Preamp with multitrack recorder

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mark Schuler
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Mark Schuler

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Does anyone know if they make a multitrack recorder WITHOUT built in preamps? Right now I'm using an old Korg D-16, which doesn't have phantom power, so I've invested in an FMR "really nice preamp". I don't think there's a way to bypass the machine's preamps to get the full benefit of the outboard pre, (or is there?)

Anyway, I'm looking for a new recorder with more hard drive space, or possibly an SD card, but they all seem to have built-in preamps.
 
They will all have preamps because they're meant to be standalone devices, capable of doing the whole job.

Instead, look for one that has inserts - you can bypass internal pres by putting a mono TS cable down to the first click in an insert socket. I've been doing it for years on my AW4416.

Cheers
 
Why don't you want to use your computer for recording?
 
Many sound units come with built-in premaps and line-in inputs. Like my Tascam US1841, it has 4 line-in inputs which require preamps to work. And the other 10 have preamps.
 
you can bypass the pres on some recorders by turning the trim level all the way down. check your manual. it should have plenty about the preamp
 
Probably not the answer you're looking for, but: analog multitrack recorders rarely have preamps.
 
The balanced jack inputs are not preamps so plug the preamp you have into there.

Alan.
 
Some recorders that cannot otherwise bypass the preamps can do so by plugging the output of your FMR to the inserts on your recorder.

BTW, I love my FMR RNP. I use it with the line 3 & 4 of my TC Impact Twin, but it would also work, as you described, with the inserts on my Mackie Blackbird.
 
theD1CKENS said:
you can bypass the pres on some recorders by turning the trim level all the way down. check your manual. it should have plenty about the preamp
Click to expand...
^^^^^^This. On the analog and digital standalones I have, if you don't want to use the on board preamps, you just don't use them. Don't touch the trim knob.
 
theD1CKENS said:
you can bypass the pres on some recorders by turning the trim level all the way down. check your manual. it should have plenty about the preamp
Click to expand...

You aren't bypassing the preamp when you do this. You are merely lowering it's sensitivity so it hopefully doesn't overload with a line level signal.
 
RRuskin said:
You aren't bypassing the preamp when you do this. You are merely lowering it's sensitivity so it hopefully doesn't overload with a line level signal.
Click to expand...

just relaying what I read elsewhere(home recording for musicians for dummies) good book, but very basic so take it with a gain of salt. as I said, check your manual. there is always loads of info on that devices preamp...and again, it doesn't necessarily work on all models, mostly wn't work on older model recorders, I suspect
 
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theD1CKENS said:
just relaying what I read elsewhere(home recording for musicians for dummies) good book, but very basic so take it with a gain of salt. as I said, check your manual. there is always loads of info on that devices preamp...and again, it doesn't necessarily work on all models, mostly wn't work on older model recorders, I suspect
Click to expand...

It will work with any unit that has an adjustment range that goes down far enough but lowering the sensitivity does not change the actual circuitry the signal is going through.
 
Hey thanks for all the advice. I've turned the trims all the way down and it sounds pretty good. I didn't know you could bypass the on-board pres by doing that, but it sure seems to work!
 
You didn't bypass anything... but as long as you're happy....
 
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