Topic: Cheap preamp solution for core sound cardioids?

[smat]

I wanted to re visit getting a preamp to boost the base and presence of these little mics.  I just want a simple boost.  Any suggestions on what would be the cheapest and best way to go here??

[jlykos]

I ran a Denecke AD-20 in front of my Core Sound Binaurals for a little while and I liked the results very much.  You should be able to find a good condition used one for not a whole lot of money.  I think I paid like $250 or $300 for mine new about 10 years ago. 

[aaronji]

Maybe try a Church Audio ST-9100?  Sounds good and it's pretty inexpensive.  I have never used it with the Core Sound mics, though.

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,79928.0.html

[rustoleum]

Line transformers like these two provide cheap gain... I've run the MIT-156 before and recall it sounding pretty good and adding in the 10-15 db range (can't remember the exact amount it increased).

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/68084-REG/Audio_Technica_CP8201_CP8201_Low_to.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/423360-REG/Hosa_Technology_MIT_156_MIT_156_Low_to_High.html

[Kevin T]

AFAIK a XFMR is passive impedance matcher, No gain is produced, but loss can be minimized.

[smat]

I'm leaning towards the church audio.  What's the difference between the 9000, 9100 and the 20B?

[EarlyMorningRain]

when I owned some of these mics, I went Core Sound Cards > cs bb > SP-PREAMP > deck, and got fine results.

of course substituting the Church pre in that chain can also be done.

FWIW, the SP-PREAMP is just a tad smaller then the Church pre's

[Dede2002]

I'm leaning towards the church audio.  What's the difference between the 9000, 9100 and the 20B?

Simply put: the ST-9100 is the latest version, best Church preamp. I love mine.

[su6oxone]

I'm leaning towards the church audio.  What's the difference between the 9000, 9100 and the 20B?

I'm sure Chris will chime in, but I believe the 9100 has variable gain up to +20db while the 9000 has only three gain settings, +10db(?), 0 and -10db.  I think 

[aaronji]

I'm leaning towards the church audio.  What's the difference between the 9000, 9100 and the 20B?

I'm sure Chris will chime in, but I believe the 9100 has variable gain up to +20db while the 9000 has only three gain settings, +10db(?), 0 and -10db.  I think 

I may be wrong, but I think the ST-9000 has gain settings of 0, +10 dB, and +30 dB.  And output level control...I don't know anything about the 20B.