Topic: DPA 4021's > Microtrack MT 24/96 Powering Options

[Nick's Picks]

did you run the pad ? as Doug always recommends w/that deck?

[danlynch]

Yes, I did send email to Doug, as I noted, about the ACM. 

What is the "pad"?

[Church-Audio]

You can scratch my preamp off the list its not designed to work with phantom powered mics. Unless you use an external phantom supply.. I would go with a UA-5 if your looking for cheap and easy for now until you can afford a better preamp. Just my two cents..

Chris

[Nick's Picks]

the "pad" is a -20db attenuator that he recommends being ENGAGED when recording rock-and/or-roll.
personally, I never ran it with mine (140s>acm660), but many people do.  it is the way he thinks it should be done.

[Nick Graham]

Something's definitely up with the BCM 660, as the DPAs are by no means high output mics. People here run Schoeps straight into the 660, so there should be no issue with 4021s.

[danlynch]

the "pad" is a -20db attenuator that he recommends being ENGAGED when recording rock-and/or-roll.
personally, I never ran it with mine (140s>acm660), but many people do.  it is the way he thinks it should be done.

Bingo.  Doug's reply email to me was exactly that, and indeed I did not have the  "MIC ATTN" set for -20dB but rather for 0.  Live and learn.  Hope this is the simple solution.

[danlynch]

Saaaweeet, and so damned simple.  Recorded tonight, with the -20db set and voila! its damned perfect.  The DPA's shine, and the 660 handles all the peaks without any hint of overload.  Thanks to Doug, Nick, and Tim for the information on the simple fix.

All set for 2 months of non-stop recording!

[jhirte]

The Microtrack 24/96 HAS phantom power and can power the DPA 402x series, including the 4021.  Why not just use the microtracker and no preamp?

using the microtrack and its phantom power is scary. I almost had a fire in my pants at Slayer last year running AT853rx -> MT.  granted, after I got a new battery installed (thanks M-Audio) its worked fine the two times I've run the at's directly, I would hate to think about running DPA's into it. My guess is the DPA's would have more demand of the phantom then the AT's...  not worth running the risk of a blazing inferno. A reasonably priced pre would definetly be a good call in this situation. not only to complement the mics with something more than what the MT's own capabilities are , but for a safety point!

I'd say Aerco or SD MP2 would definetly be a good call.
-Jim

[danlynch]

3rd time out with this rig last night...and there was much rejoicing. 

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