Amp For Phantom Power

  • Thread starter Thread starter beatconnection
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beatconnection

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Hi
At the moment I have a condenser mic which is powered by a phantom power supply unit. I'm now looking for an amp as well to get a signal from the mic so i can record. Can anyone suggest any particular models to have a look at?

Thanks
 
Basically I've got a condenser mic powered by a phantom power supply unit. the mic works but I was told I need a amp or possibly preamp to get a signal from the mic so I can use it to record. Is this right? Thanks
 
What will you use for an interface to your recorder (assuming you're doing it on a computer into a DAW of some sort)? Many (most?) interfaces have preamps built in, and you need nothing. You'd need an external preamp ONLY if your interface lacked a preamp (ie, is a simple analog/digital converter).
 
The Mic is a behringer C-3 Condenser Mic. I aim to be able to record both straight into my computer (Garageband) and also use my multitrack. My mic is working the light comes on but there doesn't seem to be any signal getting to it I'm guessing this is what I need the preamp for? Any suggestions which preamp models I should take a look at?

Thanks
 
beatconnection said:
The Mic is a behringer C-3 Condenser Mic. I aim to be able to record both straight into my computer (Garageband) and also use my multitrack. My mic is working the light comes on but there doesn't seem to be any signal getting to it I'm guessing this is what I need the preamp for? Any suggestions which preamp models I should take a look at?

Thanks
Click to expand...
If you are trying to plug the C-3 condenser into the mic jack of the Mac, that probably won't work, or if it does (assuming the right adaptors, and a pre-amp), it won't work well.

What you need is an Interface that takes a microphone (XLR) input and connects to your computer with USB. This is "Pre-Amp" and computer "Interface" in one unit.

What do you mean by your "multitrack"? Is that a stand alone recorder? Or a software program?
 
Hello
Yes the PS400 is the power supply I've got, that exact model. I've got a standalone multitrack recorder a Boss BR600 which I would to continue using but I would also like to be able to use the mic and record directly into my mac
Thanks for the replies.
 
Something as simple as Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio would do what you need.

Or you could get a TASCAM US-200 and return the PS400 phantom power supply, since the Tascam has that built in.

Then you could record into your multitrack Boss unit from the RCA outputs of the Tascam, or into your GarageBand on the computer via the USB Cable. The Lexicon could do the same thing but you would need the PS400 phantom power supply.

Both units also let you plug in headphones to hear the playback from Garageband mixed with the mic while you record new tracks. Both units get power from USB so you would not need a wall wart to power them up.

If you used the Boss to record you would plug your headphones into it instead.
 
Hello
Thanks for the suggestions will look into them. I had a quick test with the mic and my boss unit but couldn't record anything.
Thanks again
 
Ok ... so condenser mic->PS400->Mac ... you need something between the PS400 and the Mac. Best would be a USB interface ... one with a preamp. Tascam US122's can be had used for $50 or so. There are others and most have phantom power on board.

or condenser mic->PS400->BR600 ... although the BR600 has built-in preamps it only accepts a 1/4" on both input channels, so you need a way to convert the XLR output of the PS400 to a 1/4" plug. Adapters are available for that purpose.

To be honest, rather than cobble together a bunch of cheap components, I think you should look for a simple mixer ... the Behringer Xenyx 1204USB comes to mind. Phantom power, and outputs to XLR, 1/4" and USB stereo. Less than $150. Plug in your mic, and go.
 
Hello
Never really thought about a mixer but I will look into them as you say I would just be able to plug in and record.
Thanks
 
arcaxis said:
You should have been able to record something with the mic and the PS400 supplying phantom power. I assume you've recorded with the BR600 using another mic or other source and you're sure the BR600 is capable of recording. If you're having some difficulty with this let's figure out why.
Click to expand...

He needs something like this:

Without a transformer it probably won't work right.
 
arcaxis said:
So you are saying the balanced 2kohm mic inputs on the BR600 won't work correctly with an XLR to 1/4" TRS cable? I don't see that it says that adapter you you linked is balanced on the 1/4" side.
Click to expand...

Didn't look up the spec. My bad, assumed it was an unbalanced Hi-Z input, hence my suggestion.

I should be more thorough. I've helped someone out before along these lines and that was the answer.
 
I've been looking at the Behringer XENYX 302 USB Mixer, would something like that work?
Then would I be able to plug the mic directly into the mixer and record straight into the mac or straight into my multitrack?
Thanks
 
beatconnection said:
I've been looking at the Behringer XENYX 302 USB Mixer, would something like that work?
Then would I be able to plug the mic directly into the mixer and record straight into the mac or straight into my multitrack?
Thanks
Click to expand...
You want a USB 2.0 interface ... I have no idea what the mixer you mention is, but I suspect it's USB 1.1 (too slow). Look it up.
 
RustyAxe said:
You want a USB 2.0 interface ... I have no idea what the mixer you mention is, but I suspect it's USB 1.1 (too slow). Look it up.
Click to expand...

Actually, if the OP intends, and understands that the Behri mixer only records 2 tracks at a time, then USB 1.0 is fine. Though, I would say nay to the mixer as a good option, only because of what I heard about them. Not personal experience.
 
Thanks for the feedback. Is a USB Mixer the right way to go?
 
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