488 mics

[MikeST]

I think I may have found a manual for my 488.Shoulde on the way I hope.
How many mics can your you record with on the 488 at the same time?
4 I think...but not sure.
Separate tracks

[Erockrazor]

I was reading about 488's the other day. I'm pretty sure they can record 4 simultaneously but 8 total. So yea, 4 mic's at one time. Those things look fun .

[A Reel Person]

The 488(std) records up to 4 tracks simultaneously, and has only 2 mic preamps.

[A Reel Person]

The 488mkII records up to 4 tracks simultaneously, and has 4 mic preamps, including 2 XLR inputs w/phantom power. The 488mkII has other upgrades to the 488(std), which makes it a distinctly better machine.

Yes, they are both fun machines.

[MikeST]

Possible dumb question here...but to use condenser mic's on my 488 (std)
I need to purchase an out-board phantom power unit correct?
I have one phantom power unit with only one output.

Id like to pick-up a few extra mic's so I think I will also need additional phantom power.

To an amatuer...the mic world is VERY confusing. There are so many available in so many price ranges.
Id like to pick-up a few extra mic's and still keep the cost down. Some of the on-line places have 2 mics available for around 100-150.
MXL I think.
And phantom power unit for about 50

Anyone have any thoughts on that.

[Erockrazor]

Originally Posted by MikeST

Possible dumb question here...but to use condenser mic's on my 488 (std)
I need to purchase an out-board phantom power unit correct?
I have one phantom power unit with only one output.

Id like to pick-up a few extra mic's so I think I will also need additional phantom power.

To an amatuer...the mic world is VERY confusing. There are so many available in so many price ranges.
Id like to pick-up a few extra mic's and still keep the cost down. Some of the on-line places have 2 mics available for around 100-150.
MXL I think.
And phantom power unit for about 50

Anyone have any thoughts on that.

Instead of buying a phantom power unit, you can possibly a microphone preamp with phantom power. This may improve the preamps you have on your Tascam and improve your signal. You can put your microphone into the preamp and then put the line out from the preamp into your 1/4" inputs on your 488.

The M-audio audio buddy is a budget mic preamp that supplies those features. I don't know if thats the road to take or even how good the preamps are on the 488 so take my opinion with a grain of salt.

As far as microphones go, condenser doesn't mean better by any means. I am not the biggest fan of MXL microphones but inevitably, I do use them more than any other microphone.

Look at the FAQ sticky in the Microphone section of this forum. It will do a good job at steering you towards general microphones and give you a little better idea.

[A Reel Person]

on the 488(std), you might be well suited to get a stereo mic preamp w/phantom power, as the 488(std) has only 2 mic inputs w/preamps & no phantom.

[MikeST]

I have to re-read my manual.
I am pretty new to this and dont get the relationship that a pre-amp has over phantom supply. I didnt realize my 488 had pre-amp on any channel...
but even then, those two channels still need a phantom power because of using condenser mics?

I do have a sure sm 57 laying around...
And I havent bought any additional mics yet

[MikeST]

I really appreciate the feedback.
Primarily right now I will be recording acoustic resonators and things like that.
Maybe some strat and stuff

I have one decent condenser mic with a phantom power unit
I have a sure sm57 somewhere

And thats about it.
Id like to pick up a couple additional mics.

I have to tell you..this stuff gets overwhelming
I mostly want to lay down ideas with maybe 3-4 guitars and some percussion. No vocals.
So Id appreciate suggesions.
Like to get decent sound without spending a fortune'

Mike

[Seeker of Rock]

Originally Posted by MikeST

I have to re-read my manual.
I am pretty new to this and dont get the relationship that a pre-amp has over phantom supply. I didnt realize my 488 had pre-amp on any channel...
but even then, those two channels still need a phantom power because of using condenser mics?

I do have a sure sm 57 laying around...
And I havent bought any additional mics yet

SM57 doesn't require phantom power. Phantom power is usually required on power-hungry mics such as condensors. And then most tube mics take so much power as to require their own power source. Condensors have different requirements than a standard dynamic (such as a 57). Condensor will give you a hotter, "bigger" sound, though, and that is why a lot of people use them for tracking things like vocals, some acoustic instruments.
I still have my trusty MKII and got some great results out of it, though I escalated in gear and environment quicker than I tracked so only a couple of recordings before I grew my equipment list and room. Great machines, though.