Topic: Transformerless preamps?

[ts]

Do we have a list of those without transformers? I know Grace and Sax SX-M2 are. Is the Beyer MV100 also on the list? What else? Sound Devices 7xx and Mix Pre all in ones. Tascam 70d? Thanks.

[heva]

Beyerdynamic mv100 is transformless

[morst]

Beyerdynamic MV100 manual says it's got electronically-balanced inputs.
https://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=103430.msg1379146#msg1379146


it weighs 435g with batteries

[fanofjam]

If I remember correctly, one of the main differences between the Oade M148 and M248 is that the 248 was sans transformer. 

I'm a little less clear on this, but I think that one time I read that the PSP3 was without, while the PSP2 was with.

[ero3030]

Oade 248 transformerless gold. 

[yug du nord]

Oade 248 transformerless gold.

Aeta PSP3
Schoeps VMS
Sound Devices USBpre2
Edirol UA-5

Most all-in-one recorders are transformerless I think.

[DSatz]

It might actually be easier to list which preamps have input transformers. Sound Devices preamps are big exceptions by having them. By far most other portable, solid-state preamps are transformerless.

[H₂O]

Oade 248 transformerless gold.

I thought the Oade 248 had output transformers?

[ero3030]

Oade 248 transformerless gold.

I thought the Oade 248 had output transformers?

148( the brick) was the warm pre . Not my cup of tea. I deff miss all the flavors of pre's we all used 20 years ago. Anyone else miss the deff flavors?

[fanofjam]

Oade 248 transformerless gold.

I thought the Oade 248 had output transformers?

148( the brick) was the warm pre . Not my cup of tea. I deff miss all the flavors of pre's we all used 20 years ago. Anyone else miss the deff flavors?

Yes...me.  I've decided that when I get out and start taping again that I'm putting my preamps back into play.  I got lazy and spent the last couple years before pandemic going direct into my mixpre3, but those recordings just don't have the special sauce.  Still have my Oade m118, a couple of Schoeps VMS's and recently picked up an old RAD MS-2 from goodcooker on the cheap...those are all going back into play.

[ero3030]

Oade 248 transformerless gold.

I thought the Oade 248 had output transformers?

148( the brick) was the warm pre . Not my cup of tea. I deff miss all the flavors of pre's we all used 20 years ago. Anyone else miss the deff flavors?

Yes...me.  I've decided that when I get out and start taping again that I'm putting my preamps back into play.  I got lazy and spent the last couple years before pandemic going direct into my mixpre3, but those recordings just don't have the special sauce.  Still have my Oade m118, a couple of Schoeps VMS's and recently picked up an old RAD MS-2 from goodcooker on the cheap...those are all going back into play.

I totally miss checking out others peeps recordings, especially the ones with different pres using my mics. Was the only way to buy gear. Listening to different mics , pres, and diff venues.  Now 90% of peeps run the same all in one. And don't get me started on ADC'S.  remember carrying those around also!!!!?? Lol. Keep rocking those different flavors!!

[morst]

here are two which are *not* transformerless.

The Shure FP24 is a studio-quality two-channel, portable, stereo microphone mixer.
(blah blah blah)
* SNIP! *
• Premium Lundahl input transformers provide superior audio quality and freedom from interference problems.


and the D

The MixPre-D Compact Field Mixer from Sound Devices is a versatile audio mixer built for the digital age. Based on the popular MixPre, the "D" in the name indicates the extensive digital technology that's been incorporated into the mixer.
* snip!!! *
Based on the popular MixPre mixer, with additional digital technology to meet the changing needs of the current production landscape
Studio-grade transformer-balanced mic/line XLR inputs with unclippable peak limiters, 80/160Hz high-pass filters, and 48V or 12V phantom power allow you to connect a variety of input devices

[goodcooker]

recently picked up an old RAD MS-2 from goodcooker on the cheap.

That Reference Audio Designs preamp is transformerless, has the exact same chipset at the PSP3 and has a custom designed DC to DC converter. It's dead quiet and has a beefy present sound that works really well with darker mics like Schoeps, Peluso and ADK TLs.

I bought it from stirinthesauce many years ago, sold it to Chris Davis then bought it back from him then sold it to you.

[328]

Out of curiosity, TS, why do you want to avoid audio transformers ?


I have found a power module that could make the AEA TRP2 battery-powered portable.
JFET, no transformers there.  (verifying)

If transformers *are* your bag, I stumbled on something interesting with dual Cinemag (Reichenbach) transformers per channel.
70db of gain, clone of a Neve design, I believe.

The same team is also doing a tube model:





All available as kit or assembled
All are Mono units which can be ganged

[ero3030]

Out of curiosity, TS, why do you want to avoid audio transformers ?


I have found a power module that could make the AEA TRP2 battery-powered portable.
JFET, no transformers there.  (verifying)

If transformers *are* your bag, I stumbled on something interesting with dual Cinemag (Reichenbach) transformers per channel.
70db of gain, clone of a Neve design, I believe.

The same team is also doing a tube model:





All available as kit or assembled
All are Mono units which can be ganged

For me, too warm. Like my recordings crispy and in the bright side. Tube amp at home can warm things up if needed/wanted.  Deff a personal preference.  Miss the pre amp swapping days