Topic: To phantom or not to phantom

[redbook]

So I got two pairs of mics, some AT853 phantom powered and some CMC-4s (AT853, too?).
I don't have access or money now to buy a PS2 or any other "middle". I have a simple batt box, so what do you recommend me to use?

Do I have any real gain in using the phantoms plugged to a simple batt box?

Thanks

[blu666z]

How are the phantom powered mics terminated?  What input does the battery box have?

-Kevin

[Chanher]

I recomend that you first run your mics as they are. I JUST got my at831's mod'd to accept phantom by leegedy (and he did a fantastic job) after running them for 3 years. If you are not satisfied then you can consider the mod.

[nickgregory]

the 853 phantom powered mics will take a loud, bassy, boomy signal and not distort...the batt box ones will on occassion

[Sanjay]

I had sold him a pair of AT853's which are already modded for phantom power with the mini xlr's and samson pm4's.  That should help clarify his post.  My vote is and always will be phantom.

[spyder9]

Ditto, Phantom is king!!!

[blu666z]

Phantom is the way to go but he doesn't have that capability so I'm not sure what the question is.

-Kevin

[jpschust]

if the question is phantom vs battery, always phantom.  more power = more dynamic range.

[redbook]

I probably should have explained myself better.
I got from sircheck some phantomed  AT853's with some samson connectors.

I have a Core Sound Battery Box, at first I was wanting to run trough this (AT853 > CSBB > JB3)until I can buy some other power for the mics (sircheck suggested a PS2). It looks clear now to me that I really have to go to a PS2 or something like that. I have read on the forums that the PS2 is actually just power for the mics and not a preamp. Should I really use a PS2. What other device can I plug here to get good results?

Thanks and sorry for newbie questions, thats my first attempt to have a rig and sometimes I get confused with so many devices. I just want to get decent tapes! lol

[leegeddy]

I probably should have explained myself better.
I got from sircheck some phantomed  AT853's with some samson connectors.

I have a Core Sound Battery Box, at first I was wanting to run trough this (AT853 > CSBB > JB3)until I can buy some other power for the mics (sircheck suggested a PS2). It looks clear now to me that I really have to go to a PS2 or something like that. I have read on the forums that the PS2 is actually just power for the mics and not a preamp. Should I really use a PS2. What other device can I plug here to get good results?

Thanks and sorry for newbie questions, thats my first attempt to have a rig and sometimes I get confused with so many devices. I just want to get decent tapes! lol

congrats on your purchase of the at853s.  ps2s are fairly cheap on the used market. i'd say save up a bit and go phantom.

marc

[thierryhenry]

The combo you are looking for is PS-2 > AD-20 (preamp), probably about $300 used around these parts. Good luck..

[pfife]

I've read that people can go PS-2 -> NJB3 via "transformers" - now what those are, I don't know.

[hhf32]

If tis an o"open rig" then I'd go with a UA5...phantom power,preamp and a/d all in one.

[redbook]

Forgot to say I will be stealthing 99,9% of time, so AD20, UA5 and PS2 might be too much for a show.
I think I will take a PS2 used, no money for anything else after buying a JB3 and the mics. Will this be enough to get a good signal?

[pfife]

Forgot to say I will be stealthing 99,9% of time, so AD20, UA5 and PS2 might be too much for a show.
I think I will take a PS2 used, no money for anything else after buying a JB3 and the mics. Will this be enough to get a good signal?

If you have a ps-2 and ad-20, the ua-5 becomes unnecessary.  The UA-5 does the following three functions:

1) Phantom Power
2) Preamp
3) Analog to Digital conversion

With the ps-2 and ad-20, you get all of these.  The PS-2 supplies phantom power- thats its sole job.  The Ad-20 is a preamp that also does analog to digital conversion.

I've stealthed the UA-5 before, but not really in situations where you have to go through any kind of security to get in the venue.  If you can get it in the venue in like a bag/manpurse or something, you'll be good.  Also keep in mind that with the UA-5 have to carry around somewhat large battery too- whereas the PS-2 and AD-20 can be run off regular 9v batteries.

Also, check the pre/ad section about needing attenuators with the AD-20.  It has a +17db of gain added to the signal, even when the knobs are turned all the way down- I've been in situations where I've totally needed attenuators- but those were loud metal shows.

Now, there's the subjective matter of which sounds better (to your ears) - the PS-2/Ad-20 combo vs. UA-5, but thats for you to decide- maybe you can listen to some samples of shows people have done with each rig and decide what you like better.