Topic: Old/New taper seeks new Rig advice

[hosenose]

I used to tape the odd show (phish, schleigho, MMW, etc) back in 1999-2000 using ATM31a mics and a Sharp 702 minidisc.  I know, lossy, but it was totally budget, and some of the recordings were actually pretty good.  Served my well for my beginnings as a taper.

I've since had an interest in getting back into it, but more serious.  With some of the new technology now available relatively cheaply in recorders, I think it is a great time to start scoping.  I've done some research and here is my proposed new rig.  Still budget by some standards, but definitely a step up for me.

Mics: two Rode NT-2 or AT4041

Preamp/power supply: Church Audio CA9100 or Denecke PS-2

Recorder: Sony PCM-M10 or Edirol R-09/R-09HR


I'm looking for opinions on the options I have chosen.  I've heard recordings using the Rode NT-2's and I was really impressed.  The AT4041's I don't know much about, as well as the recorders and preamps/power supplies.  I figure that for the options I have chosen, the cost would be around $1000 - $1300, so I guess that is my total budget.

Thank you!

[aaronji]

^^^ I think both of those mics require phantom power?  If so, the CA-9100 won't be an option.  Also, I wouldn't bother with the older R09 anymore.  The HR is better, as is the Sony, and they are pretty cheap.  Maybe the R05 is also worth a look (I have heard good things about it)...

[runonce]

The 9100 is more for battery powered lavaliere sized mics. Looks like you were thinking of running the Deneke unit ahead of it?

Just mics>deneke>recorder would be best...

I might focus on the recorder for the moment...

There's a lot of smaller recorders these days that have phantom and neutral preamps - you should be able to get by with just mics and a recorder...maybe battery pack.

For your budget you could almost get 4-6 channel recorder - even if you had to hold on your current set of mics. (actually for your budget you could still spend a few hundred on some decent mics)

But, those AT31s probably arent that bad...I had a pair of AT10 omnis...that I wish I still had.

[hosenose]

aaronji, yes they require phantom power.  For the CA9100 The church audio website states:

"This preamp is designed for high end recording of live events. It works with Sennhieser, Audio Technica, DPA,and Church Audio microphones. It provides all the power needed to power these mics and interface them with a recording device while providing up to 20dB of gain. "

Am I misinterpreting that the 9100 provides the 48V phantom power?

I'd like a preamp that supplies the phantom power too.  Any suggestions for an affordable unit?
Any advice on the JuicedLink CX231? http://www.juicedlink.com/audio-preamps-mixers-etc-c-66/jl-cx231

[Belexes]

9100 does not have 48v phantom power.

[runonce]

aaronji, yes they require phantom power.  For the CA9100 The church audio website states:

"This preamp is designed for high end recording of live events. It works with Sennhieser, Audio Technica, DPA,and Church Audio microphones. It provides all the power needed to power these mics and interface them with a recording device while providing up to 20dB of gain. "

Am I misinterpreting that the 9100 provides the 48V phantom power?

I'd like a preamp that supplies the phantom power too.  Any suggestions for an affordable unit?
Any advice on the JuicedLink CX231? http://www.juicedlink.com/audio-preamps-mixers-etc-c-66/jl-cx231

Yes - I think the 9100 is more like 9V - and thats the voltage certain lavaliere/tiny models use...(among the brands mentioned)
Its a totally different system than 48V phantom...

[hosenose]

Thanks for sorting me out on the CA9100.  How about this phantom/preamp combo:

Denecke PS-2 > CA9100

or what about the JuicedLink CX231? http://www.juicedlink.com/audio-preamps-mixers-etc-c-66/jl-cx231
Never heard of it.  Does anyone have any experience or advice on that?
thanks!

[ScoobieKW]

aaronji, yes they require phantom power.  For the CA9100 The church audio website states:

"This preamp is designed for high end recording of live events. It works with Sennhieser, Audio Technica, DPA,and Church Audio microphones. It provides all the power needed to power these mics and interface them with a recording device while providing up to 20dB of gain. "

Am I misinterpreting that the 9100 provides the 48V phantom power?

I'd like a preamp that supplies the phantom power too.  Any suggestions for an affordable unit?
Any advice on the JuicedLink CX231? http://www.juicedlink.com/audio-preamps-mixers-etc-c-66/jl-cx231

The new Tinybox 2.0 preamp has a 48V phantom option.
http://www.naiant.com/naiant/microphoneamplifiers.html

[Brian Skalinder]

At your budget, you have some good options.  I think you need to decide on two things, based on what I read in your original post:  large (LDC) or small diaphragm condensors (SDC), and all-in-one preamp / ADC / recorder or outboard preamp + combo ADC / recorder (or some other multi-component option).

Mics first.  I think it's best to start off with SDCs.  They typically have better off-axis response relative to LDCs.  Within the SDCs, even with a limited budget you have the option of fixed pattern (like the AT 4041) or swappable patterns (like the Avantone CK-1s).  When buying fixed pattern SDCs, often one can get higher quality at a lower price with a fixed pattern mic, but on the other hand swappable patterns provide great flexibility for a variety of recording situations (and learning opportunities).  I think at your price point, you won't find tremendous differences in quality between fixed and swappable options, so I'm inclined to recommend something like the Avantone CK-1s for maximum flexibilty.  This will enable you to try a variety of polar patterns  in a variety of configurations in a variety of recording environments.  Like I said: flexibility!  That said, not everyone wants all those options, so depending on your interests and intent, a fixed pattern mic may be more suitable.

On to preamp / ADC / recorder...

I'd skip the PS-2 (phantom power) > 9100 (preamp) combo...they're not particularly meant to go together.  It would work, but I think you have better options.

I think an all-in-one phantom power / preamp / ADC / recorder is far more suitable for someone (re-)starting up anew (unless one needs to maintain as small a profile as possible).  Most of the "full size" (i.e. bigger than the PCM-M10) units provide phantom power, preamp, ADC, and recorder.  The quality of these all-in-ones is generally very good.  And they're very reasonably priced, especially used (e.g. Tascam HD-P2, available for $400 in the YS, or the Fostex FR-2LE often found around the same price point).  FWIW, I've used both and think they're both great options.  There may be other all-in-one options available these days, as I've not completely kept up with the market.

Anyway, thoughts to consider.  Happy choosing!

[dorrcoq]

or what about the JuicedLink CX231? http://www.juicedlink.com/audio-preamps-mixers-etc-c-66/jl-cx231

I don't know, but I don't think I would choose somethign that advertises itself as a "camcorder preamp".

[newplanet7]

I would also recommend an all in one recorder.
In my opinion you have a few options because you should put most of the budget on mics.
RIGHT NOW $400 or under and dump the rest on mics.
1) I would hop on that Tascam hdp2 modded for $400 is a steal. The deck sounds superb.
Has phantom pwr (48v), Does 24 bit, has digi in. MOST imprtant, has been tested.
2) FOSTEX FR2le. You can get these used for $350-$450. On board phantom, 24bit, great pres stock, low noise. EXTENSIVELY run here at TS
3) The tascam dr100MKII. $300 brand new . Downside, not extensively tested.
There is a thread here: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=152321.0
Tonedeaf ran some Schweppz t00bes direct in using the onboard pre and a~>d and said they sounded good. There are samples in that thread.