First you need to find out what you would like your microphones to do. These microphones are good as they are but their output level is low and require a preamp with a very low input noise. You will not that kind of preamp in most small portable devices. I use the Nakamichi MX-100 preamp. It is not very portable but you can run it on two 9V batteries. You can also replace the enclosure with a more compact and lighter one. Batteries can be fitted inside. The CM100/300 can be powered from the modified MX-100 too.
Want them smaller? This will skip the low cut filter, the balancing output transformer and the battery. Output level increase by about 12 dB, 4 times, great for most preamps. You will loose the balanced output and cables should be keept rather short.*
Change their output level? Just bypass the transformers and keep the cables short.
Make them run on phantom power? There are several ways to do this, simplest is just two resistors and a zener diod.
*Without the balancing output transformer, the output impedance will be about 2.5 times higher, not good for driving long cables. Use low capacitance cables or short cables in order to avoid high frequency loss. Without the transformers the signal to noise increases by 5-8 dB, that is nice.
Walstib62 use to place the PFA boards from Naiant within the battery compartment of the CM100/300,
http://www.naiant.com/naiant/inlinedevices.html . I recommended the Naiant boards to a fellow some time ago and he reported back to me his experience. The increased the noise floor somewhat. Even more so than compared to by-passed transformers. That will be of importance if you are recording low-SPL acoustic stuff. Sure, phantom power will also load the batteries of small portable recorders rather heavy.
The very best performance seems to be offered by the Wurcer Chargeamp but you will have to do them yourself and it will give a line level output, no need for a preamp. Maybe we could do a group project?
Topic: Franken nak mod services? (Read 4433 times)