Topic: Newbie equipment question...

[javichun]

I was checking the AT's and they are a little expensive... it's something like 200$ 1 microphonee so it would be 400$ for a start and that's quite a lot at the moment. I'll keep them in mind for the future 

I also checked the line transformer but now I have another doubt:
I think the connection won't fit I finally get this set - SPCMC2 > SPSPSB1, what type of connections do the transformers have? I suppose there are adapters but what is the exact type of adapter I need. The NJB3 has a 3,5" line-in connection, and I think the SPSPSB1 has the same kind of connection out.

The more I keep reading this forum the more confused I am I hope I can keep learning from you 

Thanks for your help,

  Javi

[Ray76]

I was checking the AT's and they are a little expensive... it's something like 200$ 1 microphonee so it would be 400$ for a start and that's quite a lot at the moment. I'll keep them in mind for the future 

I also checked the line transformer but now I have another doubt:
I think the connection won't fit I finally get this set - SPCMC2 > SPSPSB1, what type of connections do the transformers have? I suppose there are adapters but what is the exact type of adapter I need. The NJB3 has a 3,5" line-in connection, and I think the SPSPSB1 has the same kind of connection out.

The more I keep reading this forum the more confused I am I hope I can keep learning from you 

Thanks for your help,

  Javi

the hosa mit 176 is XLR F one one end>1/4 in jack on the other. so i guess you need a stereo mini>xlrm adapter and then 1/4>mini plug on the other to go into the jb3

[cgrooves]

I was checking the AT's and they are a little expensive... it's something like 200$ 1 microphonee so it would be 400$ for a start and that's quite a lot at the moment. I'll keep them in mind for the future 

I also checked the line transformer but now I have another doubt:
I think the connection won't fit I finally get this set - SPCMC2 > SPSPSB1, what type of connections do the transformers have? I suppose there are adapters but what is the exact type of adapter I need. The NJB3 has a 3,5" line-in connection, and I think the SPSPSB1 has the same kind of connection out.

The more I keep reading this forum the more confused I am I hope I can keep learning from you 

Thanks for your help,

  Javi

the hosa mit 176 is XLR F one one end>1/4 in jack on the other. so i guess you need a stereo mini>xlrm adapter and then 1/4>mini plug on the other to go into the jb3

If you are going to use a battery box and not phantom power (48 volts), you should probably just boost the levels in post if needed.  I plug the xlr females on the line transformers into my phantom power supply.  You can then use a 1/4" to stereo mini 'Y' cable to go into a recorder.  My stealth rig uses a battery box, and I don't need transformers to get a good line-in signal.  Check out my rig signatures to see the order of the chains.

You should be able to score some new AT853's for approx. $300 a pair.  Look for used on ebay.

[cgrooves]

'Best' AT's for stealthing?  I'm sure there are numerous opinions, but you can't go wrong with the AT853's, IMO.  They can be used open taping or stealth taping.

Line transformers boost the mic signal strength going into the recorder's line-in jack.  People who do not use a pre-amp use line transformers usually.  You could also boost the levels in post via software, but as I said, the line transformers are the option that I use and they are pretty cheap.

Do a froogle search for Hosa MIT-176.  There are others available as well.

Can you explain the pro's and con's of each?

From what I can see the differences for line transformers vs. a pre-amp are:

Small and in-line with cable  vs. a box which is somewhat larger depending on preamp
No battery vs. battery powered
Not adjustable vs. adjustable gain w/ a preamp
No bass roll-off vs. some preamp's have bass roll off
Any difference in quality?

This is all somewhat off topic for the original poster though, isn't it?  Doesn't he still need a battery box?  Or are you suggesting he could run the AT853's > battery box > line transformers > JB3 and that way avoid a preamp.

Let's compare pre-amp vs. no pre-amp in the chain (going line-in):
Line transformers are used to provide gain if you are not using a pre.  As stated earlier, you could also boost the levels in post.  You will need a battery whether you are using a pre or not, to power the mics.  You will either be powering the mics with a battery box or phantom power.  Phantom power will give the best results.  A pre-amp will 'color' the sound of the mics.  That's why people prefer different combos of mics & pres to get different results.  Not using a pre will give you a very transparent recording (no coloration to what the mics pic up).  My power modules (AT 8531) and other power modules provide bass roll-off, but I have never found the need to use it (I always run them flat).  For a stealthy rig, the AT853 > battery box > JB3 would work ok.  Add a phantom power supply (instead of the battery box) & line transformers to get even better results.  Every now and then I still have to boost the levels in post, even when using line transformers (but it's rare).

To clarify:  If you use a pre, it will provide the phantom power to the mics.