Enough gain in Grace 101 for SM7

[Sir EL84]

Hi,
I've read many post regarding the sonic qualities of the Shure SM7 to know I'm interested. My concern is whether the Grace 101 preamp (non-ribbon model) will get me there, as I don't have a super loud singing voice. I use a Presonus Firebox for an interface, and it can afford me another 10db of gain, but I'd like to avoid using it for boosting. Thanks so much.

 

[pohaku]

If I remember right, the Grace has 60db of gain. I think you will have it fully cranked to use an SM7. But it is a very quiet preamp, so that should work, unless you are recording very quiet sources.

 

[ozraves]

Well...

I don't remember any problems with the Grace 101 and the RE20, which is another dynamic needing lots of gain.

Email the people at Grace. They are very good at answering inquiries.

 

[scrubs]

Grace makes a version of the 101 for ribbon mics that has 70dB of gain, which mich be more what you're looking for. I've also heard the AEA TRP is pretty kickass for gain hungry mics, as it was also designed for ribbons. It's 2 channels for only a bit more than the Grace.

 

[tdukex]

AEA TRP[/url] is pretty kickass for gain hungry mics, as it was also designed for ribbons. It's 2 channels for only a bit more than the Grace.

Yes, I've heard it kicks ass, but no phantom power for condensers.

 

[pohaku]

Yes, I've heard it kicks ass, but no phantom power for condensers.

Outboard phantom units are cheap.

 

[flamin-gitaur]

Why not just use an RNP? 70db of gain, 2 channels, phantom power, can insert outboard hardware.....

 

[pohaku]

Why not just use an RNP? 70db of gain, 2 channels, phantom power, can insert outboard hardware.....

Actually, its 66db of gain -- or at least that's what mine has. The RNP does work with an SM7. It does get a bit noisey when cranked all the way up though - so you need to consider your source if you want to use it. Rock and roll -- no problem. Acoustic chamber music or whispered vocals -- maybe not the best. I had the impression, perhaps erroneously, that the OP already had a Grace (not the 70 db model) and wanted to know whether an SM7 would work with it.

 

[Sir EL84]

HI,
Thanks for the responses. Yes, I already own the Grace 101. I'm also really looking at the Beyer M88. Not much of a discount that I've seen buying used on Ebay.

 

[Big Kenny]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...sgr=&shs=&ci=8540&ac=&Submit.x=15&Submit.y=10

They may not be able to get it but call these guys and ttell them the price at B&H http://www.fullcompass.com/product/299133.html

 

[pohaku]

Yeah, Full Compass will often give you a better price on the phone than what they have listed on their web page. They often have the best prices around for new stuff, but you have to call and ask because of manufacturer minimum advertised price restrictions.