Topic: Aerco MP-2 Information > $750 new & 1 Month Lead Time

[bgalizio]

I think Fred is going SBD > 722 anyway. Now I MUST bring my mics!

Back to your regular scheduled AERCO programming.

[bgalizio]

The MP-2 came back to me yesterday. Everything checked out OK as far as gain stages go. I'll take some pictures of it sometime this weekend.

[bgalizio]

Here are a couple pictures of my new pre:

Front view. Locking switch up = phantom power on.



Inside:

[spyder9]

+T on your new Aerco!!  I'm sure Nick and Carl are drooling all over their keyboards right now.     

I dig the Phantom on/off switch.  What is the right knob for?  Mine is balances the left and right channels.

[bgalizio]

+T on your new Aerco!!  I'm sure Nick and Carl are drooling all over their keyboards right now.     

I dig the Phantom on/off switch.  What is the right knob for?  Mine is balances the left and right channels.

I chose the standard 0 - 50dB stepped gain (10dB step). So, each knob is for left/right gain selection.

The phantom switch is cool. It's locking, so you have to pull it out, then up/down to change it. It definitely won't be snagged accidentally.

[Jamos]

The phantom switch is cool. It's locking, so you have to pull it out, then up/down to change it. It definitely won't be snagged accidentally.

Nice!  I  was going to say to be careful and not accidentally catch something on that switch. 

These are great little boxes and I almost ordered one just before you did I think.  Should sound great with the Pelusos!

+T , enjoy it.

[bgalizio]

While in an odd spot, I like the Peluso subcards > AERCO sound from this show. Seems very natural to me:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,92798.msg1235688.html

[F.O.Bean]

While in an odd spot, I like the Peluso subcards > AERCO sound from this show. Seems very natural to me:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,92798.msg1235688.html

Plus T, very nice recording bro

I have yet to ever run an Aerco MP-2. I would however buy one this winter/spring to run with my 480's/MBHO's. I think it would be a GREAT match with both the 480's and the MBHO's Thats one of the only preamps that we normally use, to run behind the 480's and in front of the 722. If I dont like the Aerco MP-2 or the E.A.A./Aeta PSP-2 in front of the 722 and behind teh 480's/MBHO's, then I guess I'm swearing off an external preamp to run in front of the 722 forever, because the Sonosax/V2/V3 didnt do it for me. I def ened a preamp with a touch of warmth like the Aerco MP-2/PSP-2. I wonder how the SD MP-2>722 would sound with my 480's and MBHO's

Anyway, not to ramble off topic too much, but your tape sounds nice. I did notice some channel static between the first and second song tho. Was that you adding gain on the MP-2 or the R-9 It was def a bit rough sounding. I hope thatw asnt from adding gain on teh MP-2, because if it is, I may ahev him make me a fixed 20 or 25 or 30db gain one. I would prolly go with a +25db gain box because I could EASILY add teh gain with the 722. Actually, I take that back, I would p[rolly go witha  FIXED +20db MP-2 so I would never ahve to worry about clipping the MP-2's preamps and overloading them. I could also EASILY add the rest of the gain from the 722. Maybe Doug was on to something when he made the 148's fixed at 20db. I bet that was the optimal gain so that you didnt have to worry about clipping the preamps since you couldnt lower the gain if needed since its a fixed 20db box, but you could also get ample gain with 20db, at least enough to get the signal NEAR line level so you could take care of the rest of the 'gain' with your preferred ADC. It all makes sense to me now

[bgalizio]

Thanks Bean. While it's definitely not the best recording I've ever made, it sounds just like what I heard from our odd side-stage location. That kind of transparancy is what I'm looking for! Listen to Eddie's Drumpire (drum solo) - nice natural drum sound there.

The channel static is noise from changing the stepped gain. It is well documented by Jerry and in this thread that changing the stepped gain will cause a very audible spike. I tried squashing it down a little, as it's pretty loud. Once I'm more familiar with this rig, I should be fine. Just need to know my venues and where to set the gain, then no need for any changes. This is the first pre I've had that has dB numbers on it!

Thinking out loud, a 20dB fixed AERCO would be pretty cool. You just might have enough room for the XLR outs too (which I know you like).

[it-goes-to-eleven]

I hope thatw asnt from adding gain on teh MP-2, because if it is, I may ahev him make me a fixed 20 or 25 or 30db gain one. I would prolly go with a +25db gain box because I could EASILY add teh gain with the 722. Actually, I take that back, I would p[rolly go witha  FIXED +20db MP-2 so I would never ahve to worry about clipping the MP-2's preamps and overloading them. I could also EASILY add the rest of the gain from the 722. Maybe Doug was on to something when he made the 148's fixed at 20db.

