DMP3 vs Audio Buddy

[notCardio]

A post in the mic pre poll got me thinking about this. I thought that the DMP3 and Audio Buddy were supposed to be pretty much the same pre as far as sound, but someone alluded to the possibility of different loading characteristics that would make the Audio Buddy better for dynamic mics, or maybe it was the other way around.

Does anyone know anything about this?

 

[chessrock]

The Audio Buddy has been known to fail the +48V phantom power tests, and it's easy to clip it on the inputs.

The dmp3 supposedly addresses these issues, kicking out a full 48 volts and offering the option of -20 db pads on the inputs.

 

[ozraves]

The Audio Buddy is supposed to be the better one for dynamics. It puts out about 41.5v of phantom power. It has worked fine with the large condensors I've used it with.

The songs currently up on my website were tracked through an Audio Buddy if your interested.

Oz
http://www.piemusic.com

 

[darrin_h2000]

I bought an audiobuddy for 25.00, turned it for 60.00. I am satisfied with that experince. I recently upgraded to a Yamaha MLA7 pre with 8 channels of high quality preamp. for 175.00 used.

 

[James HE]

I have a DMP-2 (basically an audio buddy)

I think it's crap. Even with a dynamic mic, I get clipping on just about everything. With pads it's ok micing a guitar amp, still can't record very loud though. Could never use the thing on snare drum or any drum. When I do use it, it is for vocals or acoustic guitar. It sounds good for those things. It is a very clear sound. Mostly it sits in my rack.

-jhe

 

[Fed]

I don't get it James HE,
what does preamp make has to do with clipping if it's just a preamp? And doesn't have other processing. It just amplifies a signal, right. You can turn it down to not clipp. It would be the same thing with any preamp. I'm not picking a fight just currious.

cheers

 

[notCardio]

Thanks for the input (OK, pun intended)

James HE,

Interesting, you're the first person I've ever heard who had one and didn't like it. Are you saying that your dmp-2 HAS the pads, but it still clips? Is it more prone to clipping on condensors, dynamics, or about the same?

For now, I would be using it exclusively on male vocals, acoustic guitar, upright bass, a small tube amp, and maybe as a direct box for bass. No drums yet. V67, ECM8000, 57 & 58. The main thing is vocals and acoustic. For that kind of money, if it excels on acoustic guitar I'd be happy. But, if someone thinks that the DMP-3 would be a lot more versatile, I'll consider that. And how much of a difference would either of these be from my (don't laugh, and don't even start on the topic, just answer the question please) Behringer 1604?

Thanks, guys (and gals).

 

[chessrock]

The dmp2 and the audio buddy will be fine on most dynamic mics, great on ribbon mics, but might clip/overload from time to time on loud sources using condensers.

Accoustic guitar and vocals shouldn't be a problem, but why even bother with them if you can get the dmp3 and not have to worry about any of that stuff.

 

[Randy Yell]

I've had no problems with clipping with my Audio Buddy.The meters on it (sig and clip lights) aren't very accurate but it is easy to just use your ears to set good levels.I've found that clipping will occur well before the clip indicator lights up but all you have to do is listen when you are setting levels.I've used the buddy for everything from vocals to drum overheads and with dynamic mics,sd condensers and ld condensers with no problem with any of them.