Topic: deneke ps2 as preamp?

[ckas]

Has anyone done this?
I thought i remembered seeing on the old Oade/TS sec, or Oade preamp section that i could use a PS2 as a low cost pre. I run AKG481`s and if i remember right it said you set the mics on +6db >
PS2 (xlr > mini) > recorder. Does this sound right? i usually run 481>ps2>ad20>H120, but i`m gonna have R-09hr on loaner this weekend and wanted to try 24/96. I dont have a xlr>mini
so i wanted to know if this works before i make or buy one.
Oade doesnt list the ps2 on there site anymore
thanks > Chris

[audBall]

was it mics > ps2 > hosa line transformers > recorder ?

I never ran this, but vaguely remember seeing on the site.  The PS-2 will not provide any gain, however.

[Scooter]

that might work, depends on the edirol gain structure, but I'd add some line transformers after the ps2 to make sure you get enough gain.  they are not expensive used.

Edit:  posted the same time as the above...

[audBall]

 

[Scooter]

jinx, buy me a coke

[bluntforcetrauma]

was it mics > ps2 > hosa line transformers > recorder ?

I never ran this, but vaguely remember seeing on the site.  The PS-2 will not provide any gain, however.

i used this set up with good results until i moved to the sonosax pre amp.

My ps2 with transformers are just sitting here collecting dust

[DSatz]

In general, ultra-miniature step-up transformers with anything more than a modest turns ratio (say 1:4) aren't the greatest of high fidelity audio products. They tend to have brick-wall input vs. distortion curves, especially at low frequencies. They do OK with dynamic microphones or with old-style electret condensers that don't have very high output, but less so with modern condenser microphones, especially if you're recording loud stuff that has lots of bass.

Also, you have to keep their output leads short and use them within a foot or so of the high-impedance input that they're connected to, or else you can lose high frequencies due to the cable capacitance.

A good input transformer is a thing of beauty, but if a substantial voltage step-up is involved, a transformer can't both be tiny and handle strong low-frequency signals at the same time, unfortunately.

--best regards

[illconditioned]

In general, ultra-miniature step-up transformers with anything more than a modest turns ratio (say 1:4) aren't the greatest of high fidelity audio products. They tend to have brick-wall input vs. distortion curves, especially at low frequencies. They do OK with dynamic microphones or with old-style electret condensers that don't have very high output, but less so with modern condenser microphones, especially if you're recording loud stuff that has lots of bass.

Also, you have to keep their output leads short and use them within a foot or so of the high-impedance input that they're connected to, or else you can lose high frequencies due to the cable capacitance.

A good input transformer is a thing of beauty, but if a substantial voltage step-up is involved, a transformer can't both be tiny and handle strong low-frequency signals at the same time, unfortunately.

--best regards

Also, most condenser mics output fairly high voltage levels, so you can often get away with running straight into line in, or mic in, with only a little bit of gain, like 10-20dB added.  Also, I would trust the built in gain in a pocket recorder (Edirol R09, Minidisc, etc) more than an unknown, unbranded transformer.  Transformers are probably more appropriate where you want isolation, and ability to drive long cables.  Most of us are running just a few feet.

  Richard

[DSatz]

illconditioned, while I agree with everything you said point by point, I'd like to avoid the risk of a certain confusion. You said that transformers can give you the ability to drive long cables, and I strongly agree that a balanced circuit is essential where long cables are used.

But in this thread, the transformers that we are talking about are step-up transformers--and those should never drive long cables. If anything, they should be used at the input of an (otherwise) unbalanced preamp, mixer or recorder that has a high enough input impedance--but the cable between their secondary winding and the input of the next device in the "chain" must be kept as short as possible.

--best regards

[illconditioned]

illconditioned, while I agree with everything you said point by point, I'd like to avoid the risk of a certain confusion. You said that transformers can give you the ability to drive long cables, and I strongly agree that a balanced circuit is essential where long cables are used.

But in this thread, the transformers that we are talking about are step-up transformers--and those should never drive long cables. If anything, they should be used at the input of an (otherwise) unbalanced preamp, mixer or recorder that has a high enough input impedance--but the cable between their secondary winding and the input of the next device in the "chain" must be kept as short as possible.

--best regards

Yep, you're right!  I guess I was confusing the issue of transformers for step-up gain (not recommended, really), and transformers for input and/or output stages of premps.

I guess the overall message is "less is more", unless you really have a need for a particular piece of gear.  I outta know.  I've screwed up many a tape adding extra stuff in the chain...

  Richard