Funny thing - if you don't turn the stepped gain knob, it doesn't make noise

The variable gain version doesn't make noise (until the pots get worn and need replacement) but I prefer stepped pots.  It generally isn't a problem... But if you've got a performer who comes off stage to do a no-PA encore, then you've got to add a bunch of gain. The step noise is very brief but it is pretty brutal. I try and do it between music and then just cut it out entirely and then smooth the gain change.  During applause it isn't a big deal. Of course with the 7xx you can smoothly add up to 18dB of gain in line mode (24dB if you run at -6 like Moke), which is often more than enough. So in most cases changing the step gain isn't really necessary.

Eliminating the noise between steps is tough from a design standpoint without adding extra complexity..

[spyder9]

While in an odd spot, I like the Peluso subcards > AERCO sound from this show. Seems very natural to me:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,92798.msg1235688.html

Plus T, very nice recording bro

I have yet to ever run an Aerco MP-2. I would however buy one this winter/spring to run with my 480's/MBHO's. I think it would be a GREAT match with both the 480's and the MBHO's Thats one of the only preamps that we normally use, to run behind the 480's and in front of the 722. If I dont like the Aerco MP-2 or the E.A.A./Aeta PSP-2 in front of the 722 and behind teh 480's/MBHO's, then I guess I'm swearing off an external preamp to run in front of the 722 forever, because the Sonosax/V2/V3 didnt do it for me. I def ened a preamp with a touch of warmth like the Aerco MP-2/PSP-2. I wonder how the SD MP-2>722 would sound with my 480's and MBHO's

Anyway, not to ramble off topic too much, but your tape sounds nice. I did notice some channel static between the first and second song tho. Was that you adding gain on the MP-2 or the R-9 It was def a bit rough sounding. I hope thatw asnt from adding gain on teh MP-2, because if it is, I may ahev him make me a fixed 20 or 25 or 30db gain one. I would prolly go with a +25db gain box because I could EASILY add teh gain with the 722. Actually, I take that back, I would p[rolly go witha  FIXED +20db MP-2 so I would never ahve to worry about clipping the MP-2's preamps and overloading them. I could also EASILY add the rest of the gain from the 722. Maybe Doug was on to something when he made the 148's fixed at 20db. I bet that was the optimal gain so that you didnt have to worry about clipping the preamps since you couldnt lower the gain if needed since its a fixed 20db box, but you could also get ample gain with 20db, at least enough to get the signal NEAR line level so you could take care of the rest of the 'gain' with your preferred ADC. It all makes sense to me now

Dude, that's way too much babbling.  And poor spelling, for that matter.  Just man-up and buy one.  If you don't like it, you can put it in the YS. ..... and it will resell in less than an hour.   Make it happen!! 

[spyder9]

While in an odd spot, I like the Peluso subcards > AERCO sound from this show. Seems very natural to me:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,92798.msg1235688.html

Nice job Ben!!!  Recording sounds great.   

[bluntforcetrauma]

email sent

[F.O.Bean]

Well, I FINALLY did it. I emailed Jerry just now about an XLR In AND Out version with a LOCKING or screwing connector ala the v3 for my external powering jack. I want one WITHOUT the 9v option too. Also, can you power them with 7.2v RC batts or do you HAVE to use 10-20VDC I thought i saw a pic of his pictures on his website up close that said 7-20VDC on the external powering I think Ive also comitted to stepped gain. If it would save space and I could have XLR In/Outs, I would take a fixed +20db version too. I think since I dont want the 9v battery option on mine, there MIGHT be enough space to put XLR Outputs on the back of the unit. Or he could use a bigger die cast box for mine. that woudl work too As longa s mine has XLR Ins/Outs, and a LOCKING power connector, IM IN If he cant do the XLR Outs, I'm still in, I'll just buy or get someone to make me some ULTRA HQ locking RCA Connectors ala the Audio Magic line and go locking RCA connectors>XLR!!!

I cant afford this until tax return time, but Ive made the commitment I DEF need a warmer preamp for the indoor venues I record in

I'm PSYCHED to hear back from him Only a 5 month wait for me now

[bgalizio]

Good stuff Bean! I think you'll like the AERCO. Should warm your hypers right up. The thing about the MP-2 is that it isn't quite as warm as a brick. I think it's a very transparent warmth, as it is a very detailed pre also.

Look at me using all those funny audiophile words

As an alternative, while the AERCO is pretty sweet, you could always get those MBHO subcard caps. May not be the best choice for the indoor PGH venues, though.