2.  you get the deck with the mod for that price

[Carlos E. Martinez]

that's the full price of a modded HD-P2.  you get the deck with the mod for that price

Then it would be around $300 for the Super Mod, which adds gain and lowers noise.

If the warranty is not void should be quite a good deal.

[Kyle]

I got the Basic mod (rca line-in stage upgrade) - and although I haven't used it that much , if you have an outboard pre you like that should be all that you need. It sound very decent - nice imaging and deep soundstage, and whisper quiet. I still prefer the AD2K+, but this box is very nice....

[Carlos E. Martinez]

I still prefer the AD2K+, but this box is very nice....

Sorry, what's the AD2K+?

[JasonSobel]

I still prefer the AD2K+, but this box is very nice....

Sorry, what's the AD2K+?

the AD2K+ is an external A/D converter made by benchmark.  when you use an external A/D, you're sending a digital (S/PDIF) signal to the recorder, and the recorder has no impact on the final sound of the recording, it merely records the digital data that is sent to it.

[Carlos E. Martinez]

the AD2K+ is an external A/D converter made by benchmark.  when you use an external A/D, you're sending a digital (S/PDIF) signal to the recorder, and the recorder has no impact on the final sound of the recording, it merely records the digital data that is sent to it.

Yes, I know Benchmark. I just don't know all their models, or aware if they make a portable type.

Apogee used to make one of the best portable A/Ds with mic inputs, but I think they don't make it anymore.

I don't know most high quality portable mic input A/Ds around. 

[JasonSobel]

Apogee used to make one of the best portable A/Ds with mic inputs, but I think they don't make it anymore.

you're probably thinking of the Apogee AD-1000, which was a fantastic unit for 16 bit recordings.  they replaced it with the "MiniMe" which is a great 24-bit A/D converter.  it's marketed as a pre-amp/AD converter, and the pre-amp leaves a little something to be desired.  but with a pre-amp in front, the MiniMe sounds great.

[Carlos E. Martinez]

you're probably thinking of the Apogee AD-1000, which was a fantastic unit for 16 bit recordings.  they replaced it with the "MiniMe" which is a great 24-bit A/D converter.  it's marketed as a pre-amp/AD converter, and the pre-amp leaves a little something to be desired.  but with a pre-amp in front, the MiniMe sounds great.

A preamp for the preamp? That would be something that leaves a lot to be desired!...

[Myco]

I bought the "The HDP2 Advanced Concert MOD Optimized by ear for enhanced detail, clarity and impressive imaging !
1199.00 plus shipping" and I LOVE IT!!

I run a V3 pre in front of it. Haven't tried the on-board preamp yet, but I highly recommend this deck if your lookin for endorsements of it.

Doug always produces top-notch work.

[Carlos E. Martinez]

I bought the "The HDP2 Advanced Concert MOD Optimized by ear for enhanced detail, clarity and impressive imaging !
1199.00 plus shipping" and I LOVE IT!!

I run a V3 pre in front of it. Haven't tried the on-board preamp yet, but I highly recommend this deck if your lookin for endorsements of it.

Doug always produces top-notch work.

Any strong reason for doing a mod on the HD-P2 if you are going to use an external preamp?

If I were to use one, I would pick the Sound Devices Mixpre, which would add more capabilities to the Tascam. Like transformers, better preamps, limiters, flexible mic power and visible LED meters. That I could also use on other present or future recorders.

But there's not much you can improve on a line preamp, except if it's already very weak. Is it so on the Tascam?

Perhaps a chip upgrade at the line input might do some good, but it may be debatable whether the change is worthy or not. 

[macdaddy]

imo - the point of getting the acm mod done (and i have an acm P2) is so that you can run the box as a standalone. basically, if i understand what was done correctly, the preamp stage (the analog stage) has been rebuilt by doug, lowering the noise floor, and likely making the response quicker, and generally improving the signal quality. if you are going to use an external preamp, then you might just want the basic mod which rebuilds the rca line-in stage (not the xlr-in) which is what you would be using with an external preamp. if you have an external preamp AND adc that you are using (like a V3), then you might not need a modification at all, 'cos you would just be using the p2 as a bit bucket...

hth

[Carlos E. Martinez]

imo - the point of getting the acm mod done (and i have an acm P2) is so that you can run the box as a standalone. basically, if i understand what was done correctly, the preamp stage (the analog stage) has been rebuilt by doug, lowering the noise floor, and likely making the response quicker, and generally improving the signal quality. if you are going to use an external preamp, then you might just want the basic mod which rebuilds the rca line-in stage (not the xlr-in) which is what you would be using with an external preamp. if you have an external preamp AND adc that you are using (like a V3), then you might not need a modification at all, 'cos you would just be using the p2 as a bit bucket...

Thanks, that's what I meant to say with my comments. 

[Myco]

imo - the point of getting the acm mod done (and i have an acm P2) is so that you can run the box as a standalone. basically, if i understand what was done correctly, the preamp stage (the analog stage) has been rebuilt by doug, lowering the noise floor, and likely making the response quicker, and generally improving the signal quality. if you are going to use an external preamp, then you might just want the basic mod which rebuilds the rca line-in stage (not the xlr-in) which is what you would be using with an external preamp. if you have an external preamp AND adc that you are using (like a V3), then you might not need a modification at all, 'cos you would just be using the p2 as a bit bucket...

hth

Exactly macdaddy. The reason I did it was because i wanted the flexibility to use it as a standalone on certain occassions. I use the V3 a good portion of the time which makes the HD-P2 just a bit bucket, but I'd like to leave the V3 behind on some occassions, so the mod allows me this option. Definitely not absolutely needed with a modded deck though. 

[smokydays]

Thanks fo rall the info guys! T+'s

[smokydays]

Thanks for all the info guys! T+'s

EDIT cause i cant type.

[rodeen]

And that's a prerequisite for anything around hear?   

[smokydays]

fo rizzle