Taperssection.com
Gear / Technical Help => Ask The Tapers => Topic started by: Mitchell (Jake and Sawyer's Dad) on October 04, 2004, 10:30:03 AM
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Sorry for the multiple post - I wasnt sure where the best pace for this question would be. I posted this on the "Pre's" board as well:
"Hey all - I lurk a ton, but dont post much (usually only when I need something!!! Wink Grin)
Here is my question - I just got a JB3, and am now looking for the right preamp. I realize that the UA-5 is probably the way to go, but has anyone ever used or heard of using the Tascam US-122 as a preamp? I alerady have one of these and have used it for laptop taping, but was wondering if it could work with the JB3. I think one issue is going to be that it is powered via USB which could limit its ability to be used. I dont have it in front of me, and I cant remember if there is also a spot for other external power.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
Mitchell"
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looks to me as if it's powered by USB only...
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looks to me as if it's powered by USB only...
SO, if its powered by USB only does that mean I cannot use it with the JB3? Sorry for the running questions on this - I am a taper newb and am trying to learn all this tech stuff.
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looks to me as if it's powered by USB only...
SO, if its powered by USB only does that mean I cannot use it with the JB3? Sorry for the running questions on this - I am a taper newb and am trying to learn all this tech stuff.
The NJB3 won't power another device via USB. Theoretically, I suppose you could power the Tascam from a laptop and then feed the Tascam outs to the NJB3. But that would be a BIG PITA.
What mics are you using?
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looks to me as if it's powered by USB only...
SO, if its powered by USB only does that mean I cannot use it with the JB3? Sorry for the running questions on this - I am a taper newb and am trying to learn all this tech stuff.
The NJB3 won't power another device via USB. Theoretically, I suppose you could power the Tascam from a laptop and then feed the Tascam outs to the NJB3. But that would be a BIG PITA.
What mics are you using?
I go the JB3 so I wouldnt have to lug around the stinkin laptop! Yeah - BIG PITA!!!
I am using R0de NT4. These are powered, so cant I just run the mic directly into the JB3 via the line in without the need for a preamp?
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Prolly not. I doubt the mics will kick out enough gain, but try it and see. You might be able to use line transformers, that may up give you a bit more gain.
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when using battery to power the mic and the mic to 1/8" connecting cable, you may be able to run line into your jb3.
my advice. didtch the us-122 and grab the more versatile ua-5, mod it yerself or get someone to do it for you. then you can run with or without laptop
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I am using R0de NT4. These are powered, so cant I just run the mic directly into the JB3 via the line in without the need for a preamp?
Looks like Scooter beat me to the punch on this one, but FWIW...
Yup. Though your signal may or may not be strong enough to get adequate levels on the NJB3. Since the NT4's powered internally, you could also pick up a pair of inexpensive (~$40/pr) line transformers to add gain between the NT4 and NJB3. I used and liked the Hosa MIT-176s, FWIW. There's some discussion elsewhere on the board right now questioning how much gain transformers provide given the specs of the other devices in the chain. I don't have answers to those questions, but
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I think I am gonna try the line transformers and see what happens. I mainly want to use this rig to record my bands' practices and gigs. The less expensive the better! If I need to, I will get the UA-5 and have someone else mod it for me. for now, though, I am gonna give the mic a shot on its own and see how it does. I will report back with the results after band practice tomorrow night!
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Hey guys - I tried using just the mics, and there wasnt a strong enough signal coming into the JB3. I even pumped the JB3's gain up to +12, and I got barely a whisper even when I yelled into the mic! I am thinking that the line transformers arent going to add enough, so it looks like I am in the market for a UA-5 and power source - anyone know of one????
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ebay is where i got a stock ua-5, then modded it myself, its very very easy. then I went to wal mart and got a portable dvd player battery, the 9v version, for $50 and an adaptaplugs b & m, and the wire from radio shack (the guy at radioshack realized i was being ripped off by them and only charged me for the one adaptaplug, he rules). All told about $260 for ua-5 and battery if you go that route. Self modding is the way to go