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
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
Oh and by the way, they will be a significant step up from the 822.
Quote from: Chris K on July 21, 2003, 12:44:52 PM
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 ;)
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)
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
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
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.
Quote from: Chris K on July 21, 2003, 03:04:00 PM
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!
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
Get the sbm-1 modded also, makes things all nice and warm
i myself am a big fan of the modsbm1!!!
Quote from: creekfreak on July 22, 2003, 07:50:49 PM
Get the sbm-1 modded also, makes things all nice and warm
Quote from: caymanreview on July 23, 2003, 07:16:57 AM
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
Quote from: Chris K on July 23, 2003, 10:46:03 AM
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
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?
mine has the expensive mod, but no idea how long it takes as mine was modded when i got it
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..