Got mics and recorder need preamp help

[drfunkenstein2k]

Ok this is what i have so far

Berliner CM-33 (Pair) > No preamp > Zoom H4n recorder.

i want to get a preamp with phantom power for the mics as the Zoom preamp is not good.

I checked out CA-9200 from church audio but they dont have phantom power
Naint  is out of the preamp game.....
other preamps are crazy expensive ...

what can i do?
please and thank you!

[pillowman]

just chekc this topic here:

https://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=192513.0

pillowman

[voltronic]

If you really want to keep your Zoom, but want a portable, bulletproof preamp with gobs of very clean gain, you will not do any better than a Sound Devices Mixpre AKA Shure FP-24.  I own one as you can see in my signature, and I am never selling it.  These pop up on the YS here from time to time.  This one looks to still be for sale, and at a crazy low price.

If that doesn't work out, you can find these on eBay here and there, but be wary of condition and don't pay more than $300-$350.


The other way to solve your problem is to simply replace your H4n with a better recorder which has much higher-quality built-in preamps.  Tascam DR-100 mkIII is what you should get.


As much as I love my FP-24, if I was in your situation I would definitely replace the H4n with the DR-100.  Besides better preamps, you are gaining better ADC and the ability to record a pair of safety tracks at lower volume so you don't need to run limiters if levels go too hot.  It's all-around a much better recorder, and you won't need any additional cables or need to carry another box, extra batteries, etc.

[jerryfreak]

i second the dr100 mkiii

[drfunkenstein2k]

i replied to the Shure Fp24 but its over a year old....
i think the zoom is just fine for recording, just need a preamp to get that sound

[anodyne33]

If I hadn't recently parted with mine I'd have suggested a UA-5. They're the old stand by and nothing special but get the job done.

[kuba e]

Very similar to the UA5 is the M-Audio Fast Track Pro. You can buy it around 50 bucks on ebay. It works as a stand alone preamp with P48. You need a 9V battery to power it (500mA). You can also use it as an external sound card for a PC. I used M-Audio with Nak300 and Studio Project C4 microphones and it was sufficient. But I don't know how good the zoom preamp is. Maybe it is not bad.

UA5 needs a digi mod to run it as stand alone. You can find modded UA5 only here in Yard sale.

Check also Beyer MV100 preamp.

[obaaron]

Naiant little box: https://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=192752.0


I have one and love it. Also recommend the Sound Devices MP-2 or the Mixpre/FP 24 as stated in above post.


You would then need a cable to go from the preamp the the 1/4" inputs on the Zoom

[fireonshakedwnstreet]

Another vote for the modded UA-5.

[Twenty8]

Another vote for the modded UA-5.

As an owner of a couple, I can second that.  They are a little difficult to wrap your head around, but the search function of this board will help in finding all you need to know about these units.
They are also not easy to find.  That does not make them better, its just a consequence of time passing on discontinued units.

Getting a different deck would serve a few purposes and is one you should consider.
A lot of recorders on the market have the clean gain you seek from another piece of equipment.
Minimizing your footprint and the amount of gear you bring to a show is something to consider... because that is important in real world scenarios.

P.S.  Responding to old Yard Sale posts can be futile.  Been there myself.  If you have time to shop, find what suits your needs.  If you need one soon, listen to the member's above input in your wants/thinking.  Just reading tapers opinions has been the highest rated guide for my purchases in the past.

[jbell]

i second the dr100 mkiii

This right here

[old and in the way]

For 399 you can get a Centrance Mixerface R4D. Excellent preamp and recorder ,can record to a small deck like the sony A10 or Roland RO7 also can record to your android or I Phone. Sell the Zoom and go small.

[bty670]

For 399 you can get a Centrance Mixerface R4D. Excellent preamp and recorder ,can record to a small deck like the sony A10 or Roland RO7 also can record to your android or I Phone. Sell the Zoom and go small.

I had never heard of the Mixerface until your post & have been doing some research. Looks like a really cool preamp / recorder! Love the size and how low key it is. People seem to say the biggest downfall is no display monitor (to check levels), but that is not a deal breaker for me... I will be looking into one of these in the near future!

[voltronic]

About "going small"...

I have to come back to the DR-100 mkIII again.  For $299, you replace your Zoom with one small device that is an upgrade in every single way for the current recording chain.  All of these preamps or external devices people are recommending are good units, but in the end the H4n is just a lower-quality recorder than other options out there.  It might be "good enough" for now, but how about down the road when the OP upgrades to much better / more revealing mics?  Not to mention having a unit that records safety tracks so you don't need to run a limiter (which I avoid at all costs) is huge at this price point.

This isn't too diss on anyone's recommendations; I'm simply pointing out that if the H4n is the weak link here, you can replace it entirely with something that will be the strongest link.

[kuba e]

The H4n specification says it can do 4 track. Berliner+sbd or Berliner+omni is a good option.