Topic: run the mp2 hot...or the recorder hot?

[gotfob]

 

[Brian Skalinder]

C) Mp2 low > m1 @ 8-9 on gain control

Two reasons:

<1>  The "gain control" on the M1 is simply an attenuator.  Attenuator's add noise.  Might as well keep the attenuator wide open (i.e. not attenuating).  You probably wouldn't hear it for a loud rock show, but it can't hurt.

<2>  More importantly, I think the MP2 sounds best at low gain.  It gets a little harsh in the mids at higher gain, IMO.

[gotfob]

 

[Teen Age Riot]

C) Mp2 low > m1 @ 8-9 on gain control

Two reasons:

<1>  The "gain control" on the M1 is simply an attenuator.  Attenuator's add noise.  Might as well keep the attenuator wide open (i.e. not attenuating).  You probably wouldn't hear it for a loud rock show, but it can't hurt.

<2>  More importantly, I think the MP2 sounds best at low gain.  It gets a little harsh in the mids at higher gain, IMO.

In addition to this, I'm pretty sure you would risk brickwalling your M1 if you ran the MP2 too hot.
I always have the levels turned down completely on the MP2 (using it with MBHOs), and for a moderately loud show, levels on the D100 are usually between 5-7.
Also, I have put some shrink wrap around the pots so they'll stay in place while stealthing.

[gotfob]

 

[Teen Age Riot]

I always thught brickwalling was more of an issue with the d7/8's? So you never see the red lights
running your mp2 this way? Are you saying you run it with 0 gain and knobs all the wayydown? Did the pots moving beocme an issue?

No red lights on the MP2.
Yes, knobs all the way down for me, but this doesn't mean 0 gain. If I remember correctly, the MP2 always adds 17dB if you're going mini out.
Moving pots haven't been an issue, but I guess they could, depending on the way the MP2 is sitting in your bag. But yeah, I'm totally paranoid about stuff like that...

[nickgregory]

agree with everything said, I ran the mp2 with the MGs, and always had the gain knobs all the way to the left and adjusted levels with the deck or sbm1.  The mp2 gets very brittle sounding at anything higher than that

[Brian Skalinder]

what mic's have you run with the mp2?

Oktava MC012 and MBHO 603A/KA200.

[Sparge Master]

I wont go higher than 10oclock on the knobs on the MP2s vu meter then i use the sbm1 for most of the 5-7 depending on the music. If recording stealth it is a good idea to tape the knobs down since they arnt very stiff

[tim in jersey]

Also, I have put some shrink wrap around the pots so they'll stay in place while stealthing.

Care to explain that in a little more detail? You've piqued my interest.

[jcrab66]

so if bringing the mp2 gain knobs off the lower stops isnt a good idea why run it? How much gain do you get from an mp2 with the knobs all the way low? I am just asking because I am thinking about buying one but am not sure now based on the stuff in this thread.

[Brian Skalinder]

so if bringing the mp2 gain knobs off the lower stops isnt a good idea why run it? How much gain do you get from an mp2 with the knobs all the way low? I am just asking because I am thinking about buying one but am not sure now based on the stuff in this thread.

Why run it?  Variable gain allows you to maximize your record levels.  And, presumably, people like the sound.  As for how much gain and other info about the unit proper, check out the manual:

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=37937.0

[terrapinj]

so if bringing the mp2 gain knobs off the lower stops isnt a good idea why run it? How much gain do you get from an mp2 with the knobs all the way low? I am just asking because I am thinking about buying one but am not sure now based on the stuff in this thread.

i have almost had to run the pad on my mics with it. only once have i had to really crank the gain past 10/11 o'clock and that was while fareed was tuning/noodling on his sitar/guitar. i think it gets a little noisy as well when cranked up.

its not so much that its not a good idea as it is more generally unneccesary IME. its not really a huge drawback to the pre as more general obervations. if you are going to be recording a ton of quiet/acoustic music you may want to check out something else, but even then you should probably be ok.

[nickgregory]

How much gain do you get from an mp2 with the knobs all the way low? I

6 db on the mini out and something more on the XLR outs

[jcrab66]

+T's all around for the answers. I guess based on the previous comment on the M1 if I run this thing with the MT on the "L" setting then I would crank up the levels to the max on the microtrack and then if i still am not getting enough gain I would start adjusting the MP2 levels from the minimum position? I guess thats the way I interpreted the original answer that bs gave....