akg 451>mp2>ihp120

[darktrain]

so this looked like a nice combo akg 451>mp2(or ua-5)>ihp120, what do you think would this be a pretty good setup, i don't know much a bout the pre's so thats why i ask and how would one connect the mp2 to the iriver, this was a little unclear when looking at the manual(maybe i am missing it)

[aberg]

You can connect the mp2 to the iriver just with a simple 1/8" stereo mini > 1/8" stereo mini... you'll be relying on the A/D in the iriver though, which leaves a little to be desired, but probably ok for you for a while when you're just starting out...

[darktrain]

So is the mp2 a good pre, i don't wnat to worry about mods like some say the ua-5 needs. and explain the a/d more, not trying to go digital out, if i just go analog is that better for the iriver?

[easy jim]

Both the Sound Devices and the Aerco MP2 pre-amps are excellent pres.  No mods. desireable or necessary.

A>D is the conversion to digital of the original analog signal.  The iRiver does not have a reputation for having a very high quality conversion, so most users prefer to feed it a digital vs. analog signal so it only operates as a 'bit bucket' to capture the digital data already converted by something else in front of the recorder in the signal chain. 

Since you already have an iRiver, this set-up will work fine for you and you will use the stereo mini 1/8" tape out of the mp2 to feed the analog line-in input of your iRiver.  Eventually, however, you'll prob. want to upgrade to a better (and 24 bit capable) recorder that will have superior A>D conversion that the iRiver.

Here is an example with almost the same set-up: http://www.archive.org/details/dnove2006-12-01.akg451s.flac16

AKG c451b/st -> SD MP2 -> Edirol R-09

[darktrain]

hey that was the answer i am looking for, as long as it only capturing and not trying to convert should be no problem.

thanks man, if i knew how to give a +T i would, or did i just do it

[easy jim]

hey that was the answer i am looking for, as long as it only capturing and not trying to convert should be no problem.

thanks man, if i knew how to give a +T i would, or did i just do it

You're welcome, and +t back at ya.  (you click on the "gdtstoo" under the person's handle to give a +t [gdtstoo] and click on the [ptbm] under the person's handle to give a -T)

[darktrain]

Yet another question, would the Denecke AD-20 do the job? in between the akg 451's and ihp120

[easy jim]

Yet another question, would the Denecke AD-20 do the job? in between the akg 451's and ihp120

It does not provide phantom power, so you would have to add a Denecke PS2 or some other phantom unit.  However, the AD-20 would act as a pre-amp/a>d unit from which you could send a digital signal to your iRiver. 

Personally, I do not think the Denecke sounds anywhere near as good as either a Sound Devices or an Aerco Pre.  I like the Aerco best, then the Sound Devices pre.

[darktrain]

what about skipping that and getting the fostex fr-2le and running mics right in, seems like that may be the solution, from what people say the pre is pretty good on them and for my situation(just a few open dates a year) would probably be a  better solution

[easy jim]

what about skipping that and getting the fostex fr-2le and running mics right in

Another good, and simple, option.  I cannot comment on the stock pres in the fr2le, but it seems folks like them.  Both the Oade Brothers and Busman Audio offer pre amp mods, which may help better match the pre sound to the mics you plan to use.

If you want an Oade mod. box ('warm' mod. suggested for the AKGs), you MUST have bought the unit from them to have them mod. it - either at purchase or later after some use.  With Busman ('vintage' mod. recommended), on the other hand, you can buy the box stock from anyone/anywhere and still have him mod. it for you at any time.  Considering the deals going around, you may want to ebay score a stock unit and see how you like it before deciding whether or not to have it modified.  But, Busman will be your only mod. option unless you buy the unit from the Oades.

[darktrain]

thats what i was thinking and there is a seller who has 12 and taking best offers of 385.00, seemed like a good deal so i am going to start from there

thanks

[aberg]

thats what i was thinking and there is a seller who has 12 and taking best offers of 385.00, seemed like a good deal so i am going to start from there

thanks

Damn, $385? I gave him an offer for $400 which he gave me. I didn't know he'd go that low.... oh well, 15 bucks isn't going to kill me.

[darktrain]

yep just paid , he first came back with 395 and then i recountered and it was 385, not bad at all, now i need some cables

[easy jim]

yep just paid , he first came back with 395 and then i recountered and it was 385, not bad at all, now i need some cables

nice score!

[aberg]

yep just paid , he first came back with 395 and then i recountered and it was 385, not bad at all, now i need some cables

I recommend you talk to Nick's Picks about some of his hydra cables... can't go wrong there!