Topic: To preamp or not to preamp... that's my question

[flagg6805]

Hi All!  I've been reading the threads here now for, well, longer than my g/f would probably want me to, but hell, reading the forum is as addicting as actually taping!

What I'm curious about is this: I'm currently running Microphone Madness HighLine "Sennheiser Driven" Cardioid Stereo Microphones into my *gasp* Church Audio preamp into my Sony MZ-R70.  While I've been happy w/ the Church Audio, I don't like that it can only be set at +/- 20db so I was thinking about replacing/upgrading.  Reading through the forum though, I've begun to wonder if I can get by w/ just a batt. box instead of a preamp (as they are cheaper and, being a teacher, I am on a very limited budget.)  Most of the shows that I record are in small to medium venues where the sound is generally quite loud.    In this case, would I be better off getting just a battery box?  If so, does anybody have any recommendations for a decent one?  Should I go w/ a bass roll-off?  (I was thinking of just getting the mic madness or SP one.)  Or, should I go ahead and cough up the extra cash for a preamp for those situations where I might want to record in quieter situations or outside?  Or should I get both?! 

The other thing I was wondering, is what is a good ADC to get that has a 1/8 stereo mini plug?  Most of the preamps that I've read about in the Forums have XLR inputs.  Also, where can I get one?  Outside of the denecke and core sound ones (which are WAY out of my price range) I can't find any of the others I've seen listed (Sony SBM1(?), etc...) for sale anywhere.

Thanks in advanced for your help!

Ricardo

[setboy]

there is no 0dB / no gain setting on the pre?

its got +20 and -20 (i think)

[willndmb]

i started off with a SP Box w/bass roll
i then added a preamp and got better results

unless your mics need the SP Box power i don't think it will do anything for you sound wise, a preamp would be better i think

PS the denecke is a pre and ad together, thats what i have--they make a mini > xlr for like $10 and then you can go digital into your md

[Kindguy]

A used AD-20 will be much cheeper than a SBM-1.

[flagg6805]

Hey, thanks everybody for their replies so far... 

will-- Thanks for your input, I think I'll hold out until I can get a used Denecke, I just saw a used one for $225 which is much better than $400 for a brand new one.  One concern is, doesn't the ad-20 provide 48V of phantom power?  Is that too much power for mics than only need 9V?  The ad-20 will also serve me for later on when I upgrade the mics and to a jb3...

moke- nope, no 0 gain...  ridiculus, but true!

kindguy- Yeah, def cheaper, just hard to find a used one....

Thanks again folks!

ricardo

[setboy]

doesn't the ad-20 provide 48V of phantom power? 

no, it has no phantom power

Is that too much power for mics than only need 9V? 

yes it is but, it has no phantom power , so your be fine


Raphael

[flagg6805]

Oh, duh, of course the AD-20 doesn't have power, that's what the PS2 is for...   

So, if I go w/ the AD-20, I assume I should also get a battery box to power the mics?  I'm guessing the setup would be mics -> battery box -> ad-20 -> toslink -> MD (or JB3 when I get it)?  Is that right?  Also, can someone recommend a good battery box?

Thanks!

[setboy]

I assume I should also get a battery box to power the mics? 

yes

I'm guessing the setup would be mics -> battery box -> ad-20 -> toslink -> MD (or JB3 when I get it)?  Is that right? 

yes

Also, can someone recommend a good battery box?

this will work http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-SPSB-1

if you are going to run it with a  ad-20 get the "Level control option:"


Raphael

[flagg6805]

Hey Raphael--Thanks for your input, one question though you said:

if you are going to run it with a  ad-20 get the "Level control option:"

Just out of curiosity, how come? Doesn't the ad-20 come w/ gain control?

Thanks again for your time and help!

Ricardo

[udovdh]

Sennheiser driven!?
Clips are different but they look like MKE40's?
Use a batterybox and get good results.

[setboy]

Hey Raphael--Thanks for your input, one question though you said:

if you are going to run it with a  ad-20 get the "Level control option:"

Just out of curiosity, how come? Doesn't the ad-20 come w/ gain control?

Thanks again for your time and help!

Ricardo

yes, the ad-20 comes with gain control and so does your battery box and with them both on you are going to clip alot

if you get the "Level control option" you can turn the gain off on the batter box



Raphael

[flagg6805]

Sennheiser driven!?
Clips are different but they look like MKE40's?
Use a batterybox and get good results.

Yes, the capusles are Sennheisser, but I don't remember which model #.  I was at a MMW show and met a guy who works for Sennheisser and who knows the guy from mic madness.  He told me that the capusles are from some lapel mic that Senn either makes or used to make.  MM buys the capusles and puts them into the mics....  I have to admit, I've been pretty impressed with their sound.

ricardo

[udovdh]

Sennheiser driven!?
Clips are different but they look like MKE40's?
Use a batterybox and get good results.

Yes, the capusles are Sennheisser, but I don't remember which model #. 

Please find out teh model #, then more accurate advice can be given by insiders?