Can an M-Audio Projectmix push an SM7?

[jbroad572]

Do the M-Audio pre's in the projectmix have what it takes to push an SM7?
I guess there is no way for me to tell other than asking other people, hoping they have experience with this combination.

[ryanlikestorock]

The SM7 requires a good dose of power, but not out of the range of most preamps. You'll just have to turn it up to 8-9 instead of 6-7.

[scrubs]

They're rated at +55dB. I think you'd want significantly more (65-70dB would be better), unless you're miking a loud source (drums, amps). For vocals, it would be a stretch.

[kidvybes]

...the pres in the Projectmix are rated at max gain of 55dB...that would be a bit shy (IMHO) of what you really want to drive a dynamic like the RE20/SM7/PR40 or a ribbon mic like the Shinybox/Nady/Apex variety...60+dB is more like it...my Neve 1290 pushes close to 80 dB which is perfect for the SM7 and assorted ribbon options...on the other hand, my GT Brick tops out around the same 55dB and struggles to power my Nady RSM2...the Studio Projects VTB-1 puts out a total of 72dB (60dB preamp gain, 12dB output gain) which would better provide gain for the SM7...at $99. delivered, it's a reasonably inexpensive option (fed into one of the M-Audio's analog line inputs) to supplement the Projectmix's built-ins...just a thought...

[jbroad572]

That's not what I wanted to hear, argh! I will be spending over $1000 for the project mix so I will not be able to buy anything else for awhile. Just wanted a decent mic to add to my re20. Hmm, maybe I should consider a more efficient mic like the Audio Technicas condensers instead. Bah!

[kidvybes]

Originally Posted by jbroad572

That's not what I wanted to hear, argh! I will be spending over $1000 for the project mix so I will not be able to buy anything else for awhile. Just wanted a decent mic to add to my re20. Hmm, maybe I should consider a more efficient mic like the Audio Technicas condensers instead. Bah!

...truth is, when you buy those control surfaces with all the built-in pres and such, there's going to be some compromises (like the pre gain issue)...condensers are less gain-hungry than some of the dynamic and ribbon mics...no need to go for the AT4050 though...many other nice condensers (even with multi-patterns) for less than $500...used SP T3 (multi-pattern) go regularly on Ebay for around $300...

[mrbowes]

As a reference, the E-mu 1820M pres cannot provide an SM7 with enough juice and they are rated at 55db of max gain as well.

[jbroad572]

Well, I just got a deal that would be hard to turn down on an SM7, but if I can't push it, it wouldn't be worth it anyway. So sad....

[jbroad572]

Originally Posted by jbroad572

Well, I just got a deal that would be hard to turn down on an SM7, but if I can't push it, it wouldn't be worth it anyway. So sad....

But isn't there something I can do? Like add a DMP3 on top of the existing mic pre or is that asking for trouble?

[jbroad572]

I'm going for the SM7. I am getting a deal I just can't pass up. If anything it encourages more money to spent on Lightpipe and another preamp. Hopefully it will work decently though.

[mrbowes]

The DMP3 should sufficiently drive the SM7. If you get a good deal on it and it doesn't work out, then just sell it here or on eBay - this mic really holds its value well.

[kidvybes]

Originally Posted by jbroad572

But isn't there something I can do? Like add a DMP3 on top of the existing mic pre or is that asking for trouble?

...like I said, "the Studio Projects VTB-1 puts out a total of 72dB (60dB preamp gain, 12dB output gain) which would better provide gain for the SM7...at $99. delivered, it's a reasonably inexpensive option (fed into one of the analog line inputs) to supplement the Projectmix's built-in pres"...