Behringer Tube Ultragain T1953

[thylantyr]

This product caught my eye for a different application
and I was wondering if I can get some feedback on if
it will work for my application.

First, I want to do some speaker measurements and
I want to use the Behringer mic. I need a mic preamp
with phantom power.

The owners manual claims 18hz - 30khz +/- 3dB bandwidth, this spec alone dissuades me, too much
variation.

The other application was to convert home audio 2v
signals to proaudio as I use proaudio amps in the home,
for $129 it seemed like a decent product.

Last, I know alot of people don't like this but it's really
a hybrid preamp {transistor?, opamp, tube}, not a pure
tube design, hence some people are not finding tube sound
satisfaction.

For home audio, I don't want the tube sound, I need a
neutral preamp. Does turning down the warmth dial
completely disable the tube sound?

Last option, just get a dedicated mic preamp and use a better product for home audio preamping.

So, what is a good budget oriented mic preamp that is neutral for making those speaker measurements?

 

[SonicAlbert]

Perhaps something like the Rane MS-1B would be right for you. It's inexpensive, and certainly more neutral than the Ultragain would be. I can't imagine anything much worse for testing/calibration purposes than a cheap tube preamp.

Behringer makes a unit designed for use with that ECM8000 mic. It's called the DEQ2496, and has a mic input on the back and the measurement tools built into the unit. I haven't used it for those purposes, but I do have a DEQ2496 and use the RTA quite often.

 

[HogansHiro]

I have a T1953 and for the price it is quite versatile. I must admit I rarely use it on mics....but that's because I have better more expensive tube preamps....Its primarily used as a DI box.....If you can get a good deal on one it is quite flexible but you will probably will want to upgrade eventually.

Don't get me wrong...I'll be the first to rag all over Behringers lack of quality of control but I admit I have a couple of behringer items I bought over the years because of their great price. Although I pretty have much replaced all my behringer stuff with better stuff I still find uses for the Behringer stuff I still have. If you're on a serious budget then its not bad to start with.

 

[thylantyr]

There is a DIY preamp solution that may cost $25 - $50
when you factor in all the parts. I'm an electronics and loudspeaker person and I find no interest in spending big bucks on esoteric home audio gear when pro audio gear is
priced significantly cheaper and it's good stuff.

I think I may just use a dedicated mic preamp so I was
reading this thread;
https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=160022

Any reason not to consider that Audio Buddy? $80 is a
decent price more than the DIY solution but time is money
and it saves me time.

I don't plan to make uber accurate speaker measurements
{in home}, I just need to get a ball park idea on what
my DIY speakers are doing.

Everyone in the DIY arena is recommending the free-ware
software for the PC to do the measurements using your
existing 'sound blaster' sound card, all is needed is a mic
and preamp.

Most of the DIY'ers are building their own mic using the
Panasonic $1.80 capsule with a modification to boost
performance and increase it's SPL capability to about 134dB. The second choice is to get the $50 Behringer Mic.

The esoteric measuring methods use $350 to $2000 setups
which I don't need. /hehe