Topic: nbox vs. mic bodies (cmc6)

[jdawg]

If the majority, if not all of my taping is done with a stand and shock mounts, what benefits would I gain by moving to something like the nbox? I understand it's a smaller setup and all and a plus for stealth taping of course. What about value of the equipment, seems a pair of cmc6's go for about the same price as the nbox. Thinking there may be some added benefits that I'm not aware of. Currently I've got a a pair of cmc6/mk4's. Also looking to possibly change the pre/ad in my line up, so I'm looking for suggestions on that as well.

Thanks for any input

[Brian Skalinder]

The CMC6s are mic bodies only - they still require a phantom power source and gain prior to hitting your ADC.  The NBox is more multi-function.  It replaces the mic bodies, provides power to the caps, and adds a fixed amount of gain.  The NBox's fixed gain means you need to have an ADC with variable control over the levels - the NBox may provide too much, in which case you'd attenuate; or it may provide too little gain, in which case you're SOL unless your ADC also adds gain.

IMO the only reason to go with the NBox over the CMC6 bodies is for lots and lots of stealthing activity.  Otherwise, the CMC6 + a good variable gain preamp sound better.

[jdawg]

Hey thanks for the quick feedback, Brian.  Too funny, was just listening to your DMB 7/25/03 show last night!  That thing smokes!

[Brian Skalinder]

Hey thanks for the quick feedback, Brian.  Too funny, was just listening to your DMB 7/25/03 show last night!  That thing smokes!

Glad you dig it.    I thought the sound system at RG '03 was a little tinny and bass-shy, but still real pleased with the recordings.  Found out this year that 2003-04 had a different sound engineer than years past, with the previous engineer returning in '05.  Whoever the sound engineer, damn, Del and the boys perform!

[Craig T]

The NBox is more multi-function.  It replaces the mic bodies, provides power to the caps, and adds a fixed amount of gain.  The NBox's fixed gain means you need to have an ADC with variable control over the levels - the NBox may provide too much, in which case you'd attenuate; or it may provide too little gain, in which case you're SOL unless your ADC also adds gain.

I believe Nick is now offering a variable-gain option.  I know of at least one variable-gain NBox that was designed to work with a Sonic/Benchmark AD2K.