Topic: CA-UGLY bit the dust, need another preamp solution for DPA 4061s

[tapeheadtoo]

My CA-UGLY, which I've been using to power my DPA 4061s is now giving me dropouts.  There's something loose inside the box plus the whole unit is just generally beat up anyway.  I don't think Chris Church is around anymore and his site lists the CA-UGLY 2 as out of stock.  To be honest I never liked the form factor of the CA-UGLY.  Now I'm taking the opportunity to seek a different solution.

Running 2x DPA 4061 terminating in 1/8" stereo mini to either a Sony A10 or Tascam DR2d.  Looking for the smallest footprint preamp/BB possible.

Any suggestions would be welcome.  TY in advance!

[beatkilla]

I like this one,it takes a 9 volt battery and is super small.It's just a battery box though No preamp.


Sound pros SPSB 8 mkii

[tapeheadtoo]

Thanks beatkilla.

I do use a small Sound Pros battery box (SP-SPSB-10, A23 battery) for my other rig (SP-CMC-8/AT943 into A10 or DR2d).  I was under the impression I needed the CA-UGLY preamp to run the DPAs while the small SP battery box was sufficient for the ATs.  However I noticed I've been running the CA-UGLY on the lowest gain setting.  In essence it seems I'm using it as a straight battery box (no added gain).  I made test A/B recordings using both sets of mics into the Sound Pros box > A10.  Granted, volume of my computer speakers even at max volume doesn't come close to PA level at a rock show however the volume of both recorded files is similar.  My conclusion is that for loud shows the Sound Pros box should be sufficient for the DPAs.  (I could've been using it this whole time instead of fussing with the CA-UGLY.)  For quiet shows e.g. non amplified classical I would need more gain to go into the recorder, i.e. would need a preamp.

Can someone who understands mic powering better than I confirm that what I'm saying is true?

https://soundprofessionals.com/product/SP-SPSB-10/

[mgtaper]

The SP-SPSB-10 could potentially over-power/damage the DPA 4061's since it's providing 12 volts. Both, the SPSB 8 mkii & CA-UGLY provides 9 volts.

I personally use the phantom power adapters with my DPA 4661's(microdot), but I'm also looking for a battery box/small preamp option.

[grawk]

honestly, with 4061s, just grab a deity pr2, forgo battery box and preamp, and grab the heat.

[mgtaper]

honestly, with 4061s, just grab a deity pr2, forgo battery box and preamp, and grab the heat.

32 bit-float option sold me. 3V and 5V plug in power should suffice. Thanks!

[grawk]

At least right now it’s only 24/48 for stereo

[robgronotte]

I use the Sound Professionals SP-SPSB-1 9v battery box. It's bigger than the 12v one with the mini batteries, but still pretty small, and I haven't had it set off any metal detectors.

[tapeheadtoo]

OP here, thanks for all the input so far.

From other threads I understand the DPA 4061's require 5v of power.  I assume that's the minimum.  What is the maximum?  As mgtaper noted, I don't want to fry my 4061s with 12v (had been using 9v CA-UGLY in past).

The Deity PR-2 is intriguing.  So it will truly provide 5v thus avoiding the need for any type of battery box?  Is this a new thing--portable recorders supplying enough PIP to power small microphones?  How much power does the Sony A10 provide?  I can't seem to find any documentation.

Addendum:
Just found this Gutbucket post from 2010:

<<Found this- passed along to me a while back, reportedly the words of Bruce Myers, DPA N.America on powering DPA 406x:

"The typical range of voltage we recommend is between 4.5V and 9V with
the spec set at 6V. No caution needs to be taken at these levels.
No significant change in specs occurs when varying the voltage. Voltages
below 4.5V are insufficient to power the mic.>>

So that's my answer.

Still curious re: the Deity PR-2.  Is it selectable between 3v and 5v?  I can't find a manual.

[grawk]

I didn't find a way to change the voltage so far

[SMsound]

Why no DPA MMA6000 or D:Vice?

I have an MMA6000 for my microdot 4060 CORE's. It's a very nice preamp.

[tapeheadtoo]

I'm sure the D:Vice and DPA preamps are great; I've been reading about them here for a long time.

They won't fit my application though.  I'm typically running multiple rigs (all stealth) including other ios devices.  Don't want to have to bring a third phone with me.  The DPAs are tertiary; needs to be set-and-forget.

Why no DPA MMA6000 or D:Vice?

I have an MMA6000 for my microdot 4060 CORE's. It's a very nice preamp.

[grawk]

Why no DPA MMA6000 or D:Vice?

I have an MMA6000 for my microdot 4060 CORE's. It's a very nice preamp.

Neither is more available than the CA-Ugly. 

[goodcooker]

Not a battery box or preamp but the Marantz PMD620 puts out 4.8V of PIP on it's mic input. Runs the DPA406x mics just fine. You can get them for around $100 and it's a small one box solution although an old one. Sounds good and super easy though. Runs 4 hours on 2 AAS.

[Gutbucket]

MMA6000 works nicely but is rather bulky for stealth, and has a significant metal case.  I stealthed it way back when until shifting to the much smaller CA-UGLY which was much better suited for pocketing.. especially after I shifted to recording 4 channels which necessitated using two of them.

I'm waiting to hear how well the Deity PR2 works out for Grawk and other early adopters.  If I can keep two of them in sync I may go that route in rebuilding my stealth rig in which I've been using a custom 4-channel_Ugly2 > DR2d.