Do you need a mic preamp with a tube mic?

  • Thread starter Thread starter gamut1
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gamut1

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Hi all,
I'm very new to the recording game, but have played for years in bands. My question is , If using a tube mic, like say the Rode NTK, would I still need to run it through a "tube" preamp, like the Art or something similar? I am using an Aark 24/96 card with Sonar, I haven't bought my mic yet. The pre's on the aark card seem to be ok.. .but I haven't recorded any vocals yet. Thanks for the help all.
 
hi gamut1

Yes. you will need something with phantom power to supply the juice for your rode. The pre's in your Aark may be just fine.

I wouldn't go out right away & buy an art tube MP though. Opinions vary, but i think that sometimes tube pre + tube mic = muddy tone. Just try it out with your onboard pre's before making the investment in a new preamp.
 
I have the Aark...

It will work fine with the Rode. In fact many tube mics have their own (external) power supply, and don't event need phantom power.

Just plug it in dude.
 
Yes you need a preamp..no it doesnt have to be a tube preamp....if you have the DirectPro 24/96, those preamps are fine.....
 
I don't know about other tube mics, but the NTK comes with its own power supply which ignores phantom power if you use it. Which means, I think, you *don't* need a preamp for it. Or, to be really accurate, the Rode power unit provides the signal boost the mic needs - you don't need to use another preamp.
 
Thanks all.. I am learning a lot from hanging around here. If anyone hears someplace where you can find the new Yorkville powered monitors , I'd love to find a pair... they just don't seem to be really on the market yet.... maybe I'll get the Event PS6's... thanks again for all the replies..
 
okay, but if you use an NTK with the power supply that comes with it, it ignores any phantom power in any pre you use with it.
 
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