Topic: Newbie needing preamp, mike help

[laptaper]

Okay, after years on the periphery of the taping scene as a patcher, I find myself being inexorably sucked into the vortex of actual mike taping.  I just ordered a Tascam HD-P2; while I've read some good independent reviews of its preamps, I've also read that they're better suited for 16 bit than 24 bit recording.  What are some good preamps I should look at (especially any that use internal batteries, I don't want to lug around a huge battery pack)?  What about mikes (again, internally powered preferred)?  Is there a good faq here or elsewhere that I can read through that will give me an idea of what are the criteria for "good" mikes and preamps?  Thanks a lot.

[jcrab66]

I just ordered a Tascam HD-P2; while I've read some good independent reviews of its preamps, I've also read that they're better suited for 16 bit than 24 bit recording. 

i would be interested in reading the article you read that said that about being better suited for 16 bit if you have a link

[laptaper]

jcrabb, the article's at http://www.dv.com/columns/columns_item.jhtml?category=Hardware&articleId=190500070.  I noticed the UA5>HD-P2 in your sig.  How's the UA5 as a preamp?  What input are you using to connect it to the HD-P2?  Can you connect it via USB so that it's powering through the USB connection and you don't need phantom power?  Thanks.

[Jhurlbs81]

I have never used the UA-5 personally, but I m pretty sure you can't power the unit via the USB.  It also has a digital coax connection.  The UA-5 is an awesome all-in-one Pre-AD combo.  Very popular in these parts.

Jesse

[laptaper]

Thanks.  Plus, the HD-P2 doesn't have a USB input in the first place - my bad.    Meanwhile, I've gotten a slightly better grip on the whole idea of phantom power, so... is there a good combination of phantom powerable mikes > phantom capable, internal battery-powered preamp?  Thanks again.

[OOK]

I use a  minime and run 24/48 into a HDP2 at the moment, I could do 24/96 just choose not too till I switch to DVD audio.  I can tell you the HDP2 is top notch.  It works flawlessly. It will record to 8gig cards without any hocus pocus of having to format them in a computer first.  It does flawless splits at any setting up to 2 gigs.  It is easy to use and set up.  I love it....
I haven't found a single bug.

[laptaper]

That's good to know about the HD-P2.  Unfortunately the Mini-me is about twice what I'm willing to spend on a preamp, plus it requires external power.  Have you tried using the HD-P2's preamps, and if so, how much of a drain was the phantom power to the mikes on your batteries?

[Ryan Sims]

If you want a self contained all in one box with great preamps, go with the Oade Advanced Concert Mod Marantz PMD 671.  24-Bit and sounds great, does the works.  Go with the ACM PMD 660 if you only need 16 bit.

[OOK]

That's good to know about the HD-P2.  Unfortunately the Mini-me is about twice what I'm willing to spend on a preamp, plus it requires external power.  Have you tried using the HD-P2's preamps, and if so, how much of a drain was the phantom power to the mikes on your batteries?

Sorry, no I haven't....It is mainly used as a bit bucket.  I do know of a freind who used it as a all in one when his V3 went down.  He didn't have any complaints about it.  He said the recording was fine/clean, no issues.

If you are looking for a all in one box that sounds amazing and you are not concerned with doing 24 bit, I would take a serious look at the Oade ACM 660.  That little box sounds amazing, just add mics and you have a sweet sounding little rig.

[laptaper]

Your friend, was he taping in 24 bit?  If so I might just skip the preamp route and mike in directly to the HD-P2, it would save some major samolians.

[Brian Skalinder]

If you already have the HD-P2, I'd suggest running mic-in (i.e. using the HD-P2's phantom, preamp, and ADC) and see how you like it.  You may like it just fine and not need to worry about spending more cash.  And if you don't care for it mic-in, at least you'll have a baseline for how it sounds and may make a more informed decision about what gear to get in order to achieve the sound you're seeking.

[OOK]

Your friend, was he taping in 24 bit?  If so I might just skip the preamp route and mike in directly to the HD-P2, it would save some major samolians.

yep he is a major moe taper  , who shall remain nameless, unless he wants to throw his 2 cents in...

[laptaper]

I'm starting to come to that conclusion myself (although the UA-5 is starting to look good, especially if I can use one of those small Eco-Charge batteries I've seen on sonicsense.com).  I'm going to have to go to one or two more festivals and start picking mikers' brains.  *yech!* ;-)  Thanks for the feedback.

[Brian Skalinder]

especially if I can use one of those small Eco-Charge batteries I've seen on sonicsense.com

FWIW, it's pretty easy to build your own 6v / 12v SLA power source for all of about $20-$30.  Alternatively, the UA5 is easily powered with a < $50 9v rechargeable li-ion battery.

[laptaper]

Can you point me to any websites that explain how to do that?  The li-ion battery, is that the kind of thing you can pick up at Batteries Plus, and how do you rig it up to plug into a UA-5?  Thanks.