4 Channel Pre

[69mako]

I'm seriously thinking about getting a R-44 for the next recorder.  Most of the time, it will be used to recording soundboard and audience at the same time.  But i'm also thinking about running 4 mics (cards & omnis) for those times when I don't get a soundboard feed.  Does anyone have any suggestions on what's out there for 4 channel pres?  I'll be running Busman mics, so I will need phantom power (48V?) and preferablly allowing external power supply.

Thanks,
Mako

[balou2]

Instead of an R4 and pre's, just skip a step and go 744.

[69mako]

I don't think I can justify the price of an 744.

Mako

[carlbeck]

Plus the 744 needs a pre for channels 3 & 4 which are line inputs. What about a Sound Devices 442? A four channel transformer based pre-amp/mixer.

http://www.sounddevices.com/products/442master.htm

[FOB_DFC]

RME quadmic:

http://www.rme-audio.com/english/micpreamps/quadmic.htm

[DSatz]

> RME QuadMic

I was just going to suggest that. Small, lightweight, flexible as to powering, good low-noise performance, good phantom powering circuit, good input overload margins, and not too expensive.

[rowjimmytour]

I really like my T-mod R4 especially running matrix at shows. I am mastering two nights right now and 4 x mono and then mix to two channel sure makes it easy.
Peace

[69mako]

Thanks for all of the replies.  Ideally I'd like to get the R-44 modded if possible.  (No one knows until its out.)  Otherwise I will have to look into the RME QuadMic.  I'm trying to keep this setup as compact as possible.  Not looking forward to carrying 3 bags to a gig.

Mako

[wbrisette]

Maybe a Cooper CS104?

http://www.coopersound.com/2002graphics/cs104.pdf

Although, they might be very tough to find since Andy has decided to close down production and retire this week.

Wayne

[wbrisette]

Plus the 744 needs a pre for channels 3 & 4 which are line inputs. What about a Sound Devices 442? A four channel transformer based pre-amp/mixer.

http://www.sounddevices.com/products/442master.htm

But....The 442, Wendt X4, and most other 4 channel mixers, don't offer you four direct outs. They offer you two. You have four inputs, and two outputs. That's why I was thinking the Cooper CS104 might be the only solution. However, The reality is if the 744T is out of his price range, then the 442 and Cooper CS104 would be too.

I think maybe the R4 Pro might work better then he doesn't have to worry about mic preamps.

Wayne

[esteyes]

wasn't the 4 direct outs an option you had to special order?

my personal fav:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/282213-REG/Sony_DMX_P01_DMXP01_Portable_Digital_Mixer.html
but that's lacking the dir outs as well and is bigger than it sounds like 69mako needs/wants plus might be pricey... i know mine wasn't cheap... now with the Korg MR1k the poor sony just sits at home all alone...

this brings up the endless question in my mind "why only 2 mic pre's in the 744???"

nism

[wbrisette]

this brings up the endless question in my mind "why only 2 mic pre's in the 744???"

Because it was built for ENG work, where you have wireless lavs on people. These don't need mic pre amps, they need line level inputs. It does suck though, because it certainly doesn't make the unit as versatile as it could be.

Wayne

[TNJazz]

There's a guy on GS selling a QuadMic for $300 right now.

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/gearslutz-secondhand-gear-classifieds/178310-fs-apogee-motu-rme-lucid-apple.html

[esteyes]

Because it was built for ENG work, where you have wireless lavs on people. These don't need mic pre amps, they need line level inputs. It does suck though, because it certainly doesn't make the unit as versatile as it could be.

Wayne

yeah i understand ENG etc, it just seems to me that (1)SD is well aware of the world of us tapers and how very likely we are/were to buy 744's... (2)i know the 744 is compact, but with surface mount components and the eng dept at SD i can't see why they didn't just put 4 stinkin' mic pre's in the unit and include a -30db pad in each channel.

done beating this topic to death, but will ever wonder why 

neil 

[69mako]

I thought about a modded R-4 pro but the sticker shock scared me off.  Right now I'm waiting to see if the R-44 can be modded.  If that's can case, I should be able to do without any pres at all.  I will not be buying any pres until I know the mod situation with the R-44.  Just trying to find out all of my options now.

Thanks for everyone's input.

Mako