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Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: Chris K on July 21, 2003, 12:44:52 PM
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Hi...a newbie here. I was wondering if someone could help me out.
I recently purchased AKG 391's, which should be a step up from the AT822 mic I have been using with my stock sbm1 and d8 rig.
I would still like to use the sbm1 and I would like your suggestions on how to power these mics with phantom power.
Also, how would I get the XLR mic cables to work with the sbm1's 1/4" inputs?
chris k
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Before I got an MP-2, I ran 2 AKG B-18 power supplies (2 9 volt batts per supply) and that gave phantom power to the mics. Basically went xlr from mics to xlr b-18 and b-18 xlr out to rca into mod sbm-1. The XLR-RCA I had made from www.kindkables.com, but you can probably find it through various retailers.
I know alot of folks use the PS-2 for power, which is another good solution.
If your interested, the B-18's are just sitting in my closet and not getting any use, I could probably cut you a deal to get then in someone's hands who is using them.
Nick
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Oh and by the way, they will be a significant step up from the 822.
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Hi...a newbie here. I was wondering if someone could help me out.
I recently purchased AKG 391's, which should be a step up from the AT822 mic I have been using with my stock sbm1 and d8 rig.
I would still like to use the sbm1 and I would like your suggestions on how to power these mics with phantom power.
Also, how would I get the XLR mic cables to work with the sbm1's 1/4" inputs?
chris k
B18 they are the AKG power souce. Or you could sell you Sbm1 and buy my UA-5 ;)
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The Denecke PS-2 is a very popular and relatively inexpensive phantom power box. Add in a couple line transformers and run line-in (RCA inputs) on the SBM-1 instead of mic-in. The SBM-1 mic pre isn't so hot, the line transformers will sound much better.
Although, if you get a deal on Nick's B18s that's a fine way to go. Regardless of which power source, I recommend using the line transformers:
391 > PS2 or B18s > line transformers > 1/4"/RCA adapters > SBM-1
See: http://www.taperssection.com/yabbse/index.php?board=14;action=display;threadid=2454;start=msg17699#msg17699 (http://www.taperssection.com/yabbse/index.php?board=14;action=display;threadid=2454;start=msg17699#msg17699)
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Brian makes a good point. I used a couple of the AT CP8201 line transformers (can be had at guitar center for under $20 each) to give me a bit of gain to work with and it was nice to work with the extended headroom. Since I use the Mod-SBM-1, the 1/4" was not available to me, but I agree with Brian, that may be the easiest way to feed the SBM-1.
Specific questions, feel free to PM me. I ran 391(3)s>B18s>AT-CP8201>Mod SBM-1>D100 for over a year, and may be able to help out.
Nick
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thanks nick, brian, and goeff for the fast responses. ;D
ok, so now i know the sbm1 1/4" mic inputs are to be avoided, although they seemed to work well with the AT822.
So if i get the phantom power unit, and the line transformers, and the 1/4" to rca connectors i should be set...but won't there be audio degradation from all the changes (xlr>1/4">rca)?
Do you set the levels the same with the rca inputs as with the 1/4" mic inputs on the sbm1? As you can tell, I have never used the rca's on the sbm1.
thanks....chris k
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No, actually the 1/4" are fine for your use, they are just disabled by Oade for the modified unit which I have. With regards to degradation, unless you are using crap cables or transformers (stay away from Radio Shack brand - a friend got humming from them...), you will not notice it.
On levels, the levels are set the same way on the SBM regardless of how the signal is input.
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ok, so now i know the sbm1 1/4" mic inputs are to be avoided, although they seemed to work well with the AT822.
The 1/4" inputs will work just fine, but IMO the RCA line-level inputs with transformers will sound better.
Try a comparison sometime. I did and noticed a big difference. That said, nothing wrong with using them if that's what you like!
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i personally run 391s > ps2 > Hosa MIT 176 line transformers(with rca end upgrade!!!) > ModSbm1 > m1
i really love my setup, especially the line transformers with the rca upgrade to go straight into the sbm1
available from oade with the rca mod, i believe, bought mine used
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Get the sbm-1 modded also, makes things all nice and warm
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i myself am a big fan of the modsbm1!!!
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Get the sbm-1 modded also, makes things all nice and warm
i myself am a big fan of the modsbm1!!!
ok...so what mod specifically are you talking about...oade has 3 listed? lemme know...sounds interesting
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ok...so what mod specifically are you talking about...oade has 3 listed? lemme know...sounds interesting
the line mod....the expensive one...but well worth it
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saw that one coming...it's the EXPENSIVE one
any idea what the turnaround is for the mod....i guess i should go ask oade, but...uh....does anyone know how long they'll have it?
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mine has the expensive mod, but no idea how long it takes as mine was modded when i got it
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if your sololy lookin for phantom power. with my 391s i run whirlwind phantom power boxes. they are much cheaper than the akg B18s. also deneke makes phantom boxes, check here for whirlwind boxes
http://www.bradleybroadcast.com/2001/micproc.htm
i'm only runnin that now, till i have money to get a pre, thats the way i'd go if i were you. UA-5 is resonably priced. MME or V3 would be really nice, but much pricier..