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Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: mgtaper on October 12, 2008, 11:39:51 PM

Title: Unable to power Microtech Gefell m300's w/ W+ UA-5?
Post by: mgtaper on October 12, 2008, 11:39:51 PM
This may may seem kind of a "newbie"-ish  question, but I'll ask anyway. I am unable to power my new Microtech Gefell m300's with my W+ UA-5 (Kind Kables - Chamelion Ultra's for cables). However, I am able to power a pair of Rode NT5's using the same set-up.

I am also using Core Sound's Mic2496 pre-amp/ad which has no issue powering the Microtech Gefell's or the NT5's.

I thought 48 volt phantom power was fairly universal.

Are 'new' Microtech Gefell m300's incompatible with the W+ UA-5?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Title: Re: Unable to power Microtech Gefell m300's w/ W+ UA-5?
Post by: deadheaded on October 12, 2008, 11:56:07 PM
can't answer your question, but +t for using kind kables.
Title: Re: Unable to power Microtech Gefell m300's w/ W+ UA-5?
Post by: rowjimmytour on October 13, 2008, 12:09:23 AM
This may may seem kind of a "newbie"-ish  question, but I'll ask anyway. I am unable to power my new Microtech Gefell m300's with my W+ UA-5 (Kind Kables - Chamelion Ultra's for cables). However, I am able to power a pair of Rode NT5's using the same set-up.

I am also using Core Sound's Mic2496 pre-amp/ad which has no issue powering the Microtech Gefell's or the NT5's.

I thought 48 volt phantom power was fairly universal.

Are 'new' Microtech Gefell m300's incompatible with the W+ UA-5?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Are ya sure the 48 volt was on on the UA5 (red light shining)? The light can be hard to see in day light some times or can be accidentally bumped and turned off. Also check your power supply and try it w/ wall mart to make sure its getting full power to the UA5. Good luck!!
Title: Re: Unable to power Microtech Gefell m300's w/ W+ UA-5?
Post by: lino on October 13, 2008, 05:50:39 AM
I m not familiar with the Chamelion Ultra's but you need to use cables with a core thickness of minimum 0,24mm2 ,
also from what I know about the older MTG preamps is that they do not work with each and every input preamp (probably due to current supply problem)
this "problem" might also apply to your M300`s
so make sure you have decent cables and b)try out the mics through an external Phantom power supply and/or through an other preamp to determine the problem`s source
Title: Re: Unable to power Microtech Gefell m300's w/ W+ UA-5?
Post by: Len Moskowitz (Core Sound) on October 23, 2008, 08:38:54 AM
The P48 specification requires 10 mA of current per channel.  Some microphones require the full amount of current.  Most low cost devices (especially portable ones) can't provide that much current.

One of our 2Phant dual-channel phantom power supplies will do the job, as well as our Mic249 V2 mic pre.
Title: Re: Unable to power Microtech Gefell m300's w/ W+ UA-5?
Post by: Brian Skalinder on October 23, 2008, 12:28:50 PM
The P48 specification requires 10 mA of current per channel.  Some microphones require the full amount of current.  Most low cost devices (especially portable ones) can't provide that much current.

One of our 2Phant dual-channel phantom power supplies will do the job, as well as our Mic249 V2 mic pre.

A quick, easy Google search reveals the MG M300's are spec'd at only 3.3 mA current.  Unless the UA5 is malfunctioning, I doubt the issue is the UA5's ability to deliver the required current.  So disregard the suggestion for the 2Phant.  And for others needing a phantom-only device, the Denecke PS-2 offers quality P48 at a very reasonable price, $130 (without looking around for best price) v. the 2Phant's $275.

At this stage, I don't think a new preamp/ADC is an appropriate solution to the issue, so I wouldn't bother with the Mic2496 V2, either.  Besides, if you need / want a whole new pre/ADC, you have LOTS of options (including all-in-one pre/ADC/recorders) that I think are a better value.
Title: Re: Unable to power Microtech Gefell m300's w/ W+ UA-5?
Post by: F0CKER on October 23, 2008, 02:01:10 PM
The P48 specification requires 10 mA of current per channel.  Some microphones require the full amount of current.  Most low cost devices (especially portable ones) can't provide that much current.

One of our 2Phant dual-channel phantom power supplies will do the job, as well as our Mic249 V2 mic pre.


Always good to get a sales opp in when you can! ::)

FWIW, there are also plenty of other options for power besides the gear Len has mentioned.